Saigon – The “young” and dynamic city that never sleeps. Not only does it attract visitors with its bustling and lively atmosphere, but also with its diverse culture and cuisine, offering a rich and interesting experience. The following article from 1 Minute Saigon introduces the most comprehensive and detailed Saigon travel guide to ensure you have the most memorable and enjoyable trip!
Overview of Saigon Tourism
Often called the “Pearl of the Orient,” Saigon has long been one of Vietnam’s major economic, cultural, and political centers. The city brings together a variety of cultures, rich culinary traditions, and a host of vibrant activities, both day and night.
In Saigon, you can encounter skyscrapers, exciting entertainment areas, and bustling shopping centers. Additionally, you’ll find “Old Saigon” with its historic villas, historical sites, and traditional markets that have existed for hundreds of years. Saigon is a city that blends the old with the new, offering you fascinating and unforgettable experiences.
The Best Time to Visit Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City is located in the tropical monsoon zone near the equator, characterized by two distinct seasons: rainy and dry, with high temperatures throughout the year. The rainy season runs from May to November, while the dry season lasts from December to April. Average temperatures are around 27°C, with highs reaching up to 40°C, though it’s usually sunny with low humidity and pleasant evenings.
The heat in Saigon is not as harsh as in northern Vietnam, so visitors can explore the city at any time of the year. If you plan to visit during the rainy season, bring an umbrella to avoid sudden showers.
Getting to Saigon
As a major city, traveling to Saigon is easy and convenient with various modes of transportation such as flights, trains, ships, and cars.
By Plane
Domestic airlines in Vietnam operate direct flights to Tan Son Nhat Airport daily. Saigon has the highest flight frequency in the country. Round-trip tickets to the city range from 2 to 4 million VND, depending on the departure location and booking time.
By Train
The North-South Railway line connects Hanoi and Saigon, taking about 30 hours with stops at major cities like Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, and Da Nang. Train tickets can be purchased via dsvn.vb, choosing departure and arrival stations, and seat or sleeper class as needed. Ticket prices vary depending on the class and type of seat.
By Road
Two main routes connect the North and South: National Highway 1A and Ho Chi Minh Trail. Depending on your needs, whether by motorbike or car, and your destinations, you can choose the appropriate route.
Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
Getting around the city for sightseeing and dining is convenient with various transportation options. Renting a motorbike is one of the most popular and convenient choices. Most accommodations offer bike rentals, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 VND per day. Some places may require a deposit of 1 to 5 million VND or hold personal documents.
If you prefer not to drive, you can use ride-hailing apps. This option is convenient with just a phone, allowing you to select a car or motorbike to reach your destinations easily. However, continuous and long-distance rides can be costly.
Public transportation is a reasonable choice for budget travelers. You can take buses at 11,000 VND per ride, or rent public bicycles. Bicycle rental points are located on sidewalks throughout District 1, near bus stops, and parks, with rates of 5,000 VND for 10 minutes and 10,000 VND for 60 minutes.
Activities and Entertainment in Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City offers diverse entertainment activities, amusement parks, sightseeing, and shopping to meet all your preferences. Check out our Saigon 2024 travel guide for some great tips!
Morning Sightseeing Spots in Saigon
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral – An icon of Saigon and one of the “witnesses of history” of French influence in the city. Built in the 17th century, the cathedral, now 144 years old, retains its French architectural style with red tiles and two large bell towers. In front of the cathedral, there is a small park with a statue of Our Lady of Peace where you can relax, chat with friends, or take beautiful photos.
Independence Palace
The Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, is a famous tourist attraction you cannot miss in Saigon. Located in District 1, the palace is one of the city’s symbols of historical resistance. On weekends or major holidays like April 30th, the palace is often crowded with visitors. Tickets for the main building and the exhibition “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868-1966” range from 15,000 to 65,000 VND. For just the main building, the ticket price is 10,000 to 40,000 VND.
Saigon Central Post Office
Built over 5 years, from 1886 to 1891, by French architects Alfred Foulhoux and Henri Auguste Vildieu. After more than 100 years, the city’s post office still retains its original design with a vaulted ceiling. The post office features a bas-relief of Mercury, the god of communication, surrounded by a laurel wreath. It resembles the Orsay train station in Paris and stands alongside Notre Dame Cathedral, forming a Saigon landmark.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Monday to Friday); 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Saturday); 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Sunday).
Xem thêm: 5 địa điểm du lịch 2 ngày 1 đêm lý tưởng cho bạn
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts Located at 97A Pho Duc Chinh, District 1, this museum was originally the home of Mr. Huong Bon Hoa, one of Saigon’s four great tycoons at the end of the 19th century. It attracts art lovers and young visitors who enjoy taking photos. The museum is a building constructed in the French architectural style of the late 19th to early 20th century, with harmonious Eastern architectural elements in its tile roof, ceramic columns, and decorative motifs.
Visiting hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Ho Chi Minh City History Museum
Ho Chi Minh City History Museum Located at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1, this museum was designed symmetrically by architect Auguste Delaval and inaugurated in 1929. It features wide corridors, natural light from courtyards, and windows near the roof to avoid the hot and humid climate. The central octagonal tower is painted gold with Asian-style decorative tiles. The museum displays about 36,000 artifacts reflecting Vietnamese history from prehistoric times to 1945, and also exhibits ancient cultures such as Oc Eo, Champa, and Khmer.
Visiting hours: 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fee: 30,000 VND per visit.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens Existing for over 150 years, Saigon Zoo is the 8th oldest zoo in the world. Initially a botanical garden, it was established for the conservation of plants and animals and as a research facility for scientists. The zoo now houses over 1,000 animals, more than 2,000 trees from 260 species, 23 types of local orchids, and 33 types of cacti over 17 hectares. The area is lush and perfect for relaxation.
In addition to animal viewing, you can enjoy various unique games like fishing, a carousel, a train, and an electric car. This is an ideal destination for families with children.
- Other beautiful parks and green spaces in Ho Chi Minh City include Tao Dan, Hoang Van Thu, Le Van Tam, and Gia Dinh.
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is one of the most famous and oldest markets in Vietnam. Built in 1914 and located in the city center, it is not only a bustling shopping place but also a historical witness to the city’s ups and downs. Ben Thanh Market offers a wide range of goods from clothes, shoes, fabrics, handicrafts, ethnic textiles, and jewelry to regional Vietnamese specialties.
Nightlife Activities in Saigon
Experience River Bus Tours
Taking a river bus is one of the exciting and unique activities in Saigon that you must try. Visitors can view the city from a different perspective, passing by famous landmarks such as Ben Nghe Port, Dragon House, Phu My Bridge, The Red Light Area, and Binh Khanh Ferry.
The river buses depart from 8:30 AM at Bach Dang Pier, Linh Dong, Thanh Da, and Hiep Binh Chanh. Night buses depart at the latest at 10:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the pier for 15,000 VND per trip.
Enjoy the Cityscape from a Double-Decker Bus
In central Saigon, you can find open-top double-decker buses with a multilingual automatic narration system that guides you through various landmarks. Each tour lasts about 60 minutes and covers famous spots like Saigon Zoo, the War Remnants Museum, Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the City Hall, and ends with a visit to the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower.
The bus operates daily from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with departures every 30 minutes. In the evening, there’s an additional dinner cruise service along the Saigon River. Tickets can be bought directly at the starting point at 92-96 Nguyen Hue, District 1, or booked online.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Located in the bustling center of Saigon, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is an ideal weekend spot for relaxation and entertainment. Here, you can stroll, sightsee, take photos, or enjoy dance performances. The street features two large fountains, green spaces, and bright lights, providing a delightful experience.
Immerse in Live Music
Sipping a coffee or cocktail while enjoying live music is one of the enjoyable experiences in Saigon, especially in the evening. Numerous entertainment venues offer live music performances that attract both locals and tourists.
Some popular live music spots include: Sax N’ Art Jazz Club, Acoustic Bar, Drinking & Healing, Vung, Ben Thanh Lounge, We, Khong Ten, Dong Dao. For acoustic bars or cafes: Yoko Cafe, Rock Fan Club.
Experience the Backpacker District – Bui Vien Walking Street
Bui Vien Walking Street, also known as the “Backpacker Street,” is located on Bui Vien Street, District 1, and operates from evening until early morning. If you enjoy lively atmospheres, this is the place for you.
Here, you’ll find hundreds of cafes, bars, pubs, and eateries along the street. The area also offers free public amenities such as restrooms, wifi, and a tourist information center.
Admire the Beautiful Night Views at Chạng Vạng Rooftop
Enjoy the stunning night views of Saigon while sipping a refreshing cocktail and feeling the gentle breeze. Chạng Vạng Rooftop is the perfect spot for an unforgettable experience.
With its open design, Chạng Vạng Rooftop offers a spacious and naturally lit environment. It’s an ideal place to enjoy the cool city air, watch the sunset over the city, and view Saigon’s dazzling lights from landmarks like Bitexco Financial Tower, Empire 88 Tower, The Landmark 81, and Times Square Saigon.
- Address: Chạng Vạng Rooftop Trần Não – 43/15 số 38, P.Bình An, District 2
- Operating Hours: 17:00 – 00:30
- Hotline: 0867 189 901
- Fanpage: Chạng Vạng Rooftop Trần Não
Saigon Travel Guide: What to Eat in Saigon?
Saigon is a melting pot of cuisines from various regions and countries. Visitors can easily find and enjoy Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and vegetarian foods at numerous restaurants across the city. Some signature dishes to try in Saigon include: broken rice, pho, bánh mì, grilled snakehead fish, Vietnamese pancakes, and fried rice with shrimp paste.
If you’re visiting Saigon for the first time or unsure where to eat, here are some famous food streets:
Phan Xich Long Street
Located in Phu Nhuan District, Phan Xich Long Street is known for its many restaurants and famous food brands. You can find hot pot, grilled dishes, Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai, and Korean restaurants, as well as casual Vietnamese eateries.
Additionally, there are 13 streets named after flowers surrounding Phan Xich Long, such as Hoa Phuong, Hoa Lan, Hoa Hue, Hoa Mai, etc. It’s also a popular area for cafes, rooftop bars, guesthouses, and 4-5 star hotels open until midnight.
Ho Thi Ky Food Street
Ho Thi Ky Food Street in District 10 is a well-known spot that attracts both locals and tourists. Open from 3:00 PM daily, it features over 100 stalls offering a wide range of dishes from different cuisines. It’s especially famous for its grilled skewers and seafood like cheese-grilled lobster and chili-salted squid. Prices are very affordable, ranging from 7,000 to 100,000 VND per dish.
Nguyen Thuong Hien Food Street
Nguyen Thuong Hien Food Street operates from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. There are over 90 casual dining spots offering dishes like mixed rice paper, mixed young jackfruit, milk tea, and sugarcane juice, along with more than 50 shops selling clothes, shoes, and beauty products.
Saigon Travel Tips
Saigon is a dynamic city, but here are a few tips to ensure a smooth visit:
- Prepare a city map or a phone with 3G to navigate and avoid getting lost.
- Minimize contact with strangers and avoid accepting food or drinks from them to prevent scams or theft.
- Choose accommodation in safe, well-populated areas with good security. Always keep valuables with you, especially in rooms with windows.
- When dining, inquire about prices beforehand to avoid overcharging.
- Avoid carrying bags or purses when out to prevent attracting unwanted attention. If you must carry them, be vigilant and keep cash divided to prevent losing everything if pickpockets or thieves are present.
Conclusion
Saigon blends modernity with tradition, offering intriguing and unique experiences at every corner. Whether you visit historical sites, enjoy vibrant nightlife, or savor diverse global cuisines, Saigon promises memorable moments. We hope this A-Z travel guide helps you have a fantastic trip to Saigon!
