Ho Chi Minh City - Trails of Indochina

Ho Chi Minh CityP O C K E T G U I D E

Hotline: +84 (0)918 713 [email protected]

HO CHI MINH CITYTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 2

Ho Chi Minh City is a sprawling metropolis of approximately 10 million people. Formerly known as “Saigon” prior to 1975, today the city is Vietnam’s commercial centre. The dynamic energy of the city is apparent in the bustling street scenes with thousands of people on motorbikes constantly on the move.

Although Saigon has rapidly developed into a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping centres, there are still remnants of its past visible in the historic landmarks and beautiful French colonial buildings dotted throughout the city. You will find great nightlife and a palpable energy in this fast-changing city, which is home to people from all aspect of Vietnamese society.

“ The city’s dynamic energy is apparent in the bustling street scenes with thousands of people on motorbikes constantly on the move “


The culinary capital of the south, Ho Chi Minh City is filled with a diverse range of food options and dining establishments. Eat like a local in home-style eatery or enjoy fine dining in one of the many international restaurants.

PlacesTo Eat

BUN THIT NUONG Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles

BANH MI Vietnamese baguette meat sandwich

CHE Vietnamese dessert

BANH XEOSavoury crispy pancake

COM TAMBroken rice with variations of grilled pork and meat pie

Must-Try Local Foods


Hoang Yen $$Hoang Yen is a local favourite restaurant. They recently upgraded all their branches to reflect a new contemporary look while still retaining their specialty in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Open daily 10am to 10pm7 Ngo Duc Ke St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-823-1101148 Hai Ba Trung St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-823-4564

Mandarine Restaurant $$$An established fine dining restaurant with beautiful cuisine presentation along with an extensive selection of wines. Reservation recommended. Open daily 5:30pm to 11pm11A Ngo Van Nam St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-822-9783

Pho 24 $Popular ‘pho’ chain serving chicken and beef noodle soup with no MSG. Also on the menu are rice dishes, spring and summer rolls. Clean, air-conditioned facilities. Open daily 6am to 10pm85 Dong Khoi St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-825-7505158D Pasteur St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-521-8518

Quan Bui $$Trendy restaurant with old Saigon feel serving traditional Vietnamese food with an emphasis on Northern style dishes. Open daily 8am to 11pm17A Ngo Van Nam St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-829-1515

Wrap & Roll $A casual eatery specialising in rolls and dips from Vietnam’s three regions, in addition to serving noodle soups and rice dishes. Open daily 11am to 10:30pm62 Hai Ba Trung St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-822-2166

Hoa Tuc $$Specialising in contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, the restaurant is located in a courtyard with indoor and outdoor seating. Reservation recommended. Open daily 11am to 11pm74/7 Hai Ba Trung St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-825-1676

VIETNAMESE DINING

Pricing Reference: $ - Inexpensive $$ - Moderate $$$ - Expensive


Hum Vegetarian $$Upscale Vietnamese vegetarian dining experience with beautiful cuisine presentations and flavours that even non-vegetarians would appreciate. Open daily 10am to 10pm32 Vo Van Tan St., D3Tel. +84 283-930-38192 Thi Sach St., D1Tel. +84 283-823-8920

Loving Hut $$A local favourite for traditional vegan Vietnamese dishes in a clean and spacious dining environment.Particularly busy on the 1st and 15th day of lunar calendar. Open daily 9am to 2pm; 4pm to 9pm38 Huynh Khuong Ninh St., D1Tel. +84 283-820-9702

Pi Bistro $$Specialises in Asian vegetarian. Includes salads, stir-fry, curries and rice dishes. Open daily 11am to 3pm; 5pm to 9:30pm1st Floor, 19 Vo Van Tan St., D3Tel. +84 091-641-4133

VEGETARIAN


Au Parc $$A stone’s throw from the pink spires of the Notre Dame cathedral, this airy bistro serves healthy Mediterranean food and deli-style sandwiches. Open daily 7:30am to 11pm 23 Han Thuyen St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-829-2772

Ciao Bella $$Small, cosy family-style restaurant offering classic Italian fare. Reservation recommended. Open daily 7:30am to 11pm11 Dong Du St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-822-3329

El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse $$$Reputable steakhouse with comprehensive menu and extensive wine list of Argentinian and Chilean labels. Reservation recommended. Open daily 11am to 11:30pm74/1 Hai Ba Trung St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-827-2090

EON51 $$$Elevated fine dining on the 51st floor with an open-kitchen concept and unparalleled panoramic view of the city. Open daily 8am to 11pmBitexco Financial Tower 50th – 52nd floor, 2 Hai Trieu St., D1Tel. +84 286-291-8751

Koh Thai $$Contemporary Thai restaurant and lounge offering Siamese cuisine and hip cocktails. Open daily 11am to 2pm; 5:30pm to 11pmKumho Asiana Plaza 39 Le Duan St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-823-4423

INTERNATIONAL DINING


Le Corto $$Modern French cuisine with extensive wine list. Cosy dining atmosphere in walking distance to the Opera House. Their 3-course set lunch is quite reasonable and popular. Open daily 11am to 2:30pm; 5pm to 11pm5/7 Nguyen Sieu St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-822-0671

Pizza 4P’s $$Offering an exceptional selection of handmade pizza and pastas. Cuisine mimics a touch of Japanese flavor in a contemporary dining space. Reservation recommended. Open daily 10am to 2am8 Thu Khoa Huan St., D18/15 Le Thanh Ton St., D1 - Tel. +84 28 3622 0500

Racha Room $$Stylish resto-lounge featuring Thai street eats with fusion cocktails along with hip beats. Open daily 11:30am to midnight12-14 Mac Thi Buoi St., D1 - Tel. +84 0908 791 412

Sorae Restaurant & Lounge $$$Trendy, contemporary Japanese restaurant located on the top floors of a high rise with spectacular city views. Open daily 11:30 to 2pm; 5:30pm to 1am24th-25th Floor, AB Tower 75A Le Lai St., D1 Tel. +84 283-827-2372

Tandoor Indian Restaurant $$Specialising in classic, authentic Indian cuisine with ornate Indian décor and pleasant ambience. Open daily 10:30am to 2:30pm; 5pm to 11pm39A-B Ngo Duc Ke St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-930-4839

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1. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica 1 Cong Xa Paris St.2. Saigon Central Post Office 2 Cong Xa Paris St. 3. Reunification Palace 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St.4. War Remnants Museum 28 Vo Van Tan St. 5. Ho Chi Minh City Hall 86 Le Thanh Ton St. 6. Ho Chi Minh City Museum 65 Ly Tu Trong St. 7. Municipal Theatre (Opera House) 7 Lam Son Square 8. Ho Chi Minh Museum 1 Nguyen Tat Hanh St.9. Museum of Vietnamese History 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St.10. Ben Thanh Market11. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts 97 Pho Duc Chinh St.12. Saigon Skydeck – 36 Ho Tung Mau St.13. Jade Emperor Pagoda 73 Mai Thi Luu St.14. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St.15. Tao Dan Park16. September 23 Park17. Le Van Tam Park18. April 30 Park

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DOWNTOWN MAPHO CHI MINH

1. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica1 Cong Xa Paris St., D1

2. Saigon Central Post Office2 Cong Xa Paris St., D1

3. Reunification Palace135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., D1

4. War Remnants Museum28 Vo Van Tan St., D3

5. Ho Chi Minh City Hall86 Le Thanh Ton St., D1

6. Ho Chi Minh City Musuem65 Ly Tu Trong St., D1

7. Municipal Theatre(Opera House)7 Lam Son Square, D1

8. Ho Chi Minh Museum 1 Nguyen Tat Hanh St., D1

9. Museum of Vietnamese History 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St., D110. Ben Thanh Market

Intersection of Le Loi and Ham Nghi St., D1

11. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts 97 Pho Duc Chinh St., D112. Saigon Skydeck 36 Ho Tung Mau St., D113. Jade Emperor Pagoda

73 Mai Thi Luu St., D114. Saigon Zoo and

Botanical Gardens2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St., D1

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CU CHI 300KM

from District 12

MEKONG DELTA 130KM

from District 7

DISTRICT MAPHO CHI MINH


Chill Skybar $$Trendy rooftop bar popular with locals and foreigners alike. Known for its cocktail mix and impressive views of the city’s skyline. Wearing shorts or flip flops are not allowed. Open daily 5:30pm to 1amAB Tower Rooftop, 76A Le Lai St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-827-2372

East West Brewing Co. $$Spacious brewery-restaurant with an American brewer on board producing handcrafted beer along with an extensive menu to complement. Open daily 11am to 11pm181-185 Ly Tu Trong St., D1 - Tel. +84 091-3060-728

Pasteur Street Brewing Company $$Popular brewery producing award-winning American style craft beer, using American hops, European malts and exotic Vietnamese ingredients. Open daily 11am to 11pm144 Pasteur St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-823-9562

Saigon Saigon Bar $$This historic low rooftop bar is best known as a haven for wartime journalists in the 1960s. Enjoy cocktails and bar bites while listening to live music. Open daily 11am to midnightCaravelle Hotel, 10th Floor, 19-23 Lam Son Square, D1Tel. +84 283-823-4999

Social Club Rooftop Bar $$Cosy rooftop bar with comfortable seating and some of the best cocktails, offering the uninterrupted views of the city’s skyline. Open daily 8am to 10pm MGallery Hotel, 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., D3Tel. +84 283-889-8888

2 Lam Son $$Stylish, contemporary bar serving international wines, premium spirits, local and imported beers with signature cocktails and artisanal snacks. Open daily 5pm to 2amPark Hyatt Saigon, Lobby Level, 2 Lam Son Tel. +84 283-824-1234

BAR & LOUNGE


L’Usine Café $$Trendy café and lifestyle shop in an old French colonial warehouse space. Menu includes European café classics including salads, sandwiches, and pastas. Open daily 7:30am to 10:30pm151/5 Dong Khoi St., D1 - Tel. +84 286-674-3565

Maison Marou $$A chocolate lover’s delight. Everything chocolate under one roof with a gourmet café, patisserie, and chocolate factory where you can watch the making of their award-winning chocolate bars while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and pastries. Open daily 9am to 11pm167-169 Calmette St., D1 - Tel. +84 287-300-5010

The Workshop Specialty Coffee $$Artisanal coffee shop offering the wide selection of home-grown and imported coffee beans along with innovative brewing options. Located in a refurbished shop house with trendy décor and open space makes it ideal space to enjoy a cup of coffee or two. Open daily 8am to 9pm27 Ngo Duc Ke St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-824-6801

Villa Royale Downtown $$An antique tea room concept takes guests to another time and space. Enjoy artisanal TWG teas while perusing through vintage collections available for sale. Open daily 10am to 9pmLevel 1, 25 Ho Tung Mau St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-821-0088

The Coffee House $A popular local chain that serves Vietnamese and European style coffee. The iced fruit tea drinks are also popular here. Open daily 7:30am to 10:30pm42 Tran Cao Van St., D3 - Tel. +84 287-303-9079

Khanhcasa Tea House $$Located in a spacious restored shophouse, this trendy teahouse offers a comprehensive tea selection and variety of fruit and herbal drinks sourced locally and imported. Open daily 7am to 10:30pm48 Dong Khoi St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-825-1756

CAFÉ & TEAHOUSE


The cosmopolitan city centre offers an array of shopping options from glitzy malls to boutique shops. In your leisure time, explore the contemporary art scene visiting newly opened art galleries, or indulge in relaxation at one of the many spas in the city.

Things To Do

Take part in the lively youthatmosphere on Nguyen Huepedestrian street

Enjoy a cocktail with a sunsetview at a rooftop bar

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee in a local coffeehouse

Explore quirky shops and the architecture inside old Saigon buildings

Sit on the back of a scooter for an adventurous evening foodie tour

Top Things To Do


ArtbookThough small in size, Artbook has a comprehensive stock of art, design, travelphotography, culture, and history books. Popular English-translated Vietnamese novels are also available. Open daily 8am to 9pm43 Dong Khoi St., D1 Tel. +84 283-822-0838

Authentique HomeBeautiful, high-quality handcrafted ceramics from northern Vietnam. Items include tableware, utensils, teapot sets and vases. The unique designs make them one of a kind. Open daily 9am to 9pm113 Le Thanh Ton St., D1 Tel. +84 283-822-8052

Ben Thanh MarketSaigon’s iconic wholesale market is a one-stop shop for everything from food and clothing to souvenirs. The streets outside the market in the evening become a food bazaar with a wide variety of street food. Open daily 5am to 6pmIntersection of Le Loi and Ham Nghi St., D1

Cao Fine JewelryBoutique jeweler offering bespoke handcrafted designs using the finest gold, silver and precious stones. Choose from ready-wear to custom designs. Open daily 7am to 8pm 74/2 Hai Ba Trung St., D1 Tel. +84 283-824-3402

Nga Art & Craft ShowroomInnovative lacquerware designs with high quality craftsmanship. Lacquerware home décor range from wall decorations to plates and trays and decorative lamps. Open daily 8am to 9pm91 Le Thanh Ton St., D1 Tel. +84 283-823-8356

Gingko Concept StoreGingko was founded on a principle of sustainability and fair trade. The impressive spacious lifestyle store carries a range of unique handmade items from clothing to souvenirs. Expect high quality, natural and sustainable materials in their product offerings. Open daily 9am to 9pm92-96 Le Loi St., D1Tel. +84 283-837-3077

Mekong QuiltsA non-profit organisation specialising in producing high quality hand-stitched quilts made by women from impoverish rural Vietnam and Cambodia. An impressive range of quilt styles from traditional to modern, using patchwork, piecing and various stitching techniques. Open daily 9am to 7pm68 Le Loi St., D1 (1st floor) Tel. +84 282-210-3110

SHOPPINGGifts, Accessories

and Decor


Ninh Khuong Hand EmbroideryThe best quality of embroidered linens can be found at this shop, with a wide selection of quality hand embroidery items including clothing for kids and adults. Also known for their exquisite linen embroidered tablecloths and napkins. Open daily 8am to 9:45pm71 Dong Khoi St., D1 Tel. +84 283-827-9079

Sadec District Artisan-inspired homewares with modern touches. In-house designers create unique ceramic, wood and glass items reflecting folk craftsmanship from Vietnam and neighbouring countries. Open daily 8:30am to 8:30pm91 Mac Thi Buoi St., D1Tel. +84 283-822-9909

Saigon CentreNewest arrival in the upmarket retail-shopping scene. The sleek seven floor mall carries international luxury and high-street brands, in addition to being home to Takashimaya, a Japanese department store. The basement and top floors offer a wide selection of international foods and restaurants. Open daily 9:30am to 10pm65 Le Loi St., D1Tel. +84 283-829-4888

Saigon KitschA fun, kitschy souvenir shop that sells colourful reproductions of socialist propaganda designs adapted from original posters and billboards. The items range from T-shirts to tote bags and make great gifts for all ages. Open daily 9am to 10pm 43 Ton That Thiep St., D1 Tel. +84 283-821-8019

ARTGALLERY

Fine Arts MuseumThe white and ochre walls, courtyard and quaint bridge of this magnificent classical building mean the architecture and ambience are just as much an attraction as is the art on display. The museum houses a collection of artwork including traditional lacquerware and oil paintings to contemporary works. Open daily 9am to 5pm97a Pho Duc Chinh St., D1Tel. +84 283-836-8019

Gallery QuynhOne of the leading contemporary art galleries in Saigon, Gallery Quynh showcase emerging Vietnamese artists as well as works of distinguished artists from around the world. Private showings by appointment only.Level 3, 12C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-822-9969

Salon SaigonHoused in a two-storey refurbished villa, this art space is dedicated to contemporary creation and Vietnamese culture. The Salon hosts regular exhibitions of emerging artists as well as live performance and film showings. Private showings by appointment. Open to public on Tuesdays 9am to 6pm 6D Ngo Thoi Nhiem St., D3Tel. +84 283-933-3242


AO ShowA creative and entertaining live performance featuring the Vietnamese rural way of life through acrobatics and bamboo cirque. The shows take place in the iconic Opera House with three different themed performances alternating weekly schedules. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. 7 Lam Square, D1Tel. +84 012-4518-1188

Sax ‘N Art Jazz ClubA small and cosy bar owned by larger-than-life ‘Saxman’ Tran Minh Tuan. When not touring, Tuan takes to the stage every night to performing smooth grooves from around the world. Open daily 8pm to midnight28 Le Loi St., D1Tel. +84 283-822-8472

Glow SpaA boutique spa situated in the heart of Saigon along Nguyen Hue’s pedestrian street. Reasonably priced services include foot and body massage, facial and nail care, and hair spa. Open daily 11am to 8pm129A Nguyen Hue St., D1Tel. +84 283-823-8368

Mandala WellnessLocated in the expat community in District 2, Mandala Wellness provides consultation and treatments in complementary medicine including osteopathy, reiki, and acupuncture. A regular schedule of yoga, qi gong, and meditation are also available. Open daily 9am to 6pm41 Tran Ngoc Dien St., D2Tel. +84 090-277-4584

Spa at the Reverie SaigonEncompassing two floors of the Reverie Saigon Hotel, the Spa provides holistic therapies within a luxurious yet tranquil setting. Facilities feature ten treatment rooms, steam and sauna facilities and swimming pool. Open daily 10am to 9pm The Reverie Saigon, 6-7th Floor, 22-36 Nguyen Hue St., D1Tel. +84 283-823-6688

ENTERTAINMENT SPA &WELLNESS

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA

Notes

Ho Chi Minh City - Trails of Indochina

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