Ho Chi Minh City Guide.
Probably my favourite city break when living in Singapore - just an hour away for a total culture shock and some of the best food in South East Asia. I was only ever here for a long weekend at a push so I’ve only really explored District 1 where the centre of the city is with the main tourist attractions. After I think my third time there I branched out to District 2 which has a much more laid back vibe with art galleries and pop-up flea markets. The city is a complete shock to the senses and a place that will keep you coming back again and again. This time I got to go with my dad, making it the best trip there yet.
What we did.
For the first time in the city, there are some must-do places to see to tick off the list. The itinerary below pairs sites with food and drink places, and everything is quite close so it’s easy to walk around. For a bit of history, and something everyone should visit once, spend at least a few hours at The War Remnants Museum. Formerly named the ‘Exhibition House for US and Puppet Crimes’, all that’s changed here is the name. The exhibits are mainly one-sided but the most disturbing displays show French and American war crimes, the effects of Agent Orange, and tiger cages that were used to torture prisoners. Opening Hours: 7.30 am - 6 pm Admission: 40,000 VND.
On a lighter, more cheerier note, Ben Thanh Market is located right in the center of the city. It’s the perfect spot for people watching and buying all your souvenirs. After 7 pm the main building closes and some stalls go out on to the streets so you’ll never have an excuse not to visit. Opening Hours 7 am - 7 pm. If ceramics are your thing, you can stop off at amaï ceramics. Their uneven shaped collections come in every colour under the sun.
Another place we went to is Reunification Palace. Also known as the Independence Palace, this place is steeped in history and home to one of the most famous images of a tank belonging to the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the front gates ending the Vietnam War in 1975. Aside from viewing the living quarters and war rooms in the basement, the best part is a separate building on the grounds which holds exhibitions of how the palace was built, and the life and regime of former President Ngô Ðình Diệm. Opening Hours: 8 am - 4 pm Admission: 40,000 VND.
For a night away from the bustling city, we took a 20 minute cab ride to District 2 for a sunset dinner on the Mekong River. If you got here earlier we could explore The Factory, a modern art gallery that shows work of Vietnamese artists. There’s also really cute shops along the same street selling ceramics and a load of other things you don’t need.
What we ate.
Food was the main criteria on this trip, as all trips to Vietnam should be. You can get some of the best street food here in the markets on the pavement, and dine-in at restaurants. Some of my top spots are Propaganda, rooftop spot Mountain Retreat, and My Banh Mi for the best sandwich you’ll ever have. For something more special, you can visit French-inspired Le Jardin and Atelier Des Reves, or travel to District 2 for a visit to The Deck Saigon.
What we drank.
The best place for sunset drinks are hands down the Hotel Des Arts Saigon Rooftop Bar. Try and get here early so you can get a table to see the city’s skyline from day-to-night. It may not be the highest you could be in the city, but the drinks and live DJ make it incredible. For beer fans, a trip to Pasteur Street Brewing Company is a must. The team here pioneered craft brews in the city, making it probably the most well-known spot for local beer. The best thing to do here on a visit is to taste as much as you can and get a flight of beers. This includes their staple Jasmine IPA and other flavours like Dragon Fruit, Pomegranate, and Passion Fruit. Away from alcohol, a visit to Maison Marou for their famous hot chocolate is something you have to do. They have plenty of baked goods for a snack too and the brownies are equally as renowned.
Where we stayed.
I always try and stay right in the city centre. This time it was Myst, but others to try are Fusion Suites and Hotel Arts Saigon. If you want something with more history you can stay at the colonial-era Hotel Continental Saigon opposite the Opera house.
How we got around.
For taxis, download the Grab app or use the white and green cars called ‘Mai Linh’. Some other companies have copied their branding as they’re the most reliable to try and confuse tourists - watch out for that! It’s a great city to walk around in, just be careful of crossing the road for the sea of motorbikes. My top tip is if you start walking, don’t stop.
The Itinerary.
Day One
Arrive and get settled in at the hotel.
Lunch at My Banh Mi and visit the Cathedral and Central Post Office that’s in the same square.
Head back to the hotel and get ready for dinner.
Dinner at Mountain Rescue. This place is hard to find and there’s no lift to the rooftop restaurant, so get ready to climb a load of stairs.
Day Two
Brunch at L’Usine and buy some goodies in the shop there.
Visit Ben Thanh Market and walk over to Maison Marou for a hot chocolate.
Head back to the hotel and get ready for dinner.
Get a cab to District 2 for dinner at The Deck. Book a table before and try and get one as close to the river.
Day Three
Breakfast at Cafe AuParc for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired food and amazing fresh juices.
Visit Reunification Palace.
Lunch at Propaganda for Vietnamese or Le Jardin for French-inspired food.
Check out of the hotel to pack and head to the airport.
