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Saigon has always had a reputation for nightlife, and Communism has done little to change that. District 1, especially around Hai Ba Trung and Dong Khoi explodes when the sun goes down. You may find a few nice places in the other parts of the city; but if you're looking for good food, alcohol, and a good time, stay in District 1.Saigon's night scene is pretty relaxed and jeans will get you in to almost any place. While there is no cost to get into the city's bars, night clubs usually have a cover charge.
Where to go? Here are a few of the better spots:
Apocalypse Now -- at 2C Thi Sach; The Tropics Bar -- at 185 De Tham street, Blue Gecko Bar -- at 31 Ly Tu Trong, The Q Bar -- at 7 Cong Truong, Lam Son Square; The Catwalk - at 76 Le Lai Street in the East Wing of the New World Hotel Saigon, Spaceship - on Ham Nghi, The Wild Horse Saloon -- at 8A1/D1 Thai Van Lung. Address: District 1, Saigon
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The French took control of Saigon in 1859 and quickly embarked on a building program that included wide tree-lined boulevards and architecture that would not look out of place in Paris, and much of it survives today in Saigon's inner city districts. It may not be as concentrated as it is in Hanoi's old quarter but some of the best examples of French colonial building are to be found in Saigon - the grand central post office, the glorious wedding cake of a town hall (now the headquarters of the People's Committee), Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the Majestic Hotel, the main court house, and the many shops that line Le Loi and Nguyen Hue streets and the city's other main thoroughfares.
Indeed, the French architectural legacy is everywhere in the city, not just the centre. You just have to look out for the elegant villas and public buildings that are often hidden behind a sometimes dishevelled modern veneer.
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Walking through the city you will see "Street Cafes" of all shapes and sizes, many run by women who toil hard to bring you a cheap and tasty meals, fruits or cold drink. I never eat off the street, however it looks and smells great and you see plenty of Europeans "Dining Out".
These street vendors add colour and atmosphere to the city. You only have to walk a few streets back off the main strip and early evening you will see the local community enjoying this food. Leave a Comment Address: All Districts Of HCMC
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This is the best way to get around the city. It will cost you a dollar an hour plus tip. The drivers generally don’t speak English but they have a list of the major sights in English, French and Vietnamese so you just point and you’re on your way. Traffic can be pretty scary and there are no rules but the great thing is that you are able to see things as you are peddled along and still experience the sounds and smells. Leave a Comment
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You find these informal barbers on the pavements. What shocked me was the ear cleaning. The ‘cleaner’ has a miners type lamp on his head so he can see into the ear and he uses a long stick with cotton wool on the end to clean inside. No thanks, good old ear buds for me. Leave a Comment
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When you are in Saigon during the holiday season, there's something very interesting to see...During Christmas or New Year's eve. Take a stroll down to the Notre Dame Cathedal and enjoy the spectacular view of a sea of people...The crowd seem a little imtimidating but it is fairly safe to walk among the locals. I think is the best time for a picture or just to put how populated the city of Saigon is into perspective. Leave a Comment
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Not exactly a classic Saigon landmark, but it's a favorite with expats. Inside is a mall that's indistinguishable from an American mall, until you look closely at the products on the shelves. Upstairs is a KFC and a bowling alley, and on the top floor is a movie theater. Probably too expensive for the average Saigon native, it's still cheap by foreign standards. Leave a Comment Directions: Across from Notre Dame Cathedral
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In District 1 across the high rise looking at the Bach Dang river, there are many floating restaurants along the river banks. These restaurants arrive and park along the river banks around 6pm and illuminate when the sun goes down. These restaurants serve all the cusine that restaurants on the mainland offer and at reasonable price. The floating restaurants start to part from the river banks around 8pm, for a 2-3 hours tour along the river with it's passengers feasting away on the deck. There are also live entertainment such as a singing band and fire dancing. This is a great experience, everyone should try it. - Picture was taken onboard "Tau Ben Nghe" looking out to the Saigon River. Leave a Comment
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A typical city tour highlights centuries of timeless traditions and the beauty of Vietnam's ancient culture, as well as more recent Western influences. You will see the neo-Romanesque architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral, the French-style Central Post Office and City Hall. Then on to the War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market, Saigon's central market. In the Chinese sector called Cholon, visit Binh Tay Market and 19th century Thien Hau Pagoda.
Notre Dame Cathedral. Pretty red brick French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral. Built last century from materials all imported from France. The cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 and has two 40-metre towers.
Central Post Office (Buu Dien Truing Tam). The post office was built between 1886-1891 and is the largest post office in Viet Nam. This French colonial structure was completed in 1891 and houses an enormous map of old Indochina.
City Hall (Hotel de Ville). Saigon's gingerbread Hôtel de Ville, is now the somewhat incongruous home of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee. It was built between 1901 and 1908 after years of the sort of architectural controversy peculiar to the French.
War Remnants Museum. Established in September 1975. It contains countless artifacts, photographs and pictures documenting some of the less heroic activities carried out by the US army in Vietnam. Displays illustrate the killing of civilians, the spreading of toxic defoliant, the torturing of prisoners. Planes, tanks, bombs and helicopters are also on display.
Ben Thanh Market. At all of its four sides the Market is always loaded with varieties of goods, such as consumer goods, cakes and candies, and particularly high-quality fruit and vegetables.
Cholon, the City's Chinatown is one of the oldest parts of Saigon and serves as the Chinatown for the city.
Thien Hau Pagoda. This early 19th century pagoda is dedicated to the worship of both Buddha and Thien Hau Thanh Mau - Goddess of the Sea and protector of sailors. Leave a Comment
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Opposite in the Ben Thanh Market's belfry, in the centre of the traffic roundabout, is an equestrian statue of Tran Nguyen Hai, the first person in Vietnam to use a carrier pigeons. At the base of it, on a pillar, is a small white bust of Quach Thi Trang, a buddhist woman killed during anti-government protests in 1963. Leave a Comment Address: Le Loi and Tran Hung Dao, District 1, Ho Chi MinhPhone: NilDirections: Roundabout of Le Loi and Tran Hung Dao, District 1, Ho Chi MinhWebsite: Nil Other Contact: Nil
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