Itinerary: 3 Days in Saigon (-nomnom), Take 1
Vietnomnomnom has lived in Saigon for nearly six months now, so we figure, time for a first cut at a 3-day itinerary. Future iterations to come, no doubt.
DAY 1 + Morning: Tân Định Market
Tân Định Market, or Chợ Tân Định, is one of the many local (non-touristy) markets. Go here as early as possible, so you can see the chaotic coordination of the market vendors' distribution and sales. I've found the market to be a huge part of Vietnamese culture (and you can pick up some delicious produce and snacks, too, nomnomnom). This is also a great place to buy fabric and any souvenirs you might fancy (coffee, tea, etc.).
+ Lunchtime: Lunch at Bánh Xèo 46A Right next to Tân Định, take a photo with the big pink church (Nhà thờ Tân Định), and then head down the alleyway for lunch at Quán Bánh Xèo 46A. Bánh xèo is the famous savory crepe dish in Vietnamese cuisine, and this streetside pub does it best (see photo on right). They also sell a host of other traditional, delicious Vietnamese dishes.
+ Afternoon: Street Food Tour Recommend doing this on your first day, if possible. It's a great way to see the city, and learning about street food is a major part of understanding Vietnamese culture. "Back of the Bike Tours" is our favorite option.
+ Early Evening: Nguyen Hue St. Have the tour guide drop you near Nguyen Hue St., and take a photo with the HCMC City Hall (or "People's House"). Take a break at a coffee shop, or have a drink at Broma (great rooftop bar, with a nice view of Nguyen Hue). As the sun sets, you'll start to see street performers in Times Square/Nguyen Hue Street (see right).
+ Evening: Dinner at SH Garden Also on Nguyen Hue, SH Garden is a rooftop restaurant with a beautiful view, and has a fantastic selection of traditional Vietnamese cuisine at great prices. The servers will be happy to help you choose your meal.
+ Late Evening: Karaoke Still have some energy? Do as the locals, and go karaoke-ing! You'll likely be able to find a group of Vietnamese locals on Nguyen Hue who will go with you (or at least tell you their favorite Karaoke spot). There are plenty of options around Nguyen Hue, including one right by the Rex Hotel. Not feeling like karaoke? Head up to the top of the Rex Hotel for a drink and a nice view and ambiance.
DAY 2
+ Morning: Independence Palace First thing in the morning, head to the Reunification/Independence Palace for a self-guided tour of some of Vietnam's recent history. Of note, the palace is closed from 11am until 1pm. We recommend allowing for about 1-2 hours to see the palace.
+ Late Morning: Notre Dame, Central Post Office & Ice Cream Within walking distance, or a short xe om or cyclo tuk tuk ride away, are
Notre Dame and the Central Post Office. Take a photo with both, of course, but also be sure to go inside of the Post Office (and even send a postcard). A beautiful building, and also has some fun souvenir shops. Oh, and very important, grab an ice cream around the corner at the nitrogen ice cream shop, iKem (see right). Need a coffee? Take a break at Au Parc Cafe.
+ Lunchtime: Phở Hòa Pasteur Have some traditional phở (photo below) at the famous Phở Hòa, not too far from Notre Dame and the Post Office.
+ Afternoon: Pasteur Street and Dong Khoi Street Shopping Pasteur and Dong Khoi Streets are known for great shopping, both clothing and souvenirs. Most of the shops are fixed price, but don't be afraid to bargain with the street vendors. Some of our favorite shops: Authentique, Mekong Quilts, Artbook, Sadec, Unique (multiple locations), Gingko, among many others.
+ Late Afternoon: Massage & Coffee The late afternoon is usually the hottest part of the day and/or the time of day that it rains, so perfect timing for a massage. MySpa, Golden Lotus, Temple Leaf Spa, and Indochine are all good options, but don't hesitate to explore and find your own favorite. Give yourself a coffee or nap break, too!
+ Dinner: Cục Gạch Quán OR
The Secret Garden You'll likely need a reservation at these. Both are great options for traditional Vietnamese fare (photo on right), and both have fantastic ambiances. Cục Gạch Quán is known for its architecture, and the Secret Garden is known for its rooftop garden perfection. Similar to SH Garden, servers at both restaurants will be happy to help you order.
+ Evening: Van Tam Park If you've still got some energy, take a quick Uber or taxi to Van Tam Park, a beautiful park, filled with people in the evenings. You'll likely even catch a few ballroom dancing classes. Buy yourself a coconut juice and enjoy the free show.
DAY 3
+ Morning: Bến Thành Market The famous Bến Thành Market, or Chợ Bến Thành, is great for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and buying souvenirs (coffee is a good choice, see photo at right). Watch for pick-pocketers, and be sure to barter (start with half of what they initially offer). Many locals will tell you that Bến Thành is expensive and a tourist trap, which is mostly true, but the prices are still generally cheap, so we vote still worth a visit. Make sure you get a smoothie from the sinh tố vendor (we recommend banana, coconut, or avocado, or a mixture of two of these). You can also grab breakfast and/or lunch here. Saigon Square is another popular spot for shopping (particularly clothes).
+ Late Morning: War Remnants Museum This is a huge museum, with a sobering and interesting Vietnamese perspective on their recent history. Allow for at least two hours, but truly you could spend a whole day here. Visit the shops outside of the building (but still on museum premises) - they have some unique souvenirs and gifts. Of note, the museum is closed between noon and 1.30pm for lunch break.
+ Lunchtime: The Lunch Lady Take a taxi, xe om, or Uber to the Lunch Lady (photo at right), where she'll serve you whatever she's cooking that day. She was featured on Anthony Bourdain, and absolutely lives up to the expectations.
+ Afternoon: Local Flea Markets Local flea markets are some of the best kept secrets of HCMC. Young Vietnamese designers and crafters and chefs make their own products, and come together at various locations on the weekends to sell to the public. You can find the times and locations on social media - look for "Saigon Flea Market," "The New District," "Hello Weekend Market," or the "Saigon Holiday Market" (to name a few).
+ Late afternoon: AO Show at the Opera House Some may tell you that the AO Show is a tourist trap, but Vietnomnomnom disagrees. An impressive show, at an affordable price, in a beautiful venue, that delves into Vietnamese culture, sign us up! They have late afternoon and evening shows.
+ Dinner: Hoa Tuc Before or after the show, have dinner at yet another delicious Vietnamese restaurant, Hoa Tuc (photo at right). There are a number of restaurants nestled in the Hoa Tuc cubby, all tasty, but the others are not traditional Vietnamese.
+ Late Evening: Ambiance and Live Music
End your evening with a fancy cocktail at the famous Hotel Continental. Feeling more casual? Check out the live music at Carmen (see photo below) or Acoustic.
Extra Time? + Chợ Lớn (Chinatown, good for shopping) + Pham Ngu Lau Street (Backpacker District - restaurants and shops) + Bitexco Tower (Rooftop view and live music) + Museum of Vietnamese History + Pagoda hopping (Emperor Jade Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda, among many others) + Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens + Urban Tales (city scavenger hunt, 1/2 day) + Củ Chi Tunnels (1/2 Day Trip) + Mekong Delta (1/2 Day to Full Day Trip) + Suối Tiên Amusement Park (1/2 Day, photo at right) + Đầm Sen Water Park (1/2 Day) + Vũng Tàu Beaches (Full Day/Overnight)
Food You Must Nom Nom Nom: + Phở (noodle soup) + Hủ Tiếu (noodle soup) + Bánh canh (tapioca noodle soup) + Bò kho (stewed beef), and thịt bò khô (beef jerky) + Đậu hủ (Fresh tofu) + Gỏi cuốn (Spring roll, usually with pork and prawn) + Chả giò (Fried spring roll, usually with pork and prawn) + Salads: Gỏi Mít (Jackfruit), Gỏi đu đủ (Papaya), Gỏi ngó sen (Lotus), Gỏi bưởi (Pomelo), Gỏi trái dừa (Coconut) + Bánh cuốn (steamed rice cake) + Bánh mì (sandwich, good for breakfast or afternoon/late night snack) + Cơm tấm (broken rice, good for breakfast) + Xôi (sticky rice, can be savory or sweet; typically eaten at breakfast) + Bún bò Huế (Beef noodle soup, specialty of Huế) + Bún chả and Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork, noodles, and veggies) + Bánh xèo (savory crepe with pork and prawn and veggies) + Cơm chiên sen (Lotus nut fried rice) + Veggies: Bông Bí (pumpkin flower), Rau Muống (morning glory), Rau Lang (sweet potato leaves) + Chè (sweet soup) + Dessert! - Visit Villa Antiques (pies and tarts), iKem (nitrogen ice cream), Lu'creme (soft serve ice cream), Cake & Ale (cakes and pastries), or Bella (ice cream on baking steel)
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