Western Visitors' Approach to Saigon Exploration

Following a Lonelyplanet writer who resided in Saigon for 6 years, travelers may discover numerous quiet corners of Saigon without the hustle and bustle. 

Western Visitors' Approach to Saigon Exploration

James Pham, originally from Vietnam but raised in the United States, is now a freelance writer. He opted to return to Saigon to explore it in his own unique way, especially its vibrant street food scene. Riding his trusty little motorbike, he seeks out delicious dining spots every day.

When James has friends visiting Saigon, he often takes them to a favorite foot massage place on Nguyen Van Dau Street, Binh Thanh District. The massage price here is only 13 USD (300,000 VND) for 1.5 hours including tip. It's a way to recover from a long flight, and afterward, everyone can enjoy a cup of hot ginger tea.

James and his friends head to a bar in the tallest building in Saigon to enjoy drinks while admiring the city. Here, tourists can admire both the old corners of Saigon with its yellow-washed houses, tree-lined boulevards, and a new Saigon in the impressive skyscrapers.

James' Quest for Budget-Friendly Eateries

If you're looking for cheap yet delicious eats without resorting to street food stalls, James recommends checking out local eateries. These are small places offering a variety of dishes, with each meal priced at around 1.5 USD (35,000 VND). You can find these eateries all over the city, most commonly near universities. Your only task is to choose the dish you want to eat. Additionally, office canteens are also an interesting option. Your meal will include soup, vegetables, and main dishes served with rice, all for the price of a cup of coffee.

For shopping, James suggests Kokois in Thao Dien. It's a lounge/bistro-style place on the ground floor with a retail store offering a wide range of fashion items. The products here are unique and suitable for Vietnam's tropical weather. L'Usine is another similar store offering gift-appropriate items. James also suggests Phuoc Tailor on De Tham Street.

For more luxurious experiences, James considers booking a hotel room in the city center to experience a different side of Saigon, away from the usual hustle and bustle of construction sites, motorbikes, or late-night parties. One of the places James chooses for a river view is Le Meridien Saigon, which also has a rooftop pool and a delicious breakfast buffet.

Other enticing dining spots in Saigon include Blanc, where diners order dishes by their names on a menu, or Deck with its sizzling stone-cooked steak served with a picturesque river view.

To escape the crowded streets, James enjoys riding along the Saigon River northwards to Thanh Da Peninsula, 20 minutes away from the city center. The scenery here is as peaceful as in the Mekong Delta with rice fields, coconut groves, and riverside hammock cafes. Another option James chooses is to visit An Lam Saigon River, spending a day swimming, watching boats pass by, and enjoying Vietnamese or European cuisine.

The Vibrant Life of Saigon's Residents is Always in Motion

When James wants to leave the city, he opts for a trip to the beach. Saigon serves as a central hub, allowing travelers to catch flights to beautiful seaside destinations like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, or even Cambodia within an hour. Moreover, travelers from Saigon can reach Vung Tau or Mui Ne by train or bus, just a few hours away.

James also shares that he can't function in the morning without coffee, which might be why Saigonese coffee is everywhere. James spends time exploring the city's nooks and crannies. He seeks out small cafes serving traditional-style coffee, with just a few plastic chairs set up for guests near Notre Dame Cathedral or a hot chocolate made from locally grown cacao in the Mekong Delta.

Source: Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour