The 9 Best Places for Hidden Spots in Saigon
Even in a bustling and vibrant city like Saigon, there is still space for a little secret or two. Whether you’re interested in food, art, or simply find it necessary to get away from the rat race and recharge your batteries, these little-known locations that are loved by locals are sure to pique your interest.
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#1. Ly Tu Trong Apartment Complex
It’s rather surprising that despite its location in the heart of Saigon, Ly Tu Trong Apartment Complex can still keep its quiet and colonial charm – the elevator is the original one from the French colonial period, the type of elevator you only see in movies. The home of many cafes (Cong and Loft being two local favorites), eateries (most notably Bong Cai Xanh - a lovely cafe/diner with a mean lunch menu), art galleries, a cookery center, and multiple shops, the complex is a little alcove of peace amidst the rapidly changing landscape of the city centre.
Address: 26 Ly Tu Trong Str, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
#2. Toa Tau
Inspired by Japanese author Kobayashi Sosaku’s book Totto-chan by the window, Toa Tau is a creative learning hub for people of all ages – creative being the main word. Toa Tau hosts classes and workshops teaching art, music, creative writing, dancing, and so on. Yet, the main purpose is not to teach you to draw or write, or dance better; but rather teach you how to understand yourself, understand everything around you, and express yourself through a creative medium. It’s an escape, a place to surround yourself with creativity and positivity. Courses are limited, so book before you come there.
Address: 632 Dien Bien Phu Str., Ward 22, Binh Thanh District
Telephone: 091 796 10 71
Website: http://toatau.com/
Opening hours: 8:30AM–9:30PM
#3. An Dong Market
Located in District 5, Saigon’s very own Chinatown, An Dong Market is a slice of the hectic, yet simple life of the city. Here, meet ethnic Chinese vendors selling you silver earrings and dried fruit, sit down at one of the stalls in the basement and enjoy a bowl of mi xa xiu (noodles with braised pork), listen to the raucous conversations in Yue and Teochew Chinese, or perhaps just stroll through the kiosks and breathe in the air of excitement. It’s truly the embodiment of Chinatown.
Address: 34-36 An Duong Vuong Str., District 5
Opening hours: varies. Most shops open at 7 AM and close at 6 PM.
#4. Snuffbox Lounge
For those who live on the wilder side of life, Snuffbox Lounge is a bar reminiscent of early 20s American speakeasies. The bar has some pretty nice views, most notably of the quaint stone-clad National Bank of Vietnam. With mellow jazz playing, and live band performances almost every night, you’ll soon forget you’re in Saigon and be teleported back to Prohibition-era Chicago. A nice daiquiri, craft beer, or perhaps good ol’ whiskey on the rocks would only further your experience with Snuffbox.
Address: 14 Ton That Dam Str., Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
Telephone: 0126 387 2603
Opening hours: 12PM-3AM
#5. Cakes & Ale
A little coffee shop, or rather bakery with really good coffee and beer, Cakes & Ale has that certain vintage, homely charm that you really can’t get anywhere else. From the phonograph in the corner to the wooden fan humming on the ceiling, it's almost like you’re transported to a Vietnamese relative’s living room, and not a cafe. The cakes and pastries here are all made by the owner, and while it is nothing fancy, the flavor cannot be beaten anywhere else in Saigon.
Address: Room 9, Floor 1, 23 Ly Tu Trong Str., District 1
Telephone: 090 684 05 00
#6. Soul Burger
One of the most discreet eateries in Saigon, Soul Burger offers Motown-inspired burgers in a bluesy, folksy setting. Located on the second floor of a nail salon, and accessible only via a narrow staircase in the back, it’s a well-kept secret, and many expats would be quick to extol its virtues. The burgers are regarded as the best in the city, so juicy, so fresh, so delicious that you can’t help but dig in. Favorites include the Diana Ross, with Swiss cheese and mushroom cream sauce, and the Little Richard, which is anything but little.
Address: Second Floor, 4 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00AM-2:00PM, 4:30AM-10:00PM
#7. Co Hong’s Com Tam
A nameless stall in District 4, Co Hong’s place serves up a hearty portion of com tam every night to weary construction workers, taxi drivers and the late-night partygoers. If you’re looking for a place to satisfy you late night cravings, Co Hong has you covered. A classic fare of broken rice with grilled pork chops and eggs sunny-side-up, with the yolk just oozing over the bed of rice is more than enough to please even the pickiest of the bunch. It’s open until 4 AM too, perfect for any of you clubbers looking to fill your empty stomachs.
Address: corner of Calmette and Hoang Dieu Street, District 4
#8. Saigon Superbowl
The first ever shopping mall in Saigon, opened back in 1996, Saigon Superbowl has since been eclipsed by many trendier and newer malls. However, you don’t come here for the shopping - though there are a decent selection of outlets here. You come here for the bowling. The first, and best, bowling alley in the city, it is packed with locals (and a few tourists) looking to have some fun. Prices are a little steep, but it’s definitely worth it. The selection of Korean and Singaporean restaurants are also worth checking out, as well as the KFC on the first floor - Vietnam’s first ever fast food restaurant. A relic of the early stages of development of a modern Vietnam.
Address: A43 Truong Son Str., Tan Binh Ward
#9. Bia Hoi Huy Beo
Not so much “hidden” as “tourists somehow manage to overlook the place”, Bia Hoi Huy Beo is a decidedly Vietnamese establishment. Bia Hoi is a cheap, lager-like beer that is brewed fresh every day, very similar to Czech Pilsner. More of a beer-flavored water than beer, it’s perfect for those looking to down a few jugs and escape the heat of this city. The food here is decent, with a selection of appetizers and entrees to accompany your alcoholic beverage. Look out for red-faced middle-aged Vietnamese men, going through the tables eliciting toasts, a good old sign of Viet hospitality. (The local version of ‘Cheers!’ is ‘Mot, hai, ba, dzo!’, pronounced ‘Moht, high, bah, yow!’. Keep that in mind. You’ll impress many a local with it.)
Address: 176 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 3
Opening hours: 10:00AM-10:30PM
They all look like great place! I wish I was in Vietnam just now. Coz I don’t see how I could visit these places otherwise
I have never heard of Saigon. Looks like a great place. I hope to one day to get over to that side of the world and do some exploring
Wow, cool! These all look like some fabulous places to check out. I’ve never been to Vietnam before. One day, I hope!
I sadly have never been out of the United States. Your hidden places in Saigon sound like amazing experiences.
This place really looks Awesome!!I wish I could travel this place soon..:)
Wow I have never heard of any of these places, but they all sound amazing! Soul Burger looks especially awesome!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE insider guides like these and the Snuffbox Lounge looks like a place I would absolutely love. Thank you so much for writing this list.
Snuffbox lounge and Cakes & Ale sound like two places I would love! I’ll have to remember this list if I’m ever in Saigon
Wow these place looks so cool! I would really love to visit them and your beautiful country too!
This is such a great list. I’ve never been, but I love saving things for bucket list travel.
That vintage charm you speak of is my fave. I’d love to visit.
I think it would be fun to go to the Snuffbox Lounge since it takes you back in time a little, the 20’s was a wild time. However, the Soul Burger seems like a great place too, it looks very relaxing.
I heard so many great things about Vietnam. I hope to visit someday. Thanks for this list, it would come handy for travelers.
This post is really helpful with details of Saigon.We are planning our next trip to Vietnam.I will bookmark this post to use during our travel planning time…
I love exploring different cities. This one sounds like it has pretty much everything you could want.
I haven’t been to Saigon so this post will be very helpful to newbie like me 🙂 thanks dear!
I have never heard of this place and so this was a great read for me. Sounds like a place I would love to go.
For all of the places you sugested, I have only visited An Dong market for one time. OMG, I did missed so much interesting places in my city, I should really plan a tour this weekend.
Thanks for sharing!
I have lived in this Saigon for almost three years, and guess what, I don’t even know any spots you just recommend.
So glad that there are so many attractive and relaxing places in this crowded city. And in particular, Saigon Superbowl just become my favorite choice of entertaining.
It make me feel like Sai Gon never sleep, it alway move. I really want to get there. What a lovely city.
Well, in the next time I go to Sai Gon, I’ll try those place. The market seem to be my priority.
Hmmm something makes me think most of these comments are paid for. Gotta love good old fashioned social engineering. Good list though.