What is a 'Must do' in Saigon other than Ben Thanh Market, and all?

Are you planning to visit Ho Chi Minh city and looking for something special & different from what they say on TripAdvisor? Did you hear enough about Bui Vien street, Ben Thanh market, War remnants museum, Independence palace, history museum, Bitexco financial tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Cu Chi tunnels tour?

The famous destinations for tourists are always crowded and people try to rip off your pockets. Do you want to find out more about what local life looks like and try to enjoy the city as they do? Something like eating at the street food stalls or where expatriates go for the weekend, visiting local pagodas with a mysterious history, touching the French colonial architecture, having a sip at the hidden rooftop bars, and buying local handicraft artwork? Let's find out here!

Exploring Thao Dien: where local expatriates hang out and eat out

Whereas Ho Chi Minh City is recognized as Vietnam’s vibrant metropolis that never sleeps – complete with an endless horde of motorbikes and a cacophony of traffic noises, street vendors loudly peddling their wares, and the incessant sounds of construction – there is quite a sharp contrast with the peace and serenity of District 2. Thao Dien has the honor of being the city’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in terms of walkable distances and road infrastructure. If one were to witness a family on a leisure cycling tour or a couple walking their dog in Saigon, chances are it is in this neighborhood.

It’s no secret that some of Saigon’s finest international dining is located in Thao Dien. French restaurants are very french, Koreans are very korean, and so on - one thing in common, all very delicious food!

Though Vietnam is quite well-known for its countless cafes serving up the signature ‘ca phe sua da’, coffee shops in Thao Dien set themselves apart with their laid-back vibes and artsy decor - perfect for social gatherings with friends.

You can search "Thao Dien restaurant" or "best cafe in Thao Dien" for discovering where to try it out!

Morning coffee on the street: Local style

Saigonians start a day early, very early. Why? I personally think it's because early morning time is the most pleasant time during the day without strong sunshine and high temperature.

So then, what do they do in the morning time? We drink coffee! You will be a Saigonian for a moment in a street cafe with a perfectly local style. Our recommendation is Ba Lù, Cà phê Vợt, Cà phê Cheo Leo, or try any street cafeteria on the famous cafe street Mạc Đĩnh Chi street and Trường Sa & Hoàng Sa street. 

Difficult to find? Then you can hit any street cafe stalls and shout out "ca phe sua da"!

Trying small art galleries: Young artists with diversified cultural backgrounds

Saigon’s art scene has rapidly evolved from a commercial art hub to an eclectic community of unique contemporary artists. Galleries are generally small sporadically located, but play a crucial role in promoting local artists and are often responsible for bringing the artistic community together. Here are the selective art galleries in Saigon to catch a glimpse of the incredible talent within this dynamic city - Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Art, Apricot Gallery, MAY artspace, Craig Thomas Gallery, REI Artspace. It will be fun to walk down to the small allies to find the local art galleries.

Visiting pagodas: The best Instagram pictures

Saigon has many religions including Caodaism, Buddism, Christianism, Islam, Fascism, and Confucianism, reflecting diversified cultural backgrounds. It is true that there are hundreds of big and small pagodas and temples in the hustle and bustle city. Admiring beautiful architectural works, some of which last hundreds of years, and calming yourself at the religious sites are worth doing in Saigon. You can search more but we introduce 2 very interesting pagodas here.

Chau Thoi Buddhist Temple

Located on the northern side of Ho Chi Minh City(actually in Binh Duong), Chau Thoi Pagoda is a rare temple on the hilly mountain in a mostly flatty Ho Chi Minh City. It is also famous for wild monkeys living in the temple - more than 100 monkeys roam free here. You will find the unique architecture of a Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam, sharing the space with nature in harmony and peace.

Buu Long Pagoda

Located in district 9 in Ho Chi Minh City, Buu Long Pagoda shows absolutely different architecture that you can see in Vietnam. The pagoda is similar in style to what you see in Thailand and Myanmar. Buddhist temples in Vietnam tend to more East Asian in style with multiple stories. The temple practices the Theravada branch of Buddhism like in Thailand. 

How to get there?

For visitors without a motobike the best way to go is to use a Grab Taxi/Motorbike

Running at the Vinhomes Central Park: In the early morning time with diligent local runners

Are you a runner? Are you looking for popular running routes in Ho Chi Minh City?

Sorry to say this, but district 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, where most of the hotels are located for tourists, is not the ideal place for running. Motobikes exhale toxic fumes in the early morning and the city is not pedestrian-friendly at all. Where can you run without any hassles from the traffic?

Try the Vinhomes Central Park in District 2 Ho Chi Minh City. You will find an undisrupted 2km running route for one loop, with greens and a well-paved running path alongside the Saigon River. When is the best time for running? In Ho Chi Minh City, 6 am is the best time for all exercise!

You can also find popular running routes in Strave at Sala Thu Thiem and Thao Dien. Running in a different city always gives special memories (at least to me, haha).

Hanging out with locals: And learning some Vietnamese?

Have you heard about Mundo Lingo?

You can sign up and show up, then you can meet many local friends living in Saigon, some originally from Vietnam and other countries. Mundo carefully selects bars and staffs the events with cool people who know how to make you feel comfortable. Your native language flag goes at the top and your weakest at the bottom. Stand to meet new people, and sit down for a private conversation. It's open to all people and all ages, give it a go. And you can enjoy Vietnamese food (street food, yayy!!) together with new friends afterward!

Drinking local craft beers and Kombuchas: With some local snacks

What can be more vagabonding during your travels if you have a chance to enjoy pleasant local drinks and snacks? What if your drinks are freshly brewed CRAFT BEERS or KOMBUCHAS with locally famous POTATO CHIPS, TRADITIONAL FINGER SNACKS, or locally grown NUTS?

Wait… Craft Beers in Vietnam? 

You will be surprised at the variety and quality of locally brewed craft beers here by the brewmasters from France, Czech, German, Belgium, and Vietnam. And I must say this - Tiger beer is not from Vietnam and it is owned by Heineken!! Don’t feel Vietnam by drinking Tiger beers anymore. 

I don't disagree with the below list of craft beer bars in Saigon.

Hitting hidden bars: Where only local goes

You probably noticed that the buildings in Ho Chi Minh City are uniquely architectured with long and narrow structures. The house looks small from the facade but, if you walk inside, it is actually quite spacious of the long corridor. What drove this unique architecture? It is rumored that housing taxes were calculated based on the facade's area during the time of French Colonialism in Vietnam, so taxes define the housing structure in Vietnam since then. Interesting!

Anyways, from the uniquely developed building structure, there are so many hidden gems and bars that only local people know and do not share with others (exaggerating, yes). Where can find such bars? Try out Lost & Found, Rabbit Hole, Summer Experiment, N5 Saigon, Inthe Mood Bar, 419 Bar! You will find yourself chilled over a cocktail or two in the best low-key bars.

Enjoying the music bars: Where is it?

I have a close local friend who sings at the music bars in Ho Chi Minh City and she recommended following bars with short verdicts.

Yoko Cafe - a famous spot for locals, mainly youngsters because they promote Indie artists a lot, great shows, variety of genres. Expat-friendly, speaks English, and a lot of English shows

Rock Fan Club - a hype place! Highly recommend it for rock-lovers, always has nice shows but they smoke a lot. Not recommended for family set up

Indika Saigon - a perfect place for hangouts with western food and cool music. Very suitable for families and dine-in option.

52/3 Kitchen & Bar - another family-friendly bar with live jazz music. This place also fits to the category of "hidden gems" in Ho Chi Minh City.

Thi Bar Saigon - if you want to go a little louder, wilder and crazier, this is the place. Famous for the LGBT community, but open to anyone who loves loud and crazy music with drinks.

Rooftop, rooftop, rooftop!

In tropical cities like Ho Chi Minh City, the color of the sunset is exceptionally beautiful. You can find the pinky sky in the evening which makes perfect Instagram photos for you. You cannot miss the rooftop bar, cafe, and eatery. Be there before sunset to enjoy the beautiful sky of Ho Chi Minh City.

Check out our recommendations - Social Club Rooftop, La Moon Rooftop, The REC - Rooftop Bar, Beanthere Cafe, Vivu Rooftop, Chạng Vạng Rooftop.

Buying unique gifts for your return: Love from Vietnam, CHUS for you

CHUS has everything you need for unique gifts and souvenirs in Vietnam - authentic artcrafts from Ho Chi Minh City, specialties from south Vietnam, miniature of street food stalls, fresh coffee and tea, nuts and snacks, monopoly with Ho Chi Minh City's landmarks, and Vietnamese history, and so many others.

CHUS delivers your order to your hotels/hostels the next day if you select the Fast & Furious delivery option. All the products are locally made by handicraft artisans. Please check this link for your return gift to friends and families.

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