Top 10 Fascinating Things to Do When Visiting Saigon

The 30-4 Park is a great spot to enjoy a unique outdoor coffee experience. Known as the largest natural café, this place stands out because it lacks tables and chairs. Instead, you'll be given a newspaper by the vendor and can sit anywhere you like. It's a perfect spot to relax with friends or even join local groups playing guitar or the mandolin. The fresh air, cool atmosphere, and surroundings make this 'street coffee' experience a must-try when in Saigon.

Popular with office workers and tourists, this area offers a variety of street food and beverages, though it's much quieter compared to other busy spots due to the absence of group activities.

Cost: Around 20,000 to 50,000 VND

As everyone knows, Saigon doesn't experience the four seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Instead, it has just two seasons: rainy and sunny. The rain in Saigon is unpredictable. A light drizzle will soak you if you don't wear a raincoat, but if you do, you'll feel hot.

Heavy rain can flood the city, sometimes submerging entire streets. There are even sudden downpours that last only a couple of minutes, leaving no time to grab a raincoat. People often say Saigon's rain is as temperamental as a girl throwing a tantrum—but this girl is tough to please!

Ho Chi Minh City, often called the city that never sleeps, truly lives up to the name. As the night falls, Saigon becomes even more vibrant. Unlike the scorching heat of the day, the nights are cool and illuminated by colorful lights. It's no wonder that many tourist attractions and city events are held after dark. Take a stroll through popular night markets like Bui Vien Street, Ben Thanh Night Market, or Le Thi Rieng Park, and you'll experience a completely different side of Saigon.

Cost: Visiting these places is free, but you might want to budget for some shopping at the night markets, where you can snag some good deals—prices vary depending on your haggling skills.

Saigon is not only known as the country's largest economic hub but also as the ultimate shopping paradise. The city's major markets and shopping malls are always bustling, day or night. Visitors not only get to shop to their heart's content but also enjoy the grandeur and beauty of the mall's architecture.

While shopping centers can sometimes have steep prices, you don't necessarily have to buy anything. You can simply stroll around, admire the trendy products, and snap some beautiful photos for memories.

Architectural landmarks are not just symbols of the city, but they leave a lasting impression once you've witnessed and explored them. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, the City Opera House, the Central Post Office, the City Hall, Ben Nha Rong, and the Vietnam History Museum are must-visit spots. Here, you'll appreciate the uniqueness, meticulous craftsmanship, and intricate details that make these buildings stand out.

Exploring the streets is a unique pleasure when visiting this vibrant city. Beyond learning about local life and discovering new things, you can slip into narrow alleyways to get a different perspective of Saigon. On Tran Hung Dao Street, you’ll see old, rundown apartments contrasting with sleek modern skyscrapers. Or take a nighttime walk along Nguyen Trai Street, where the lively sidewalk vendors offer a blend of fashionable goods and tasty street food, creating a dynamic atmosphere unlike any other.

As Vietnam's first river tunnel, this groundbreaking Saigon landmark offers a unique and exciting experience. The contrast between the two ends of the tunnel is quite striking. On the District 1 side, you'll see the bustling, crowded city life, while the District 2 entrance opens to a more spacious, open view with greenery and expansive fields.

Saigon is not only known for its towering skyscrapers or lavish shopping centers, but also for its diverse and rich street food culture. The city's culinary scene brings together flavors from various regions of Vietnam. While fine dining is common, the street food stalls, with their affordable prices and unforgettable flavors, are a must-try. Whether it’s a quick snack or a full meal, the street food in Saigon will leave you craving more.

From the famous butter-fried quail in District 10 to the corn stir-fried near the Turtle Lake, or even Vietnamese-style pizza in the university district, Saigon's street food scene offers a vast range of delicious and exotic options. It's a food lover's paradise!

Costs: Street snacks range from 10,000 VND to 100,000 VND.

One of the unique pleasures in Saigon is visiting the street-side coffee shops early in the morning. While people in Hanoi enjoy a morning stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, in Ho Chi Minh City, locals prefer to sit at sidewalk cafes. Try it yourself—sip your coffee, read the paper, and watch the bustling crowd, or simply listen to the stories shared by the locals. It’s a delightful way to experience the morning in Saigon.

Costs: Street coffee starts from 20,000 VND at small corner cafes. If you prefer something more upscale, cafes like Phuc Long, Cong Ca Phe, and Thuc offer prices from 40,000 VND and up.

Saigon is a beautiful city, and this is something everyone knows. However, even after spending a whole year here, you’ll never run out of stunning locations to explore. The charming scenery in the heart of Saigon will undoubtedly satisfy anyone looking to snap the perfect shot.

It’s undeniable that Saigon boasts countless scenic spots. From the historic architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office in District 1, to the modern landmarks like Bitexco Tower and E-Mart in Go Vap, and from the fields of reed in District 7 to the beaches of Can Gio, there’s something special about every corner. If you visit Saigon and don’t bring your camera to capture the beauty around you, you’ll definitely miss out on something unforgettable.

Costs: Most outdoor locations in Ho Chi Minh City are free for photo sessions.