Where to Go and What to Do in 36 Hours in Saigon?

If you had the opportunity to explore Saigon within just 36 hours, where would you go, what would you do, and where would you enjoy the beautiful scenery or delicious cuisines? Below is the experience of journalist Naomi Lindt in 36 hours in Saigon on The New York Times, offering you intriguing suggestions about both unfamiliar and familiar landmarks of this seemingly well-known city.

Buzz, buzz, buzz – whether it's the sounds of motorbikes roaring, restaurants and bars open day and night, or the habit of chatting at coffee shops... all these just add vitality to Ho Chi Minh City – the largest and most vibrant city in Vietnam.

It's no surprise that Saigon (as people often call it), emanates a creative energy of youthfulness as more than half of its over eight million inhabitants are under the age of 35. This dynamic spirit is evident through quirky cafes, innovative cuisine, and trendy fashion boutiques. And when you need a break from all the novelty and awesomeness here, it's easy to stumble upon moments of tranquility in old colonial-era architectural structures – artistic spaces for contemplation.

FRIDAY

1. Explore Historical Sites (3:00 PM)

Independence Palace is the former South Vietnam government's main headquarters, which became a historical witness when on April 30, 1975, a Vietnamese People's Army tank crashed through the main gate of the Palace, marking the end of 20 years of brutal war. History enthusiasts and modern style admirers alike will appreciate the elegance and well-preserved interior of the Palace. From the formal rooms adorned with silk-covered furniture and grand lacquer paintings to the card-playing rooms with olive-green lounge chairs, where officials of the former regime discussed war over drinks. A labyrinth of secret concrete rooms, dedicated to the former regime's war efforts, with a plethora of maps, rotary phones, and oversized funny-looking radios.

Entrance fee: 30,000 VND.

2. Cityscape View from Above (5:30 PM)

Rise above the city's hustle and bustle during Friday rush hour by ascending to the rooftop of a sky bar nestled atop a glittering skyscraper, where you can feast your eyes on the sprawling boulevards and traffic-crazed roundabouts. The Eon Heli Bar sits on the 52nd floor of the city's tallest building – the Bitexco Financial Tower, offering a splendid setting to enjoy drinks while watching the sunset. Luckily, prices here are not exorbitant, with drinks like Basil Gimlet (featuring gin, Cointreau, fresh basil) discounted by half to around 145,000 dong. Richness and impressiveness converge at the Chill Sky Bar, where mixologist Le Thanh Tung showcases the art of crafting delectable cocktails at an outdoor bar illuminated against the night sky. Meanwhile, the Shri restaurant on the 23rd floor captivates with its impressive ambiance, with tables set on the terrace surrounded by porcelain flowerpots and chirping birds. Remember to book your seats in advance, leave behind your flip-flops, and relish in this exquisite space.

3. Dining at Traditional Eateries (7:00 PM)

The nostalgia of these eateries is evident in their use of ancient bowls, plates, shelves filled with old novels, vintage records, and upcycled wooden tables. Cục Gạch Quán is where you'll find the fresh air and simplicity amidst the city's beauty. Architect Tran Binh opened this restaurant in an old French building, as a tribute to his grandmother's homeland, blending memories of Vietnam's traditional flavors in a sophisticated manner. The ingredients used in the menu, which can be extensive (with 35 types of vegetables to choose from), feature standout home-style dishes like: crispy tofu with lemongrass and chili, and crispy snakehead fish with passion fruit sauce (both only 90,000 dong). Cục Gạch Café is also a creative space with a daily menu priced around 100,000 dong and delicious fruit smoothies.

4. Tempting Destinations Beckon (10:30 PM)

While La Fenetre Soleil starts as a humble coffee shop by day, it transforms into a luxurious party haven come the weekend, with live bands and DJs spinning everything from Ska dance tunes to 1960s Asian Pop hits. Young adults and budding artists aged between 20 and 30 flock to these romantic spaces, where oversized chairs sit beside large windows, and gold-framed mirrors adorn the walls, perfect for sipping red wine and dancing the night away. The newly opened observation deck is positioned as the epicenter of the city's other cultural facets, where the festivities often last till the wee hours of the weekend.

SATURDAY

5. Embark on a Vintage Vespa Tour (8:00 AM)

Another exciting experience awaits as you join the Vespa 'brigade' through the 'Vietnam Vespa Adventures' tour, where colorful vintage Vespas will take you on a whirlwind journey to the city's most impressive landmarks (passengers ride pillion). Led by savvy local guides, you can opt for a half-day tour priced around $65, with intriguing stops like the intersection where Thich Quang Duc immolated himself in 1963 in protest against the suppression of Buddhist monks by the former Republic of Vietnam government, or a visit to the incense-filled temples within the old Chinatown. Additionally, a park where bird enthusiasts gather on weekend mornings to enjoy coffee and watch their feathered friends sing in harmony.

6. Simple Pleasures (12:30 PM)

Explore these spots:

1. Independence Palace: 135 Nam Ky Khởi Nghĩa Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Eon Heli Bar, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Chill Sky Bar, 76A Le Lai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Shri Restaurant, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.

3. The Brick Cafe, 10 Dang Tat Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Cục Gạch Café, 79 Phan Ke Binh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

4. La Fenêtre Soleil, 44 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

5. Vietnam Vespa Adventures, 169a De Tham Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

6. Ginkgo Concept Store, 254 De Tham Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City; Mai Lam, 132-134 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City; Anna Vo, 21 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

7. Pizza 4P’s, 8/15 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1.

Blanchy Street, 74 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1.

8. L’Usine, 151/1 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Nytimes.com

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References: Travel guide from Mytour