9/10
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Phở at Dawn, Rooftops at Dusk
Street food, French colonial architecture, and 10 million motorbikes — your complete guide to Ho Chi Minh City.
Now offering 60+ Tours and Activities and more than 101+ Places to Stay in and around Saigon
Your Guide to Saigon
Tours, hotels, travel guides and local interests — everything you need for your trip.
24 items
🍜Food & Street Eats
From steaming bowls of phở to crispy bánh xèo at sidewalk stalls — Saigon's best bites and where to find them.
5 items
🏛️War History
Museums, tunnels, and landmarks that tell the story of Vietnam's turbulent 20th century.
9 items
🚤Mekong & Waterways
Boat rides, floating markets, and river towns in the lush Mekong Delta south of the city.
1 item
🏢Colonial Heritage
French-era architecture, grand post offices, and ornate cathedrals that shaped Saigon's skyline.
6 items
🛍️Markets & Shopping
Sprawling indoor markets, night bazaars, and local craft shops across the city's districts.
11 items
🍸Nightlife
Rooftop bars, backpacker strips, live music venues, and late-night street food scenes.
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⛩️Temples & Pagodas
Centuries-old Buddhist temples, incense-filled pagodas, and hidden shrines tucked between modern towers.
5 items
☕Coffee Culture
Drip-brewed cà phê sữa đá, egg coffee, and the city's best independent cafés.
What Travelers Say About Saigon
4.5 avg rating|240+ reviews60+ tours
Our guide Linh was chill and knew the city well. Riding around on the motorbike was kinda fun but I was a bit nervous at first 'cause traffic in Saigon is wild.
H
Hans F.
Madrid, Spain
City explore combined with Food taste, Private tour on motorbike
It was hot and crowded but this tour gave a good snapshot of local life and tasty eats. The guide, Thu, was laid-back and made it easy to ask questions. Food prices were clear, so no surprises.
H
Hans K.
Tokyo, Japan
Ho Chi Minh City Street Eats Tour with Optional Spa and Massage
Our guide Linh was funny and really knew her stuff. The market visit was cool, we saw some weird veggies I’d never seen before. Cooking was hands-on which I loved since I'm not great at cooking normally.
J
James L.
Melbourne, Australia
Cook 4 Local Vietnamese Dishes In Pink-themed Class & Market Tour
Our guide Linh was chill and knew the city well. Riding around on the motorbike was kinda fun but I was a bit nervous at first 'cause traffic in Saigon is wild.
H
Hans F.
Madrid, SpainCity explore combined with Food taste, Private tour on motorbike
It was hot and crowded but this tour gave a good snapshot of local life and tasty eats. The guide, Thu, was laid-back and made it easy to ask questions. Food prices were clear, so no surprises.
H
Hans K.
Tokyo, JapanHo Chi Minh City Street Eats Tour with Optional Spa and Massage
Our guide Linh was funny and really knew her stuff. The market visit was cool, we saw some weird veggies I’d never seen before. Cooking was hands-on which I loved since I'm not great at cooking normally.
J
James L.
Melbourne, AustraliaCook 4 Local Vietnamese Dishes In Pink-themed Class & Market Tour
Guide to Saigon Neighborhoods
Each area has its own unique character and charm. Find the local flavor that makes each neighborhood special.
Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao
Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao form the main backpacker district in Ho Chi Minh City, often called the 'Backpacker Street.' It's a lively area filled with budget hostels, street food stalls, and bars that stay open late. This neighborhood suits travelers who want to meet others, enjoy affordable drinks, and have easy access to travel agencies organizing trips around Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The streets are often crowded, especially in the evenings, with a mix of tourists and locals. Noise and occasional aggressive vendors can be a downside, so if you prefer quieter nights, this might not be ideal. The area is also known for its late-night food options, which are practical after hours of partying. Street hygiene varies, so carrying hand sanitizer is advisable. The location is central, making it easy to get to other parts of the city by foot or motorbike taxi.
Phu My Hung / District 7
Phu My Hung in District 7 offers a clean, organized urban environment far from the narrow alleys and traffic jams typical of central Ho Chi Minh City. The area suits families, expatriates, and professionals looking for quieter residential streets and green spaces. Wide roads, modern apartments, and shopping centers line the neighborhood, reflecting a carefully planned layout. Korean businesses and restaurants are abundant here, reflecting the significant Korean community. The atmosphere is calm during weekdays but can feel somewhat sterile or quiet compared to the city center's energy. Public transportation options are limited, so owning a motorbike or car is helpful. The price of housing and services tends to be higher, reflecting its appeal as a suburban alternative.
Dong Khoi
Dong Khoi sits at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, catering mostly to visitors who appreciate polished surroundings and a touch of colonial history. The wide sidewalks, lined with mature trees and French-era buildings, offer a calm contrast to the city’s more frenetic districts. Upscale boutiques, art galleries, and luxury hotels shape the street’s sophisticated feel. While it’s well-maintained and quiet during weekday mornings, the area draws more foot traffic on weekends and evenings, particularly around Nguyen Hue walking street nearby. The prices here reflect its upscale nature—expect higher costs for dining and shopping compared to other districts. If you’re after a refined atmosphere with plenty of cafes where you can linger over a coffee, Dong Khoi fits the bill, though it might be less lively if you prefer a more casual or local vibe.
District 1 / Ben Thanh
District 1, particularly the Ben Thanh area, sits right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s where colonial architecture meets daily urban life and a steady stream of locals and tourists cross paths. The neighborhood is a mix of old and new: French-style buildings stand alongside modern shops and street vendors. If you want to be in the middle of everything, with easy access to public transport, markets, and office buildings, this is your spot.The atmosphere can be noisy and crowded, especially around Ben Thanh Market and the surrounding streets. This is where you’ll find an endless flow of motorbikes, street food stalls, and souvenir shops. It’s not the place for quiet mornings, but it offers a real feel for city life. The trade-off here is that it’s busy and sometimes tourist-heavy, but the convenience and energy make it worth it for many.People who want to stay close to major landmarks like the Opera House and Notre-Dame Cathedral will find District 1 very practical. It’s walkable to many attractions, and taxis or Grab rides are easy to get. At night, the area lights up with bars and eateries, though some spots can be pricey compared to other districts.
District 3
District 3 is a mostly residential area with a steady rhythm that suits people who want to live among locals rather than tourists. It has a mix of old French colonial villas, narrow alleys filled with small shops, and tree-lined streets. The neighborhood is quieter than District 1 but still has plenty of cafes, eateries, and small markets where residents shop daily. Traffic is less intense here compared to the city center, making it easier to get around by motorbike or bicycle. However, it’s not free from noise and congestion during rush hours, especially near major roads like Điện Biên Phủ and Nguyễn Đình Chiểu. District 3 attracts long-term residents, expats who prefer a less hectic environment, and families. The area’s charm lies in its everyday life scenes—people chatting outside their homes, kids playing in small parks, and street vendors selling fresh food. If you want a base that is close to the city’s main spots but still has a local feel, District 3 works well. It’s not the best place if you want late-night entertainment or big shopping malls, but it’s solid for those who appreciate neighborhoods where you can walk to a good coffee shop or a quiet park without too much fuss.
Binh Thanh
Binh Thanh district lies just northeast of Ho Chi Minh City's central districts, offering a primarily residential atmosphere that appeals to locals and budget-conscious visitors. The area is marked by a dense grid of streets, where motorbikes dominate the traffic and small shops line the sidewalks. Compared to District 1 or 3, Binh Thanh is quieter in terms of nightlife and tourism but lively during the day with markets, street food vendors, and local services. Housing here includes a mix of older apartment buildings and modest houses; prices for rentals and dining are significantly lower than the city center. This neighborhood suits travelers who want to stay close to the action without paying District 1 rates, and those interested in seeing everyday city life outside the main tourist zones. The trade-off is that public transport options are less direct, and some streets can be crowded with motorbikes during rush hour. English signage and foreigner-friendly amenities are limited, so some familiarity with Vietnamese helps.