* Address: The quarter 288 (Cư xá 288) Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 8, District 3

* Address: Alley 106 Binh Loi, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District

* Address: Alley 36 Nguyen Huy Tu, Da Kao Ward, District 1

   Alley 60 Le Thi Rieng Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

   Alley 153 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1

* Address: Alley 62, 64 Nguyen Khoai Street, District 4

* Address: Alley 70 Dong Khoi Street, District 1

Flower Alley

* Address: Alley 57, Ho Thi Ky Street, Ward 1, District 10

* Address: Alley 498 Le Quang Dinh Street, Ward 1, Go Vap District

* Address: Alley 96 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District

* Address: Alley 284 Le Van Sy Street, District 3

* Address: Alley 123 – 125 Chau Van Liem Street, Ward 14, District 5

* Address: Alley 200 Xom Chieu

* Address: Alley 14 Tran Binh Trong, District 5

* Address: Alley 206 Tran Hung Dao Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 5

#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

Lục Yên Jewel Market (Chợ đá quí Lục Yên)

Situated in Lục Yên town, Lục Yên jewel market is the only place that has the tradition of making jewel pictures in Vietnam. Tourists can not only admire the lovely jewel pictures but also learn about its making process. The market here is quite small and open to the public all week round, but Sunday sessions are the most crowded and liveliest. The locals run their business just by putting up some camps called “sạp” in Vietnamese and laying few tables on which hundreds of shining and colorful gemstones are displayed. Should you want to get one, it will cost about VND 100.000 or more, approximately $4.

Address: Lục Yên town, Lục Yên District, Yên Bái Province

Giàng Spring Village (Xã Suối Giàng)

Giàng Spring Village, praised as Sapa* of Yên Bái, is famous for thousand-year-old green tea forests, wild Mông* people’s hamlets and moderate climate. As it is only 200km from Hanoi, Suối Giàng Village will be an ideal choice for anyone who wanna get out of their daily busy city life.

Address: Văn Chấn town, Yên Bái province

Thác Bà Lake (Hồ Thác Bà)

Thác Bà Lake, belonging to Lục Yên and Yên Bình Districts, Yên Bái Province, is one of the three largest artificial lakes in Vietnam. It was formed along with the construction of Thác Bà hydroelectric factory in 1964, the very first hydroelectric factory of the country. With the area of 23.400ha, this lake consists of 1.331 small islands and dozens of caves such as Tiger Cave (hang Hùm), White Snake cave (Hang Bạch Xà), Cẩu Cuôi cave, etc.

For your information, Thác Bà Lake is a historical site as well. In 1285, Thu Vật battle against the Mongolian led by General Trần Nhật Duật occurred here, with the triumph for our land. At the uppermost part of the lake, there used to be the basement of Vietnamese army during the Resistance War against the French colonialists.

Address: Lục Yên and Yên Bình district, Yên Bái Province

Mường Lò valley (Thung lũng Mường Lò)

Mường Lò Valley, 800 kilometers to the West of Yên Bái city, is a fertile land with soft fields that are regarded as the second largest ones of the great charming Northwest. The valley is inhabited by twelve ethnic groups Thái, Mường, Kinh, Tày, Nùng, Mông*, etc and therefore given a multicultural society. When spring comes, you can admire the peaceful village scene in which Mông, Thái and Mường* women are working on the farm while their children are following their mothers to the fields. Everywhere seems to bath in the vibrant colour of crops, in the energetic atmosphere of the spring.

Address: Nghĩa Lộ town, Yên Bái Province.

Đông Cuông Temple (Đền Đông Cuông)

Đông Cuông Temple is an ancient temple which worships Mẫu Thượng Ngàn* along with some local ethnic minority generals who greatly served the country in the 13th century. It is therefore also called the Nation Guardian Temple. As time flies together with many reconstructions, the structure of Đông Cuông Temple now has curved roof featured 2 dragons admiring the Sun.

Moreover, on every first Cat day of New Year in the lunar calendar, our local citizens celebrate Đông Cuông Temple festival that attracts loads of tourists by many traditional and entertaining activities.

Address: Nội Bài - Lào Cai Highway, Đông Cuông, Văn Yên District, Yên Bái Province.

Căng and Nghĩa Lộ station historical sites (Di tích Căng và đồn Nghĩa Lộ )

This is the place where Vietnamese army liberated Văn Chấn town for the first time in 1945. The historical site includes a memorial monument, a victory statue and a headstone house commemorating those who died for our independence.

Address: Nghĩa Lộ town, Yên Bái Province.

Ngòi Tu hamlet (Bản Ngòi Tu)

Located 165 kilometers from Hanoi, to the Northwest of Vietnam, Ngòi Tu is inhabited by many minority groups, especially the Dao*. This destination not only attracts tourists by its convenient location with charming scenery but also its multicultural customs.

Address: Vũ Linh, Yên Bình town, Yên Bái Province.

Hang Gliding - Paragliding Festival

Other than observing the breathtaking beauty of crops in harvest season, tourists can also take part in a thrilling activity as coming to Mù Cang Chải during September and October, or sometimes in early April or May.

Taking place annually, Mù Cang Chải Hang Paragliding Festival - Paragliding has welcomed each year dozens of visitors who are keen on extreme games, or even those who simply aspire to challenge themselves. This activity is held on Khau Phạ mountain pass - the highest peak in the Northwest.  If you have never tried on the parachute before, don’t worry as there will be professional guides accompanying you. This is definitely an amazing experience so don’t miss it by checking out for more at: www.yenbai.gov.vn before starting your trip.

Khau Phạ Mountain Pass (Đèo Khau Phạ)

Khau Phạ Mountain Pass is one of the longest and most crooked roads in Vietnam, situated on Highway 32 with the length of more than 30km. It passes dozens of famous sights such as La Pa Tẩn, Tú Lệ, Chế Cu Nha, etc. At the height of 1200m-1500m above the sea level, Khau Phạ has cool climate all year round with 4 seasons in a single day: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. How amazing it is! This moutain pass is named after a feature of its own: Khau Phạ mountain pass is often covered in the mist that its peak seems to rise from the clouds when seen from far away, and in Thái people’s  - people in Vietnam's ethnic minority language in Vietnam (please don’t mistake this for Thai of Thailand), Khau Phạ means “ Sky horn” or “Sky gate”. If you ask me when is the best time to visit this place, the answer is anytime. But as the harvest season sets in in September or October, all the cereals are ripened, you can have a spectacular view from here but be careful as it is really dangerous to make way to the mountain pass’s peak.

Address: Mù Cang Chải District, Yên Bái Province

Tú Lệ Village (Xã Tú Lệ)

This is a valley of Văn Chấn town, Yên Bái city. Regarded as one of the most favorable destinations by tourists, Tú Lệ Village attracts people by its natural beauty with delightful crop fields. Moreover, when coming here, you can experience the fresh hot spring and even happen to catch the sight of Thái people taking shower by the springs, which is one of their traditional customs.

Address: Văn Chấn Town, Mù Cang Chải District, Yên Bái Province

Lìm Mông Hamlet (Bản Lìm Mông)

From Khau Phạ mountain pass, you will catch the sight of a tiny and "skinny" road that apparently stretches over the sky called Lìm Mông hamlet. Lìm Mông hamlet is a small village that hides itself in mist and clouds. To get here, you can just use small motorbikes for about 2/3 of the trip and then go on foot for the rest because of the rough, crooked, slippery uphill slopes which are a distinct character of Mù Cang Chải. The hamlet is also famous for the breathtaking scenery during crops harvesting season when all corners of Lìm Mông are dyed with the charming yellow of cereals.

Address: Cao Pạ Village, Mù Cang Chải District, Yên Bái Province

La Pán Tẩn Village( Xã La Pán Tẩn)

Thanks to Mông people’s picturesque stair-shaped fields, La Pán Tẩn, together with Dế Xu Phình, Chế Cu Nha, are the three villages regarded as Vietnam National Geographic Site in 2007. The locals here have put great efforts and passion for farm work, turning Mù Cang Chải- dry tree village into a fertile land and wonderful destination. Once coming here, you can visit Pú Nhu waterfall as well, which is about 10km to the west of Mù Cang Chải’s downtown. This waterfall derives from the watershed forest in Lào Cai and its drop is about 20m which is divided into levels.

Address: La Pán Tẩn Village: Mù Cang Chải District, Yên Bái Province

Pú Nhu waterfall: La Pán Tẩn Village, Mù Cang Chải District, Yên Bái Province

Ba Nhà Bridge( Cầu Ba Nhà)

This is a perfect spot to take photos and pretty convenient locality to travel as it is just approximately 10km from the centre of Mù Cang Chải. You can capture the lovely beauty of all stair-shaped fields in 3 villages mentioned above which are often called “The Golden Raspberries” by the locals from here. Come and feel the exotic scenery on your own!

Address: Highway 32, La Pán Tẩn Village, Mù Cang Chải District, Yên Bái Province

Thái Hamlet(Bản Thái)

Cross the bridge at the centre of Mù Cang Chải, take the left turn, go ahead for about 1km, you will reach Thái Hamlet. This is a small, peaceful village where you can experience all traditional Thái’s food, having shower with herbs, spending night in stilt house, or dancing around the campfire when night falls.

Address: Dế Xu Phình, Mù Cang Chải District, Yên Bái Province

Da Dia Reef (Ghềnh Dá Địa)

Da Dia Reef is also called the sea cliff of stone plates which is recognized as a Vietnam National Heritage Site. The reef stretches up to 200 kilometers along the seashore and contains 35000 uniformly structured hexagonal stones. Visitors can easily climb up to the top of this breathtakingly beautiful stone hill to capture the spectacular coastal scenery. With the blue sea water and jaw-dropping stone structure, Da Dia reef never fails to impress thousands of tourists every year.

This place has been considered one of the most tranquil destinations to relax and escape the city life. The sound of the ocean waves provides vacationers with a peaceful atmosphere with a spectacular scenic view of the sea.

Address: An Ninh Dong Commune, Tuy An District, Tuy Hoa city, Phu Yen Province, Vietnam.

Dai Lanh light house (Đại Lãnh)

Dai Lanh light house is situated in Mui Dien Cape, Phu Yen province. Built in 1890, this lighthouse is 26.5m high and capable of emitting signals of 27 nautical miles away. Inside the lighthouse is an 110-step stairway.

In order to reach the lighthouse, visitors have to walk about 1 km since the hill is inaccessible by cars and motorbikes. On the left side of the path, visitors will see Mon beach, which is one of the most pristine beaches in Phu Yen. They can enjoy the easy-blowing wind and listen to the peaceful sound of ocean waves. On the right side, visitors will see rocks that piled up uniformly and crystal-clear freshwater streams flowing into Mon Beach. Mui Dien Cape is the first place in Vietnam to catch the glorious glimpse of sunrise in the early morning. This place is definitely paradise for people who want to insulate from real life.

Visitors usually choose to stay at Mon beach for one or two nights. In addition to visiting the lighthouse, they can indulge in swimming in Mon beach, sightseeing the splendid scenic property, or eating such delicious and cheap dishes of seafood.

Address: Thon Vung Ro, xa Hoa Xuan Nam, huyen Dong Hoa, Phu Yen province.

Eglise de Mang Lang (Nhà Thờ Mằng Lăng)

Eglise de Mang Lang (or Mang Lang church) is located near Da Dia reef and can be reached by 10 minutes by cars. Mang Lang church was built 1892 by Joseph de La Cassagne. This church was covered in grey paint and the Gothic artistic style of the church has inspired many poets and artists. In addition, the first book printed national language written by Alexandre de Rhodes is put solemnly in a glass cabinet in this ancient church.

Having existed for over 120 years, Mang Lang church has preserved many important historical pieces of evidence and its glamor still shines throughout the history. The uniqueness of Mang Lang church attracts thousands of visitors every year and makes it one of the best destinations in Phu Yen.

Address: Thon Mang Lang ,Tuy Hoa city, Phu Yen.