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BUSAN KOREAN FOOD

Known as one of the oldest and most famous Korean restaurants among students and office workers, Busan Korean Food offers you a wide range of delicious dishes at a very reasonable price. This restaurant is ideal for those on a low budget and wishes to explore a new choice with their friends. Signature dishes of the place includes the “mixed steam rice with beef” and the “Korean black soybean noodles” as well as its famous kimbap - "cơm cuộn" (rolled rice) in Vietnamese.

Address 1: #5 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Binh Thanh District
Address 2: #346 Le Van Sy Street, District 3
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:30

KING BBQ

King BBQ is often referred to as one of the most high-quality grilled restaurants in Saigon. It is known for superior service as well as its delicate attention to details, providing you with the best experience at a fairly reasonable price. The restaurant offers a wide selection of meat and vegetables, as well as full access to its salad bar, soup, and dessert. The place is best for large group meetups since it can offer something to everyone at a very good price.

Address 1:  B3-10B, Vincom Center, 70-72 Le Thanh Ton street, District 1
Address 2: L5-03, Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi street, District
Address 3: #208 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, District 3
Address 4: #515 Nguyen Tri Phuong street, District 10.
Address 5: #04 - #05b, SC Vivocity, 1058 Nguyen Van Linh, District 7
Address 6: B1-11, Vincom Quang Trung, 190 Quang Trung street, Go Vap district
Address 7: #38 Mac Dinh Chi street, District 1
Opening hours: 8:30 - 23:00

COCODAK KOREAN RESTAURANT

CocoDak got its unbeatable reputation from its various chicken dishes. At CocoDak, you will not only find yourself fascinated by the traditional Korean dishes, but you will also have a whole new experience with taste, a regular customer of the restaurant even referred to it as a “fusion food restraint”. Customers of the place enjoy being served with delectable chicken in a wide selection of dishes and sauces. The favorite dishes here are the signature “Volcano” as well as the TOFU salad. Another plus for anyone considering paying a visit is the free starter soup which is also of very high quality.

Address: #192 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1
Opening hours: 10:00 - 23:00

MR. PARK

This is another grilled restaurant to add to your list. Coming to Mr. Park restaurant, you will be able to enjoy attentive service as well as delicate food. Crafted by a Korean chef with 27 years of experience, the food at Mr. Park restaurant can please even the most fastidious gourmets. Favorite dishes at the place includes its famous grilled pork as well as the wide selection of kimbap.

Address: #14 Le Quy Don Street, Ward 6, District 3
Website: www.mrpark.com.vn
Opening hours: 10:30 - 23:00

ARIRANG BBQ

This is another BBQ restaurant to add to your must-try list. Arirang BBQ is one of the top high-quality BBQ restaurants in Ho Chi Minh city. Either you are looking for an AYCE (all-you-can-eat) Korean BBQ or a classic Korean cuisine, Arirang BBQ can certainly satisfy your appetite. The restaurant provides free side dish as well as fresh, crisp vegetables. Signature dishes include the beef bulgogi and the pork belly.

Address: #2 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe, District 1
Opening hours: 11:00-23:00

CHOI GO JIP KOREAN RESTAURANT

Another restaurant ideal for a peaceful night with your family and friends. At Choi Go Jip, you will have the chance to experience exclusive food and service. The restaurant is widely known for helpful, attentive staff as well as tasty meat. Famous dishes at the place include the marinated beef and the pork as well.

Address: #161 Ham Nghi, Nguyen Thai Bin Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 9:30 - 21:00

The post The 6 Best Korean Restaurants in Saigon appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

https://www.mazevietnam.com/2018/04/14/how-to-get-to-ly-son-island/

DAY 1:

• 7h: From Quang Ngai, take a bus to Sa Ky port where you will go to Ly Son by boat
• 8h: Arrive at Ly Son island and check-in to your hotel
• 8h30: Rent a motorbike to ride around the island, watch the beauty of the landscape and take in the distinctive scent of garlic around the island. Visit the Thoi Loi volcano and the Cave pagoda
• 10h: Swimming and diving tour at Hang Cau. You can also rent a coracle to see the coral reefs for 60,000VND/person
• 12h: Head back to the center to rest and have lunch. Do remember to try out some of Ly Son’s most famous dishes like the garlic salad or the Huynh De crab and Ta Ma fish.
• 14h: Visit the Duc pagoda and the Guanyin statue.
• 15h: Go to Be island by boat.
• 15h10: Take photos, watch the sunset and enjoy the beach on the island.
• 16h30: Take the boat back to the Big Island.
• 17h: Head back to the hotel to rest.
• 18h30: Dinner with lots of fresh seafood.
• 20h: Take a walk to observe the sea at night.

https://www.mazevietnam.com/2018/04/14/things-to-do-in-ly-son-island/

DAY 2:

• 5h: Wake up early to watch the sunrise on the Mu Cu island
• 7h: Breakfast
• 8h: Time to explore the local market and fill your bag with souvenirs, local specialties, particularly the famous King garlic of Ly Son island.
• 11h: Lunch and rest
• 12h: Check-out of the hotel and get ready to head back to Quang Ngai
• 13h30: Head back to Quang Ngai by boat
• 15h: Arrive at Sa Ky port.

https://www.mazevietnam.com/2018/04/14/where-to-stay-in-ly-son-island/

Ly Son Travel Guide here

The post Ly Son Itinerary appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Where to visit in Ly Son Island? 

Mount Thoi Loi (Núi Thới Lới)

The highest peak of Ly Son was once an active volcano. Though now disabled, the mountain still attracts many backpackers who enjoy the panoramic view of the island from its peak. For those photographers who want a few pictures of this gorgeous island, this is where you should head to. The mountain is attractive not only for the exclusive scenery that it brings but also because it is the location of the only fresh water supply on the island as well as that of the National flagpole.

https://www.mazevietnam.com/2018/04/14/where-to-stay-in-ly-son-island/

Mu Cu islet (Hòn Mù Cu)

Located about 3,2km to the East of Ly Son, Mu Cu islet is one of the must-see destinations for any tourists who are visiting the island. The ideal time to visit the islet is right before dawn so that you can observe the spectacular scenery here when the sun comes up. The converging black stones create a unique architecture that adds up to the sunlight to create a breathtaking view for anyone.

https://www.mazevietnam.com/2018/04/14/how-to-get-to-ly-son-island/

Duc Temple and the Guanyin statue (Chùa Đục)

To reach this stunning temple on top of Mount Gieng Tien, you will have to climb over 100 steps along the mountainside. It is a tiring trip, but worth the while. Standing tall on the top of the mountain is a 27m Guanyin statue that will definitely amaze you. Tourists also visit the mountain to have a look of its fascinating mouth, which has turned into a beautiful concave meadow ever since the volcano became disabled.

https://www.mazevietnam.com/2018/04/14/ly-son-itinerary/

Hang Temple (Chùa Hang)

Located to the North of Mount Thoi Loi, the Hang temple is the place where you will find yourself stunned by the beauty of this place. Come to the temple and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as well as the panoramic view of the Ly Son island. The temple has had a long history with the people of the place. Carvings on the limestone mountain show that the first visitors to Ly Son island founded An Hai and An Vinh village and built this temple. Now, it is the place for residents of the island to seek fortune and blessings in their voyages.

To Vo gate (Cổng Tò Vò)

Only a few kilometers from the center of Ly Son island, but the To Vo gate is one of the most impressive places to visit when you come to Ly Son. To Vo gate is considered one of the must-visit attractions for photographers for the imposing scenery it provides as well as the wonderful lighting at the place. The best time to see the To Vo gate is at dawn, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience watching the sunrise here.

Cau cave (Hang Câu)

This cave is one of the lesser known destinations on the island, but it is the beauty of the untouched landscape that makes it worth paying a visit. The cave is carved into the mountain and sea of the island with one side surrounded by the ocean and the other lying deep in the mountains. The beauty of the Cau cave lies in its wildness, majestic surrounding as well as the delicate blend of water and land.  

Be island (Đảo Bé)

Renowned for its pristine, white sand and crystal-clear water, the Be island is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers wanting to experience a sense of wilderness and harmony. Here, you will also find endless garlic fields, impressive volcanoes as well as a fascinating sunrise. Ships from Ly Son leaves for the island at 8 and returns at 14:30 every day. However, keep in mind that the Be island is not for those expecting the same conveniences as they can find in their hotels, there is no fresh water on the island.

What to eat in Ly Son Island?

Often referred to as the Garlic Island, Ly Son island is famous not only for its magnificent sceneries but also for its diverse culinary culture. Ranging from the one-and-only garlic salad, and garlic wine to a wide variety of seafood and Ly Son’s unique bánh ít (glutinous rice cake with ramie leaves). When you have a chance to visit this lovely island someday, remember to try and admire its fascinating cuisines.

Ly Son garlic

There are no other spices in the world that can be made into such delicate dishes like the Ly Son garlic. The island is most famous for its Lonely Garlic, or the single-clove garlic, which carries a gentle aroma and a slight taste of spiciness. The most popular option for the first taste of this spice is the Ly Son garlic salad. In this cuisine, the garlic is chopped and steamed until softened. Then it is mixed with sugar, pepper, salt, and lime. Finally, fried peanut is sprinkled onto the mixture. Though a very easy food to make, the unique taste and scent of the dish will definitely stay in your memories. Those who want a more extraordinary taste might as well try the garlic wine of the island. Made entirely from the precious Lonely garlic of the island, this drink not only brings you a wonderful tasting experience, but also helps tremendously with many health problems, like blood cholesterol, acts as a natural Aspirin, and even helps against cancer.

Sea snails

Visit any of Vietnam’s coastal area and the one food that you will always find is sea snail. Clams, abalones, oysters, cockles, mussels, and scallops are all popular choices you will find in a typical Vietnamese party. Here in Ly Son, you will not only have a chance to try all of these options with all their freshness but also an alternative that will definitely please even the daintiest tourists, the sea urchins. This strange animal looks exactly like what its name suggests, but do not let its thorny appearance fool you, the soft meat can be made into the most delicious porridge you have ever tried. The enhanced sweetness, saltiness and lusciousness of the heated dish will surely leave you speechless. Another type of snail that Ly Son take pride in is the conch. For the best experience, conches are often grilled or sautéed with chili and lemongrass, both of which brings out the freshness of the food but perfectly leaves out the fishy taste.

The Spanner crabs

The spanner crab is among the must-try for anyone who plans to visit Ly Son. Not only will this animal impress you with its bright red armor and razor-sharp pincers but also with the sweet and nutritious meat it offers. The Spanner crab was once referred to as the King crab  (indeed its Vietnamese name still means the King), and used to be served only for the Kings of Vietnam. Nowadays, with the rise of tourism to Ly Son island, it has become more popular with everyone. Note that, however, the Spanner crab is not available all year round. Rather, it is best for tourists to do some research beforehand since there are also other dishes that are available only in particular seasons.

Bánh ít lá gai (glutinous rice cake with ramie leaves)

This cone-shaped cake is one of the most popular snacks among Vietnamese, and the women of Ly Son know how to make the best ones in the whole country. The bánh ít is a fine combination between the strong aroma of the sticky rice, and the sweet, fatty taste of sugar and coconut extract. Adding to these intense flavors is the familiar scent of peanut oil and banana leaves. Unlike other food, this snack is at its best state on the second or third day after baking, and may even last for more than a week. Banh it is a traditional gift to the ancestors and the gods on Vietnamese holidays, especially on the Lunar New Year. On the island, this cake is often connected with the non-stop conversations about the people’s working life and fishing trips far at sea, in the cozy, loving atmosphere of the holidays. It is during these conversations that you will come to be fascinated by life on this island.

Ta Ma fish (ghost fish)

This black-skinned fish is one of the most wanted food on the island, for they are especially good at hiding and are incredibly hard to catch. The dish they are served in depends much on the season. Most often, its grilled ta ma for the winter, and ta ma porridge, soup with herbs, or ta ma hot pot for the summer. In summer, people enjoy the delicious, sweet porridge, which tastes good not only for the fish’s sweetness but also for the unique broth.

Giant clam

The giant clam is a very large species of sea snails. The largest giant clams can be as big as an adult human’s spread hand, and weigh up to half a kilo. They are the tastiest. The fishermen usually catch alive and keep them in a tank, handy for cooking. For a quick snack, they are often steamed in hot water until the meat is as clear as that of a fresh squid. Another option includes the clam porridge and the clam salad, both of which are very much liked by tourists.

Read our full Ly Son Travel Guide here

Read our full Quang Ngai Province Guide here

The post Things to Do in Ly Son Island | Explore Vietnam’s Unexplored Destination appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Muong Thanh Ly Son hotel

The Muong Thanh Ly Son hotel, which opened in 4/2016, is the first 4-star hotel on this beautiful island. It is equipped with 93 rooms, as well as other amenities that will make your stay as pleasant as possible. If you are looking for a recreational holiday, this might just be the thing for you. Superb facilities are available for all guest accommodations to ensure your unparalleled comfort. What it offers includes an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, karaoke as well as a well-equipped spa. Its rooms vary from sea view room, mountain view room too, if you have a limited budget, the starter room. Moreover, the hotel has also been praised for the friendliness and helpfulness of its staff, from the receptionist to the doorman.

Located in the administrative district of Ly Son, the hotel provides guests with easy access to most of the city’s must-see destinations, including the gorgeous beach which is only a 5-minute walk away.

Muong Thanh Ly Son hotel is rated as the number one must-stay when you plan your trip to the island. But of course, you get what you pay for, prices at the hotel are relatively higher than at other motels on the island.

Address: Dong hamlet, An Vinh Commune, Ly Son District, Quang Ngai

Cost: 950,000 – 2,800,000VND

Central Ly Son hotel

For those who have a smaller budget but still wish for a comfortable, convenient accommodation, the Central Ly Son hotel might be the choice. It is the first 3-star hotel on the island and is situated close to the jetty, lifting you the burden of weary transportation. From the hotel, it takes you no more than a 2-minute walk to get to the pier or Am Linh Tu temple, and no longer than a 10-minute ride to the Duc pagoda and the Gieng Tien crater.
Beside from the superb location, the hotel also offers various amenities at your own disposal. This includes free wi-fi, flat screen televisions and a range of activities that you will find almost nowhere else, hiking, diving, canoeing, fishing and even bicycle rental. Accommodation options range from standard twin rooms, double suites to the king suites, all of which offer a spectacular view of the ocean.

Address: Tay hamlet, An Vinh Commune, Ly Son District
Cost: 650,000-900,000VNĐ

Popular motels on the island

If you are only looking for a place to stay, cheaper motels might be a better option. Of course, cheaper means you cannot expect certain facilities like those in the hotels but these motels will be sufficient for a night or two on the island. Most of them are located in the crowded area of the island, where you can find delicious street food and exciting entertainment. Some of them also offer fresh seafood right from the ocean. Choices range from animated, boisterous motels to more tranquil, peaceful homestays. One of the top choices include the Dai Duong hotel, which is right next to the Central Ly Son hotel on the pier. Another one is the Thuy Thach motel, an affordable option for those who just want to throw down their luggage and dive right in to the exploration. A bit further into the island is the Phuoc Loc Guesthouse if you are looking for a more local experience. Standing 6km away from the pier, this would be considered a top choice for those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the jetty. Another option if you want a peaceful stay but still close to the ocean would be the Hoang Thong motel, located right on the Ben Dinh port. The place offers spectacular views of the sea and a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere.
Private swimming pools or recreational centers are clearly not things you will find in these options. But of course, a comfortable bed, functioning air-conditioner and strong internet would probably be enough for backpackers. In general, prices in these motels will not exceed 600,000VND per night, but do expect slight increases during holiday periods.

Addresses: Dai Duong hotel-Tay hamlet, An Vinh Commune, Ly Son
    Hoang Thong motel-Ben Dinh port, Dong hamlet, An Vinh Commune, Ly Son
     Phuoc Loc guesthouse- Dong hamlet, An Hai Commune, Ly Son
    Thuy Thach motel- Ly Son Port, Tay Hamlet, An Vinh Commune, Ly Son

Camp night on An Binh island

Often referred to as Be island, this is among the favorite spots for nature lovers visiting Ly Son. Crystal clear waters and glistening white sand is enough to make your day, but have you ever thought of spending a night camping on this volcanic island? Of course, this might not be appealing to everyone but for experienced backpackers, who would not mind the lack of internet and tap-water, this would be an unforgettable night. Not only will you have the chance to behold the splendid sunrise and sunset, but also the fascinating night sky, shimmering with starlight that you rarely see in those tumultuous cities.
As simple as it may sound, a camp night like this requires much preparation. Firstly, of course, check the weather and make sure you have a tent with you. It is also important to fully charge all your gadgets and do not forget to prepare some food. Another choice is to grill fresh seafood right on the island, and you can always ask the locals for some help.

Address: An Binh island, Ly Son

Read our full Ly Son Travel Guide here

Read our full Quang Ngai Province Guide here

The post Where to stay in Ly Son Island? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Since Ly Son is an island, you have no other option but to first arrive at the Sa Ky harbor. The most popular and convenient choice is to get there via public transport.

If you arrive by airplane
If you arrive in Quang Ngai by airplane, you can either choose to go directly to Sa Ky port by taxi or hop onto bus number 12, which takes you to Quang Ngai Bus Station. The distance is about 45km and will cost you 40,000VND per person. After that, take bus number 3 to get to the port, the first bus leaves at 5:30 and costs 13,000VND per person. Be aware of the time since there are only 3 vessels leaving in the morning and afternoon. To catch the speedboat at 7:30, make sure to take the 5:00 or 5:45 bus.
Schedule for bus 12: the first bus leaves at 6:30 and the last bus arrives at 17:30
Schedule for bus 3: the first bus leaves at 5:30 and the last bus arrives at 18:15

If you arrive by train
If you arrive in Quang Ngai by train, it is best to simply take a cab straight to Sa Ky port, the trip is about 20km and will take you less than an hour to get there. For those who have a limited budget, you can also take the bus. From the train station, you will have to walk about 3km to the bus stop and catch bus number 3.

https://www.mazevietnam.com/2018/04/14/things-to-do-in-ly-son-island/

https://www.mazevietnam.com/2018/04/14/where-to-stay-in-ly-son-island/

Going to Ly Son

From Sa Ky port, tourist will choose between conventional ships or speedboats. Since conventional ships take almost 2 hours to reach the destination while speedboats take less than half the time, the latter tend to be the more popular option. Tickets for speedboats are opened from 6:30 every day and tend to be sold out very quickly, so you might have to consider booking the ticket beforehand. However, note that it is more complex for foreigners to acquire tickets to Ly Son. You will have to go through a few procedures at the Quang Ngai police station since Ly Son is considered a military area, therefore, don’t forget to bring your passport with you when buying the tickets. Each ticket costs 115,000VND per person, 50,000VND for motorbike and in case tickets have been sold out you can also pay 100,000VND to get on the boat without a seat.

Timetable of the vessel:

Sa Ky-Ly Son

Morning: 2 turns at 7:30 and 8:00

Afternoon: 1 turn at 13:00 or 13:30

Ly Son-Sa Ky

Morning: 2 turns at 7:30 and 8:00

Afternoon:1 turn at 13:00 or 13:30

https://www.mazevietnam.com/2018/04/14/ly-son-itinerary/

Read our full Ly Son Travel Guide here

Read our full Quang Ngai Province Guide here

The post How to get to Ly Son Island? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

1. Explore Saigon’s countless Alleys

If you are used to the spacious, bustling avenues of a modern city, getting familiar with Saigon’s one-of-a-kind labyrinth might come as a major challenge for you, it is these alleys that will provide you with a unique insight to Saigon’s life. Hidden between the walls and houses of its citizens, Binh Thanh district holds one of the largest alley networks in the city. Some of which lead to other districts of the city, some lead to nothing but a dead end. It is inside these alleys that you would sometimes find a small coffee shop, a peaceful corner hidden behind the walls, where people gather together in small groups, talking about their daily life. Sit down, order the all-time favorite cà phê sữa đá, and practice your Vietnamese, they will be delighted to help. Or maybe you would come across a unique graffiti work, the walls of the alleys have always been the ideal spot for our youth to challenge their creativity, ranging from tiny figures occupying merely a corner of the wall to huge drawings that make great backgrounds for your photo.  These alleys also include some of the most popular destination of Saigon youth, 76 Hai Ba Trung alley, 84 Nguyen Du alley, and the famous 177 Ly Tu Trong alley, are among the most famous locations when it comes to street food – a unique culture that can be found nowhere but Saigon. Check out our comprehensive guide to Saigon’s Secret Alleys here.

2. Try Saigon’s Street Foods

There is no other place will you be able to find foods like Saigon’s. As the major metropolitan of Vietnam, the city holds thousands of people coming from all corners of the country, people that learn to eat together, live together and gradually blend into each other. Saigon’s food culture is created like that, a culture of so many different cultures – multicultural cuisine. 

Many foreigners visiting Saigon hesitate to try our street food. But it is how you will miss out one of the best things in our culture. Our street food culture is made up of so many different dishes, some of which originated from even foreign countries. The most popular choices include mixed rice-paper, grilled rice-paper (Viet pizza), grilled sausages, pha lau, all types of noodles, and frozen fruits. All these dishes bring you an incredible tasting experience, from stingingly hot to freezing cold, from immensely tasty to mildly sweet. The best locations to try out this fascinating food culture include the Turtle Lake (District 3), 177 Ly Tu Trong alley (District 1), Hoang Hoa Tham market (Tan Binh District), where you will be able to find delicious dishes with a surprisingly cheap price. Check out our comprehensive Saigon’s Eater Guide at Top 10 Saigon Food and Saigon’s Street Bites.

(Video shot by Chi Le & edited by Son Nguyen)

3. Visit Saigon’s Historical Sites

Even after the French colonists have retreated from Vietnam, the legacy they left behind remains some of the most fascinating sights to be seen in Saigon. Saigon Opera House, the Independence Palace, the Notre Dame Basilica are just a few of the majestic pieces of art that were constructed under the rule of the French. Built completely from materials imported directly from France, these architecture works combine elegant design, luxurious furniture together with antique decorations. They will bring you not only a magnificent experience visually but also a priceless glimpse into the glorious history of the “Pearl of the Far East”. The numerous music shows hosted at the Saigon Opera House give you an insight into the traditional Vietnamese life. And between the walls of the Notre Dame Basilica is where you will find a peaceful moment, away from the worries of worldly life. They are all located in District 1 so it is not very hard for you to navigate. To read more about these places and their opening hours, check out our comprehensive Saigon District 1 Guide here.

4. Go Shopping at Saigon’s Local Markets

Rarely are foreign tourists willing to set food into one of Saigon’s traditional/local markets. The rumor about price gougers,low-quality goods, unhygienic food is just one of the few things that caused this hesitation. But with just enough alertness and self-control, a shopping experience in our traditional markets can be unforgettable memories. Some of the most famous markets are Bến Thành market, Bình Tây market (Chợ Lớn), and Tân Định market. Goods sold at these markets also come in a wide variety, from freshly-picked fruits and vegetables to everyday items, not mentioning nonessentials. Some are also ideal for your first try of Saigon street foods. These shopping experience must be valuable not only for the items you will find, but for the chance that you get to find out about Vietnamese culture. Among the sellers are Vietnamese coming from the South, North, East, and West of Vietnam. Practice your newly learnt Vietnamese phrases, ask a few questions about the city, about their hometown, or even attempt to flirt with the pretty girl from Ben Tre – We have some special Learn Vietnamese articles about these topics here. Another interesting thing at these markets is that most sellers do not have a sticker price for their goods, so feel free to strain your bargaining skills, maybe you will be lucky and get one with just half its price. Most markets are opened all day, closing at as late as 2 to 3 o’clock in the morning.

Address:

Ben Thanh market, Cong truong Quach Thi Trang, Ben Thanh, District 1

 Binh Tay market, 22 Tran Binh, W.2, District 6

Tan Dinh market, 48 Ma Lo, Tan Dinh, District 1

5. Visit Saigon’s Ancient Pagodas

There are more than 6 million people following Buddism in Vietnam, as a result, Vietnam’s pagodas have always been carefully taken care of. With their unique design and tranquil atmosphere, Saigon’s pagodas have always attracted many tourists as well as pilgrims seeking a gateway to Buddha. Vĩnh Nghiêm pagoda, Phổ Quang pagoda, and Pháp Hoa pagoda are some of the most popular destinations when it comes to religious attractions. These pagodas are magnificent combinations of traditional architecture, dignified yet tranquil atmosphere, and even peaceful nature. Gigantic statues and sculptures of mythical gods and Buddha give the place a unique atmosphere of peace and illusiveness.

Address: Vinh Nghiem pagoda, 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, W.7, District 3

  Pho Quang pagoda, 64 Huynh Lan Khanh, W.2, Tan Binh District

 Phap Hoa pagoda, 220/3 Le Van Sy, W.14, District 3

6. Experience Saigon’s Nightlife 

There’s no better party than a night out at Saigon’s most popular rooftop bars. Panoramic city view, excellent service, stylish ambiance, and a lively crowd are just a few things that you will find at the fanciest bars of the country. Sky bars, night markets, and street food alleys are some of the most popular destinations for foreigners as well as locals seeking a restful night watching the radiant city with a cold beer in hand, or maybe a thrilling dance to deep and tropical house tunes. Most bars provide you with a wide selection of beer, spirits, cocktails and wine, anything for your perfect night up in Saigon. To find out more other Nightlife activities, read our excellent Saigon Nightlife for first-timers here.

7. Have a Cruise Trip 

The winding flow of Saigon river has always been something all its citizens take pride in. A cruise trip along the flow of this river provides you with unique insights into the life of this city. It may be a crowded and busy metropolitan with skyscrapers reaching to the clouds, it is also home to many beautiful, breathtaking sceneries of the river in the middle of the bustling city. This service comes in a variety of choices, ranging from a mind-blowing canoe trip to a leisure cruise along the river; another option includes dinner on one of our most luxurious yachts.

Locations:

King Yacht, 2 Nguyen Thien Thuat, W.24, Binh Thanh District

Victoria Cruise, 100A Ung Van Khiem, W.25, Binh Thanh District

Tau Sai Gon, 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, W.12, District 4

8. Walk along Saigon’s Most Romantic Bridges and Avenues

Widely known as a bustling, crowded city, but Saigon, like all other cities, still has its romantic corners, ones reserved for a peaceful night walk, hand in hand with your most beloved ones. Anh Sao bridge, Mong bridge, Nguyen Hue street, just to name a few. Either a dimly lit space or a quiet, lonesome atmosphere, you can find almost anything in this amazing city. Saigon youth also enjoy a night out in one of the city’s most popular department stores; Diamond Plaza, Aeon Mall, are Bitexco tower are all considered iconic landmarks of the city. It is where you will find not only luxurious goods but also fancy dining and stylish ambiance. To find out more romantic getaways in Saigon, visit our previous article here.

9. Go to Saigon’s Amusement Parks

Suoi Tien, Dam Sen, Dam Sen waterpark, are some of the all-time favorites of Saigon citizens when it comes to entertainment. Hair-raising rollercoaster, frightening haunted houses, exhilarating waterpark – these places surely will match your standard of a perfect amusement park for the family. In addition, the parks are also occasional hosts of many music concerts as well as festivals of the year with the most well-known one: the Fruit festival held annually at Suoi Tien amusement park. Many celebrities would often give their performances here too. Visit Best 10 Amusement Parks in Saigon here.

9. Catch a Glimpse of Saigon’s Museums

Though Saigon’s museums are not considered world-class exhibitions, they still provide valuable insights into the city as well as the country’s history. War Remnants Museum, Museum of Vietnamese History, and Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts, just to name a few. These are exhibitions of ancient relics, haunting images of war, and even artworks from the King Generation. They offer a magnificent glimpse into the glorious yet tragic past of this urban city, a glimpse that anyone will regret to miss.

Address:

War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan, W.6, District 3

Museum of Vietnamese History, 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe, District 1

Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts, 97A Pho Duc Chinh, Nguyen Thai Binh, District 1

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