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Where to go for weekend fun in Saigon?
1. Tan Dinh Church
- Address: 289 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Mass hours:
- Sunday: 5:00 – 6:15 – 7:30 – 9:00 – 16:00 – 17:30 – 19:00
- Weekdays: 5:00 – 6:15 – 17:30 – 19:00
- Overview of Tan Dinh Church – Saigon's new tourist spot (Photo: ST)
The church shines brightly and vibrantly at night. Photo: ST
As soon as you spot Tan Dinh Church, you'll be captivated by the vibrant pink facade along the street. It's one of the most beautifully designed churches in the city, combining Gothic and Roman architectural styles with a touch of Baroque in its decorations.
Glowing under Saigon's sunlight. Photo: ST
The front of the church features a main tower and two side towers. The tower's pinnacle has an octagonal spire with a 3m high copper cross and five bells weighing a total of 5.5 tons.
- The classical architecture of Tan Dinh Church (Photo: ST)
Check-in at Tan Dinh Church
The church not only holds architectural value but also contributes to the diversity of Ho Chi Minh City's culture, history, and tourism.
2. Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Tourist attraction in Saigon – Jade Emperor Pagoda (Photo: ST)
This pagoda is also known as the Jade Emperor Temple or Da Kao Pagoda (as called by the French).
The architecture of the Jade Emperor Pagoda, following the Chinese style, is brilliantly adorned. Upon seeing the pagoda's gate, you will be amazed by the three-entrance gate with graceful curves resembling water waves of two dragons in the 'painting pearls' posture.
Inside the temple, deities such as Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, and many other familiar figures from Chinese mythology are worshipped.
- Former U.S. President visiting Jade Emperor Pagoda (Photo: ST)
In 2016, the pagoda had the honor of welcoming U.S. President Barack Obama during his official visit to Vietnam.
3. Ho Chi Minh City Museum
- Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00
- Ticket price: 30,000 VND/person
If you appreciate a nostalgic and classical atmosphere, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is the perfect destination for you. Completed in 1980, it features a classical French architectural style reminiscent of an ancient palace. Every corner of the museum can provide you with fascinating and picturesque moments.
The exterior of the museum is adorned with a subtle white color, blending harmoniously with the classical architecture. Photo: Hong Nhu
Inside the museum, various exhibition rooms showcase 9 main themes: Nature and Archaeology; Geography and Administration; Ports, commerce, and services; Industry and cottage industry; Saigon culture; Revolutionary struggle 1930 – 1945; Revolutionary struggle 1945 – 1975; Resistance artifacts; Pre-Vietnam currency.
A corner of the exhibition room. Photo: Hong Nhu
The enchanting staircase of the museum. Photo: Nguyen Nu Tran
A small note is that if you take photos with your phone, the ticket price is only 30k, but if you bring a camera, there will be an additional surcharge. Remember to inform the guard in advance if you have a camera!
The corridor's ambiance inside the museum. Photo: Nguyen Thanh Thao
4. Explore An Dong Market
- Address: 34-36 An Duong Vuong, Ward 9, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:00 – 18:00
- Overview of the famous Saigon floating market (Photo: ST)
If you are already too familiar with Ben Thanh Market, then try changing your experience by visiting An Dong Market. Located in the An Dong Commercial Center, it is considered the largest wholesale clothing market in Saigon with a variety of styles and very reasonable prices.
- Extremely diverse stalls (Photo: ST)
Overview of the famous Saigon floating market
An Dong Market
You can find any clothing product or style here while still ensuring good quality. However, when buying retail, you need to negotiate the price to suit you best.
5. Head to Can Gio for seafood
Located just about 50km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio is an ideal destination for families or groups of friends looking to have a picnic or breathe in the sea air.
The mangrove forest along the way to Thanh An island. Photo: Sĩ Tiến
The way to the ferry. Photo: @phuongha
Though it's called a beach destination, very few people swim here due to the saltiness of the sea. However, the journey to Can Gio will provide you with high-quality photos. You can visit Thanh An island to see the stone path on the sea, go through Monkey Island to play with monkeys, or seek shade at Ham Cat tourist area – it's extremely interesting!
On Monkey Island. Photo: Công Trí
Besides that, the seafood here is delicious and affordable. After a tiring day of sightseeing, don't forget to visit Hang Duong market to enjoy some food or buy seafood as souvenirs!
Hang Duong seafood market with many enticing dishes. Photo: Howard Lê
6. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Address: 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Ticket Price: Children: 50,000 VND/person; Adults: 80,000 VND/person
A captivating destination loved not only by children but also by adults is the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It is among the world's oldest zoos, carrying historical significance and serving as an iconic landmark for Ho Chi Minh City. The zoo is home to a diverse range of wild animals, including lions, elephants, tigers, peacocks, giraffes, pythons, and more.
Flamingo flock at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Photo: VNP
The place also features a play area for young children with many engaging activities. On special occasions such as Children's Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, the zoo often hosts lively music and dance events specifically for young children.
During the weekends, this place attracts a large number of visitors. Photo: ST
Especially, this location is considered a paradise for virtual living with many interesting photo spots.
The space is filled with refreshing greenery. Photo: @Tien_tttr
Looks like you're in Hawaii, doesn't it? Photo: @Tukietran
A corner that resembles Hoi An but captured at Thao Cam Vien Saigon! Photo: ST
7. Koi Fish Park
- Address: Tran Van Muoi, Hoc Mon, Ho Chi Minh City
- Ticket Price: 50,000VND/person, free for children under 1m
- One of the weekend destinations in Saigon (Photo: ST)
When setting foot here, you will encounter large stone koi fish sculptures with vibrant colors. Follow the guidance of the guards to park your vehicle and then explore the park.
- The radiant beauty of the koi fish (Photo: ST)
True to its name, the park creates winding water ponds, cool stone blocks, and a variety of colorful koi fish swimming in groups, from large to small. These fish are extremely friendly; just place your hand near the water's surface, and they will swim over, wrapping around themselves in an adorable manner.
- Travelers can directly feed the fish (Photo: ST)
Additionally, the park features a culinary area offering various Japanese dishes such as Takoyaki, fruit dipped in honey, and ice cream. Alternatively, you can prepare your own food at home and enjoy it in the park's relaxation area.
8. Vinhomes Central Park
- Address: Vinhomes Central Park, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Aerial view of Vinhomes Central Park (Photo: ST)
This park is an incredibly appealing destination for the people of Saigon due to its stunning location along the Saigon River. Embracing the cool breeze from the river, the grounds are covered in lush green grass, romantic pathways, and an artificial lake with a giant fountain and a system of elegant, high-quality lighting.
- Vinhomes Central Park at night exudes a romantic, dreamy beauty (Photo: ST)
Besides being a place for entertainment, exercise, and relaxation for residents in the area, this location also attracts outsiders for camping, picnics, or simply seeking peaceful spots and cool air to take a break.
Related news: Marvel at the 500-billion Vinhomes Central Park by the Saigon River
9. Bitexco Financial Tower
- Address: corner of Hai Trieu and Ho Tung Mau streets, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:30
- Weekend hotspot in beautiful Saigon (Photo: ST)
What makes this building so famous? Because it's the tallest building in Saigon, and from here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the vast Saigon skyline both day and night.
- Elegant, majestic beauty of the tower (Photo: ST)
From floor 1 to floor 6 is the commercial center, cinema, and entertainment area. To go up to floor 49 to admire Saigon from above, you have to pay an admission fee: 200,000VND/person/visit. Additionally, floor 52 is the helicopter landing pad of the building, impressing visitors as it looks like a blooming lotus from a distance.
- Modern beauty in the heart of the city named after Uncle Ho (Photo: ST)
10. Snow Town Saigon Entertainment Area
- Address: 125 Dong Van Cong Street, Thanh My Loi Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Ticket prices:
- Monday – Friday: 180,000VND/adult, 130,000VND/child
- Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 200,000VND/adult, 150,000VND/child
- Exciting snow experience in the heart of Saigon (Photo: ST)
Experience snow in the heart of Saigon? Visit Snow Town Saigon. Here, immerse yourself in the cold of snow, slide on the snow, and enjoy various services of this amusement area.
- Inside the famous Saigon snow sliding area (Photo: ST)
Before sliding on the snow, you will be equipped with clothes, hats, and snow boots to ensure the warmest and safest experience. No need to go far, snow sliding here gives you the feeling of being in European weather, not only with the cold of the snow but also the decorated scenery inside with Santa Claus, European-style vintage wooden houses.
- Rich culinary areas at Snow Town (Photo: ST)
After snow sliding, you can visit the food area, the snow restaurant area for families, the homemade game area for more interesting experiences. We hope that with these 10 new and unique weekend spots in Saigon, you can choose a fun destination for this weekend.
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- Experience Saigon in a day
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Search terms: Saigon entertainment places, Saigon tourist destinations, Saigon dining places, Saigon night entertainment places, tourist destinations near Saigon, places to play in Saigon, Saigon entertainment and dining places
Explore some questions about Saigon travel destinations!
You can visit Snow Town Saigon, take a stroll around Bitexco, or enjoy coffee and chit-chat with friends at cafes in Central Park.
Less than 50km from Saigon, Can Gio is not only a tourist destination with many beautiful landscapes but also sells delicious seafood at very affordable prices, suitable for day trips.
You can visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum or Ngoc Hoang Pagoda.
District 1 is the central hub of the city, offering many attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, Diamond Plaza, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, and Saigon Garden.
Bun dau mam tom at A Chanh on Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street, Banh gio Dong Cac on Nguyen Gia Tri Street, Hanoi-style fermented pork roll on Bui Dinh Tuy Street, and giant-sized fried chicken on Van Kiep Street.
Nam Muoi Muoi Nam Cafe on Ngo Thi Nham Street, The Museum Cafe on Tu Xuong Street, The Open Space on Cao Thang Street.
Interesting evening entertainment spots include Bui Vien Walking Street, Turtle Lake, Landmark 81, and Thao Dien Tunnel Rooftop.
Some streets known for having many beer pubs in Saigon are Bui Vien – District 1; Pham Van Dong – Go Vap District; University Village Area, District 9.
