Buzz
While Hanoi is known as the thousand-year-old capital with its serene and tranquil beauty along with a slow-paced lifestyle, Saigon, on the other hand, is the city of vibrancy, dynamism, and unparalleled liveliness in the country. Yet, it retains a touch of antiquity, a dash of Europe amidst the heart of Vietnam. To fully understand this unique fusion of splendid Saigon, let's embark on a journey of exploration with VNTRIP.VN...
Best Time to Visit Saigon
In Saigon, the weather is generally hot year-round, though not as scorching as the North or as sweltering as the Central region, with an average temperature of 27°C and peak temperatures exceeding 40°C. There are two distinct seasons here: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to November. If you visit during this period, be sure to carry an umbrella as sudden downpours are common. The dry season typically extends from December to April.
Saigon is always bustling and has a fairly pleasant climate, so you can travel to Saigon at any time of the year because each season, Saigon adorns itself with its own charming beauty that captivates travelers.
Transportation for Traveling in Saigon
Being the liveliest city in the country, it's easy to get to Saigon as you can use any type of transportation to get here such as cars, airplanes, or trains... from any location in our country.
1. Public Transportation for Traveling in Saigon
Simply head to train stations, bus stations, or airline ticket agents, or even just a mouse click on online travel websites, and you can easily obtain tickets to Saigon. However, the special point to note is that you should check ticket prices at least a few days before departure to choose the cheapest fare as ticket prices vary at different times.
Exploring Saigon by Cyclo (Photo: Collection)
2. Personal Transportation for Traveling in Ho Chi Minh City
After arriving in Saigon, you can rent a motorbike for 100,000 VND per day for convenient travel. In addition, you can also travel by motorbike taxi, bus, taxi, or cyclo, all of which are common means of transportation for traveling within the city.
A small note is that if you decide to rent a motorbike for more flexible travel, remember to bring along your driver's license and strictly adhere to traffic regulations to avoid any incidents that may affect your travel itinerary. Additionally, to protect your health and avoid sunlight while traveling here, remember to wear a mask, sunglasses, and gloves, apply sunscreen to avoid direct sunlight that may harm your skin. For those visiting for the first time or unfamiliar with the roads here, don't forget to bring a map or use the Google Maps app to avoid getting lost.
Tourist Attractions in Saigon
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
- Visiting hours: Morning 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Afternoon 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
- Mass times: Morning 5:30 a.m., Evening 5:00 p.m. (Monday – Saturday), Sunday: 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (for foreigners), 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
- Address: No. 1 Paris Commune Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
No stranger to anyone, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is one of the must-visit spots in Saigon, boasting its ancient beauty and symbolic significance. Situated in the heart of District 1, the cathedral area vividly showcases the essence of Saigon where ancient moss-covered churches coexist with towering, modern, and bustling buildings. It stands out with its magnificent European architecture blending Roman and Gothic styles, along with the largest bells in Vietnam. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is the most beautiful and significant cathedral in the Saigon diocese, a pride of the city's residents.
Exploring Ho Chi Minh City wouldn't be complete without visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (Photo: Collection)
The convenience lies in the fact that from this location, you can quickly move to other attractions in Saigon such as Independence Palace, shopping at Diamond Plaza, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, admiring Turtle Lake, or simply enjoying a sidewalk coffee on Han Thuyen Street.
Bến Nhà Rồng
Ben Nha Rong, also known as Ho Chi Minh Museum, is where Uncle Ho embarked on his journey to seek national salvation in 1911. The distinctive feature of Ben Nha Rong's architecture lies in the roof adorned with a dragon motif, featuring the emblem of 'Horse's Head and Anchor' in the center.
Ben Nha Rong (Photo: Collection)
Moreover, stepping out into the courtyard, visitors can admire the Saigon River with a refreshing view, especially enchanting at night with shimmering lights reflecting on the river.
Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street
In recent times, Nguyen Hue Boulevard has been transformed into a pedestrian street for the residents of Saigon, bustling particularly during festivals and weekends. Flanking this boulevard are numerous high-end hotels, shopping malls, and old houses exuding the European architectural charm of yesteryears.
Evening stroll along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street (Photo: Collection)
Following Nguyen Hue Boulevard southeastward leads to the vibrant Ton Duc Thang Street by the Saigon River. Especially during Tet and springtime, Nguyen Hue Boulevard is adorned with a dazzling array of fresh flowers, radiating vitality.
Ben Thanh Market
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
- Address: Located at the intersection of Phan Boi Chau – Phan Chu Trinh – Le Thanh Ton – Quach Thi Trang Square, Ben Thanh Ward – District 1.
Considered a historical witness to the vicissitudes of history, Ben Thanh Market is one of the most prominent symbols when it comes to Saigon for tourists far and wide. Ben Thanh Market has four gates facing the main streets in downtown Saigon. Visiting Ben Thanh Market, tourists can freely choose to buy clothes, shoes, souvenirs, or many other items.
Touring Ho Chi Minh City with Ben Thanh Market (Photo: Collection)
Binh Tay Market (Cholon Market)
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
- Address: 57A Thap Muoi, Ward 12, District 6
Located in the Chinatown area, Cholon Market is a wholesale market supplying a wide range of essential goods for many provinces and cities in the South and across the country. Goods here are diverse, ranging from dry foods, cereals, dried seafood to clothes, shoes, and children's toys. Due to the large number of Chinese residents in the area, many customs and activities in Cholon Market are influenced by Chinese lifestyle and culture. Additionally, try selecting a good hotel near the Cholon Market area to experience the difference in hotel services here!
Overall, this is a bustling market area worth exploring to understand more about the lifestyle, activities, and trading habits of the people here.
Explore the vibrant market area with various goods (Photo: Collection)
Suoi Tien Tourist Area
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Mon - Fri), 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat - Sun), 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Holidays). Entrance ticket: 60,000VND/adult, 30,000VND/child; Game tickets: 5,000 – 40,000VND/turn;
- Address: 120 Hanoi Highway, Tan Phu Ward, District 9 (19km from the city center)
Located at the Northeastern gateway of Saigon, Suoi Tien Tourist Area is truly a highly popular recreational destination, especially during the summer. Moreover, it is also a place where many parents bring their children for fun, and foreign tourists come to explore because it is also an educational site showcasing cultural history through themed attractions based on myths, legends of the nation, and Eastern philosophical thoughts.
Explore Saigon in 1 day with Suoi Tien Tourist Area (Photo: Collection)
Dam Sen Water Park
As a familiar destination for families every summer, Dam Sen Water Park attracts a large number of tourists each year with nearly 40 exciting water games. Visitors come here to participate in games, enjoy wonderful moments, and have fun with family through thrilling and adventurous games.
Dam Sen Water Park attracts tourists in the summer (Photo: Collection)
Vietnam History Museum
- Opening hours: Morning 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM; afternoon 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday); Entrance fee: 2,000 VND/adult, 1,000 VND/child (Vietnamese visitors), 15,000 VND/person (foreign visitors)
- Address: No. 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (next to the Zoo).
Formerly known as the Blanchard de la Brosse Museum, the Vietnam History Museum will give you the opportunity to admire thousands of valuable artifacts and learn more about Vietnamese history. It is truly a destination favored by foreign tourists to explore the deep history of Vietnam. Not only is it a place displaying significant artifacts, but it also houses over 25,000 books, newspapers, and magazines serving research in archaeology, ethnology, and history...
A place that preserves many valuable artifacts (Photo: Collection)
Cu Chi Tunnels
- Ben Duoc Tunnels: The main transportation method is to take bus routes 13 and 79. Catch bus number 13 from Ben Thanh to Cu Chi bus station, then take bus 79 from Cu Chi bus station to Ben Duoc. This is the headquarters of the Saigon-Gia Dinh Party Committee and Military Region.
- Ben Dinh Tunnels: Visitors can take bus route 4 from Ben Thanh to Ben Di An Suong. Then continue with bus route 122 from An Suong Bus Station to An Nhon Tay and get off the bus.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground defense system in Cu Chi district, located 70 km west-northwest of Saigon, with a length of about 250 km. This system was dug by the Viet Minh and the National Liberation Front of Vietnam during the Indochina War and the Vietnam War. The tunnel system includes hospitals, living quarters, kitchens, storage facilities, workrooms, and an underground network.
What makes Saigon tourism exciting if it lacks important historical sites (Photo: Collection)
The Cu Chi area is a large scenic area - historical relic complex. If you love the atmosphere here, check out the list of budget hotels in the Cu Chi area!
Saigon Riverside Cruise
- Location: along the Saigon River from Bach Dang Port on Ton Duc Thang Street or Saigon Port at 3 Nguyen Tat Thanh.
- You can directly contact Saigon Cruise Ship: 083 8230 393, Ben Nghe Cruise Ship: 08 8231 475, 168 Cruise Ship: 083 8296 820, My Canh Cruise Ship: 083 8223 299.
What could be more wonderful than sitting on a cruise ship and admiring the glamorous Saigon city in the shimmering lights and bustling crowds. Cruise activity strongly attracts tourists when visiting this vibrant city as it slows you down amidst the hustle and bustle of life, enjoying the charming and lively scenery right in the city center.
The forms of sightseeing include cruising along the river to Nha Be, Can Gio; Canoeing to Lai Thieu; sightseeing combined with dinner on the restaurant ship. Depending on the quality of service, the cost for a cruise along the Saigon River starts from 80,000VND/person and up.
Admire the dazzling cityscape at night from a cruise ship (Photo: Collection)
Thu Thiem Bridge
If you've managed to observe recent check-in photos of young people on social media, the Thu Thiem Tunnel is truly a picturesque spot with a prime location spanning the graceful curves of the Saigon River. As night falls, Saigon is bathed in the glow of lights from the streets, skyscrapers, and vehicles, offering an unbelievable view from Thu Thiem Bridge. Visiting this place and capturing a memorable photo with Saigon here is an experience not to be missed.
A hotel in Binh Thanh District near Thu Thiem Bridge is an ideal stopping point if you want to admire this bridge from above!
Thu Thiem Bridge shines brightly at night (Photo: Collection)
Bitexco Tower
As the second tallest skyscraper in Vietnam (after Kangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower), Bitexco is becoming a new icon of Saigon and a familiar photo spot for young people visiting here. The impressive feature of this building lies in its lotus-like architecture reaching high, and its record-breaking helipad. Bitexco also boasts the Saigon Skydeck with a perfect view to fully admire the city from above, offering sights of Saigon's most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Thu Thiem Tunnel, Dong Tay Boulevard, and more.
Bitexco Tower sparkles at night (Photo: Collection)
A Must-Try Food Experience in Saigon
Southern-Style Pancake (Banh Xeo)
The golden hue of Banh Xeo combined with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and a bit of raw vegetables dipped in a flavorful sauce will captivate diners from the first taste. Southern-style Banh Xeo contains eggs and is enjoyed with a sweet and sour fish sauce along with a variety of fresh herbs from the garden. Some restaurants even add mushrooms to the filling, enhancing the flavor and reducing greasiness.
Here are some reputable addresses: 46A Dinh Cong Trang (District 1); Muoi Xiem, 190 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia (Ward 6, District 3); An La Ghien, 74 Suong Nguyet Anh (Ben Thanh Ward, District 1).
Missing out on Southern-Style Pancakes (Banh Xeo) in Saigon for a day trip is a waste (Photo: Collection)
Hue Beef Noodle Soup (Bun Bo Hue)
Some renowned addresses: Bun Bo Thanh Noi Hue, 47A Tran Cao Van, District 3 (near the roundabout of Con Rua Lake); Bun Bo Hue Dong Ba, 110A Nguyen Du, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1.
Although originating from Hue, this dish has become one of the favorites in Saigon due to the influx of people from all over the country coming here to work and do business, leading to its presence in many places across the city.
The spicy and rich broth mixed with a bit of shrimp paste creates a uniquely addictive flavor. This dish is sold in Saigon at a very affordable price of 20,000 VND per bowl.
Enjoying Hue Beef Noodle Soup in Saigon (Photo: Collection)
Mixed Noodles – Wonton Soup
Some famous addresses: Mixed noodles on Mac Thi Buoi Street (District 1), chicken and fish mixed noodles on Ton That Dam Street (District 1), yellow mixed noodles on Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street (District 5), mixed noodles at 46/102 Vo Van Tan, District 3, duck noodles on Pham Van Hai Street (Tan Binh District), Chutac noodles: 22 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan (District 3).
Hu Tieu – A popular dish from the Southern region, widely enjoyed in Saigon
While these dishes may not have originated locally, they have become characteristic of Saigon. For Saigonese, this dish is easy to eat and quite popular. However, for Northerners, it may taste slightly sweet, and they might not be accustomed to it when trying it for the first time. Hu Tieu stalls can be found on almost every street and alley in Saigon, with prices starting from 20,000 VND per bowl.
Mam Hotpot, Mam Vermicelli
Mam Hotpot
Some famous addresses: Southern-style Mam Hotpot (94AB Cao Thang, Ward 4, District 3), price range: 160,000 – 240,000 VND; An La Khen Mam Hotpot (11 Ho Bieu Chanh, Ward 12, Phu Nhuan District), price range: Mam Hotpot: 210,000 – 300,000 VND.
How to cook delicious and authentic Mam Hotpot from the Southern region
For the best Mam Hotpot, one must go to the Mekong Delta (Can Tho, Vinh Long, Long An), but if you don't have time, enjoying Mam Hotpot in Saigon is also a good choice. The most important element of Mam Hotpot is the broth, which must be made from good quality mam, seasoned skillfully for the perfect taste. Mam Hotpot in Saigon usually includes water spinach, water morning glory, water mimosa, corn, and spearmint leaves.
Mam Vermicelli
Some famous addresses: Bun Mam Huynh Lam (37A Go Dau, District Tan Phu) 28,000VND/bowl; Bun Mam Restaurant (444 – 369 Le Quang Dinh, Ward 5, Binh Thanh District), open from 9 am to 9 pm daily, except for the full moon day and the 1st day of the lunar month, price 35,000VND/bowl, bun mam (528 Phan Van Tri, Go Vap District), price 30,000VND/bowl.
Similar to Mam Hotpot, the broth is the most important component of Bun Mam. A delicious bowl of Bun Mam is neither too sweet, too salty, nor too spicy, but it also cannot be bland, especially without the aromatic smell of mam. Besides slices of fish, roasted pork, shrimp, squid, it's indispensable to have a plate of fresh vegetables with bitter herbs, banana flowers, water mimosa, morning glory. Some eateries earn extra points with their sour and sweet tamarind fish sauce, which is very enticing.
A dish favored by Saigonese (Photo: Collection)
Phuc Long Tea
Phuc Long Tea, a long-standing tea brand of Vietnam, has only recently become famous for its rich flavor and gentle fragrance. Many believe that once you try Phuc Long tea, you'll be enchanted and want to drink it forever. Phuc Long is truly a rare local brand that is becoming a formidable competitor to foreign bubble tea chains flooding into Vietnam.
A long-standing tea brand of Vietnam (Photo: Collection)
Hotels in Saigon
When visiting Saigon for tourism, you always have a lot of choices for hotels based on different criteria such as luxury, convenience, beauty, affordability, couple's room, etc. Some prominent hotels in Saigon are:
Victory Saigon Hotel
The Victory Saigon Hotel boasts an incredibly convenient location. It's just a 5-minute walk from the hotel to Independence Palace, a 10-minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum. Moreover, guests can reach Tan Son Nhat International Airport in just 20 minutes by car from the hotel. The hotel's full modern amenities and beautiful views are major attractions that win over guests.
Swimming pool at Victory Saigon Hotel
This is also an excellent option for travelers who want to invest moderately in accommodation while still enjoying a comfortable and airy space.
First Hotel
Located on Hoang Viet Street in Tan Binh District, First Hotel is conveniently situated near the city center, making it an ideal resting place for travelers after a day of exploring Saigon. The hotel boasts a grand and modern architectural style with luxurious and elegant interior furnishings. With a total of 152 rooms, First Hotel can accommodate a large number of guests simultaneously, ensuring you have the most comfortable accommodation.
First Hotel
With its beautiful, luxurious space, high-rated services, and convenient location right in the city center, First Hotel is sure to win you over.
Muong Thanh Saigon Centre Hotel
Located on Mac Dinh Chi Street, near the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Muong Thanh Saigon Centre Hotel offers a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling cityscape of Saigon. The tree-lined street provides a serene ambiance in the heart of the vibrant city. From the hotel, it takes just a few minutes to reach famous tourist attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Municipal Theatre, and Ben Thanh Market, making it convenient for travelers to stay and explore.
High-rise swimming pool offering a perfect city view
The rooms are equipped to international standards, and the professional service attitude of the staff combined with the convenient location for shopping at shopping centers like Vincom Central A, Parkson, will leave you perfectly satisfied.
We hope the useful information from Vntrip.vn will help you have an exciting journey to explore Saigon!
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