THE HIDEOUT HOSTEL SAIGON

Located in the center of Ho Chi Minh city's backpacker area and touristy District 1, this hostel is perfect if you want to socialize with fellow travelers as it can be considered a party hostel. Many travelers' favorite activity here is to grab a few drinks with friends at the Hideout's rooftop bar or simply walk around and explore the bustling city as the hostel is located at walking distance to many popular sights in Saigon.

The hostel offers guests up to two free beers every night of their stay and travelers have praised the delicious free breakfast meals as well as varied food options. The dorms are clean, spacious and hold comfortable beds. If you want to stay in a place that reflects the busy and fast-paced vibe of Saigon, the Hideout is the hostel for you.

Address: #275 - #281 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (28) 383 891 47
Website: www.hideouthostels.asia/saigon

LONG HOSTEL

Long Hostel is well-known for their top quality service and a team of welcoming and useful staff who will ensure you have the best stay. It is located in the center of the backpacker district and lies a few steps away from  Bui Vien Street, famous for its lively nighttime activities and restaurants opened for tourists. The dormitory rooms are well maintained, clean and extremely affordable for its quality.

A decent breakfast with some variety is included and guests have two complimentary beers every night which serve as a great opportunity for socializing. This hostel would be perfect for solo travelers or small groups. The hostel lies on a rather quiet lane in the district so it is not as loud and bustling as a party hostel would be and all amenities, if needed, can be found nearby.

Address: #373/10 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (28) 383 601 84
Website: www.longguesthouse.hostel.com

DELLA BOUTIQUE HOSTEL

This modern and stylish hotel mixed with a hostel is great for backpackers looking for an ‘Instagram worthy’ location or some extra comfort as the rooms are very spacious with large, comfortable wooden beds. There are plenty of private storage space within the hostel as well as clean showers and included standard breakfast meals.

The hotel’s rooftop Zuma Bar is worth a try as you can enjoy an amazing view of Ho Chi Minh city while relaxing with friends or fellow travelers. It is located in the center of District 1 so it is very easy to get around to popular sights and around the accommodation, there are many great restaurants and shops to be explored. The slightly higher-end pricing is worth it due to the excellent room quality as well as convenient location and good service.

Address: #67 Ham Nghi Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (+84) 868578798
Website: www.dellahotel.com

SAIGON BACKPACKERS HOSTEL

Inclusive of free, delicious breakfast meals and a free city tour as well as a self-catering kitchen, Saigon Backpackers is a great budget hostel if you are looking for one of the cheapest beds in the city. Apart from being a bang for your buck, the hostel is suitable for travelers who are looking for less of a party-scene and more of a silent location that is good for relaxation and friends gathering.

The accommodation has a rooftop bar where you can relax away from the hectic atmosphere of the always bustling Saigon and meet new travelers. Travelers can surely have the most pleasant experience here in the clean and comfortable rooms while a team of caring and helpful staff will always be willing to assist if you need them. With a location in the city center which makes getting around extremely easy, Saigon Backpackers offer one of the best values in the city.

Address: #200 Cong Quynh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (28) 392 096 43
Website: https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Saigon-Backpackers-Hostel-Cong-Quynh/Ho-Chi-Minh/81613/

SIGOONG HOSTEL

Located a walking distance away from Ho Chi Minh city's backpacker district and the famous Ben Thanh Market, Sigoong Hostel offers an ideal getaway for both solo and group travelers. The hostel is run by a group of creative local designers who transformed an old 19th-century townhouse on a peaceful street into a functional, spacious and modern space which ensures the most comfortable and refreshing stay in Saigon.

A dull moment during your stay at this hostel is unlikely, as the facilities available consist of a ground-floor cocktail bar, an open rooftop space for relaxation as well as an open kitchen. Sigoong Hostel is also known for its friendly hospitality and well-equipped, comfortable rooms; it is one of travelers’ top picks for being such a bargain.

Address: #92 De Tham Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (28) 668 186 92
Website: https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Sigoong-Hostel/Ho-Chi-Minh/270321

PREI NOKOR HOSTEL

Aged 106 years old and built since 1912, this historic hostel is a breath of fresh air from the traditional hostels you would expect to see in Ho Chi Minh city. With an amazing location from being right opposite of Ben Thanh Market and at the heart of the city, this hostel is perfect for adventurous minds and travelers who favor convenience as anything you need can be found nearby; there are plenty of travel agencies close by as well as a bustling food market.

The hostel not only has comfortable beds with spacious and safe storage lockers, but also a front patio cafe where you can relax and immerse yourself into the lively spirit of Saigon. This location is also perfect if you enjoy night-time atmospheres, as it is located right next to a night market which opens at 6 pm every night.  Prei Nokor’s staff is also known for being extremely welcoming, and will not hesitate to help you have the most pleasant experience during your stay.

Address: #47 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone:  (28) 382 385 95
Website:  https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Prei-Nokor-Hostel/Ho-Chi-Minh/284186

THE COMMON ROOM PROJECT

Ideal for both group and solo travelers, the Common Room Project hostel is a hidden gem in the city center and radiates the most comforting and welcoming vibe upon arrival. The hostel is easily identifiable by a bright teal door at the entrance and a lush green oasis behind it which almost takes travelers into a different world from the metropolis outside. Combining comfort from hotels and the warm social atmosphere from hostels, the Common Room Project provides the perfect in-between which will help travelers have the most complete experience in Saigon.

Its facilities include modern, spacious rooms with European nuances, as well as a rooftop bar that offers cold beers, cocktails and a gorgeous sunset view in the evening. The Common Room Project is also partnered with experienced local tour guides who can take you around Saigon on motorbike tours which is one of the most recommended experiences when in Ho Chi Minh city.

Address: #80/8 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 3, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (+84) 901 399 819
Website: https://thecommonroomproject.net/about

PHAN ANH BACKPACKERS HOSTEL

This affordable budget lodging is situated in an alley off Pham Ngu Lao street and allows non-interference, peaceful relaxation and easy access to the lively backpackers’ street at the same time. Locating at the western side of Pham Ngu Lao, this hostel’s location is much quieter than other densely packed and loud alleys such as the famous Bui Vien street. The accommodation offers both private and dorm rooms, all adequately equipped with storage space and air conditioners as well as comfortable beds and shared bathrooms.

Despite the lack of a common space for socializing or relaxing, Phan Anh Hostel is definitely ideal for an on-a-budget holiday as such a bargain is difficult to find elsewhere. It also has a tasty breakfast selection and a group of friendly staff who are always helpful and willing to assist travelers. Although the area around the hostel is very peaceful, you can always find excitement and enjoy Saigon’s bustling night-life since Bui Vien street is only a few steps close by, where all kinds of bars, restaurants and shops can be found at a walking distance.

Address: #373/6 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (28) 392 092 35
Website: http://www.phananhbackpackershostel.com/vi/

TOWN HOUSE 23 SAIGON

This affordable accommodation is located on a quiet street off Calmette Street; it uses a modern, contemporary design in order to maximize the small building into a light, spacious space which is ideal for all travelers. Ran by three close friends who are passionate about helping travelers feel as comfortable as possible in a foreign country, your experience at this hostel will sure be a memorable one.

Both private and dorm rooms are available, fully equipped with safe storage spaces and comfortable linen beds. Private rooms also come with complimentary toiletries, hair dryers and desks which makes the affordable value even more of a great bargain. It is extremely easy to navigate and explore surrounding areas of Saigon, as it is located very close to central attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Street and the Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts Museum.

Address: #23 Dang Thi Nhu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone:  (+84) 903 740  24
Website: http://townhousesaigon.com/

LILY'S HOSTEL

Locating in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city and close by to famous tourist attractions such as Ben Thanh market, Saigon River, Notre Dame, Reunification War Museum and the Central Post Office, Lily's Hostel is a great budget accommodation for active travelers seeking for convenient and easy exploring around the lively city.  Its facilities include cozy and airy rooms which are modernly equipped with air conditioners, free Wi-Fi and hot water.

The hostel is run by a group of welcoming staff, who will always be willing to help such as by arranging cheap transportation or answering questions about the local areas. This small hostel is simple, quaint and peaceful. You can enjoy the tranquility at the hostel while being able to search for a party and night-time action nearby as Bui Vien street, coffee shops and busy streets are only a walking distance away.

Address: #35/5 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (28) 392 091 80
Website: http://lilys-hostel.ho-chi-minh-city-hotels.com/en/

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

Thuy Design House

Inspired by its owner’s background in art and a mission to empower femininity through the fabric, Thuy Design House is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to buy the most exotic, most beautiful, and most modern Ao Dai that Saigon has to offer. Walking into the shop is nothing short of walking through a fantastical wonderland, as you will be enchanted by the colorful patterns and meticulous designs that make each piece of a garment like a work of art on its own. If you want to bring the best-modernized versions of the traditional Ao Dai back home to impress family and friends, stopping by Thuy Design House is a must!

Address: 132 – 134 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: (+84) 28 3824 8343
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Metiseko

Upon arriving in Vietnam, Metiseko’s founders have been driven by a mission to create upscale and cosmopolitan quality clothing, accessories and homeware with a strong "Made in Vietnam" identity. From its base in Hoi An, Central Vietnam, the shop derives inspiration from Vietnamese traditions and landscapes to design some of the most exotic pieces of garments capturing the essence of Vietnam as well as giving it a certain Western twist. Every item found at Metiseko is produced with the environment in mind so the shop is definitely the place for people who are going green!

Address: 157 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: (+84) 8 3915 8825
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Authentique Home

Since its foundation in 1995, Authentique has dedicated itself to celebrating and upholding the fine crafts traditions of Vietnam. Home to three renowned workshops – Cam Kim carpentry, Cam Ha potteries, and Cam Giang textiles – and three pillars of production philosophy – refined design, handpicked materials, and masterly craftsmanship – Authentique Home offers the top quality ceramics and homeware. If you are a fan of tea ceremonies or just wanting some beautiful cups to impress your friends, don’t forget to visit Authentique Home when visiting Saigon!

Address: 113 Le Thanh Ton, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: (+84) 8 3822 8052
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Minh Phuong Lacquerware Gallery

If you are looking to see how lacquerware is made and buy some for your own, don’t forget to crash by Minh Phuong Lacquerware Gallery when visiting Saigon. Made with the artisans’ years of experience and extreme care, the products offered at this shop is among the best found in town, with all kinds of different styled items – from paintings to pottery, to silk products and many other home decor and accessories!

Address: 40 Phung Khac Khoan, Dakao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: (+84) 8 3824 7689
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Duy Tan – Saigon Artisan

Duy Tan - Saigon Artisan is the place to find an interesting selection of handcrafted Vietnamese Lacquerwares, Ceramics from the nation-reknown craftsmen village of Bac Trang or simply some quirky souvenirs to bring home with you. In addition to a wide range of tableware, jewelry made from interesting materials like buffalo horns, the shop also sells ceramics and bags made of recycled fabric. Most items sold here are made on site, so if you feel like making a small contribution to the local business community, don’t forget to grab some souvenirs!

Address: 84 Le Loi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: (+84) 8 3824 4860
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Henna Art by Kim

Among the items on our list, Henna Art by Kim is probably the most exotic place to get souvenirs, as you don’t leave with products inside your shopping bag, but on your own skin!  Widely used for thousands of years in Indian culture and many other countries like Arabia, North Africa and South East Asia along the old spice trade routes, Henna art conveys some of the most interesting stories and messages from the past. At Henna Art by Kim, the artist only does traditional henna designs using natural henna dye, so don’t worry about getting a tattoo as it can be later washed off!

Address: 66 Nguyen Ngoc Phuong, Ward 19, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: (+33) 6 21 16 47 70
Opening hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Cổ và Cũ (English: Old and Older)

A hidden gem located on the third floor of SC Vivo City shopping center in District 7, Old and Older enchants its customer with its anachronistic feel among the hustle and bustle of modern lifestyles in Saigon. Walking into the shop, you are likely to be greeted with an essence of Saigon in the 80’s and 90’s, which is a mix between Saigonese and Western vibes with its photographs, wooden music boxes, tabletop decorations, and various models depicting the old yet nostalgic lifestyle of the past. A visit to Old and Older is definitely worth your salt, so crash by whenever you are around the area!

Address: 3rd floor, SC Vivo City shoping center, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: (+84) 93 851 17 66
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saigon kitsch

A dark horse when it comes to the souvenirs business, Saigon kitsch builds its brand on the reproduction of propaganda items, with revolutionary motifs emblazoned on its coffee mugs, coasters, jigsaws, and T-shirts. The shop also offers uniquely designed laptop and tablet cover fashioned from recycled Vietnamese packing. However, since this cool shop is quite small, you might want to keep your eyes peeled in District 1 in order to find this hidden gem among an array of souvenir shops!

Address: 43 Ton That Thiep, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: (+84) 8 3821 8019
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tandoor

Situated in the center of all Saigon activities (a 30-second walk to Nguyen Hue walking street), you can tell Tandoor is as pricey as it is fancy. In return, you can expect top-notch food, friendly service, beautiful space, and a satisfying experience. Upon entering, we were greeted with possibly the nicest doorman in existence, smile always plastered across his face complimenting an overall cheery attitude that pumped me up before the exciting meal. The place is medium-sized and just compact enough that we could smell all the herbs and spices before even settling in my seat. At night, the restaurant is candle-lit, and candles romanticize everything ten folds. The food range is respectable, and the food itself is remarkable. Even the iced tea was premium, adorned with some mint leaves. A meal for two would fall around 500,000vnd, which is relatively expensive (but totally worth it), so consider Tandoor for some special occasion or maybe a date with whom you want to impress.

Add: 39 Ngo Duc Ke Street, Dist 1
Tel:+84 8 3930 4839
Web: http://tandoorvietnam.com
Working hours: 10:30–14:30, 17:00–23:00

Baba’s Kitchen

It is not absurd to state that food at Baba’s Kitchen is as authentic as it can get, especially when chefs and staffs here are all Indians (they are also friendly and likable). The place is small but clean and well-kept. However, it’s almost always packed, hence a little crowded at times. A good spin on this is that the food must be worth all the trouble, and it is! Butter Chicken is a must try and has put Baba’s Kitchen on many people’s favorite list, so drop by Baba’s, the unofficial ambassador of Indian food and see if it will make an appearance on your favorite list too.

Add: 164 Bùi Viện, District 1
Tel: 028 3838 6661
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Babas-Kitchen-168661249876554/
Working hours: 11:00 - 22h30

Ashoka

Ashoka is a multinational franchise as its owner has long set his heart on promoting and establishing a stand for Indian cuisine among others. For what it is worth, Ashoka is not far from completing its mission if not already. Dishes here are a nice introduction to Indian food that will keep people intrigued and coming as the flavor, although still retains the essence of Indian food, is nicely reduced and adjusted to fit the majority’s taste.

Add: 17/10 Le Thanh Ton Ben Nghe, District 1
Tel: 028 3823 1372
Web: http://ashokavietnam.com/story.htm
Working hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–22:30

Ganesh

Ganesh Restaurants have sprawled across not only HCMC but also other cities of Vietnam like Nha Trang, Hue, Hoi An, etc. so it is safe to say Ganesh food is tested and approved. The franchise is named after Lord Ganesha who, according to Hindu tradition, is a God of wisdom, success and good luck.

Add: 38 Hai Ba Trung, District 1.
Tel: 08 38234785 - 0966 478 767
Web: http://www.ganesh.vn
Working hours: 11:00 AM – 02:30 PM / 17:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Mumtaz

Yet another charming little diner located in the long famous backpacker street Bui Vien, Mumtaz is known for offering authentic Indian food at a bargain price. With 100,000vnd more or less, you will get access to an extensive menu of no fewer than 150 dishes. We suggest you eat chicken samosa.

Add: 226 Bui Vien, District 1
Tel: +84 8 3837 1767
Working hours: 10:00–23:00

Namaste

Not quite known in the business but for those who do, Namaste is easily a favorite for its outstanding flavors. Many Indian businessmen I know have praised Namaste’s dishes for their striking and very much appreciated resemblance to those of their hometown.

Add: 189 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
Tel: 028 6684 9786
Web: http://namasteindia.vn
Working hours: 10:30-23:00

Spice India

Spice India is a particular restaurant set right at the heart of Bui Vien so it is always activities-packed and fun. The diner is cozy and pleasingly decorated. Staffs are all Indians so rest assured that you are getting a real taste of Indian cuisine, creamy and spicy. A value for money!

Add: 1B Bui Vien, District 1
Tel: 028 6676 3784
Web: http://spiceindia.com.vn
Working hours: 10:00-23:00

Container Café

Recycling has never been a new concept, but a coffee house built with two containers with wooden and glass windows might be the first in the city. However, one problem with using containers is that they absorb too much heat on sunny days. After trials and errors, Mr. Giang - owner of the café had come up with the best insulation panels. The interior of the cafe is now fully cooled and ventilated, creating a comfortable place for guests. He even made tables and chairs from fragments like motorcycle wheel rims, tires, and tanks, engine cylinder or vintage cameras, turning the café into an outrageous yet attractive place. 'Scrap materials will worsen the environment. Then why don't we use them to make an eco-friendly hang-out?', said Giang.

Address: #138 No.1 Street, Trung Son residential area, Binh Chanh District
Opening time: 8:00am - 9:00pm (Everyday)
Price range: 20,000 - 60,000 VND

The Other Person 

Originated from Akihabara and have become one of Japan’s popular culture icon, Maid Cafes are themed cafe shops with waitresses dressed as maids treating customers as if they are kings or masters. For those who are interested in Japanese culture, The Other Person is a must-visit. Located in a small apartment block on Ton That Dam St, this is one of the first coffee houses with the ‘maid’ concept in Saigon. The café has a ‘kawaii’ setting, with TVs always screening Japanese animes and a pink piano matching with its surrounding for those who wish to show their musical talents or just simply play for fun. Interestingly, they also organize periodical cosplay shows. Still, one minus point of this coffee house is that due to its small size and tricky location, finding the place can be quite challenging.

Address: #14 Ton That Dam Street, District 1
Price range: 30,000 - 60,000VND

The Workshop

Lied in a small alley of a central street, though you have to walk up a few flights of stairs to reach the place, it rewards with a great view of Saigon and exceptional cups of coffee. The Workshop is flawlessly bedecked in a rustic industrial design with high ceilings and a central open coffee brewing stand where customers are invited to watch how their espresso is processed. And guess what, they even feature an artisan coffee roaster in-store. How cool is that!

The baristas not only excel at espresso but also many other coffee making techniques such as cold brew, cold drip and immersion methods like Syphon, V60, Kone, Chemex or Kalita Wave. With an impressively extensive menu of Vietnamese/Western beans and styles, they never fail to enamor customers who eventually become regulars and some even praised The Workshop as the best place to enjoy the ‘art of coffee’ in town.

In addition, the coffee house offers some great food choice (including vegetarian pasta) in case you are looking for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. Some finger food and snacks are also available dining options. And if you are interested, they sell some coffee making tools, cups, and several pretty nice local artists work hung up on the walls.

That being said, the limited seating might turn some coffee seekers off and those stools can be a bit uncomfortable if you sit for too long.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/the.workshop.coffee/
Address: #27 Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1 / 2nd floor|
Tel: (+84) 28 3824 6801
Opening time: 8:00am - 9:00pm (Everyday)
Price range: 60,000 - 90,000VND

Du Mien Garden

Despite situated quite far from the city center, Du Mien Coffee is still extremely famous for its extraordinary design. Taking advantage of the banyan trees that are hundreds of years old, the owner has beautified the café with unique nest-shaped wooden houses offering shades for those who fancy certain serenity and intimacy. But should you want to mix yourself with nature, then green grassland, beautiful blooming flowers, a crystal blue lake, and balconies in many different altitudes will definitely not disappoint you. As one of the biggest coffee houses in HCMC with an area of around 6000m2, there seems to be no sense of loss or imprisonment sipping a cup of coffee here and sudden inspirations can always spark off in seconds. Therefore, it is worth noticing that there might be no seat available on weekends considering that the drinks on the menu are quite cheap.

Address: #7 Phan Van Tri Street, Ward 10, Go Vap District
Opening hours: 7:00am - 11:00pm (Everyday)
Price range: 30,000 - 100,000VND

Hard Rock

Hard Rock is an American coffee house and must-go destination for rock lovers, located in the most crowded area of Saigon - the upscale shopping and entertainment complex MPlaza Le Duan (formerly known as Kumho Asiana Plaza) which is within minutes from the city’s prominent landmarks such as City Post, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Reunification Palace. It occupies 2 stories with a bar on the lower and a restaurant/gift shop on the higher floor. At Hard Rock, you can find pieces of clothes, instruments or other memorabilia belonging to many of the most legendary rockers and contemporary artists in the history of rock. There are live rock sessions every night and many tribute nights with no additional charge. Although pricier than other rivals, there is no doubt about the quality of the food and beverages here. Parking is also free if you stay there less than 4 hours.

Address: #39 Le Duan Street, District 1
Tel: (+84) 28 6291 7595
Opening hours: 11:00am - 12:00am (Everyday)
Price range: 30,000 - 90,000VND

The Lab 

  “Don’t drink anything in a lab, unless you’re at The Lab”
Located in a small quiet alley on Nguyen Chi Thanh St, The Lab seems to be distinct from the fast pace of life around the area. Resembling a chemistry laboratory filled with colorful, effervescent, smoke-filled test instruments and tube racks, The Lab mixes science with refreshment and is proving a magnet for young people interested in creativity, science, and unique drinks. Apart from the normal drinks, The Lab also has its signature drinks such as The Lab smoothie or The Lab cocktail, all are served in glass beakers or jars and put on medical trays. With its familiar customers, The Lab is not just any ordinary lab but a lab for new ideas - ideas that need to be tested and turned into reality, which is also their aim through the open-end message "Formula for life?". If you want to find peace after busy working days then The Lab is the place for you.

Address: #47 Pham Huu Chi Street, Ward 12, District 5
Opening hours: 8:00am - 10:00pm (Everyday)
Price range: 30,000 - 60,000VND

Toilet Café

Toilet cafés is not a new concept in Asian countries, but it is new in Vietnam as the first one just came to Vietnam 2 or 3 years ago. Customers sit on toilets and eat from bathtubs and drinks from toilet-shaped cups. The café space is laid out with many toilet seats and even the staircases look like those of a toilet. It may be unimaginable someone would come to a place like this and relish beverages but still, hundreds of customers still go to the Toilet Kingdom café every day for its coziness and reasonable prices.

 

Address: #29 D2 Street, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District
Opening hours: 8:00am - 10:00pm (Everyday)
Price range: 30,000 - 60,000VND

Kujuz 

Located on a small street of Saigon, what makes Kujuz so special is that it has walls made up of a plethora amount of old windows and doors. The quiet space inside this coffee house makes it an ideal place to relax or have some good read. It costs 50,000VND for a glass of drink but if you pay 100,000VND, you can have as many as you want and you can even leave and return within a day. Here, you can also make your own drink with the guidance of the staff.

Address: #35 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm (Everyday)
Price range: 60,000 - 90,000VND

Hoài Niệm

“A small place where we brothers and sisters sit together – tell some stories, have some good laugh and give each other memories that will last a lifetime” is what this coffee house on Tran Van Dang St strives for. Although it is not spacious, it’s a perfect place to sit together and recall all the old memories. When you go to Hoai Niem, you will get the feeling as if you’re in the 70s. You can even have a new haircut here if you’ve booked your reservations.

Address: #239/50 Tran Van Dang Street, Ward 11, District 3
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 10:30 pm (Monday to Saturday)
Price range: 15,000 - 40,000VND

Darkroom

Come here, sit on an old wooden chair, look at an old flower pot is a real pleasure after the busy lifestyle in HCMC. Darkroom is decorated with old familiar objects, such as vintage film cameras or film rolls which brings a sense of peace and nostalgia vibe. Coming to this place, you can find some nice talks with many film cameras enthusiasts since this is one of the last two places that scan film in modern Saigon.

Website: https://darkroom.vn/
Address: #30/1F Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District
Tel: (+84) 98 747 96 95
Opening hours: 7:30am - 10:00pm (Everyday)
Price range: 20,000 - 50,000VND

Doa Sen Vang (Golden Lotus)

On your destined vegetarian days, you can always count on Doa Sen Vang to find a cozy place to comfortably relax after exhaustive hours at work.

The choices offered are incredible. Not just traditionally confined to only plants and fruits, more sophisticatedly designed and appealing dishes such as “Roasted Mushrooms in Foil” and “Fruit Spring-roll”. Especially, Thai food is also on the menu under the representation of Thai Hotpot or Hu Tiu Xao ( Fried Rice Noodle).

Address: 253/8 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, Phường 10, Phú Nhuận, Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: 096 757 70 17

Nha Hang Chay Ba La (Three Leaves)

Impressing visitors even before they set foot inside the restaurant with his strong resemblance to an authentic bucolic leaf tent in a remote Vietnamese countryside. Wooden fences and rattan baskets from the outside complements perfectly bamboo chairs inside the premises.
Diners have the freedom to choose from a diverse menu. The most recommended dish is Goi Ngo Sen (Lotus Roll) in which sweetness, sourness, and spiciness converge, creating an unforgettable dining experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Address: 32A Cao Bá Nhạ, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Website: 3lachay.com
Phone: +84 28 6683 0303

ROU

If you want more from just “not eating products related to animals”, ROU can satisfy your need. With its wide selection of dishes from various countries, diners are able to feast upon Thai Papaya Mix, Hong Kong fried rice, Singapore fried vermicelli as well as the restaurant’s proud specialty such as ROU spring rolls, ROU rice, ROU soup. Each dish is decorated meticulously by the passion of the staff, which certainly improves anyone’s eating away.

Address: 37B Cô Bắc, Quận 1, Cầu Ông Lãnh, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Phone: +84 862761613

Here&Now

Designed in an antique fashion, Here&Now stands out for its peacefulness atmosphere pervasive the place. Vietnamese and Thai vegetarian dishes at Here&Now are among the best in Ho Chi Minh City. The most featured is Thai Fried Hu Tiu, which is both sweet and spicy and famous for the large and chewy noodle strips. There is just a little minus in the overall experience is that there is no parking space. But don’t worry much, you can ask to park in the nearby pagoda!

Address: 89 E Nguyễn Công Hoan, phường 7, Phú Nhuận, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 6292 6669

BioGarten

The fusion of modernity and tradition renders BioGarten an elegant treat. Greenery helps createto create the feeling of well-ventilation while the lake is creatively structured to embellish the architecture. Additionally, the restaurant dishes are highly recommended so don’t hesitate and drop by! One more little tip is that downstairs, there is a vegetarian supplies supermarket so you can even buy some ingredients to go home and make your own version!

Address: 155a Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Website: biogartenrestaurant.vn
Phone: +84 90 680 31 89

Mandala

Whether you are in search of Tibet cultural space or unique vegetarian dining experiences, Mandala will always be your top option. Ranging from the distinctively furnished premises to the beautiful distinct dishes that only Mandala can offer, diners will not be able to find the same taste anywhere else.

Address: 110 Sương Nguyệt Ánh, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3925 0689

Veggie Saigon - Restaurant and Cafe

Dishes are carefully cooked and colorfully presented so when the dishes are ready, diners often wonder if they are looking at a work of art by the chef.

Address: 92B Lê Lai, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Website: veggiesaigon.com
Phone: +84 96 810 77 88

Phu Truc

Located in a relatively tranquil area in district 10, such peacefulness is conducive to a vegetarian dining experience. The food is well-regarded and the service is satisfactory. Private rooms are available for events. However, the biggest plus for Phu Truc is the affordable price!

Address: 42 Trần Minh Quyền, Phường 10, Quận 10, Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: +84 868 614 245

Phuong Mai

Phuong Mai Restaurant is renowned for its authentic bucolic vegetarian Vietnamese dishes that are presented endearingly natural with natural tones of color, creating an irresistible charm. Besides, Phuong May restaurant also offers the option of a combo to try out more dishes while staying affordable. Another huge tip is that if you reserve via TableNow, breakfast combo is reduced from 65000 VND to 38 000 VND!

Address: 86F Võ Thị Sáu, Tân Định, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Website: phuongmaichay.com
Phone: +84 88 833 92 57

Sen (Lotus)

Sen Restaurant is well-known for its lotus rice, lotus soup, and caramelized look-like-pork and eggs. Its price range from 30 000 to 150 000 per dish.

Address: 171 Nguyễn Thái Học, P. Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh

76 Hai Ba Trung district 1

Located in the heart of district 1, this alley mainly serves students and office workers. There is a good variety to choose from at relatively reasonable prices. With 10000 - 15000 VND anyone can get a portion of noodles, meat/ fish balls, soup. However, the low cost doesn’t define the quality of food, which can be compared to that of any indoor food stall. Moreover, the sellers are very friendly and helpful if you’re not familiar with Saigon streets. The cheap, tasty and eye-catching food here accounts for their getting sold out within 3 hours every day (3-6pm).

Video edited by Son Nguyen & shot by Chi Le

After getting enough energy, pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh city Municipal theatre, which is only a few minutes away on foot to the south.

Ho Ba Kien, district 10

This one is much younger than the first, having been discovered for no longer than a few months. Teenagers and university students often gather here since the price is generally cheap, each dish costing no more than 20000 VND. Most famous here is the seafood stall and some Vietnamese specialties such as banh nam and banh bot loc.

177 Ly Tu Trong, District 1

Here customers are offered the special dessert after the main course: fruit. A combination of pineapple, strawberry, watermelon, etc is served in bowls with cups of yogurt. This cannot fail to quench the thirst of tourists made exhausted by the scorching heat of Saigon noon.

After a good rest, continue your visit to nearby attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the city post office or the Tran Dai Nghia High school for the Gifted.

14 Tran Binh Trong, District 5

Another checkpoint for anyone who loves sweet food. Located in the so-called Chinatown of Saigon, this alley leads to an old apartment block, which makes it easier to find. Jelly and flan cakes are the most popular dishes, with a variety of flavors to choose: cheese, coconut, etc. In case you want something for the main course, try fried dough next door. A meal here can be nothing but a bargain, since prices are no more than 2500 VND for desserts and 15000 for fried dough.

Since this alley is in the Chinatown, take your time to discover one of the most important parts of Saigonese culture by visiting Cho Lon, Thien Hau pagoda, and various other sites.

51 Cao Thang, District 3

Not so far from the Ban Co Market, this alley is best known for the 70-year-old porridge stall named “Tieu”. One difference, however, is the high price 65000 VND per portion. The ingredients used, including heart, kidney, meat and even mushroom, may result in the unreasonable price compared to other stalls. Or else, try the mouth-watering girdle cake made on the spot. Also on offer are noodles, balut fried with tamarind, fish balls, dim sum, ravioli soup, crab soup, etc. for about 15000 VND. Last but not least, have a go at the cocktails, on the menu at most stalls.

284 Le Van Sy, District 3

Another place all too familiar with students and workers in district 3, this is a haven for all fans of Vietnamese noodles- “bun”- as well as tourists interested in Hue food culture: banh nam, banh beo, banh uot, banh loc, etc. Enjoy your meal for no more than 20000 VND. There’s a parking lot nearby in case you get there by motorbike, right in front of the kindergarten. Young Saigonese often hold small gatherings here at night, which makes this time of the day the most exciting and suitable for a visit.

Nam Ky Khoi Nghia highschool, District 11

Located on Nguyen Thi Nho street, which is also famous as a dining area, this alley is right next to the Nam Ky Khoi Nghia highschool. As a result, its students are the most usual customers. Besides the dishes mentioned above, milk tea- an addictive drink too familiar with Vietnamese teens- can be found. Most popular here is the popiah cart, known to be not only the cheapest throughout Saigon but also one with the highest quality. For seafood enthusiast, snails and fish are a must-try.

Food alleys are one irreplaceable piece of Saigonese culture and have never lost their appeal towards tourists as well as locals, and above are some of the most popular places to explore this aspect of the city. Hungry after reading all these illustrations yet? Get up and give them a try yourself!

Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon

Address: 01 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Phone: 028 3822 0477
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m – 18:00 p.m

This attraction is arguably a representative of the religious influence the French have made on Vietnam during their invasion. The cathedral was built to offer French soldiers a place for performing rituals. Built with bricks, glass and various other materials brought from France, this building has proved durable and has called for little reconstruction since its completion in 1880. Its design was chosen from 18 propositions. The architect J. Bourad was chosen for his style, a mixture of neo-Roman and Gothic. Nowadays, Notre Dame cathedral is considered a must-visit by tourists from domestic and abroad as well. Furthermore, as it is located in the heart of Saigon, the Cathedral is an ideal starting point for a Sai Gon tour. Moreover, the Vincom shopping center and Parkson mall are only a few minutes away on foot, while other attractions such as the Saigon Central post office are nearby, so the Cathedral is a perfect start for a journey around Saigon.

Once inside, the view is even more spectacular. There are 6 columns on each side, which represent the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. Behind them are over 20 altars with small statues of the saints. The main altar is made of pure jade, with carvings of the angels underneath. The wall is decorated with 56 colored glass windows depicting characters and stories in the Bible.

As the biggest one in Saigon, Notre Dame Cathedral can house 1200 people at most.

Saigon Central Post Office

Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, District 1
Contact: 028 3822 1677
Opening hours: 7:00 a.m -7:00 p.m (Mon-Fri), 8:00 a.m-6:00p.m (weekend)

Outdated as handwritten letters are, they still mean a lot to Saigonese, particularly those over 50. The post office was built by the French in 1860. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, father of the Eiffel Tower, the building instills a feeling of nostalgia in all people who lived through the 20th century. Nowadays, it often acts as a reminder of those days and a perfect background for tourists. However, the busy, energetic atmosphere was preserved. Features such as the information desk can still be found where they were in the previous century.

The main hall consists of a dome-shaped roof and is consistently crowded with travelers as well as small business people. The whole weight of the r ơf is supported with 4 columns only, which allow for more space and apply with ask.What’s more, you can find two big-scale maps of Saigon in 1972 and telephone lines all over Vietnam in 1936. The whole weight of the roof is supported by four columns in the corners

The 38 working desks are ready to answer questions on delivering mails and posts. On the left side, tourists can have a glance at the time-honored phone booths. Also, remember to check out the lovely handmade souvenirs in the remotest areas in the Post Office.

Tran Dai Nghia High school for the Gifted

 Address: 20 Ly Tu Trong  Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

The French also built educational facilities in Saigon. Initially used as a monastery named “Lasan Taberd”, the building was later used for educational purposes. The school consists of four blocks, from A to D, the last one remaining the same and unchanged throughout the years. There are two playgrounds, both with a lot of trees and space for numerous activities. The yellow-painted walls are mostly kept original, while some sections such as the building on the right of the entrance were installed to fit the enormous number of students of roughly 5000. The school is another building that has stood the test of time without calling for too much reconstruction, which illustrates the durability of French materials.

Founded in 1875 by Father Henri De Kerlan, Lasan Taberd was first used to house abandoned children. The old blocks were constructed under the provision of Father Mossard. In 1949, it had 1200 students. In 1975, the school was then transferred to the city’s department of education.

As the entry is restricted to students, parents and school members only, visitors should come during the summer to witness another archetype of French architecture in Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theatre

Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Contact: 0286270 4450

Without previous knowledge of the place, anyone can mistake Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theatre (Saigon Opera House) place with an opera house in Paris because of its Gothic style. All materials were transported by plane from France and all external and internal features were designed by French architects as well. The high-quality sound and lighting systems provide 1800 viewers with spectacular performances, ranging from plays to Vietnamese cai luong and live shows of modern music.

Constructed in 1900 by the three architects Felix Olivier, Ernest Guichard and Eugene Ferret, the theatre bears striking similarities with its Parisian counterpart Petit Palais. However, many external features were removed in 1943 due to criticism of their being unnecessary and showy between the two world wars. Some of them were later restored, for example, the two statues of Venus on the entrance. This change was made in the event of the city’s 300th birthday in 1998.

Tourists can purchase a ticket for a performance at the ticket counter right next to the building to enjoy professional shows. After that, enjoy your night at other attractions nearby such as the Cathedral, the Reunification Palace or simply wander through the main streets.

Ben Thanh Market

Address: Le Loi Street, District 1
Opening hours: 7:00 a.m- 10:00 p.m

Undoubtedly, this market must be mentioned, since it is the city’s icon. No matter how many luxurious supermarkets you’ve been to, Asian market like Ben Thanh is a must-try. There’s a wide variety to offer: food stalls serving portions made on the spot, vendors selling hand-made souvenirs,  handicrafts, grocery, clothe shop, etc. Vietnamese specialties such as banh xeo, banh cuon, banh beo, cha gio, hu tiu, and when the night comes it is much more exciting. Although most of the stalls inside are closed, sidewalk restaurants are open and attract flows of tourists. The lights, the crowdedness, the noises, the sound of customers bargaining, and so on all contribute to the liveliness of Ben Thanh market. However, if you mind being slightly overcharged, visiting the market early in the morning is suitable, for the sellers believe easy transactions bring about good luck for the whole day. One problem is the presence of pickpockets, so pay attention to your belongings, or better not bring anything valuable or important to the market.

What's interesting is that the French built the market on the grounds of a destroyed riverside market in 1870 and named it Les Halles Centrales, before changing to Ben Thanh in 1912. This attraction has witnessed many ups and downs of the 300-year-old city of Saigon, which makes the market its symbol in most travel guides and publications.

Reunification Palace

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Contact: 028 3822 3652
Opening hours: 7:30-11:00 a.m, 13:00-16:00 p.m

This palace is of much more historical significance as it marks the independence of Vietnam from both France and the U.S.A. Constructed from 1868-1871 by the French colonizers, this building was used for housing many powerful officials of the colonial government since 1955. During his stay, the Palace witnessed various political fluctuations, including public protests and even bombing, after which the left side of the site was totally destroyed. former President Diem then ordered the reconstruction of the Palace, but could not stay for a single day in his new house for a single day before his demise in 1963. As a result, Nguyen Van Thieu, the second president, became the new owner for the following 12 years. On 30/4/1975, two tanks crashed into the main gate and the exit of the Palace, forcing Nguyen Van Thieu and all members of his Cabinet to surrender. This moment went down in history as one of the greatest and most memorable days of our nation, putting a full stop to the colonization of the Americans.

With an area of 12000 square meters, two third of which is filled with trees, the site’s design bears some resemblance to that of the White House. The site is open for visits on a daily basis, and public holidays are no exception. Tourists can discover the two wars of Vietnam in the 20th centuries through illustrated images and artifacts.

Hotel Majestic Saigon

Address: 1 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Contact: 028 3829 5517

Feel tired yet? Maybe it’s time for a comfortable night in the Hotel Majestic Saigon. Built in 1925, the hotel underwent various extensions and turned into a six-storey five-star masterpiece overlooking the Sai Gon River. The fact that this building is already over 90 years old may surprise any tourists, for the luxurious design, the gold adornments, and individual balconies can be mistaken with a classic European hotel. It comprises 175 rooms ( 76 Superiors with a view of the city, 38 Deluxe Pool View and 32 Deluxe River View, 20 Junior Suite and 9 Majestic Suite). Any nostalgic traveller will enjoy the classic decoration inside the rooms. High-quality service provided by professional hoteliers is at your disposal. On the top floor is the Prima Hall- which has a capacity of 250 people for big events and meetings. Right next door is the Blue Saloon A&B, which suits small gatherings perfectly. In case you’re a bit hungry, what the Serenade Restaurant has on its menu definitely will whet your appetite.

The hotel was built by one of the richest men in Saigon- Gia Dinh back then- a man named Hui Bon Hoa, who has his roots in China. Aside from Hotel Majestic, he also patronized the construction of various other buildings, including the Museum of Fine Art, Tu Du hospital, Binh Tay Market, etc. These contributed greatly to the new images of Saigon in the early 1900s.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

Address: 97A Pho Duc Chinh Nguyen Thai Binh, District 1
Contact: 028 3829 4441
Opening hours: 8:00 am- 6:00 pm

The museum is set inside a French colonial villa. The first floor exhibits pieces of contemporary arts, while a variety of sketches and pictures depicting the Vietnamese’s resistance against the colonizers can be found on the second floor. Moreover, artifacts from other cultures that made their mark in Vietnamese history, namely Khmer, Cham and India. These are between 1400 and 400 years old. Also noteworthy is the pieces of “combat art”, whose artists experienced battles in real life and reflected what they had witnessed on battlegrounds.

The Museum has encountered numerous obstacles during and after construction, most of which are the all-common problems of museums such as inadequate funding, inefficient and unprofessional staff due to lack of training. In recent years, however, the museum shows big improvements in the diversity as well as the quality of artifacts on demonstration.

This is another building by Hui Bon Hoa, the Chinese-born businessman and also designed by the same French architect as the Hotel Majestic. Near the entrance, visitors cannot fail to notice the wrought iron scroll word “HBH”. Originally used as an office and a house for the owner’s family, the buildings of the museum fell into the hands of the Communist government in 1975 after falling into disuse for approximately 5 years.

Phuong Nam - the 35-million-dollar house

Address: 110-112 Vo Van Tan, District 3

That’s nearly 770 billion VND! With materials brought from Europe, mainly France, this house was constructed in the early 1900s and remains largely undamaged after over a century. Facing 3 of the most crowded streets in the downtown area - Vo Van Tan, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan and Nguyen Thi Dieu, Phuong Nam is expensive not only for the luxurious French style but also its “golden” location. The outside is a mixture of Western architecture and Eastern style while the interior is furnished with luxurious antiques. The house consists of two floors with dozens of large windows to enjoy the view of the city center.

Considered one of the most spectacular and time-honored buildings in Saigon, this house took over a decade to find a suitable and wealthy enough buyer before being purchased at the aforementioned price. The new owner, however, wished to remain anonymous. Rumour has it that the house was bought by a foreign corporation. One concern expressed by the previous owners, Mrs. Dang Kim Chi and Mrs. Nguyen Kim Sa Dang was that the new owner may use the house for economic purposes or may even pull it down, which is a great loss for the whole city. However, to date no damage or change has been made yet. Visitors can look around the outside of Phuong Nam for a small charge. The inside, however, is still a bit of a mystery because entry is not allowed.

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee

Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe ward, District 1
Contact: 838296052

It’s pretty easy to guess when the building was constructed, as the Gothic style is clearly expressed. Designed based on the concept of a bell tower by the French architect Femand Gardes, its construction took more than a decade, from 1897 to 1909. It’s also a mixture between Renaissance  French and Italian style.

Initially named Hootel de Ville by the French, the site was turned into the people’s committee of our city after 30/4/1975 when Vietnam was officially independent and united. The building has witnessed many political events such as the protests in 1937 and 1950 when workers demanded for jobs and higher wages and various meetings

The building is symmetric, with the bell tower as the base line and our nation’s flag on its top. Furthermore, a carving of a woman and two children fighting a lot of carnivores. Right in front of the building is a statue of Uncle Ho, our beloved leader. At night, especially on during we ekends and holidays, hundreds of Saigonese would go skating, dancing or simply walking in the special area for entertainment in front of the committee. Also at this time of the day, the beauty of the building is completely revealed. One drawback of this site, however, is that entry is restricted to officials, so you won’t be able to discover the interior.