Travel Tips
6 min read
Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 6 km from District 1, handles 40M+ passengers yearly. Flight fares from Europe range EUR 400-700. Transfers include taxis (EUR 5-15), buses, and ride-hailing.
The southern metropolis of Vietnam, known for its street food, war history, and French colonial architecture.
The southern metropolis of Vietnam, known for its street food, war history, and French colonial architecture.
Cinematic drone footage over Saigon — landmarks, rooftops and streets from the air.
Video: MTI Aerials on YouTube
Read the full aerial guideWelcome to the relentless energy of Saigon, where the streets pulse under the weight of motorbike traffic and the air carries the heady aroma of grilling pork and fresh herbs. From the tangled alleys of District 1's Ben Thanh market to the neon-lit chaos of Bui Vien, Saigon is a city that demands to be experienced with all your senses.
VisitSaigon.co is your guide to navigating this energetic urban landscape. We've crafted 30 in-depth travel guide articles that dive deep into the stories and streets that make this city tick. Whether you're sipping ca phe sua da on the balcony of a crumbling colonial building or sampling a steaming bowl of pho on the corner of Pasteur Street, our guides are here to lead you to the heart of Saigon.
Taste Saigon
Saigon is a culinary kaleidoscope, and with our 28 restaurant listings, you'll never be far from your next meal. From the upscale eateries of Dong Khoi to the hidden banh mi stalls of Tan Binh, each listing offers a snapshot of the city's diverse palate. We focus on the real deal: the crackling skin of a banh xeo, the tang of nuoc cham, and the comforting warmth of a hot bowl of bun bo hue.
Neighborhood Walks
Our 11 neighborhood guides take you beyond the tourist traps and into the fabric of local life. Each district in Saigon has its own rhythm: the French colonial architecture of District 3, the crowded streets of Cholon, the riverside calm of Thao Dien, and the ever-evolving skyline of Phu My Hung. These guides are your keys to understanding the hidden layers of the city, from the chaotic energy of Binh Thanh's markets to the quiet lanes of Thu Duc.
Saigon is a city of contrasts, where the old meets the new in unexpected ways. It's a place where ancient pagodas stand in the shadows of glass skyscrapers and where traditional markets rub shoulders with high-end malls. This makes the city both challenging and rewarding to navigate.
At VisitSaigon.co, we aim to be a practical companion in your journey through Saigon. Our content is crafted with a local's eye, offering you insights that go beyond the surface. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we're here to help you find your own path through the city's chaotic charm.
So bring your appetite for adventure and your willingness to wander. Saigon is waiting, and we're here to guide you through its ever-changing streets and stories. Let the hum of the city be your soundtrack, and let VisitSaigon.co be your compass in this ever-evolving metropolis.
Every guide here comes out of trips we actually took. Read how this site gets made.
The backpacker quarter with neon-lit bars, budget hostels, and street food stalls that come alive after dark.
A planned modern township with wide boulevards, Korean restaurants, shopping malls, and a self-contained urban feel.
Saigon's most upscale strip — luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and rooftop bars along the former Rue Catinat.
The central tourist hub with Ben Thanh Market, colonial landmarks, and the highest concentration of hotels and restaurants.
A local favorite with tree-lined streets, family-run cafes, and genuine neighborhood life away from tourist crowds.
A sprawling residential district with riverside cafes, local markets, and prices well below central Saigon.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 6 km from District 1, handles 40M+ passengers yearly. Flight fares from Europe range EUR 400-700. Transfers include taxis (EUR 5-15), buses, and ride-hailing.
Planning to drive to Ho Chi Minh City? Learn about main routes including National Highway 1A, toll costs from EUR 1.50 to 5, parking options from EUR 0.50/hour, and best times to avoid traffic.
Take a boat trip along the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal in Ho Chi Minh City. Release native bottom-dwelling fish on a daytime cruise to help the aquatic environment during the day or float eco-friendly paper lanterns made from bamboo pulp at night.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City's streets on the back of a scooter. A local guide will pick you up and take you through neighborhoods and interesting spots for craft beer and street food. Start with a glass of Bia Hoi, Vietnam’s fresh beer. Sample IPAs, pale ales, and pilsners brewed with traditional techniques. Try Lao Gia Beer, a local favorite from Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown, known for its unique flavor. Along the route, enjoy a variety of street food, with vegan and non-vegan options available. Visit places where locals eat and drink, and hear about Vietnam’s beer culture and history from your guide. At the end, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation.
Depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 08:00 and drive to My Tho, a journey of about two hours. Visit the Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, which combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architectural styles. Take a boat ride on the Mekong River to Ben Tre. Visit coconut candy and honey farms along the way. Have a local lunch on either Turtle Island or Unicorn Island. The meal often features elephant ear fish. Go on a sampan ride through calm canals. Listen to local folk music and taste tropical fruits. Return to Ho Chi Minh City around 17:00 - 18:00.
Attend a traditional 45-minute water puppet show featuring Vietnamese art. Water puppetry is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, especially in rural areas. The performance takes place on a water pool stage. Skilled puppeteers use long bamboo rods and strings to control the puppets from beneath the water's surface. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra accompanies the show with its music. The puppets depict stories from the songs, portraying scenes of everyday life in the Vietnamese countryside.
Start your day with a pickup from central hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels. After a 1.5-hour ride, explore the underground network that played a key role in the Vietnam War. Learn about its history and crawl through sections of the tunnels. Have a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant with vegan options available. In the afternoon, go to My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Cruise along the Mekong River and see the lush scenery before boarding a sampan to glide through narrow canals lined with coconut palms. Visit a bee house, taste seasonal fruits with honey tea, and listen to traditional folk music performed by villagers. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.
Visit Bitexco Financial Tower, rising 262 m above Ho Chi Minh City. Head to the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor, the city's first observation deck. Inspired by the lotus bud, Vietnam's national flower, this tower symbolizes the city's growth. See 360º views of Ho Chi Minh City's streets and landmarks, as well as visit cultural and historical exhibits on the same floor, including the Ao Dai Museum, which features beautiful examples of traditional Vietnamese garments.
Neighborhoods, top-rated hotels and restaurants — click a pin to explore, or toggle the legend to filter.
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