City Guide – Ho Chi Minh City

October 1, 2023 – My Tho (Disembarkation) / Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Mekong Jewel and enjoy a scenic drive to Ho Chi Minh City, where we begin our tour of the city’s incredible French Colonial architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Tonight is yours to enjoy at your leisure OR if you signed up in advance, enjoy your Saigon by Night Vespa Tour. (B/L)

October 2, 2023 –  Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, enjoy a tour to the town of Cu Chi, where the local Vietnamese lived underground during the Vietnam war. This incredible complex features underground homes and tunnels, as well as examples of the traps used to maim and kill soldiers. This evening, we bid farewell, with a special farewell dinner. (B/D)

October 3, 2023 –  Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Hotel check out is at Noon. (B)

Free Time Activities:

Should you wish to explore further afield, the best way to get around is the by TAXI. “Mai Linh” and “Vinasun” are two reliable companies- both have taxis that are painted green & white. Make sure you take a card from the hotel to get back again as most taxi drivers DO NOT speak English.

CHILL SKYBAR 1.1 MI / 1.8 KM AWAY

Chill Skybar is a modern stylish and vibrant club and lounge bar that offers both an entertainment nightlife and a social gathering experience destination. It is notably the first and the original “skybar” concept in Vietnam. Chill Skybar is perched on the top of the AB Tower in the heart of Saigon and situated exclusively on the 26^th floor of the city skyline.

Address: Level 26 – 27, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, District 1.

Tel: (84)938 822 838

Hours: 5:30 pm to 12:30 am.

Website: https://chillsaigon.com

APRICOT GALLERY 0.3 MI / 417 METER AWAY

Housed in a beautiful French colonial building, Apricot Gallery welcomes visitors to a diverse collection of artwork by renowned artists, from masters to upcoming stars such as Bùi Hữu Hùng, Hoàng Hải Anh, Công Quốc Hà, and many others.

Address: 50-52 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1.

Tel: (84)28 3822 7962

Website: https://www.apricotgallery.com.vn

GALERIE QUYNH  1.0 MI / 1.67 km AWAY

Founded in 2000 by Vietnamese-American art critic Quỳnh Phạm and Robert Cianchi from Great Britain, this gallery is known internationally for its consistently focused programming that ranges from drawings and paintings to videos and installations.

Address: 118 Nguyen Van Thu, Dakao, District 1.

Tel: (84)28 3822 7218

Website: https://www.galeriequynh.com.

OPERA HOUSE – AO SHOW  0.3 MI / 407 METER AWAY

Built at the beginning of 1897 under an original architectural design by French architect Ferret Eugene, the Opera House was restored and renewed in 2005 to celebrate the 407th anniversary of the foundation of Saigon. Visitors can enjoy music, dancing, and traditional and modern dramas.

Address: 7 Lam Son Square, District 1.

Tel: (84)845 181 188

Website: https://www.luneproduction.com.

SAIGON CITY HALL  0.4 MI / 600 METER AWAY

The building was started in 1902, completed in 1908 and named the Hotel de Ville de Saigon. In 1975, after the reunification of Vietnam, the building was named the Ho Chi Minh People’s Committee Head Office. Though it is not open to the public and tourists, this charming French colonial building is a must-see famous landmark of the city.

Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton, District 1.

HISTORY MUSEUM 1.2 MI / 2 KM AWAY

The History Museum was built between 1926 and 1929 in a gorgeous Chinese–style building. The complex houses a collection of 17,000 artefacts tracing the evolution of Viet Nam’s culture, from the Bronze Age Dong Son civilisation and the Oc Eo civilisation to the Chams, Khmers and Vietnamese.

Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1.

Tel: (84)3829 8146

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 8:00 am to 11:30 am & 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Website: http://www.baotanglichsutphcm.com.vn/

 HO CHI MINH CITY FINE ARTS MUSEUM 10.6 MI / 1 KM AWAY

Constructed in the early 20th century by a French architect, this three–storey building is a harmonious combination of Asian and European architecture. The building was the family mansion of a Chinese-born businessman named Hua Bon Hoa, one of the wealthiest traders in South Vietnam in the colonial time. In 1987, this construction was converted into Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, featuring Vietnamese work of arts in sculpture, oil, silk painting and lacquer painting.

Address: 97A Pho Duc Chinh, District 1.

Tel: (84)3821 6331

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Website: http://baotangmythuattphcm.com.vn/

FITO MUSEUM 3.1 MI / 5 KM AWAY

Nestled down the quiet Hoang Du Khuong street, near the junction of Cao Thang and Le Hong Phong streets, is a five-storey, wooden building. It is the first museum dedicated to traditional Vietnamese medicine (FITO) and displays nearly 3000 items. You can find here a huge collection of bowls to drink traditional medicine from and other related items such as scales, cabinets, advertising boards and more.

Address: 41 Hoang Du Khuong, District 10.

Tel: (84)986 900 267

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Website: https://fitomuseum.com.vn/

BEN THANH MARKET 0.6 MI / 1 KM AWAY

Ben Thanh Market was built in January 1913 and went into operation in March 1914. It was named Ben Thanh as, in the past, it was built by the riverside (Ben) and backed by a fortress (Thanh). Covering 13,062 square metres, the market has nearly 2,000 stalls and counters with a great number of diversified goods for sale.

Address: Quach Thi Trang park, District 1.

Hours: 6:00 am to 17:00 pm

VINH NGHIEM PAGODA 2.2 MI / 3.6 KM AWAY

Built in 1964 and completed in 1971 under the joint design of architects Nguyen Ba Lang, Le Tan Chuyen and Co Van Hau, the pagoda has a modern style in an attempt to create a broad appearance while still remaining loyal to Vietnamese culture in terms of architecture. In the middle of the roof is the shape of the Dharmachakra instead of the moon-shaped wheel as usually seen at different Vietnamese ancient pagodas.

Address: 339 Nguyen Van Troi, District 3.

CHINA TOWN – CHO LON 4.9 MI / 8.0 KM AWAY

Cholon is the predominantly Chinese district of Saigon. Cholon exists in many ways as a city quite apart from Saigon. The Chinese began to settle the area in the early 1890s but never quite assimilated with the rest of Saigon. A bustling commercial center, Cholon is a fascinating maze of temples, restaurants, jade ornaments and medicine shops. For visits please contact hotel concierge.

Address: District 5, HCMC.

DONG KHOI STREET

Along , visitors will discover luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Hermes, as well as several shopping centers such as Parkson Plaza and Vincom Center.

DIAMOND PLAZA 0.4 MI / 700 METER AWAY

Discover an array of familiar luxury items, from appliances to fashion. The top floor has a large entertainment area with video games and a bowling alley, making it a good place to bring the kids for a dose of quarter-plunking entertainment when they tire of touring the busy city.

Address: 34 Le Duan, District 1.

Tel: (84)28 3822 5500

Website: https://www.diamondplaza.com.vn

SAIGON CENTRE 0.5 MI / 840 METER AWAY

This modern one-stop destination is a great place to browse for electronics, clothing, and accessories. Visitors can also find Takashimaya and many Japanese brands, which recently opened in the same building. After exploring, enjoy a refreshment at one of the center’s chic coffee and pastry shops, or dine at one of the amazing restaurants located throughout the building.

Address: 65 Le Loi, District 1.

Tel: (84)28 3829 4888

Website: https://www.saigoncentre.com.vn

 30-4 PARK 0.6 MI / 930 METER AWAY

This park connects the Reunification Palace with Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. 30-4 Park is the perfect place for a post-shopping walk, with plenty of spots to sit and unwind amid lush greenery.

TAO DAN PARK 1.3 MI / 2.17 KM AWAY

Explore one of Saigon’s biggest green spaces, which features an elaborate topiary of animal.

Gay Ho Chi Minh City:

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Restaurant Recommendations:

Le Corto

The cuisine of Le Corto reflects the comic character that inspired it’s name: Corto,
son of a British sailor and a Gypsy-Romanian witch, who held a life and personality
combining both Western sophistication and an unstoppable desire to discover
the world. The food of Le Corto inherits the disciplines of French haute cuisine, but also enriched by touches of local flavors, deliver a delightful experience to every dish.

Address: 5D Nguyen Sieu, D.1.

Tel: (84)28 3822 0671

Hours: 11:00am – 2:30pm, 5:00pm – 11:00pm

Website: www.lecortovietnam.com

 Xu

This super-stylish restaurant-lounge serves up a menu of Vietnamese-inspired fusion dishes. It’s well worth the flutter for top service, a classy wine list and a happening lounge-bar.

Address: 71-75 Hai Ba Trung, D.1.

Tel: (84)28 3824 8468

Hours: 11:30am – midnight

Website: www.xusaigon.com

Hoa Tuc

Contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, tea garden, bar. In the trendy courtyard of the former opium refinery, Hoa Tuc offers atmosphere and style to match the excellence of its food. Home chefs can pick up tricks at an in-house cooking class.

Address: 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, D.1.

Tel: (84)28 3825 1676

Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Website: http://www.hoatuc.com

 The Refinery Bar and Restaurant

If wanting to enjoy the high-end lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh City, The Refinery Bar and Restaurant is a worthy choice. Once again, the French cuisine conquers the connoisseurs of all corners. When holding glasses of wines in the classical ambiance, you realize the luxury and attractiveness of what is called “the great delicacy”.

Address: 74 Hai Ba Trung, D.1.

Tel: (84)28 3823 0509

Hours: 11:00am – 11:00pm

Website: http://www.therefinerysaigon.com/

Vietnam House

Vietnam House Restaurant is set to introduce Saigon to Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist. The menu of Vietnam House Restaurant spans the country with a selection of dishes originating from northern to southern Vietnam, combining traditional cooking methods with a modern approach, all undertaken by Food Hall of Famer, Chef Luke Nguyen.

Address: 93-95-97 Dong Khoi, D.1.

Tel: (84)28 3822 2226

Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Website: http://www.vietnamhousesaigon.com

Gánh – Truly Vietnamese Cuisine

Authentic food in a lovely environment of downtown area.

Address: 91 Hai Ba Trung, D.1.

Tel: (84)28 6682 0692

Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Website: http://www.ganhvietnam.com

Mandarin

This elegant Asian restaurant offers dishes from every region of Vietnam.

Address: 11A Ngo Van Nam Street, D.1

Tel: (84)28 3822 9783

Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Website: http://www.mandarine.com.vn

 Ngon Restaurant

A collection of street food stalls gathered in an old colonial villa. Great casual place to try authentic, safe local-style food.

Address: 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, D.1

Tel: (84)28 3852 7179

Hours: 7:30am – 10:00pm

Website: https://www.facebook.com/quanngon138.fan/

 Coco Saigon

CoCo Saigon is a restaurant and bar complex featuring an elegant fine dining restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a contemporary whisky bar, a gin garden bar and venue for private events.

Address: 143 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D.3.

Tel: (84)969 730 660

Hours: 11:00am – midnight

Website: https://www.facebook.com/CocoDiningSaigon/