Gia Dinh Park

Before 1975, this place was the first golf course ever of Saigon. However, shortly after that, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee decided to transform the golf course into a park or to be exact, the biggest park of Saigon (with the total area is roughly 6 hectares.) It has almost everything you need: massive grass fields, giant trees, running paths for joggers, etc. Moreover, Gia Dinh Park has a giant playground for kids and a circus so getting your children here weekly (or daily if you have enough free time) is recommended. Also, along with Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, 23/9 Park, and Le Van Tam Park, this place organizes Spring Flower Festival every Tet Holiday. Don’t forget to check this out especially when you are in Saigon during Tet.

Opening Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
Address: Hoang Minh Giam, ward 9, Phu Nhuan district, HCMC.

Da Minh – Ba Chuong Catholic Church

The first brick of Da Minh Church was laid down approximately fifty years ago, which shaped one of the best church ever in Saigon. The church has an extraordinary design, possessing many smooth curves which are less likely to be seen in western churches. The bell tower standing near the front gate is probably the most attractive point. Although there are many churches that share the same characteristic, local residents still like to call this place “Three Bells Church”. You should visit this place when you have a chance to visit Saigon, not only because of the magnificent church itself but also of the massive number of surrounding street food stalls.

Address: #190 Le Van Sy, ward 10, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.
Website: http://gxdaminh.net/

Kênh Nhiêu Lộc - Thị Nghè

Trung Nguyên Coffee

Trung Nguyên is probably one of the best coffee brands in Vietnam. They use a variety of different coffee beans, including Robusta, Arabica, and Excelsa which may give you memorable drinking experiences. One little side note, do not drink strong coffee (almost all coffee choices here are strong ones) late in the evening unless you want to stay up all night long! With good coffee and good food, this small and cozy place is a perfect spot to shoot the breeze with your partners or your friends.

Opening hours: 06:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Prices: 30.000 VND – 100.000 VND / 1 person
Address: #44 Hoa Hong, ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.
Website: http://www.trungnguyen.com.vn/

The Coffee House

A small and cozy coffee shop with good view best suits for couples and small groups of friends. The menu has various choices for you even if you are not a coffee lover such as espresso, coffee, tea, cocktail, and smoothie.

Opening hours: 06:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Prices: 30.000 VND – 60.000 VND / 1 person
Address: #43 Hoa Hong, ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.
Website: http://thecoffeehouse.vn/pages/menu

Cộng Coffee

“Where do you go now when you are only fifteen?” Toward home, young lad! Being decorated with the pre-2000 North Vietnam style, Cong coffee shop takes you to a whole different but familiar world which is described as “A place to call home.” You should try their coconut coffee when you get here. It is brilliant.

Opening hours: 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Prices: 30.000 VND – 100.000 VND / 1 person
Address: #336 Truong Sa, ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CongCaphe/ 

Miền Đồng Thảo Coffee

Mien Dong Thao Coffee shop is an oasis of greenery in the midst of Saigon that you should not miss. The services, foods and drinks are just above average. However, they have a beautifully scenic garden. The place is often so crowded on the weekends. The other weekdays, feel free to come and retreat into this quiet hideaway.

Opening hours: 07:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Prices: 50.000 VND – 100.000 VND / 1 person
Address: # 221A Nguyen Trong Tuyen, ward 8, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CongCaphe/ 

Restaurants and street food stalls

Trần Khắc Chân Roundabout

Tran Khac Chan roundabout is a small heaven on Earth for all food lovers! You can get bún đậu mắm tôm, bánh tráng nướng, hot pot, and many different dishes just around a roundabout. However, things do not stop right there. Explore surrounding streets and alleys, you will find more and more surprises.

Address: Tran Khac Chan roundabout, ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.

The 8^th Alley (Ngõ 8) Lemon Tea & Freshwater crab Hot Pot

The 8^th Alley is a perfect location for you to explore the mysteries of Vietnam's traditional food. They have tasty and delicious dishes that I am sure they can please the most fastidious customers. For example, you can order one dish of grilled baby squid with Tamarind sauce, one grilled chicken leg and one big freshwater crab and beef shank hot pot for a group of three or four. I can already feel the crispness of the squid here. If I were you, I would not miss it.

Opening hours: 03:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Prices: 50.000 VND – 200.000 VND / 1 person
Address: #8 Cu Lao, ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.

Ba Ghiền Broken Rice

What does a small and a little dirty food stall lying on a small street have to offer? “You don’t need a silver fort to eat good food.” You will get it when you get here. Delicious broken rice served with crispy eggs, and tender, smoky, giant slices of pork. Tasty juices here are Pennywort and Annona juice. You are going to agree with me that this place is one of the best Cơm Tấm in Saigon.

Opening hours: 08:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Prices: 40.000 VND – 80.000 VND / 1 person
Address: #84 Dang Van Ngu, ward 10, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.

Năm Gia Crystal Noodles with Chicken

Crystal noodles with chicken slices, gizzard, liver, hearts, guts, ovary, and eggs (Miến Gà’s main ingredients) is one of the best dishes in Vietnam. The price here is cheap but the food quality and the service are outstanding. In addition, they can customize your own bowl as you wish so feel free to tell them what you want (have a look at their food display for more details.). For example, you can order a noodle bowl with soup or just a dry one. Extra eggs or just crystal noodles with chicken only. Before you start eating, there is just one more thing to note down, be careful because the bowl is hot!

Opening hours: 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Prices: 30.000 VND – 60.000 VND / 1 person
Address: #313 Phan Xich Long, ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.