Buzz
Located on Mac Thi Buoi Street, Wrap & Roll restaurant is renowned for its exquisite dishes presented in a roll style, from pork rolled with rice paper, spring rolls to grilled shrimp wrapped in sugarcane, stuffed snails, and clam soup. Stepping inside, you will be impressed by the combination of modern and traditional decorations of the restaurant.
2:00 PM: Explore by Scooter
Ho Chi Minh City boasts over four million scooters, with an additional 1,500 being added each year. Scooters are the ideal companions for navigating through the bustling streets here. If you're considering traveling by car or taxi, it's best to reconsider, as scooters truly allow you to experience this vibrant city, especially during rush hour.
5:00 PM: Leisurely Stroll on Pedestrian Street
Located in the heart of District 1, Nguyen Hue Street is a spacious pedestrian street amidst the city. At one end stands the city's People's Committee Building, built in French colonial style, while the other end is bordered by the Saigon River. This area restricts motorbikes and street vendors. People of all ages eagerly await the water music and light show every evening. Everyone is jovial, singing, taking pictures together, in a very open and friendly atmosphere.
7:00 PM: Indulge in Diverse Cuisine
Easily accessible from Nguyen Hue Street, Bui Restaurant is a familiar spot for food enthusiasts and expatriates living in Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant opts for a black-and-white color scheme and impresses diners with its extensive collection of giant pottery. Bui Restaurant serves contemporary cuisine, particularly notable for its fusion of culinary backgrounds, using organic ingredients, no MSG, exemplified by the seafood pomelo salad. Additionally, the restaurant offers vegetarian options.
Saturday
9:00 AM: Embrace Saigon's Morning
It's advisable to rise early to visit a local market in Saigon, especially if it's conveniently located near your hotel. Like other markets in Southeast Asia, Saigon markets are vast, bustling, and noisy. Exercise caution when taking photos here, as you might inadvertently bump into bustling fish stalls.
Next stop is Như Lan bread shop, famous for its banh mi, opposite the Bitexco Tower on Ham Nghi Street, District 1. It's time to treat yourself to a truly Saigonese morning with banh mi and iced coffee.
10:00 AM: Explore Historical Landmarks
During the French colonial period in the 19th century, the French constructed Rue Catinat, which is now known as Dong Khoi Street. Stretching 2 km in length, this street is home to historic buildings such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Independence Palace, the City Opera House, and the Continental Hotel.
The American generation of yesteryears also became acquainted with this street through the lens of Dutch photographer Hubert van Es. Prior to Liberation Day (April 29, 1975), he managed to capture images of American soldiers hastily making their way to the rooftop of 22 Ly Tu Trong Building for evacuation. Forty years later, the building remains intact but is no longer open to tourism.
2:00 PM: Savor Coffee
In the 19th century, French colonists introduced coffee to Vietnam, and the beverage quickly gained popularity. Saigon has long been renowned for its unique coffee culture. An ideal spot to enjoy coffee is The Workshop on Ngo Duc Ke Street, nestled within a French-style old apartment building. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the panoramic view of the city from here.
5:00 PM: Watch Water Puppetry
Water puppetry is a distinctive feature of Vietnamese art, originating from the water rice fields of the Red River Delta. Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is the most famous venue for water puppet performances in Ho Chi Minh City. The meticulously crafted performances draw inspiration from Vietnamese cultural, traditional, and folk themes.
7:00 PM: Indulge in French Onion Soup
The French restaurant The Refinery is located at the corner of Hai Ba Trung Street, opposite the Park Hyatt Hotel. Formerly a opium refinery, it has become a favorite spot for expatriates living in Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant's signature dish is the French onion soup with thyme apples and mashed potatoes. Any visitor who comes here must try this dish at least once.
9:00 PM to Midnight: Experience Nightlife
Saigon is enchanting when night falls. While the rooftop of the Rex Hotel used to be the venue for parties of journalists and French CIA agents, nowadays, the youth of Saigon often gather at Chill Sky Bar atop the AB Tower. Looking down from above, you'll be mesmerized by the vibrant cityscape amidst the dazzling lights.
Sunday
10:00 AM: Explore Artistic Landmarks
Some ancient buildings have now been transformed into museums. These are places where you can learn about Saigon during wartime and peacetime, such as the Fine Arts Museum (located on Pho Duc Chinh Street) with an impressive collection of artworks, from Funan sculptures from the Vishnu period to modern paintings.
Additionally, you can visit the Quynh Gallery exhibition room on Dong Khoi Street to admire contemporary artworks, providing you with a clear insight into Vietnam's art scene.
2:00 PM: Test Your Bargaining Skills
Established in 1912 with French colonial architecture, Ben Thanh Market is the busiest trading hub in Saigon. Products here range from shoes, conical hats, food to clothing, coffee beans, scorpion wine. Vendors are adept at negotiating in English and always quote higher prices than elsewhere. So, feel free to haggle assertively as you might snag your favorite item at a bargain price.
According to Ngoisao.net
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourOctober 30, 2015
