Eat in District 5, live in District 3, and play in District 1
Live by this old Saigon saying, and eat, live and play your way through Ho Chi Minh City’s many districts. While District 1 is best known for its backpacker hostels and lively pub crawls, District 3 offers a quieter, more laidback side of the city. This is where you’ll find beautifully weathered colonial landmarks like Tân Định Church and Phuong Nam Mansion, along with some of Vietnam’s oldest pagodas, including Phap Hoa Pagoda, Xa Loi Pagoda and Chùa Vĩnh Nghiêm.
For a deeper look into the country’s past, you should pause at the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Memorial, a serene space dedicated to the monk who became a powerful symbol of religious freedom. The War Remnants Museum is another important stop in District 3, offering a sobering yet essential perspective on the Vietnam War through its detailed (occasionally heart-wrenching) exhibits.
Tip: Another easy way to explore the city is with a night boat ride on the Saigon River, passing through many districts, with views of Vietnam’s tallest building, Landmark 81 all lit up.
Foodie paradise
Ho Chi Minh City has an energy that’s hard to put into words until you experience it for yourself. Scooters stream past in what feels like organised chaos, while tiny food stalls hidden in narrow alleys dish out some of the most memorable meals you’ll ever eat.
If you love street food, the city’s night markets are a great place to start, with flavours that marry the city’s Vietnamese and Chinese influences. Try banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes) at An Dong Night Market, and sample goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) and che (sweet dessert soups) at Hoa Binh Market.
If you’d rather sit down for a meal, Cuc Gach Quan feels like dining in a local home. Don’t miss dishes like bun thit nuong (grilled meat with rice noodles and vegetables), ca kho to (caramelised fish in a clay pot), or a comforting bowl of pho ga (chicken noodle soup).
For something more refined, book a table at Anan Saigon, a Michelin Star restaurant set inside the historic Cho Cu Market. The Saigon Tasting Menu is a thoughtful journey of flavours throughout the country from north to south, blending local ingredients with French techniques.
Tip: You can see, sample or simply photograph some of the most bizarre foods such as deep-fried frogs, barbecued rats and fermented scorpion wine at the night markets.
Coffee break
Coffee here isn’t just a drink, but a daily ritual and absolutely worth slowing down for (the locals know this). For a true Vietnamese classic, order ca phe sua da (iced milk coffee) which you’ll find on almost every street.
Another spot that perfectly captures Ho Chi Minh City’s character is The Café Apartments, an old apartment block that has been transformed into a vertical maze of cosy cafés, small boutiques and restaurants, each with its own personality. Part modern hangout, part nostalgic landmark, it’s a lovely place to sip coffee, wander slowly and soak in the city’s layered history.
Tip: If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try egg coffee, rich, creamy and surprisingly comforting. It was born out of war-time scarcity but is now an iconic Vietnamese beverage.
Shop, stroll, repeat
Ho Chi Minh City is full of markets and shopping spots, both new and old, but Bến Thành Market remains a favourite, especially for Vietnamese souvenirs, coffee and clothing.
What sets the city apart, though, is how strong its boutique and concept-store scene is. L’Usine elegantly combines fashion and homeware with café culture, while Metiseko stands out for its thoughtfully made, sustainable clothing inspired by Vietnamese heritage.
If you’re in the mood for something more contemporary, The New Playground and Diamond Plaza are great places to explore local streetwear labels and independent designers that showcase the city’s younger, stylish side.
If you enjoy walks, Saigon Riverfront Park is perfect for an easy, unhurried walk along the riverside, with lovely views of the skyline. Another peaceful escape is Tao Dan Park. Spread across 10 hectares, it’s one of the city’s largest parks and a welcome patch of greenery right in the middle of the urban bustle.
My personal tip for booklovers: even if you are not into reading, don’t miss a stroll along the narrow lane known as Book Street near Notre Dame Cathedral. Peep into boutique bookstores, walk into streetside literary events or simply sit down with a cuppa to do some pe