If you truly want to feel the pulse of Vietnam, Saigon – or Ho Chi Minh City – is where it all begins. This city never sleeps, never slows down, and never fails to surprise you. Here are 9 things every traveler must do in Saigon to experience the city like a local.
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1. Sip Iced Coffee on the Sidewalk
Forget fancy cafés – the best coffee in Saigon is brewed on the streets. Grab a plastic stool, order a cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk), and watch the chaotic beauty of motorbikes whizzing by. It’s not just coffee, it’s a way of life.
See more: What Foreigners Should Do When Dining with Vietnamese People
2. Explore Bến Thành Market
Step into this buzzing market to taste local snacks, hunt for souvenirs, and practice your bargaining skills. The air is filled with the scent of spices, flowers, and freshly cooked food – a sensory overload that perfectly captures the spirit of Saigon.
3. Stroll Along Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street
At night, this pedestrian boulevard transforms into a lively stage. Locals sing, dance, skate, and laugh under the city lights. Grab a snack, join the crowd, and soak in the electric energy of modern Saigon.
4. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office
Standing proudly side by side, these two French colonial landmarks tell the story of Saigon’s past. The red bricks of the cathedral and the elegant arches of the post office make for picture-perfect memories – and a peaceful break amid the urban rush.
5. Dive Into Saigon’s Street Food Scene
From bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese pizza) to ốc xào me (snails with tamarind sauce), the city’s street food is a flavor-packed adventure. Night markets and tiny alleys hide some of the best bites you’ll ever taste. Don’t be afraid to try everything!
6. Watch the Sunset on the Saigon River
Hop on a river cruise or find a quiet riverside bar. As the sun dips below the skyline and skyscrapers light up one by one, you’ll understand why locals love their city so deeply.
7. Visit the Independence Palace
A time capsule of 1960s design and a major site in Vietnam’s modern history. Walk through its elegant halls and imagine what Saigon looked like decades ago.
8. Discover Chinatown (Chợ Lớn)
Wander through vibrant temples, herbal medicine shops, and markets bursting with color. This historic district blends Chinese and Vietnamese culture in fascinating ways, especially during festivals like Lunar New Year.
9. Ride a Motorbike Like a Local
No visit to Saigon is complete without a motorbike ride. Feel the breeze, weave through narrow alleys, and see the city’s hidden gems up close. It’s thrilling, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Saigon isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience that stays with you. Between the street food, coffee culture, and unfiltered energy, every corner of this city tells a story waiting for you to discover.
