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Saigon, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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Saigon is a city that is steadily moving forward, albeit at a slow pace, whilst still retaining much of its history. I first came here in 2014 and immediately fell in love with the city. Fast paced, noisy and always something to do. I now call this wonderful city home. When crossing the roads here keep walking at a steady pace, do not stop and start as this will only confuse the on-coming traffic and may cause an accident. Terrifying at first but just remain calm and confident. When you're out and about this busy city, be sure to keep your belongings safe, in particular your phone and camera. If you do want to hold it up to get a great shot, then be sure to look around first. Boys on motorbikes can swiftly take it away from you. Happened to me the first hour I was here. With so much food available, its easy to please any appetite. So be sure to try some of the many foods out there. For those staying longer than 1 or 2 days, I would highly recommend that you travel out to District 7 and visit both Crescent Mall (evening) and SC Vivo City. Good shopping and food options that cant be found in town about 10=15 minutes from the city centre

Good for
  • History Buff
  • Thrill Seeker
  • Shopping Fanatic
  • Art and Architecture Lover
  • Nightlife Seeker
  • Foodie
  • Luxury Traveller
  • Thrifty Traveller
  • Like a Local

13 Places

8 City Tips

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Map

13 Places

Cafe RuNam

Restaurants

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Neighbourhoods

Bui Vien Street

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Central Post Office

Government Buildings, Architectural Buildings

War Remnants Museum

History Museums

Ho Chi Minh Squares

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Saigon Central Mosque

Points of Interest & Landmarks, Sacred & Religious Sites

Bitexco Financial Tower

Observation Decks & Towers, Points of Interest & Landmarks

Caffe Bene

Restaurants

Paradise Saigon Boutique Hotel

Hotels

Steve A's City Tips

  • Taxi from airport to the city should not cost more than 150,000vnd. A bus ride no more than 5,000vnd around the suburbs and a motorbike taxi around 5,000vnd per klm
  • and remember that every traveller makes their own adventure so be sure to let others know on tripadvisor and lets keep the world travelling with knowledge
  • Relax and enjoy what this great city has to offer
  • You will think that people are staring at you when in fact they are just admiring
  • Average price of a coconut is 10,000VND, Local coffee 10-15,000VND
  • Expect to see people urinating on the side of the roads, its disgusting but I'm sure that you will see it.
  • Use only Mailinh or Vinasun taxis and be sure to write the taxi number down as many people often forget something when they leave, usually a phone or wallet
  • Just like any other city in the world, tipping for great service is a personal choice. You dont have to tip but you can
  • Cafe RuNam
    Restaurants (Deli)
    See more photos
    Steve A Says:

    One of the best places to enjoy a quite meal or a great cup of coffee and desert in the centre of town. Yes it is a little bit more expensive than other places but its worth every Dong when you realise the quality of the food and beverages used here.

    Good for
    • Hidden Gems
    Tips
    • Anytime is a great time. Staff very attentive and a great wifi
    Plan to stay:
    1-2 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #394 of 4,652 restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
    • Very pleasant premises and staff 09/05/2023
    • Awesome 22/08/2022
    • Cafe RuNam
    Address:
    96 Mac Thi Buoi
    Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
    Ho Chi Minh City 700000
    Vietnam
    Phone:
    +84 28 3825 8883
    Hours:
    Sun - Sat
    7:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Other:
  • Pham Ngu Lao Street
    Neighbourhoods
    See more photos
    Steve A Says:

    Its one of those streets that you either hate or love. Either way you should be careful with your personal belongings, especially mobile phones and hand bags. The police have been promising to eradicate this problem, but little has been done so far. If you're going to walk these streets late at night then be sure to have someone with you.

    Good for
    • Nightlife Seeker
    • Like a Local
    Tips
    • Beware the boys on bikes who will take your phone and also a thug who is now posing as a police officer and has a gun
    Plan to stay:
    Less than 1 hour
    From the community
    Ranked #28 of 299 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
    • Khaosan Road of Ho Chi Minh City 20/05/2023
    • Best Street to find a Hostel, or get in Contact with other Backpackers 23/09/2020
    • Pham Ngu Lao Street
    Other:
  • Bui Vien Street
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    See more photos
    Steve A Says:

    Ask anyone who has been to Saigon and they will all say that a visit to Bui Vien Street is a must. I have to admit that this is the case. Even if you dont drink alcohol, its worth the visit to see how the locals and foreigners party.

    Good for
    • Foodie
    • Must See
    • Trendsetter
    • Hidden Gems
    • Like a Local
    • Solo
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Thrill Seeker
    Tips
    • Good news is that the local government is considering making this street a pedestrian only zone
    Plan to stay:
    2-3 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #34 of 299 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
    • Lively, flashing lights and a 1000 offers as you stroll. 26/09/2023
    • Good 14/09/2023
    • Bui Vien Street
    Hours:
    Sun - Sat
    12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Central Post Office
    Government Buildings, Architectural Buildings
    See more photos
    Steve A Says:

    This building has been recently re painted an I think it looks great, though some are calling for another colour, go and see for yourself, love to know what you think

    Good for
    • Must See
    • History Buff
    • Art and Architecture Lover
    • Hidden Gems
    • Like a Local
    Tips
    • Many locals will frequent the Post Office at night which makes it difficult for a great photo so I recommend going just after sunset
    Plan to stay:
    Less than 1 hour
    From the community
    Ranked #3 of 299 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
    • Well Maintained 29/09/2023
    • Nice building and good to revisit again! 20/09/2023
    • Central Post Office
    Address:
    125 Hai Ba Trung, District 1
    Ho Chi Minh City 70000
    Vietnam
    Phone:
    1900545481
    Hours:
    Sun
    8:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Mon - Fri
    7:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Sat
    7:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Other:
  • War Remnants Museum
    History Museums
    See more photos
    Steve A Says:

    The only reason that I put this museum on my list is that everyone shold take a look at the affects of war and how horrible it is. I actually don't like this place for what has happened in the past. Many people are still suffering the effects of Agent Orange so many years later.

    Good for
    • Must See
    • History Buff
    Plan to stay:
    Less than 1 hour
    From the community
    Ranked #2 of 299 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
    • Graphic 29/09/2023
    • War Remnants Museum worth visiting especially if doing Cu chi Tunnels 24/09/2023
    • War Remnants Museum
    Address:
    28 Vo Van Tan
    Ward 6, District 3
    Ho Chi Minh City 700000
    Vietnam
    Phone:
    +84 8 829 0325
    Hours:
    Sun - Sat
    7:30 am - 5:30 pm
    Other:
  • Ho Chi Minh Squares
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    See more photos
    Steve A Says:

    My favourite building in Saigon. Recently re painted and the surrounding area re paved. Nguyen Hue street which is opposite is now a walking street though it is a ghost town during the day. Much different at night when locals in their 1000's come out, and much more on Sunday nights.

    Good for
    • Must See
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Family
    • Art and Architecture Lover
    • Like a Local
    Tips
    • Great place for photos with surrounding buildings
    Plan to stay:
    Less than 1 hour
    From the community
    Ranked #16 of 299 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
    • Heart of Saigon 17/09/2023
    • Great architecture 28/07/2023
    • Ho Chi Minh Squares
    Address:
    Nguyen Hue Walking Street, District 1
    Ho Chi Minh City 70000
    Vietnam
    Phone:
    84962471422
    Other:
  • Saigon Central Mosque
    Points of Interest & Landmarks, Sacred & Religious Sites
    See more photos
    Steve A Says:

    A place of total relaxation and spirituality. Its not a Grand mosque like thoe\se in other asian countries but still worth the visit

    Good for
    • Peace and Quiet Seeker
    • Must See
    • Friends
    • Hidden Gems
    Tips
    • Dress according to Muslim customs
    Plan to stay:
    1-2 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #53 of 299 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
    • A small and beautiful mosque located in the heart of district 1. Worth a stop. 04/01/2023
    • Halal muslim places in Saigon Ho Chi Min City 23/09/2020
    • Saigon Central Mosque
    Address:
    66 Dong Du Street, Dist 1
    Ho Chi Minh City 70000
    Vietnam
    Other:
  • Bitexco Financial Tower
    Observation Decks & Towers, Points of Interest & Landmarks
    See more photos
    Steve A Says:

    As the tallest building in Saigon, the observatory deck allows you to see the city beneath and on a clear day, you're able to see the surroundings districts and provinces in the distance. There are a lot of interesting facts about this structure which are located throughout the observation deck so I wont spoil it for you here

    Good for
    • Must See
    • Solo
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Thrill Seeker
    • Family
    • Art and Architecture Lover
    Tips
    • Best to arrive about an hour before sunset and leave after it
    Plan to stay:
    1-2 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #12 of 299 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
    • It was interesting to see from the top of the Bitexco tower 07/09/2023
    • Ho Chi Minh iconic building 30/08/2023
    • Bitexco Financial Tower
    Address:
    36 Ho Tung Mau
    Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
    Ho Chi Minh City 700000
    Vietnam
    Hours:
    Sun - Sat
    9:30 am - 9:30 pm
    Other:
  • Caffe Bene
    Restaurants
    See more photos
    Steve A Says:

    This Korean franchise has finally landed in Saigon and now that the peak rush has settled it has fast become a great place to enjoy beverages and dessert with friends. a great ambience with many books on the shelves upstairs for those who like to read.

    Good for
    • Foodie
    • Must See
    • Luxury Traveller
    • Hidden Gems
    • Solo
    • Friends
    • Couples
    Tips
    • The affagatto here is great
    Plan to stay:
    1-2 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #0 of 0 restaurants in
    • Nice and cool 12/06/2019
    • Not worth the price 27/10/2017
    • Caffe Bene
    Address:
    58 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
    Ho Chi Minh City 70000
    Vietnam
    Phone:
    +84 8 3925 7788
    Hours:
    Sun - Sat
    7:30 am - 10:30 pm
    Other:
  • Paradise Saigon Boutique Hotel
    Hotels
    See more photos
    Steve A Says:

    This hotel is centrally located and very convenient for those wishing to discover the surrounding areas. I have booked this hotel numerous times for friends and they all love it

    Good for
    • Solo
    • Couples
    • Family
    • Hidden Gems
    Tips
    • Book early on tripadvisor for best rates
    Plan to stay:
    More than 3 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #98 of 1,833 Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
    • Great value and wonderful staff 06/09/2023
    • Lovely hotel within walking distance of major sights 21/08/2023
    • Paradise Saigon Boutique Hotel
    Address:
    288 Le Thanh Ton
    Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
    Ho Chi Minh City 700000
    Vietnam
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