23 Things To Do In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City): Top Attractions!

By Mark Wiens 190 Comments
things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City (known better as Saigon) is packed with attractions!

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Are you ready for some action?

Saigon (also officially known as Ho Chi Minh City or locally in Vietnamese as Sài Gòn) is Vietnam’s most booming up and coming city, a places where the action never stops.

In this post I’m going to go over 23 of what I think are the top things you can do and see when you’re in Saigon.

Get ready to dodge motorbikes, navigate through market alleys, inhale some incense smoke at temples, and squat on the sidewalk while slurping down bowls of hot noodles.

But first, let’s begin with a little bit of useful information…

were to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
First, where is the best place to stay when you’re in Ho Chi Minh City?

Where to stay in Saigon?

While I was in Saigon, I walked around some of the most popular areas to stay, and here’s some information about some of the top choices:

Dong Khoi: Upscale options

Many of the large 5 star hotels are located in the Dong Khoi area of Ho Chi Minh City – it’s known as being one of the most prestigious areas of the city.

You’ll find hotels like the classic Hotel Majestic Saigon and the famous Continental Hotel Saigon, located adjacent to the Opera House.

If you’re looking to stay in a fancy five star hotel, surrounded by French colonial architecture and lush cafes, Dong Khoi is one of the best areas to base yourself during your stay.

motorbikes in Vietnam
Motorbikes don’t ever stop in Saigon

Pham Ngu Lao (District 1)

Sort of like Bangkok’s Khao San road, the area of Pham Ngu Lao, and also Bui Vien Street, is the most famous budget backpacker district of Ho Chi Minh City.

There are dozens of hotels, guest houses, and hostels along these two streets, ranging from very budget to mid-range, and I even noticed a few (sort of out of place) higher end hotels on Bui Vien Street as well.

Since this area is dominated by foreign backpackers and travelers, Pham Ngu Lao is also a big party nightlife area, and among the hostels are numerous bars, nightclubs, and massage parlors.

If you want to be right in the thick of the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, with plenty of restaurants (many international restaurants) and nightlife options, and just a short walk from the famous Ben Thanh Market, Pham Ngu Lao is a good area to look for accommodation.

things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
In the neighborhood of Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market area

Just a short walk across the park from Pham Ngu Lao is the most well known central area of Ho Chi Minh City, the area that surrounds the landmark Ben Thanh Market.

There are plenty of hotel options in the streets surrounding the market, and this is the area where many tour groups stay.

Many of the hotels around Ben Thanh Market are mid range to upper level, but the location is extremely central and there are plenty of attractions and things to do in the area.

I’d say the Ben Thanh Market area is one of the best places to base yourself.

Where did I stay?

I stayed on Pham Ngu Lao for a few days, but then I transferred to LeBlanc Saigon Hotel, a family run guest house in a local friendly neighborhood just north of Tao Dan Park.

It’s out of the main touristy area, so it’s more of a local experience, but the hotel is very nice, family run, and the Vietnamese food in the area is fantastic. I would highly recommend it.

safety tips for Saigon
Saigon is a busy, but very friendly city

A Few Tips on Safety

You may read some stories of theft and snatching in Ho Chi Minh City.

And just like any fast and busy city, there’s always going to be a risk of carrying belongings with you. One of the main safety concerns in Ho Chi Minh City are thieves swiftly swinging by on motorbikes and grabbing bags or mobile phones or cameras, right out of your hand.

Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk:

However, just to reassure you, many of the people in Saigon are extremely friendly and very kind.

When I was eating street food and walking around Saigon, I was greeted by dozens of friendly people. So don’t be too uptight, enjoy and experience as much as you can, but do take some precautions as mentioned above.

Transportation in Ho Chi Minh City
Transportation in Ho Chi Minh City

How to get around Saigon

Just like in Bangkok, there are many different methods of getting around Saigon, and you may have to take a couple of methods to get somewhere you want to go.

Though I’ve heard a rail or subway system may be in the plan, as of now, it’s all ground transportation in Saigon.

From the Airport to the City

If you fly into Saigon, you’ll arrive at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport.

From there, the easiest way to get to your hotel is probably to take a taxi. Walk outside of the airport, take a left, and you’ll see the taxis waiting for you. Vinasun is a good brand to choose. It cost me a little under 160,000 VND to get from the airport to the Pham Ngu Lao area.

You can also take the bus, which costs just 5,000 VND (pictured above). Walk out of the airport, cross the street, and look for bus #152. The bus will take you all the way to Ben Thanh Market.

Walk

With motorbikes that control the streets and even sidewalks, Saigon is not quite as pleasant as a city for walking as somewhere like Tokyo.

But that being said, I like to think of walking in Saigon as sort of like an obstacle course; You’ve got to dodge oncoming objects, jump over blockades, go around sprawling businesses, and cross the rivers of motorbike traffic.

For most of my time in Saigon, especially in the central areas of town, my wife and I walked everywhere (but we are kind of crazy for walking, we like to walk so we can eat more).

Some of the central and most famous things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are located within walking distance, if you can handle the traffic and heat (and traffic fumes).

I think walking is one the best ways to explore any city, and you can stop whenever you like, and find delicious food along your route.

traveling in Vietnam
Many locals get around by motorbike scooter

Motorbike scooter

By far the most noticeable way everyone that lives in Ho Chi Minh City gets around is by motorbike (also known as the scooter).

Saigon may very well be the scooter capital of the world. There’s an astounding quantity of scooters in the city.

There are two ways to join the army of motorbike scooter traffic:

Take the local bus

The bus system in Saigon is actually quite good (and not too difficult to figure out if you just go up and down some of the main streets), and it’s a very cheap and safe way to get around town.

There’s a color coded map, and though it’s kind of blurry to see all the numbers and city bus routes, it does help to plan a bus route to somewhere you’d like to go.

My wife and I took the bus in Saigon many times during our stay, and some buses cost 5,000 VND and others were 6,000 VND per ride.

The biggest challenge of taking the bus in Saigon is figuring out all the one-way streets, but just study the bus map a bit, and you can easily take it at least up and down the main streets.

taking a taxi in Ho Chi Minh City
Vinasun Taxi in Saigon

Taxi

Before you go to Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll probably read some articles about how bad the taxis are.

Yes, there can be fakes, and drivers occasionally do some extra driving to rack up the meter. But on a whole, I thought the taxis were quite reliable, and even many of the drivers were quite friendly.

We hardly had a problem with taking any taxis when we were in Saigon, and they are very affordable, and I really like how they are almost all comfortable vans.

However, when you take a taxi in Saigon make sure you take a reliable company and pay attention to confirm the taxi is an authentic brand. Also I like to keep my phone GPS with the map open so I can follow where the taxi is going to make sure we’re on track.

Here are the main best taxi companies:

Alright, now that you know where to stay in Saigon and how to get around, let’s jump right into these 23 things to do when you’re in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

Binh Tay Market in Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Binh Tay Market!

1. Binh Tay Market

You’re going to hear most about Ben Thanh Market.

But I actually found Binh Tay Market to have better prices, be a more local experience, and I overall enjoyed visiting it more than Ben Thanh.

Binh Tay Market is one of the major official markets, located in the Cholon area of Ho Chi Minh City, what is Chinatown.

It has a similar feel to it as Ben Thanh, and even many of the products that are sold – from clothes to food – are basically quite similar.

noodles and beef in Saigon
Noodles and beef

However, from what I noticed in my few visit to both markets, Binh Tay Market caters a bit more to local Vietnamese, and therefore the prices are lower, and overall a little less touristy geared.

Before going to Binh Tay Market, I had read about it from Eating Asia that, there was a wet market in the morning behind the market.

If you go in the morning, anytime from about 6 am – 8 am, walk around the back streets of the official indoor market, and you’ll find an incredible fresh wet market, teeming with food and fresh Vietnamese ingredients.

This back lane fresh food market, was probably my favorite part of visiting Binh Tay Market, and one of the top places I would recommend seeing in Saigon.

And also, don’t miss the small food court, where you can get some delicious, simple, and affordable Vietnamese food.

I had a plate of noodles fried with beef (mì gói xào bò), and sitting on a stool in the morning while eating and drinking coffee, I was extremely happy.

If you are looking to do some shopping when you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, at Binh Tay Market you’ll find just about everything made or produced in Vietnam from clothes to snacks. There’s a huge section of Vietnamese cooking utensils, nuts, spices, and tools.

Address: Bình Tây Market, 57 Tháp Mười, 2, Quận 6, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: 6 am – 7 pm daily for the main indoor market section, 5 am – 9 am or so for the outdoor wet market
How to get there: The market is located in District 5, and it’s easiest to just jump in a taxi to get there. From Ben Thanh Market it cost me 110,00 VND, and the ride took about 15 minutes.

things to see in Ho Chi Minh City
Thien Hau Temple in Ho Chi Minh City

2. Thien Hau Temple (Pagoda)

Located in the Chinatown area (District 5) of Ho Chi Minh City and built back in the 19th century, Thien Hau Temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the Lady of the Sea (source).

From the outside, the pagoda honestly didn’t look amazing.

The entrance wall face was well weathered, rather unmaintained (but this did also give it an ancient feel), and it had almost a haunted feeling to look at.

However, as soon as you step inside, the beauty of the temple, mostly through the intricate details and carvings, is revealed.

Ho Chi Minh City tourism
Outside view of Thian Hau Temple

One of my favorite parts of going to Thien Hau Pagoda in Saigon were the incredible sculpture reliefs carved on the upper roof section of the temple, depicting scenes of daily life.

They were colorful, but weathered, and had accumulated years and years of incense smoke, making the sculptures look ancient and dusted in black soot.

Another highlight were the giant coils of incense that burn slowly, hanging from the ceiling, and filling the temple and atmosphere with smoke.

Ho Chi Minh City has a very strong Chinese presence, and when you’re at Thien Hau Pagoda you’ll feel like you’re actually in China. The pagoda is well worth visiting when you’re in Cholon (Saigon’s Chinatown).

Address: Thiên Hậu Temple, 710 Nguyễn Trãi, phường 11, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: 8 am – 4:30 pm daily
Entrance price: Free
How to get there: The temple is located in Cholon, District 5. It’s easiest to get there by taxi.

open hour museum of Ho Chi Minh City
Museum of Ho Chi Minh City

3. Museum of Ho Chi Minh City

In the past you might have heard of the Gia Long Palace or the Revolutionary Museum, but now, the same place is officially known as the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City or HCMC Museum.

When my wife and I visited, on a weekday in the middle of the morning, it wasn’t busy at all (unlike the War Remnants Museum which was packed out), so it was nice to peacefully walk around and enjoy the exhibitions.

Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
Inside the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City

Most of the displays show the history and making of Ho Chi Minh City, and also there are a number of Vietnamese culture exhibits as well.

But what I liked best, was just the amazing mansion palace that the Ho Chi Minh City Museum was housed in, yet another beautiful neoclassical structure built in 1885, with big pillars and wooden staircases.

This museum, I thought, was a little old and sleepy, but for just 15,000 VND for entrance price, I thought it was still worth having a quick browse.

Address: Hồ Chí Minh City Museum, 65 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
Entrance price: 15,000 VND
How to get there: The HCMC Museum is located near the Dong Khoi area of the city, walking distance from the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

best observation point of Saigon
View from Bitexco Financial Tower

4. Bitexco Financial Tower

Standing taller than any other building in Ho Chi Minh City, and towering to the sky, is a skyscraper that’s made to look like a lotus bulb, known as Bitexco Financial Tower.

attractions Ho Chi Minh City
Looking at the tower from the ground

From a distance, or from the sky, it’s easily the most recognizable building in Ho Chi Minh City, for its tallness and for its modern design.

There are a number of things you can do when you’re at the Bitexco Financial Tower, but by far the most popular attraction is to take advantage of the height of the building to get a view of the city.

The bottom floor of the tower is a small shopping center, with a few cafes, but there’s not really much else. The majority of the building is occupied by offices.

There are two choices for visiting Bitexco Financial Tower for a chance to see the amazing view of the city.

So I personally can’t speak for the Saigon Skydeck, but whichever place you choose, for sure you’ll have an incredible view of the city.

Address: 36 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Bến Nghé Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm daily (for Skydeck), 11:30 am – 11 pm daily for cafe
Entrance price: 200,000 VND for Skydeck entrance. I went to the cafe and paid 130,000 VND for a tiny cup of ristretto – looked like about ¼ of a shot of coffee.
How to get there: From the Ben Thanh Market area, you can walk to Bitexco Financial Tower, otherwise a quick taxi ride is a good option.

visiting the War Remnants Museum
Independence Palace (formerly known as the Reunification Palace)

5. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

Now a museum, but still used for official government meetings and events, the Independence Palace was the former home of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

After buying a ticket you can then go inside, and walk around a few of the floors to see all sorts of rooms including meeting rooms, dining rooms, and lounges that are fit for royalty.

reunification palace tour
Red dragon carpet in the museum

Every room and space within the Independence Palace is still furnished with original chairs and tables.

The round dragon carpet, located on the second floor, a huge circular red carpet with a dragon etched into the middle, was something I thought was pretty amazing.

After navigating through a few floors and seeing the helicopter pad, you can then head to the basement where you’ll find some slightly scary offices, control rooms, and bunkers.

It was very interesting to visit the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, and I think the highlight for me was strolling through the dark and creepy basement. And also, the palace kitchen, still equipped with old school machines, was pretty cool.

Visiting the Independence Palace is one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City and it’s one of the most visited attractions in the city.

Address: 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Bến Thành, Quận 1
Open hours: 7:30 am – 11 am and 1 pm – 4 pm daily. However, occasionally the Palace can be completely closed when there’s a large official event taking place. So make sure it’s open the day you plan to go.
Entrance price: 30,000 VND per person
How to get there: From Ben Thanh Market, you can walk there in about 10 minutes, it’s located right in the heart of Saigon in District 1.

places to see in Saigon
Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame

6. Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame

Welcome to Paris?

Probably not quite as grand as the Notre Dame de Paris, but nevertheless an important cathedral and landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, the Notre Dame Cathedral marks the center of the French colonial heritage in Saigon.

what to do in Vietnam
A wedding in the cathedral

They still hold services on Sunday if you’re interested, but if you just go to visit on any other day, make sure you arrive either in the morning from 8 am – 11 am or in the afternoon from 3 pm – 6 pm.

When I went, I arrived right and noon lunchtime, and the gates were locked; So make sure you plan to visit during open hours so you can get inside.

The next day I returned to enter the cathedral.

The cathedral is beautiful, with two 40 meter high towers, and a statue of the Virgin Mary in the front lawn area. Make sure you go to the very front on the road-side, so you can get a great photo of Virgin Mary with the cathedral in the background.

Inside the cathedral you’ll see beautiful stained glass windows, the wooden pews, and classic plaid floor tiles.

There happened to be a wedding taking place when we visited, a sight I’m sure is quite common.

Address: Bến Nghé, tp. Hồ Chí Minh, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: 8 am – 11 am in the morning and 3 pm – 6 pm in the evening on weekdays only (on Sunday, there’s an official mass that begins at 9:30 am that you are free to attend)
Entrance price: Free
How to get there: From the Independence Palace, walk northeast through the park directly to the cathedral. It’s located on the northwestern side of Dong Khoi street, adjacent to the old post office.

best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Inside the Central Post Office of Ho Chi Minh City

7. Central Post Office

Right across the street from the Saigon’s Cathedral of Notre Dame, within the same city square, is yet another renowned landmark, the Central Post Office, that began construction back in 1886.

Again, just like quite a few other buildings in Saigon, it’s the French colonial architecture that really stands out.

things to do in Saigon
Designed by Gustave Eiffel

But even more so here, one of the top reasons the post office is one of the top Saigon attractions is because it was designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the man who also engineered the Eiffel Tower in Paris).

What I liked about the Central Post Office, was that not only has it become a top tourism attraction, but it also remains fully in use and functional.

If you’d like, you can walk into the post office, buy a postcard from Vietnam, stamp it, and send it home to your friends and family right then and there.

Also, I also really loved the floor tiling as well as the giant map murals painted on the walls.

Address: 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, tp. Hồ Chí Minh
Open hours: 7 am – 7 pm on weekdays, 7 am – 6 pm on Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm on Sunday
Entrance price: Free
How to get there: Once you’re at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Central Post Office is right across the street.

opening hours war remnants museum
War Remnants Museum – Ho Chi Minh City

8. War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum in Saigon is definitely not a fun attraction to visit.

But it is a place to remember the atrocious and horrible effects that come as a result of war.

Most of the inside of the War Remnants Museum is filled with photography, shown in exhibitions, about various events of the Vietnam War. You are free to walk around the various photo and journalist displays.

museums in Saigon
Display at the War Remnants Museum

On the outside section of the War Remnants Museum is an equally sad life-sized model of a prison, where you’ll find replicas of prisoner rooms, stocks, and torturing devices for POW’s.

If you visit the War Remnants Museum and you’re with kids, there is a playground room that I noticed where many young kids went to hang out while their parents walked through the museum (as you can imagine, it may not a great place for kids to see).

Surrounding the museum, within the compound grounds are displays of previously used military weapons, tanks, and aircraft.

The War Remnants Museum is a worthwhile place to see in Saigon to learn, but again, be prepared for quite a heavy and saddening experience.

Address: 28 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: 7:30 am – 12 noon in the morning and 1:30 pm – 5 pm in the afternoon, daily
Entrance price: 15,000 VND per person
How to get there: The War Remnants Museum is located just northwest of the Independence Palace, you can walk from there in about 10 minutes.

theater in Vietnam
Opera House – Ho Chi Minh City

9. Opera House

Considered to be one of the best representations of French colonial architecture in Saigon, the Opera House theater was built in 1897, and has been beautifully preserved.

Saigon Opera House
View of the Opera House, Saigon

If you are interested, the Opera House hosts A O Show, a performance of traditional Vietnamese dance using bamboo.

I didn’t go to the show, but if you are interested in live performances, I’m sure it would be pretty cool to see – especially since it takes place in a such a glorious building.

Address: 7 Công trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: Make sure you check the official site for show times and schedules and you can also buy tickets online as well.
Entrance price: Prices range from 504,000 VND –  1,176,000 VND for show tickets
How to get there: The Opera House is located on the prestigious Dong Khoi street

Dong Khoi street
Dong Khoi Street for shopping

10. Dong Khoi Street

Dong Khoi street and area of Saigon, sort of reminds me of Oxford Street, it’s an upscale area of Saigon, and along Dong Khoi street you’ll find high end boutiques and designer stores.

But along with upscale shopping, it’s just a nice place to walk around. Walking around Dong Khoi, I really felt like I was somewhere in between France and Vietnam, plus there’s a huge contrast of the old and new, modern and traditional.

Along Dong Khoi street there are a couple of modern shopping malls like Vincon, and plenty of international and speciality stores.

Also, many of the high end 5 star hotels, like the renowned Hotel Majestic Saigon are located in this area. If you interested in doing some luxury shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, this is an area you’ll want to visit.

Address: Dong Khoi street
Open hours: Daytime, plenty of nightlife as well

Saigon zoo
Visiting the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

11. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Clustered together in the same park, is both the Saigon Zoo and the Botanical Gardens.

Instead of having to pay for both attractions, you just pay a single entrance fee and you can then walk around both.

The zoo, that is the animals part of the zoo, is not so great – the animals don’t look too happy, and the cages aren’t set up very well – it could definitely use a major renovation.

However, the Saigon Zoo does host a range of animals from tigers (that really looked like they wanted to escape) to elephants.

visiting Saigon Zoo
Walking around the Saigon Zoo

But the part I really liked:

The Saigon Botanical Gardens.

Sort of the entire zoo is a botanical garden, full of lush greenery and natural vegetation. But if you keep walking around, you’ll eventually come to the specific botanical garden section.

The gardens throughout the zoo and the wide paths surrounding by natural lush vegetation was a beautiful.

When I went, it looked like many Vietnamese had come to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens just to hang out, relax and socialize with friends. It looked like many spent the day at the zoo, to use it more just like a peaceful garden park, like an escape from the noisy motorbike roads of Saigon.

As with me, you probably won’t be impressed with the animals or the conditions of the zoo, but the gardens are beautiful, and it’s a good place to walk around for some peace and nature within Saigon.

I think visiting the Saigon Zoo and the Botanical Gardens is one of the many great things to do in Ho Chi Minh city with kids, as it’s quiet, peaceful, with nice grassy areas, and you don’t have to worry about motorbikes!

There’s even restaurant to eat at if you get hungry while walking around, and a number of little refreshment stations.

Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Str., Ward Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Open hours: 7 am – 7 pm daily
Entrance price: 20,000 VND per person
How to get there: It’s easiest to jump in a taxi, but my wife and I took the bus down Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street directly to the entrance of the museum. Get out of the bus before you cross the river.

Vietnamese museum of traditional medicine
FITO Museum

12. FITO Museum (Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine)

I really had no idea what to expect on the day we went to the FITO Museum, also known as the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine.

But as soon as I paid the entrance fee, and entered the museum, I immediately felt welcomed (the staff were very friendly from the start), and the museum had a wonderful cozy, almost family run feel to it. After reading the pamphlet, I soon discovered that it’s one of the few privately operated museums in Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening hours Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine

The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine is housed in a five story home, built and renovated to resemble a traditional style Vietnamese home. The wooden carved decorations and details within the house were incredible.

Within the museum you’ll find a collection of over 3,000 Vietnamese medicinal tools, and a collection of manuscripts, manuals, and guides that document the variety of holistic herbs and natural remedies used in traditional Vietnamese medicine practice.

When you arrive, you’ll first be invited to watch a short fifteen minute film about the progression of ancient Vietnamese medicine, and then you’re free to browse the museum at your own pace, or with the help of a staff member.

I was not only impressed by the well thought out presentation of the museum, but also the kindness of the staff and the hospitality.

Also, there were a couple hands on things to try, like putting on a traditional Vietnamese medicine doctor outfits, and rolling a sharp stone to grind medicine.

Once you’re finished browsing through the floors of the museum, you can enjoy a complimentary cup of tea on the bottom floor in the small gift shop.

They served me a cup of tea, used specifically to reduce anxiety, stress, and to help one relax… it was pretty good, and I did feel pretty relaxed (and ready to eat afterwards). I ended up purchasing a couple bags of ginger green tea to bring home.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the FITO Museum, and I thought it was a very educational attraction.

Address: 41 Hoang Du Khuong Str., Ward 12, Distric 10, Ho Chi Minh City
Open hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm daily
Entrance price: 50,000 VND per person
How to get there: Since it’s a private museum, it’s located all by itself in the middle of a neighborhood in District 10, so the best way to get there is to jump in a taxi.

things to do in Saigon
San Art Laboratory

13. San Art Laboratory – Gallery

There are numerous museums in Saigon, many of which I’ve covered in this list of top attractions, but there aren’t too many modern art galleries that promote the local artistic scene in the city.

Sàn means “platform” in Vietnamese, and the San Art laboratory is really a place where artists can learn and nurture their creativity surrounded by other artists.

San Art Gallery
San Art Gallery

The gallery is located within a home that’s converted into an artistic space.

On the bottom floor you’ll find a small library with a collection of contemporary art books and a communal table where you can hang out and connect with other artists.

Within the gallery portion, on the first and second floor of the space, there is a series of rotating exhibitions, so it’s best to check their website to see what’s currently on display.

The gallery is very small and intimate, but it’s also personal and creative.

San Art Laboratory is open to the public, but I would only recommend visiting if you really appreciate contemporary art and creativity, which if you are, I’m sure you’ll be able to connect with other creative artists when you’re there.

Also keep an eye out for special events and artist gatherings that they occasionally host.

Address: 48/7 Me Linh Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Open hours: 10.30 am – 6.30 pm on Tuesday – Saturday, closed on Sunday and Monday
Entrance price: Free, non-profit
How to get there: The art gallery is located in a neighborhood right across the river from the Saigon Zoo. It’s easiest to take a taxi there, or you can take a bus to the main road and then walk into the neighborhood.

Turtle Lake Saigon
Vietnamese pizza – banh trang nuong

14. Turtle Lake at Night

If you’re looking for one of the top local things to do in Saigon at night, you have got to head over to either the Cathedral of Notre Dame or the roundabout of Turtle Lake after the sun goes down.

Located right within central Saigon, both locations are home to dozens of street food snack vendors that set up shop, and make snacks for the hundreds of young Vietnamese, both groups of friends and families, that come to hang out and socialize.

At the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the snack and tea vendors set out little canvas covers on the planters where you can take a seat and enjoy the social buzzing atmosphere with the lights of the cathedral in the background.

At Turtle Lake, within the roundabout is an old school park, with a central sculpture that looks like a dead tree in the middle surrounded by a maze of water and fountains, and an awkwardly placed flight of stairs.

The park itself is very unmaintained, not very pretty, and resembles an abandoned structure. But at night is when things change. Just like at Notre Dame, young people flock to Turtle Lake to hang out and mingle with friends, eat snacks, and enjoy life.

There are two main snacks that everyone who goes to hang out eats and you shouldn’t miss either:

  1. Banh trang tron – Banh trang are Vietnamese rice paper sheets (the same ones used for summer rolls), and banh trang tron is a snack salad made with strips of dry rice paper mixed with hot sauce, slivers of green mango, quail eggs, strips of dried squid, and all kinds of random goodies. It’s the latest and most popular craze snack in Vietnam.
  2. Banh trang nuong – Also known as Vietnamese pizza, banh trang nuong is also made with rice paper, which is grilled like a pizza crust over charcoal, topped with a quail egg, chili sauce, dry pork, green onions, among other things. I thought it was more like a Vietnamese taco, then a pizza.

For a cultural evening experience, visit both places anywhere from about 8 pm – 10 pm.

How to get there: Turtle Lake is located northwest of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, at the cross roads of Vo Van Tan and Pham Ngoc Thach

Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market – a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City

15. Ben Thanh Market

Like I mentioned at the top of this list of top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, I really liked Binh Tay Market, but there was no way I was going to leave out Ben Thanh Market either.

Even as touristy as it may be, it’s a buzzing market, full of history, shopping stalls galore, and being located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, it’s probably the most important central landmark of the city.

You’ll find just about everything ever created or produced in Vietnam somewhere within the market lanes of Ben Thanh.

attractions Ho Chi Minh City
Within the crowded lanes of the market

When I was there, I saw a frenzy of both foreign tourists from around the world, as well as Vietnamese shoppers.

If you’re shopping for clothes, souvenirs, Vietnamese cookware, or dry foods like nuts or dried fruit, tea or coffee, you could easily spend a few hours getting lost in the tiny, stuffed lanes of the market. Just make sure you don’t knock anything over – they literally have things like glassware dangerously stacked close to walkways.

Additionally the surrounding streets of Ben Thanh Market are a major hub of transportation and a major business district, always full of action and energy.

In the evening, along the roads just outside Ben Thanh Market, they close down the roads to traffic and open them as a night market with a few restaurants and touristy shops.

This is one of the main night markets in Ho Chi Minh City, but I didn’t really care for it too much – it was a bit over hyped for me, but still a good place to walk around.

Address: Lê Lợi, Bến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily for the indoor market, and about 6 pm – Midnight daily for the night market
Entrance price: Free
How to get there: If you’re not already staying somewhere close in the area, it seems that all roads lead to Ben Thanh Market.

Twilight Bridge in Ho Chi Minh City
Twilight Bridge at Phu My Hung, Ho Chi Minh City

16. Phu My Hung and Starlight Bridge

Phu My Hung is an upscale development area in District 7 of Saigon, and while spending the day with Kyle (a local blogger and vlogger), we decided to swing by to see a different side of Saigon.

Although it’s only 6 km south of the central Ben Thanh Market (considered the downtown), the area has a completely different feel to it from other parts of the city.

It’s more quiet, there’s less traffic, there are malls and cafe’s, and there are wide spacious, uncluttered sidewalks; Walking through Phu My Hung almost feels like you’ve left Vietnam altogether and have taken a day trip to southern California.

Phu My Hung
Walking around Phu My Hung

Phu My Hung is filled with an abundance of pleasant sit down restaurants, both Vietnamese and international, with big breezy patios, your choice of just about every fast food chain, from Lotteria to Dominoe’s, and plenty of Korean restaurants as well.

If you go to Phu My Hung in the evening, you can enjoy the cooler temperatures, and it’s also when many local Vietnamese and expats are out and about, eating, socializing, and hanging out.

Along with restaurants, modern malls, and the shops that fill Phu My Hung, one of the main draws is the Starlight Bridge, a bridge that spans across the lake, with a waterfall cascading down, illuminated by flashing lights in a rainbow of colors.

Spending time with your loved one at Starlight Bridge is said to be one of the most romantic things to do in Saigon.

Address: Tôn Dật Tiên, Tân Phú, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: The entire Phu My Hung strip is nice to walk around after the sun goes down, but there’s also the major Crescent Mall shopping mall open from 10 am – 10 pm daily
Entrance price: Free
How to get there: Taxi is the best way to get there since you must leave the main central part of the city

Golden Dragon Water Puppet
Traditional Vietnamese water puppet show

17. Water Puppet Show

Although water puppetry originated in the north of Vietnam around the Halong Bay area, performances are also available at a number of locations throughout Saigon.

The art of Vietnamese water puppet performing (known in Vietnamese at múa rối nước) has been around since the 11th century, and most of the skits depict Vietnamese cultural scenes, countryside life, and folklore stories.

Golden Dragon Water Puppet theater
Golden Dragon Water Puppet theater

The puppets are made from wood, then they are lacquered to become waterproof, and then both painted and decorated, sometimes with paint, and other times with clothes or feathers.

One of the most famous and touristy places where you can see a Vietnamese water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City is the Golden Dragon Water Puppet theater.

The show lasted for 50 minutes, and as the puppets danced and performed in the pool of water on the front stage, a traditional Vietnamese opera band played instruments, sang, and commentated the entire program.

I thought the water puppet performance at Golden Dragon was pretty good. Although the majority of the attendees were giant tour groups, the show was still entertaining. It was interesting to not only see the puppets, but something I enjoyed was listening to the traditional music and singing that was synchronized to the water puppet show.

Make sure to check the Golden Dragon Water Puppet website for up to date information about show times. I went in the morning to purchase my tickets for the evening show, but sometimes (as they informed me), they can sell out because of all the tour groups.

Address: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open hours: Official show times are 5 pm and 6:30 pm daily, and you can go to the ticket office to buy your ticket from 8:30 am – 11:30 am and from 1:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Entrance price: 160,000 VND per person
How to get there: The theater is located on the back side of Tao Dan Park on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, and just a short walk from the Independence Palace.

national museum vietnamese history
Beautiful displays at the Museum of Vietnamese History

18. Museum of Vietnamese History

There are dozens of museums in Saigon, but the Museum of Vietnamese History is one of the most important.

Inside you’ll find artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and porcelain, showing the history of Vietnam, with artifacts dating all the way back from the bronze age of Vietnamese history at around 2000 BC.

Museum of Vietnamese History
Museum of Vietnamese History

Probably my favorite part of the History Museum was the collection of sculptures and stone reliefs from the temples of Angkor Wat.

Also don’t miss taking a peep at the well preserved mummy which was uncovered in District 5, right in the heart of Saigon. That was interesting to see as well.

There’s also a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance at the museum, which you can pay extra to see. I didn’t wait around for the show, but if you don’t have time to go to the larger Golden Dragon water puppet show (or if you want to avoid it), this might be a good alternative.

The History Museum of Vietnam is located right next to the Saigon Zoo grounds, and it’s a very popular museum for local Vietnamese students to visit as well.

Address: Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: 8 am – 12 noon in the morning and 1:30 – 5 pm in the afternoon, Closed on the first Monday of every month
Entrance price: 15,000 VND for entrance, 40,000 VND to take photos (I think you can get away with cell phone photos without paying, but if you want to take photos with a DSLR like I did, they’ll charge you). The water puppet show costs 35,000 VND
How to get there: The Museum of Vietnamese History is located right next to the Saigon Zoo, so you can easily combine visiting both, along with lunch at the Lunch Lady.

rooftop bar in Saigon
Enjoying a rooftop bar in Saigon

19. Rooftop Bar

Saigon is a rapidly developing and expanding city, and sky-rise offices and condos are going up at near frightening rates.

Along with high-rise buildings, one of the recent trends in the city are rooftop bars and lounges.

The streets of Saigon are loud, crowded, and quite often on the chaotic side – and don’t get me wrong, the street life is amazing – but it can also be very nice to see it all from above, in a peaceful environment from a bird’s eye view, enjoying the city skyline and sunrise with a cool beverage in hand.

Shri Saigon
Lunch at Shri

As of now, one of the most popular rooftop bar options in Saigon is Shri Restaurant and Lounge, which is not only a bar, but a full restaurant.

You can go either just for drinks or choose to have either lunch or dinner there. My wife and I went to Shri for a late lunch, and enjoyed the wonderful views of the city, the upscale environment, and the top notch service.

Another idea would be to go to a rooftop bar for sunset and enjoy happy hour, or an activity to do at night.

Other well known spots to enjoy a drink with a view include the Hotel Continental and Hotel Majestic, but I’m sure there will be more and more rooftop bars in the future as more and more sky scrapers sprout up in Saigon.

It’s amazing that you can be eating street food in an alley one minute, and seeing it all from above the next.

Address: Shri, 72 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, 6, 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open hours: For Shri, 10 am – 12 midnight from Monday – Saturday and 4:30 pm – 12 midnight on Sundays and public holidays. Also, don’t miss their happy hour from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm daily.
Entrance price: Rooftop bars in Saigon can be a bit on the pricey side, but it’s worth it on a special occasion for the atmosphere and view. Lunch for my wife and I cost a rather pricey 850,000 VND.
How to get there: Shri Restaurant and Lounge is located just up the road from Independence Palace, and very close to Turtle Lake

Fine Arts Museum Ho Chi Minh City
Fine Arts Museum in Saigon

20. Fine Arts Museum

Like many of the museums in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the best parts of visiting is to admire the structure its housed in.

Possibly one of the most elegant and well preserved pieces of architecture in the entire city (at least what I thought) is the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, located just opposite the giant roundabout from Ben Thanh Market.

Fine Arts Museum in Saigion
The Fine Arts Museum – an unexpected gem

Inside the museum, you’ll discover a great collection of artwork, including many paintings, sculptures, and lacquerware, that span the history of art in Vietnam.

One of my favorite exhibitions at the Fine Arts Museum was the collection of sandstone sculptures and ceramics from the Khmer site of Óc Eo, during the Funan Kingdom.

You could easily spend an hour or two browsing through the art exhibitions at this fantastic museum. If you get tired out, there is a beautiful courtyard in the middle of the building where you can take a rest on a bench and just enjoy the peaceful quietness of the museum.

At first I wasn’t extremely interested in visiting as I was sort of museumed-out, but I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. I thought the Fine Arts Museum was a hidden gem, and even if you just have 1 or 3 days in Saigon, I would recommend it as one of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

Address: 97 Phó Đức Chính, Nguyễn Thái Bình
Open hours: 9 am – 5 pm from Tuesday – Sunday (closed Monday)
Entrance price: 10,000 VND per person
How to get there: The museum is located right across the roundabout (sort of to the south) of Ben Thanh Market.

Jade Emperor Pagoda Saigon
Jade Emperor Pagoda

21. Jade Emperor Pagoda

Dedicated to the Jade Emperor, one of the highest powers and deities in Taoism, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most important Taoist temples in Saigon.

As soon as you set foot into the compound, the loudness of the road traffic outside drifts away, and you can immediately feel a sense of calm throughout the temple.

emperor jade pagoda photos
Incense burning at the temple

The front courtyard is shaded by draping banyan trees, with a spattering of pigeons, and a cloud of incense smoke that burns both inside and outside the temple and sets the mood by making the entire area hazy.

Inside the temple, there are two main sections, the back section is where the statue of the Jade Emperor sits, surrounded by various other deities and statues.

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is full of symbolism and details, which I don’t even begin to understand or even probably notice, but nevertheless, it was an intriguing temple to visit.

Address: 73 Mai Thị Lựu, Đa Kao
Open hours: 7 am – 6 pm daily
Entrance price: Free
How to get there: The Jade Emperor Pagoda is located just off Dien Bien Phu highway, directly north of Ben Thanh and near the river. It’s best to catch a taxi there.

Saigon markets
Fresh wet market in an alley in Saigon

22. Local Wet Market

As much as visiting both Ben Thanh and Binh Thay Markets are wonderful things to do when you’re in Saigon, a trip to the city would not be complete without getting lost in one of the countless fresh wet food markets scattered throughout the city.

While the other two markets mentioned above are more wholesale goods markets, right now I want to talk about neighborhood alley markets. It’s kind of like going to the supermarket in Saigon.

shopping in Saigon
Colorful market display

Literally, sometimes I was just wandering around Saigon, walking around aimlessly, and the next thing I knew, down a side alley, I would find myself in the midst of a wonderful bustling local neighborhood market – I don’t know if I’ve been to another city with as many fresh markets as Saigon.

The reason I love walking through markets in Saigon (or anywhere else) so much, is because it offers a REAL glimpse into the local life and culture of the destination.

People sell and shop, hang out, sleep, eat and drink, and do just about everything you can possibly think of at markets in Vietnam.

On top of that, I found that many of the people in the markets throughout Saigon that I visited were extremely friendly. Even as I walked by taking photos and videos, many people smiled and laughed and said hello to me and even invited me to stop for something to eat.

Additionally, exploring a wet market in Saigon, you’ll see a near mind-blowing quantity and array of different vegetables, herbs, meats, and ingredients, all the raw things that makes Vietnamese food so good.

So along with visiting the two main largest well known markets I encourage you to go off the main paths, into the alleys of Saigon, and deep into some of the local wet markets to explore.

For me, learning about the local life by exploring alley markets was one of my favorite things to do in Saigon.

best things to do in Saigon
Etaing Vietnamese Street Food – One of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

23. Vietnamese Street Food

You and I probably agree:

Food and travel goes extremely well together. In fact, food is the main reason I travel in the first place (museums and everything else are all secondary to food)!

Saigon is an overwhelming paradise for food lovers, both because of the delicious flavors and combinations of Vietnamese food, and for the abundance, quantity, and variety of food available everywhere you look.

Vietnamese street food
Banh khot – one of my favorite Vietnamese street food snacks

Vietnam is a huge country that spans from the Mekong Delta in the south to the highlands of the north bordering China, and a coast line of 3,444 kilometers (source).

Since Saigon is the biggest city in Vietnam, people have moved to the city from around the country and the benefit for the food scene is that you can find nearly everything from around Vietnam somewhere in Saigon.

But let’s talk about Vietnamese street food.

Street food is what I would consider a major part of Vietnamese culture.

Along with being very affordable, eating street food is a way to socialize with friends, and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. You’ll find street food stalls set up in every neighborhood, along every street, and on just about every corner of Saigon.

Yes, hot bowls of pho and banh mi sandwiches are widespread and remain very popular, but you’ll also discover dozens of other delicious Vietnamese dishes like bun rieu (crab noodles), com tam suon (pork chop over rice), banh khot (savory griddle cakes), and one of my personal favorite Vietnamese foods, bo la lot (minced beef wrapped in wild betel leaves and grilled).

If you go out wandering around Saigon, you’ll have no trouble finding unbelievably delicious food to try. Just pull up a tiny plastic stool at a plastic table, and try whatever you see available.

You may not always know what you’re eating, but you’ll have an incredible time tasting, and the experiences you’ll have as a result of being adventurous and samplings different foods is something you’ll never forget.

If you love food, be sure to check out my list of the best 25 dishes to eat in Saigon.

things to do in Saigon
Get ready to explore these top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!

Watch the full video of these things to do:

If you have a few minutes, press play below to watching the full video, that covers all 23 of these places:

If you can’t see the video, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0crXGYLYlg

Enjoy!

Conclusion

Saigon (known officially as Ho Chi Minh City, though more commonly referred to as Saigon) is Vietnam’s most lively and action packed city, growing and developing at a rapid rate.

As soon as you arrive in the city you’ll be surrounded by a sea of motorbike traffic, delicious street food everywhere you look, and a host of attractions that will keep you busy and entertained.

I want to say a big thank you for reading through this list of top 23 things to do in Saigon and I hope it gives you great ideas and helps you plan your trip.

Now it’s your turn to navigate your way through the bustling traffic, stop at a museum or market, grab a banh mi and slurp down a bowl of hot noodles on the sidewalk, and explore the many possibilities waiting for you in Saigon!

Free Download: Since this post is so long, I made it into an eBook in PDF format, and you can download it for FREE (the eBook is easier to read and even print).

Send it to me!


190 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Bambu 4d

    5 months ago

    I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

  • Martin

    10 months ago

    Thanks for the great information. I’ve never been to Vietnam. All ahead of me.

  • Fence Company

    11 months ago

    Not related to the video, but if you speak to a Vietnamese-American, make sure you refer to Ho-Chi-Minh as Saigon. Saigon is the original city name before the communist took over the country and renamed the city to Ho-Chi-Minh.

  • Calls

    1 year ago

    Great informative content! LOVED it

  • Rock John

    1 year ago

    Love Com Tam and Bun Cha Gio. Man. every time I’m at Saigon, thats always my favorite

  • Saigon Land

    3 years ago

    I love Com Tam (Broken Rice) & Banh Khot. I can eat them every day. hihi

  • Tracy Do

    3 years ago

    It is amazing ! Thanks for your shanring!

  • Vishal Kaushik

    4 years ago

    Nice.

  • Vishal Kaushik

    4 years ago

    Great content.

  • Eulises Quintero

    5 years ago

    Really interesting and informative, I’ve only been to Hanoi and I’m planning to visit Vietnam again, I was thinking of doing Hanoi again, but now I’m really considering going to Ho Chi Minh, I’m interested in the street food.

  • ontheground

    5 years ago

    Mark, you made our Saigon trip much easier 🙂 as we have 2 day in this city, articlw looks like perfect guide. thank you

  • Malte

    5 years ago

    Wow just wow. Thank you very much, we’re just using part of your nice guidelines to discover the city and it is super helpful. Thank you so much for your effort:)

  • Calvin Sew

    5 years ago

    I try download to save the pdf file unable. Can you solve this issue.

  • May

    5 years ago

    Hi! How many days did u stay in Ho Chi Minh? Is 2 days and 1 night possible to enjoy the beauty of Ho Chi Minh? Thanks!

  • StopBullShit

    5 years ago

    UBER is not working in Ho Chi Minh!!!!!!!!!

    • David

      5 years ago

      Use grab or one of the Vietnamese ones uber left the market here

  • Greg

    5 years ago

    For me, the most interesting place in Ho Chi Minh City is the Museum of War Remnants. The photos are drastic but it’s worth seeing them

  • henry

    5 years ago

    That is so a good information guide there.

  • Kadi

    5 years ago

    Too bad that I found your guidelines only on my last night in Ho Chi Minh City. We visited quite many places from your list but still skipped few. But still enjoyed our stay! Greetings from Estonia

  • Wnegski

    5 years ago

    Big thanks for this. Very informative and this would be a great help for us since my family will visit this Dec 2018. Kudos to you!!!

  • paolo

    5 years ago

    great guide !! super interesting facts and advices much better than Trip Advisor, last time i went there i really enjoy a dinner cruise onboard the bonsai legacy it was nice to discover saigon by night from the saigon river.

  • Amelia Lesaca

    6 years ago

    Very informative. I have been to Ho Chi Minh but has visited only a few places mentioned here.

  • Barry Williams

    6 years ago

    A Really informative and detailed review of Ho Chi Minh City, which will be extremely helpful when my wife and I visit there in February 2019. Also downloaded the information, which will be a big help.

  • Kylie Zoe

    6 years ago

    Ho Chi Minh is really an awesome place to see that I ever want to visit, I just love this place. This place is also known as Saigon. There are many places of attraction like historical sites, include reunification palace, war remmants museum, city hall museum, Ho Chi Minh museum. Also there are some religious sites such as Central mosque, Notre Dame Cathedral, thein Hau Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Phung Son Tu Pagoda. Including architectural attractions like Saigon opera house, The Bitexco Financial Tower, Saigon Sykdeck. So you would definitely enjoy these places and you can get a memorable experience of Vietnam tours. I have seen these places which were a very good experience for me.

  • Haragopal

    6 years ago

    Very nicely explained. I am going to visit shortly.

  • Nina

    6 years ago

    I am soon going to be in Saigon and this was incredibly helpful! This brings me to a question, which museum was your favorite one? I am definitely planning on seeing a water puppet show at the museum, it’s great that they are offering that (provided that enough people show up!). All those markets sound amazing, I can’t wait to visit!

  • Minh

    6 years ago

    I am a Saigonese. Your article is very helpful to Vietnamese students. Welcome here!

  • Chris

    6 years ago

    I just left Saigon and to be honest, I didn’t care for it that much. The street food is amazing if you get out of the tourist areas. I’m so glad you didn’t mention the tunnels as a place to visit. For one, all the tunnels you see are not from the war time and are built for tourists, not for actual history. Second, our tour guide was so proud that the traps injured “Americans” and that the north was doing right by killing hundreds of thousands of southern vietnamese ciivilians for letting Americans invade vietnam. He obviously wasn’t told history of what happened, probably because of the oppressive communists government. Anyway, food was amazing, but everything else was forgettable, especially the bad drivers, which I thought Bangkok was bad…not even comparable.

  • Khuyenmai HappyLuke

    6 years ago

    Its nice to know that you were able to go to a lot of places in Saigon! I love how detailed and useful it is specially to those will go there for the first time.

  • DEEPAK NARANG

    6 years ago

    Beautiful article. I was going thru TripAdvisor at first but that’s all bullshit This article is too good Thanks

  • Quan

    6 years ago

    as a Vietnamese living in Saigon, i read all your article, honestly there are still some places i havent visited yet but your all your recommendation is correct, your mention about safety is right, who know what will happen. i just want to add another thing : here we prefer Grab than Uber, it is cheaper and larger amount of Graber, you can find Grab bike and Grab car , it is just half cheaper than traditional taxi. and within 100 km from saigon, there are many places more to visit like Cu Chi Tunel, Vung Tau City, Rung Sac ( Sac forest National park )… I hope every people have a good trip in Vietnam.

  • Micah BOWEN

    6 years ago

    We enjoyed Saigon as well, although having traveled Vietnam for 5 weeks, I disagree about how dangerous you portray this city.. Everyone is walking around with cell phones, and while you have to keep a level head on your shoulders and not get into a situation you will regret, it doesn’t happen that often, mostly late at night.. The first time I ever traveled I read blogs like these and when I traveled I kept everything inside hidden pockets etc, always scared to even show my wallet.. In reality, It’s nothing like what you and other bloggers paint pictures of.. You would think you were in a war torn country where no tourists even go! Relax a bit, don’t worry yourself to death and you will have a great time.. These places aren’t that bad at all…

  • Sean

    6 years ago

    Thanks for the list and supplemental information. Much appreciated

  • Sai

    6 years ago

    How far is the cu chi tunnels from this area?

  • Sebastian

    6 years ago

    Hello,
    Thank you very much for this magnificent guide.

    We like to get around by bus and figured out that there is an awesome app for planning routes. It works completely offline. It is called “BusMap” by Le Yen Thanh. It works like Uber and suggest you the possible routes.

    Greetings,
    Sebastian

  • Tahiti Le Blog

    6 years ago

    I love this city where I lived for one year, 10 years ago. I remember that the people at the zoo preferred to photograph my son (blond with blue eyes) than the annimals!

  • Sarah Lee

    7 years ago

    Great post, Mark – used it to get around the city today and had a great time. Agree with you the tiles at the post office are to die for! Love this city – there’s so much to enjoy even the chaotic traffic can be fun to watch!!

  • Jofi Singh

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark, I’ve been watching your videos for a year now. It was really helpful with the Thailand videos. We were in thailand for the month of May 2017, touring BKK, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. I’ve been sharing your videos with friends and whoever would like to listen to my info about this American son of missionary/Christian who lives and married in Thailand. I’m so proud of your work like a proud mom. My daughter is a Social Media Specialist. We visited Gaggan in BKK and other food markets. Next time we visit Thailand again I will surely connect with you. For now, I am planning a trip Vietnam somewhere in Nov. 2017. Possibly will stay in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada for now. We have great weather here in Vancouver in the summer. We have been vacationing in Europe for the past few yrs. but now Asia is my new destination, esp. Vietnam. Your work is awesome, as a Christian myself , may God richly bless you and your family , Ying and Micah.
    Sincerely,
    Ms. Jofi Singh

  • Emma

    7 years ago

    its look like amazing and the rainbow sandstone using in buildings and temples thank you sharing post

  • Emily

    7 years ago

    Hello Mark! This is so far the best blog I’ve found on Saigon. Extremely useful and it gave me all that I was searching for. Will be going to Saigon for 3 days in April, energized now! You rock !

  • Ryan

    7 years ago

    Great guide but i’m sorry to say you overpaid for everything. my motorbike was 30$ for a month and a taxi on grab normallt costs for a 5 minute ride 10,000 dong. 30 minute ride is 30,000 dong. Very cheap

  • Bt

    7 years ago

    Hey Mark! This is so far the best blog I’ve found on Saigon. Very informative and it gave me everything I was looking for. Will be visiting Saigon for 3 days in April, excited now! Thanks a lot !

  • Larry Locke

    7 years ago

    Going to HCM in may for 12 days, interested for tips to amuse our selfs

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Thanks Larry, hope you have an amazing trip.

  • JY

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark, loved the YouTube video coverage of your HCM trip. Just a note on FITO: Admission tickets are 120,000 dong as of now (Feb 2017).

  • Vanessa

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark. Thanks so much for sharing your video of what to do in HCMC. We are heading to Vietnam in April however really only have 2 days to explore in HCMC. The sights you suggest to visit – are they in order of preference and are they close by to each other so that you can get yourself there and then walk around to explore?

    • Tivanne

      7 years ago

      Hi,
      if you are only 2 days in Saigon, I recommend you a tour called URBAN TALES which takes place in Cholon (Saigon’s Chinatown) which is for me one of the most interesting districts of Ho Chi Minh City to visit, as still very typical.
      This tour is an investigation game and a treasure hunt at the same time and it really lakes you visit Cholon in a fun and interactive way. While gathering clues and solving a murder, you walk through hidden alleyways, visit pagodas, meet traditional pharmacists…. It’s great fun and makes you look at some of the sights in much more detail than you might otherwise have done. Go for it,

  • Virtuais

    7 years ago

    Perfect item. It’s a different culture, I feel like knowing.

  • Mad

    7 years ago

    What an excellent article! very informative indeed.. Thank you my friend.

  • Michelle Tham

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark, really I’m thankful for your pretty extensive guide over here for I’m like preparing an itinerary for my family, like so
    last minute. If it wasn’t for your concise and straight to the point explanation, I’ll be going bonkers by now. I included many of the places you recommend above, will be going to Cu Chi tunnels as well. Hope all goes well.

    Do please continue with what you’re doing, it helps clueless first timer like me a lot. Appreciate heaps.

    Merry Christmas and a Happy 2017 New Year to you, God Bless.

  • Brie

    7 years ago

    Oh thank you for this! So informative and helpful; will be reading and rereading this until I head to Saigon in March!

  • Dave Richardson

    7 years ago

    Watched and read your Saigon info. Very informative and probably the only place we didn’t manage to get to was District 7 and the Starlight Bridge. All of you comments/reviews are spot on. Pho and Banh Mi were outstanding!!! We did a whole tour of the country and loved every minute of it! Would re-visit in a heartbeat.

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hi Dave, great to hear from you and glad you had such a good trip to Saigon. So much amazing food!

  • zul

    7 years ago

    Hi!, Great reviews and photos u have here! one thing i wanna ask, what camera u used when go here? did u recommend bringing a DSLR or just action camera (GoPro)?
    Thanks a lot!

  • Monika

    7 years ago

    Amazing blog! Thanks for sharing with us…!

  • Jose Aldo

    7 years ago

    Hi Mark. Thanks for your great post. I want to contribute one of the important tips when traveling to Saigon is having a local friends. They may help us a lot cuz they know the price, places, the way and many things else.

  • girlie

    7 years ago

    Thank you, This video is detailed and very informative. Will be in Saigon in two weeks i will definitely go to the places you’ve shown here.

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Great to hear that, hope you have an amazing trip.

  • Aislinn

    7 years ago

    Very detailed and informative.. Will surely use this as a reference in my travel this last week of October

  • Izi

    8 years ago

    Hey man, im going to Saigon next week and this article is really helpful and wonder ful especially about taxi thing. Thank you very much. May God always with your family.

    Love from Malaysia.

  • Sarla Chandak

    8 years ago

    Wow, great effort to give so much information, it really helped me so much to decide the places to visit.If not I would have missed some beautiful places.thanks a ton.

  • Guruprasad Bhat

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    I read that there is a Indian brave king Shivaji Maharaj’s statue somewhere in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh city?) – i am not sure. I couldn’t find authentic news about this nor the statue of Shivaji as claimed in this news report, nor any news about that President who praised Shivaji’s Guerilla war tactics adopted by by Vietnam in defeating the US army. https://www.quora.com/Why-there-is-a-statue-of-Chatrapati-Shivaji-in-Vietnam

    Appreciate if you could please share any info you may have on this? Thanks

  • Helen

    8 years ago

    Good info! I bought my tix to the water puppet show after reading your article.

  • Jacob Kim

    8 years ago

    was already reading through the post in the middle and was wishing I could dwnload this post or something and just at the bottom i saw the gracious ‘downloadable and free’ words. thank you so much really 🙁 you helped a soul

    continue the honest reviews! your authenticity and bluntness is def just right. thanks again!

  • Thanh Thuy

    8 years ago

    I’ve lived in Sai Gon for 33 years but I haven’t discovered carefully 23 places you wrote yet! I admire you enormously. I sure that I will visit your website if I have a chance to travel abroad. Thanks a lot. I wish you would have wonderful trips all over the world

  • Jeniffer

    8 years ago

    Really helpful! ????

  • Minh

    8 years ago

    Mark, your post is exellent. Could I copy to my web site ?
    Thanks in advance.

  • Adam

    8 years ago

    This is by far , beside the top 25 Vietnamese food – are the best guides to Saigon I ever read , thanks very much !

  • Vy Nguyen

    8 years ago

    Hi, I love to explore local market. Could you tell how I can get to kind of Saigon local market like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjilx-jlwyg ?

  • Nan

    8 years ago

    Enjoyed reading your blog. We’re from Calgary, AB are planning a trip next year to Ho Chi Min City. This is really helpful. Thanks!

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Nan, good to hear from you. Hope you have an amazing upcoming trip to Vietnam next year.

  • Alex Chong

    8 years ago

    One correction.. The place you had your bbq snail is 237-239, not as stated 327-329 🙂

  • Kathy Gan

    8 years ago

    Very useful tips. Tq so much Mark. By the way I am on holiday in Ho Chi Minh City right now

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Kathy, glad to hear this guide is helpful. Have a fun trip!

  • Neha Dua

    8 years ago

    This is a great list. Thanks for putting it up. Really helped me in planning my upcoming visit to the city.

  • Vikas Parmar

    8 years ago

    Hi

    I had your video and the ebook when i visited the Saigon in march 2016. You should mention the Saigon beer too.. I was surprised it was cheaper than cold drinks in some places.
    Your articles helped me when i visited Malaysia too. Keep the good work 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Thank you Vikas, good to hear that. Glad you enjoyed your visit!

  • Saigon Buddy

    8 years ago

    Just wanted to say this is a great article, really informative and helpful for visitors to HCMC

  • Peter Stenbring

    8 years ago

    Thanks Mark.
    My family and I will try out some of your good discription!
    We are with 2 kids at 8 + 10 years travelling round in Asia ☺

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Peter, great to hear that, hope you and your family have a great trip!

  • Keith

    8 years ago

    Thinking of going to HCMC this Aug. with my best friends from school and your site helped me planning my trip there. We ll be coming from BKK. It seems lots of ppl there can speak English. I ve been in nyc for almost a decade. This ll be the first trip we are taking together after a school trip almost 20 yrs ago. Btw, I m only 31 and quite a fan of your work. Keep up the good work!

  • Vincent Ng

    8 years ago

    Great and useful article. Helps me a lot in plan for my trip. Thanks for sharing.

  • Suan

    8 years ago

    Thanks Mark for taking the time to record and write such an informative article. I’ve just booked a trip to Saigon for next week and am looking for things to do there when I came across your page. This infor is timeless and I’m sure I’ll benefit alot fom it. Travelling March 31st, 2016,,,,,,yeah!!
    Do you have anything on Pueto Rico?

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Suan, you’re welcome, glad it’s helpful. Hope you have an amazing upcoming trip. I haven’t been to Puerto Rico, but I’d love to visit in the future.

  • chiep sophy

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    When you will visit the Cambodia?

    Thank you
    Sophy

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Sophy, I have been a couple times, but it’s been a while, I’d love to visit again soon.

    • Nhan Tran

      8 years ago

      Quý vị ơi ????!
      Nói về Việt Nam mà phần comment không thấy chữ tiếng Việt nào hết, cho nên Nhan Tran đây nghe hương vị que hương mà sao vẫn thấy hơi lạ lạ mà ko biết cái gì.

  • Dee Le

    8 years ago

    I have read many articles about Saigon from different travelers and backpackers. Even the Pro ones. I have to say this one is really helpful and detailed. As a Vietnamese, I really hope everyone who comes to my country can find something interesting and have good memories here. Great job, Mark! And thank you for writing about the city.

  • JohnB

    8 years ago

    We really enjoyed this video. You provided so much info that we can use in Saigon. I will be ordering some of your t-shirts. I will be viewing more of your videos.

  • Robson Cadore

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark!
    We are heading to Vietnam in March and this article is brilliant!
    Tks for all the great info!
    Cheers,

  • Jim Gottlieb

    8 years ago

    The Saigon bus system is fully loaded into Google Maps, and now that I’m living here (and deathly afraid of riding motorbikes) I use Google Maps to tell me how to get around by bus, and it hasn’t let me down yet. Much easier than studying a bus map. Just enter your destination and click the Transit option and you’re good to go. But the buses stop running by about 21:00, so after that it’s walking or a taxi for me.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Jim, thanks for sharing. Glad the buses are working out so well. I took them quite a few times during my visit, and always went smoothly.

  • Minh

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark, you should try going to Phan Thiet in Vietnam, it is really a very nice place

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Thank you Minh, I would love to go on my next visit to Vietnam.

  • Patty

    8 years ago

    Just follow up your blog for a long time. Thank you for your determination on giving us such great info. From your recommendation, I had a memorable trip to Ho Chi Minh and this is my itinerary for 4 days in that city, it’s a budget plan. Once, thanks for your guidance to make our trips much easier.

  • Phuong Tran

    8 years ago

    My family and I came back from Saigon last month November 2015. You are certainly right when you say that the best way to explore is walking. The alley streets had an abundance of culture living that you can actually witness. There are chickens and dogs roaming as motorbikes maneuver around. Street vendors looking on their smartphones. Locals drinking coffee on plastic stools. It’s different dimension that I won’t get any where else. I’m curious to visit the modern Saigon that you touched upon. I’m an avid runner and I was excited to learn there is a race called “Conquer the Phu My Bridge”. This would be my first international race. Thanks for your insights. Will keep it in mind for my future Vietnam adventures.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Phuong, great to hear from you and glad you had such a fun trip to Saigon. That race sounds fantastic!

  • Gloria Atanmo

    8 years ago

    In Saigon now and I’m so impressed! This is such a thorough overview of the city as well. Loving it here and will use some of your suggestions, thank you!

    P.S. Loved the bit about the motorcycle taxis – they really do just kind of lounge around all day, it’s quite funny.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Gloria, thank you very much for reading, really appreciate it. Glad you’re enjoying Saigon!

  • Zobera rahman linu

    8 years ago

    Thanks a lot for sharing us a valuable tips.I am planning to go vietnam 21 December 2015. I love to travel and I am a food lover. I am so happy and enjoying to read this. It will help me to travol there. Thank you so much once again for your tips.

  • Zobera rahman linu

    8 years ago

    I am planning to go vietnam 21 December 2015. I love to travel and I am a food lover. I am so happy to learn all those things which will help me travol there. Thank you so much once again.

  • Ellie Quinn

    8 years ago

    This is such a great post thank you!
    I’ve just planned my next few days in HCMC!

  • Melissa

    8 years ago

    Your blog is very informative. I am going there with my mum and sis two weeks from now.
    Thank you and keep up the good work. 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Melissa, glad this is helpful. Hope you have an amazing upcoming trip.

  • Tanya

    8 years ago

    Hey!
    Just wanted to say thank you for your tips on what to eat at Notre Dame and by Turtle Lake. It was delicious and the locals were super friendly inviting my boyfriend and me into their own atmosphere.
    I’d also like to recommend Chill Skybar. It had an amazing view and the staff made you feel like a celebrity (and slightly underdressed, they all looked amazing). Just make sure to go there when it’s dark though, the city lights make it so romantic and absolutely magical!
    Anyway, really enjoyed reading about all your tips! Hope to see more of them coming on any possible destination. Wishing you and your wife good travels!
    Tanya

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Tanya, thank you very much for sharing, and glad you really enjoyed the Turtle Lake area. Thank you also for the recommendation, sounds great. Hope you have safe travels as well!

  • Alyana

    8 years ago

    Loved your blog post! So informative! Also, great pictures! 🙂

  • Ryan

    8 years ago

    I’ll be visiting Hi Chih Minh in December, and it’s gonna be my 3rd visit to Vietnam! Your article really got me excited to go, thanks! 🙂

  • Api

    8 years ago

    Thank you Mark for the travel guide, I’m going to Saigon next week on saturday and this will be very helpful. Downloading the pdf now so I can use it even when i don’ t have internet connection. I haven’t book any place to stay, I plan to stay in Pam ngu lao street. If I go there without booking a hotel do you think I still can get a room? Or is it usually full? Thanks

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Api, good to hear from you, glad this guide is helpful. Yah, I think there should be plenty of options to find a place to stay if you just show up and look around. Enjoy your trip!

  • Dean Taitz

    8 years ago

    Mark you have the all time greatest travel advice really have helped me out in my travels!

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Great to hear that Dean, glad it’s helpful.

  • Mimah

    9 years ago

    Very USEFUL information. BRILLIANT!

  • Nuong

    9 years ago

    Excellent informations.
    You know more than many saigonese!!!

  • Jhay-Ann

    9 years ago

    Wow, thanks for writing this. My friends and I are planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City in December and we have no idea where or what to do when we get there. Your article is a big help and will take your advises (especially to take precautions with street thieves :P)

  • Lisa

    9 years ago

    I admired you, I was in Vietnam … thank you

  • Christine

    9 years ago

    Hi Mark,
    I’m from Vietnam and I’m living in Ho Chi Minh City. Thank you very much for the extremely helpful infomation about my lovely city that you gave all your readers. I’ve been following your blog for a while and totally love all your videos as well as articles. There is just one thing I don’t feel good about your and your wife trip to Ho Chi Minh City : I should have known you sooner so I could suggest where you should go and even should take you two there when you visited my city. I wish I could even do more than that, like offer good hotel rooms and good meals like what I had watched in your trip to Malaysia Langkawi and Manila. I just want to make sure you would experience as much as you can even though your articles are pretty clear and your food blogs are excellent. I will just keep watching and supporting you and Ying and hope one day my ideas could come true. Best wishes.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Christine, you’re awesome, thank you very much! Next time we come to Ho Chi Minh City we will let you know. It would be great to meet you and eat with you! What is your one of your favorite foods to eat in Ho Chi Minh City? Thank you again!

  • paul

    9 years ago

    Hey mark I like you blog. I watch you travel around the world eating those food makes my mouth full of water. Now I’m vegan. live in New York. I’m from Thailand every time you eat Thai food I can feel what it test like by watching you eat. I am following you where ever you go. Keep up with good work.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Paul, good to hear from you, thank you very much for the comment. Do you get to come back to Thailand often?

    • Paul

      9 years ago

      Thanks for the reply. I haven’t been back to Thailand about 14 years now busy with work. I work on the computer all day long. When I got a break always check your blog I saw some Thai dishes I m not familiar with I just enjoy watching you enjoy eating food I also enjoy seeing different culture different food its amazing. What amazed me is that you can eat and not gain weight. Keep up with good work talk to you soon.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Thank you Paul!

  • Nhan

    9 years ago

    I think you should also visit outside of Saigon to have an overview.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Nihan, yes I would love to. Didn’t have time this visit, but I hope to in the future.

  • Mal Milligan

    9 years ago

    I’ve read dozens of your articles and this is my fav so far. Man you worked like crazy during this trip. Excellent stories and awesome professional photography. If I’m ever in Vietnam at the same time as you are, I’d be stoked to camera crew with you for an afternoon. Cheers Mark.

  • Phoebe Nguyen

    9 years ago

    You are right Mark. These are almost attractive destinations you can see in Sai Gon (China Town also). Your post is very useful for us to sure that we will not miss any must see places and things.

  • Cam

    9 years ago

    Thank you so much for this, Mark — it’s a concise, well-written guide to Saigon, complete with details that are almost always missing from mainstream guide books. I appreciate your time and effort and can feel the passion you have for your adventures, eating and otherwise. I have only recently become aware that your experiences and blogging extend way beyond Thailand —

    • Cam

      9 years ago

      Thank you so much for this, Mark — it’s a concise, well-written guide to Saigon, complete with details that are almost always missing from mainstream guide books. I appreciate your time and effort and can feel the passion you have for your adventures, eating and otherwise. I have only recently become aware that your experiences and blogging extend way beyond Thailand —

      PS – As a vegetarian, it can sometimes be difficult in Vietnam; I appreciate your comments whenever you find veg options.

  • Jeffery Hitch

    9 years ago

    Love your post. Very well thought out and written. I have visited Cambodia and Thialand and would very much like to visit Vietnam. Coming soon hopefully…

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Thank you very much Jeffery, really appreciate it. Hope you can visit Vietnam soon.

  • Trystan Roberts

    9 years ago

    Love everything you do Mark!

    You really need to consider offering a VIP food tour with you and your wife someday 🙂 Maybe once a year for your biggest fans who are just as passionate about food as you are! My Vietnamese wife and I will go in a heartbeat, who cares about the cost haha! Your energy and passion for food is contagious 🙂

    Talk to you soon buddy!

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Trystan, thank you very much, really appreciate your support. I’ll think about some tours, that would be cool, and I’d love to meet great people like you. Are you living in Vietnam now?

  • jay

    9 years ago

    Hello,

    Just wanted to stop by and say the site is great. I love your post.I’m currently running a similar travel site based in Los Angeles: http://www.visitla4less.com

    Keep up the good work!

  • Izy berry

    9 years ago

    Great article thanks for sharing your tips with us 🙂

  • Joy

    9 years ago

    Very informative as usual. Always love reading your blog or videos(although not as much as before, really busy with work and whatnot.) Hope to read a blog about Singapore or Taiwan, perhaps parts of China. I was just there this past May.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Thank you for reading Joy, glad you enjoyed it. Sounds good, I have some posts coming soon from Singapore, and I’d love to visit Taiwan in the future. Did you visit all three of those places?

  • michael

    9 years ago

    Great post, love your videos and your guide will come in very handy when i visit in a few months! I can’t wait! keep up the amazing post and videos

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Thank you Michael, good to hear you’ll be visiting soon!

  • James K

    9 years ago

    Hi Mark! Thanks for another very useful video – I have been watching your videos for some time but hadn’t got around to commenting. I am planning a trip to Vietnam (via Bangkok!) for March 2016 (my first time in SE Asia!!) so I can’t wait to try out these suggestions. I’m especially looking forward to digging into the delicious looking street food, both in Vietnam and Bangkok 🙂 When ordering in Ho Chi Minh City can you get by in English or do you need to know some Vietnamese? I am worried I won’t know what I’m ordering!

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey James, thank you for the comment, glad you’re planning to visit SE Asia next year. As for ordering, not many people speak English, but one of the nice things is that Vietnamese is Romanized, so you can recognize the signs for different foods. And then once you see something you want to try, you can just kind of mention you want one plate or bowl of it by holding up a finger and smiling. This worked well for me! If you have time to learn a few phrases that’s always helpful and beneficial, but you can still get without. Many people in Saigon are extremely friendly.

  • Steve Murray

    9 years ago

    Thank you. I have been to Vietnam before and will go again. I have seen a lot of the places you talk about but not all. I look forward to seeing more. I have found no matter how long I stay in Vietnam I can never see every thing there is always more to see and more food to try. Again thank you.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Steve, glad you’ve been to Saigon as well. I fully agree, with you, I feel the same!

  • Michael Johnson

    9 years ago

    Great articles. I appreciate your information concerning safety. I feel like this is more true than you hear about. I know you are limited to what you can offer in this subject. How could I find out more information on safety and medical availability and standards in different countries. Thanks and keep up the good work

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Michael, you’re welcome, thank you for reading. Perhaps you could check out Travelfish (http://www.travelfish.org/) for more info regarding medical and safety, and also do some browsing or asking on forums, and also there’s some good info on the Lonely Planet website. All the best!

  • Lisa Chow

    9 years ago

    Thank you for a great video. Makes me want to visit Saigon!

  • Luke Mitchell

    9 years ago

    What is the tall architectural masterpiece that is standing next to the Rolex building in your first photo?

    I always read your posts and wonder at the stories you have to tell people, all because you decided to LIVE your life instead of letting it pass you by, and to see the world not as it’s told to you but on your own terms.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Luke, thank you very much, really appreciate it. That building is the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest building in Saigon!

  • King Epic

    9 years ago

    Very interesting Mark and nice pictures! I thought this place was completely run down but it looks actually quite okay on the pics.

    However, the safety issues mentioned would be a big concern. I’m used to Bangkok and Barcelona – places where crime is present – , but Saigon seems to be on another level.

    Cheers,
    KE

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey KE, thanks for reading. Overall though, I think the safety issues should not take away from visiting. Nearly everyone I met was extremely kind and helpful, and I had no problems throughout my stay. But it’s just important, like in any busy city, to be aware.

  • Nancy Lois Reyes

    9 years ago

    Wonderful guide book. Will use it for our Saigon trip in December.

  • nancy reyes

    9 years ago

    Mark that was a very good guide you made. I will download it and make it my official guide to Saigon. Good timing as I have been researching for our December trip with family. Good job!

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Nancy, great to hear that, thank you for getting it. Hope you can plan a trip to Vietnam in December!

  • Noel

    9 years ago

    Love to read this. You missed to mention the first and original rooftop bar, Saigon Saigon Bar at the Caravelle Hotel. It’s also historical being the place where the news people who coveraged the Vietnam War stayed.

    Thanks a lot Mark

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Noel, ok great, thanks for sharing that!

    • Steve Murray

      9 years ago

      A great bar and some good bands at night. The prices for drinks is also ok. If you like you can just go up and take pictures at no cost.

  • Liem @ Holiday Bays

    9 years ago

    Hi Mark! I live near Saigon. Are you still around Vietnam? Great post mate, some places you shared I haven’t even been there! 🙂

    Liem

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Liem, great to hear that you’re living near Saigon. No, I’m not there anymore. Are you from Vietnam?

    • Liem @ Holiday Bays

      9 years ago

      Yes I am, but I’m moving to Australia soon. Love your blog!

  • LynnB

    9 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    Thank you so much for the useful info. Your website really gives me helpful insights as I will be travelling to Vietnam with my husband and 2 young children (ages 5 and 2) this February. There is one thing I would like to ask you. Besides taking recommended immunizations the CDC recommended, did your family do anything extra to prevent traveler’s diarrhea, and other sickness? Thank you.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Lynn, glad this is useful, and that you’ll be going to Vietnam next year. I didn’t take anything extra than the normal vaccinations when I was in Vietnam, and I didn’t have any problems, but you may want to bring along something like imodium just in case. For other sickness, there are plenty of pharmacies there as well. How long will you be in Vietnam? Will you be in Saigon, or traveling to other parts of the country?

    • LynnB

      9 years ago

      Hi Mark! Thank you for replying.

      We will be visiting my in-laws who live in Da Nang for two weeks, and then we will head to Saigon for the 3rd week. I was actually born in the South, near Vinh Long. Have you ever got a chance visit there? It was a nice place, at least in my memory :).
      This will be my first time (in 25 years) celebrating the lunar New Year (Tet) in Vietnam. I am very excited, but at the same time, I’m worried that we will be sick, especially my young children. I had a bad case of traveler’s diarrhea/(food poisoning?) six years ago when I was there, despite I was being so careful with what I was eating/drinking. ‘Til this day, I still don’t know how I got it. As an adult, I was wiped out. I don’t know how my children would be if they were to get sick. I will pack all the necessary medications and bring lots and lots of hand sanitizer.
      Again, thank you so much for the post. I am so glad I found this before my trip. I look forward to reading your many upcoming destinations.

      Great work!!!

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Lynn, you’re welcome, no I haven’t had a chance to visit the South. I would love to though. Hope you have an amazing upcoming trip, stay safe!

  • Steve

    9 years ago

    Outstanding information thank you Mark, so much to digest, in a sense 🙂 A friend and I are going to Ho Chi Minh in November, so this was very timely. We always watch your videos, no matter the country or topic. Thank you.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Thank you very much for the support Steve, and great to hear you’ll be going to Ho Chi Minh City soon. Hope you have a great upcoming trip!

    • Lisa

      9 years ago

      I admired you, I was in Vietnam … thank you

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Thank you Lisa

  • constantin bernard

    9 years ago

    Very useful and easy to watch or read!Very good job,Mark!

  • MarkG

    9 years ago

    Very useful guide. Many thanks. However I am unable to sign up for the ebook because it will not let me use the email address that I am currently subscribed with:(

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Mark, you’re welcome, glad you like it. If you’re subscribed, it should re-direct you… I’ll look into that. I’ll e-mail you now.

  • Austin James

    9 years ago

    Thanks for this great article and beautiful pics!!!

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      You’re welcome, thank you for reading Austin.

    • Lan16

      8 years ago

      I was born and raised in Vietnam. It have been 24 yrs, I haven’t been back to visit. This yr summer i would like to take my families to visit Saigon. By reading your website, its very helpful. Most of my families live in District 4. Have you ever visit district 4? If yes, please let me know. Thanks

  • andrea ispravnic

    9 years ago

    I have enjoyed your travells with my father /me 22 ge 82 / and wish to have your experiences mailed
    sincere regards/ i have finished a hotel – tourism college in Austria and wish to get more experiences for my future
    andrea