Guidebook for Quận 1
Food Scene
The street is not a well-known tourist place, but it is considered by many locals and expats to be the most vibrant food paradise of HCMC.
Fast food at Lotteria, Texas Chicken, Papa’s Chicken or Bread Talk, Domino’s, Pizza Hut and The Pizza Company are just within walking distance.
The street also enjoys a full and varied representation of Asian food chains, from Korean (Gogi House, Sumo BBQ, KPOP BBQ), Japanese (Tokyo Deli, Tano Sushi, Daruma, Kichi-Kichi) to Thailand (Thai Express) and Hong Kong (Sanfulou).
And if you are vegetarian or want to eat healthy and extremely delicious be sure to check out the area near Kim Son Pagoda. There are tons of other options for vegetarians.
Phan Xích Long
Phan Xích LongThe street is not a well-known tourist place, but it is considered by many locals and expats to be the most vibrant food paradise of HCMC.
Fast food at Lotteria, Texas Chicken, Papa’s Chicken or Bread Talk, Domino’s, Pizza Hut and The Pizza Company are just within walking distance.
The street also enjoys a full and varied representation of Asian food chains, from Korean (Gogi House, Sumo BBQ, KPOP BBQ), Japanese (Tokyo Deli, Tano Sushi, Daruma, Kichi-Kichi) to Thailand (Thai Express) and Hong Kong (Sanfulou).
And if you are vegetarian or want to eat healthy and extremely delicious be sure to check out the area near Kim Son Pagoda. There are tons of other options for vegetarians.
If you really want to get in touch with Vietnamese culture, and blend in with the locals, just visit some of their oldest markets. This is where you can observe Vietnamese people in every aspect of their lives, from the way they talk and the way they eat to how a typical day in Vietnam looks like. Among the most famous markets, Tan Dinh market is simply intriguing and something not to miss out once you are traveling through Saigon.
Address: 300 Hai Ba Trung Street or 01 Nguyen Huu Cau Street, District 1, HCMC
Opening time: 5AM to 5PM daily
Most common commodities: fabrics, clothing, groceries, accessories, jewelry, footwear, fruit, kitchenware…
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Tan Dinh Market
336 Hai Bà TrưngIf you really want to get in touch with Vietnamese culture, and blend in with the locals, just visit some of their oldest markets. This is where you can observe Vietnamese people in every aspect of their lives, from the way they talk and the way they eat to how a typical day in Vietnam looks like. Among the most famous markets, Tan Dinh market is simply intriguing and something not to miss out once you are traveling through Saigon.
Address: 300 Hai Ba Trung Street or 01 Nguyen Huu Cau Street, District 1, HCMC
Opening time: 5AM to 5PM daily
Most common commodities: fabrics, clothing, groceries, accessories, jewelry, footwear, fruit, kitchenware…
Drinks & Nightlife
Bui Vien Street is the main street of the so called ‘backpackers area’ of Ho Chi Minh City. Here you find a wide variety of inexpensive restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and hotels/hostels. While being seated at one of the places you can soak up the local lifestyle and culture. You can shop, dine and party on Bui Vien Street.
Backpacker Street
Đường Phạm Ngũ LãoBui Vien Street is the main street of the so called ‘backpackers area’ of Ho Chi Minh City. Here you find a wide variety of inexpensive restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and hotels/hostels. While being seated at one of the places you can soak up the local lifestyle and culture. You can shop, dine and party on Bui Vien Street.
Bui Vien Street is the main street of the so called ‘backpackers area’ of Ho Chi Minh City. Here you find a wide variety of inexpensive restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and hotels/hostels. While being seated at one of the places you can soak up the local lifestyle and culture. You can shop, dine and party on Bui Vien Street.
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Bui Vien Walking Street
Đường Bùi ViệnBui Vien Street is the main street of the so called ‘backpackers area’ of Ho Chi Minh City. Here you find a wide variety of inexpensive restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and hotels/hostels. While being seated at one of the places you can soak up the local lifestyle and culture. You can shop, dine and party on Bui Vien Street.
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar on the ninth floor of the Caravelle Saigon will be forever immortalised for its role in the Vietnam War as the location of the daily war correspondents briefing, and it was the professions’ watering hole of choice all through the decade long conflict. In those days – before the construction of the much taller Sheraton Hotel nearby – the view from the rooftop bar looked uninterruptedly across the Saigon River so the journalists had a clean view of the fighting as they relaxed with a few beers and shared war stories.
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Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar on the ninth floor of the Caravelle Saigon will be forever immortalised for its role in the Vietnam War as the location of the daily war correspondents briefing, and it was the professions’ watering hole of choice all through the decade long conflict. In those days – before the construction of the much taller Sheraton Hotel nearby – the view from the rooftop bar looked uninterruptedly across the Saigon River so the journalists had a clean view of the fighting as they relaxed with a few beers and shared war stories.
Shopping
Ben Thanh Market is fun at any time of day and well into the night. Ho Chi Minh City’s central market and a must-see when visiting Vietnam’s largest and most boisterous city, early mornings see locals shopping for fresh produce before fashion stalls take centre stage throughout the day, as well as rows of coffee traders, selling a dizzying array of beans. Come nightfall, a night market sets up alongside the main hall, selling clothing, apparel and souvenirs until 24:00, along with interesting pop-up street food stalls.
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Ben Thanh Market
Đường Lê LợiBen Thanh Market is fun at any time of day and well into the night. Ho Chi Minh City’s central market and a must-see when visiting Vietnam’s largest and most boisterous city, early mornings see locals shopping for fresh produce before fashion stalls take centre stage throughout the day, as well as rows of coffee traders, selling a dizzying array of beans. Come nightfall, a night market sets up alongside the main hall, selling clothing, apparel and souvenirs until 24:00, along with interesting pop-up street food stalls.
Cholon, also known as Binh Tay Market, is located at the edge of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5. Great for experiencing the local Buddhist culture, the market offers a vibrant atmosphere, opulent Chinese architecture, as well as a fascinating assortment of handicrafts, lacquerware, textiles and fresh produce. There’s also an open-air food court at the back of the market where you can enjoy tasty treats such as Vietnamese noodles, banh bao (steamed bun with pork filling), and Chinese sausages.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 18:00 Address: 57 Thap Muoi, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
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Bình Tây Market
57A Tháp MườiCholon, also known as Binh Tay Market, is located at the edge of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5. Great for experiencing the local Buddhist culture, the market offers a vibrant atmosphere, opulent Chinese architecture, as well as a fascinating assortment of handicrafts, lacquerware, textiles and fresh produce. There’s also an open-air food court at the back of the market where you can enjoy tasty treats such as Vietnamese noodles, banh bao (steamed bun with pork filling), and Chinese sausages.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 18:00 Address: 57 Thap Muoi, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
This shopping plaza sell all kinds of clothes with very reasonable price and model style up-to-date.
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Trung Tâm Thương Mại Taka Plaza
This shopping plaza sell all kinds of clothes with very reasonable price and model style up-to-date.
Saigon Square is a two-storey wholesale fashion mall that offers some of the best prices in Ho Chi Minh City. Perfect for bargain hunters, there are seemingly endless aisles of small stalls selling t-shirts, men’s and women’s apparel, shoes, handbags, swimwear, luggage, jewellery, and textiles. While the prices on the tags may be slightly inflated, bargaining is expected, so you should never accept the opening bid. As it’s also fairly easy to see stalls selling similar items; just browse around the shopping mall before settling for an asking price that you’re comfortable with.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 - 22:00
Address: 77 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
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Saigon Square Shopping Mall
77-89 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaSaigon Square is a two-storey wholesale fashion mall that offers some of the best prices in Ho Chi Minh City. Perfect for bargain hunters, there are seemingly endless aisles of small stalls selling t-shirts, men’s and women’s apparel, shoes, handbags, swimwear, luggage, jewellery, and textiles. While the prices on the tags may be slightly inflated, bargaining is expected, so you should never accept the opening bid. As it’s also fairly easy to see stalls selling similar items; just browse around the shopping mall before settling for an asking price that you’re comfortable with.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 - 22:00
Address: 77 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The luxurious Vincom Center is Ho Chi Minh City’s largest shopping mall with over 250 shops spread out over two separate buildings. Vincom Center A is a charming, low rise colonial building housing many flagship stores for international fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Hermes. Vincom Center B occupies the first four floors of a modern glass skyscraper just across the street from the original premises. Here you will find more high street brands, sporting apparel and homeware.
Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 22:00
Address: (Vincom Center A) 171 Dong Khoi & (Vincom Center B) 72 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 936 9999
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Vincom Center
The luxurious Vincom Center is Ho Chi Minh City’s largest shopping mall with over 250 shops spread out over two separate buildings. Vincom Center A is a charming, low rise colonial building housing many flagship stores for international fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Hermes. Vincom Center B occupies the first four floors of a modern glass skyscraper just across the street from the original premises. Here you will find more high street brands, sporting apparel and homeware.
Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 22:00
Address: (Vincom Center A) 171 Dong Khoi & (Vincom Center B) 72 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 936 9999
An Dong Market is mostly a fashion wholesalers for locals but on the top floor there are many crafts stalls, making this one of the best places in Ho Chi Minh to buy handicrafts from the skilled artisans who practice Vietnam’s proud heritage in lacquer and woodwork.
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An Dong Market
36 Công trường An ĐôngAn Dong Market is mostly a fashion wholesalers for locals but on the top floor there are many crafts stalls, making this one of the best places in Ho Chi Minh to buy handicrafts from the skilled artisans who practice Vietnam’s proud heritage in lacquer and woodwork.
Diamond Plaza is a department store in District 1 that is surrounded by many of Ho Chi Minh’s most popular attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral and April 30th Park. Housed in a converted period building, there are several floors of shopping separated into men’s and women’s fashion, homeware, and sports goods. Once you’ve finished shopping, there are multiple dining and entertainment venues to enjoy. In particular, family friendly activities located in Diamond Plaza include bowling and a cinema.
Opening Hours: Daily 09:30 – 22:30
Address: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 825 7750
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Diamond Plaza
34 Lê DuẩnDiamond Plaza is a department store in District 1 that is surrounded by many of Ho Chi Minh’s most popular attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral and April 30th Park. Housed in a converted period building, there are several floors of shopping separated into men’s and women’s fashion, homeware, and sports goods. Once you’ve finished shopping, there are multiple dining and entertainment venues to enjoy. In particular, family friendly activities located in Diamond Plaza include bowling and a cinema.
Opening Hours: Daily 09:30 – 22:30
Address: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 825 7750
Khaisilk is a fashion and homeware boutique creating modern designs from Vietnam’s luscious silk fabrics. Starting with just one shop and growing to be a brand of international repute, Khaisilk is a true success story. Set along the fashionable Dong Khoi Street in District 1, come here to check out their dresses, handbags, scarves and bedsheets.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00
Address: 107 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 822 2856
Khai Silk
2A-4A Đ. Tôn Đức ThắngKhaisilk is a fashion and homeware boutique creating modern designs from Vietnam’s luscious silk fabrics. Starting with just one shop and growing to be a brand of international repute, Khaisilk is a true success story. Set along the fashionable Dong Khoi Street in District 1, come here to check out their dresses, handbags, scarves and bedsheets.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00
Address: 107 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 822 2856
Parkson Plaza is an international standard department store that is laid out in the tried and tested formula of cosmetics and perfumes on the ground floor, fashion for men and women on the second and third floors, with homeware and restaurants on the fourth. This is a compact shopping experience with mid- to high-range products such as Coach, Calvin Klein and Lacoste.
Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 - 22:00
Address: 45 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 827 7636
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Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza
Đường Lê Thánh TônParkson Plaza is an international standard department store that is laid out in the tried and tested formula of cosmetics and perfumes on the ground floor, fashion for men and women on the second and third floors, with homeware and restaurants on the fourth. This is a compact shopping experience with mid- to high-range products such as Coach, Calvin Klein and Lacoste.
Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 - 22:00
Address: 45 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 83 827 7636
Sightseeing
Nha Rong Harbor - Ho Chi Minh Museum is a historic destination that attracts a lot of people when travelling in Ho Chi Minh city.
Nha Rong Harbor was the place that Nguyen Tat Thanh (Ho Chi Minh) went abroad to find the revolution way. After 30 years of traveled, he became an excellent leader of Vietnamese people. He was also the person who brings Vietnamese people freedom.
Nha Rong Harbor is located on the gateway of commercial port in Ho Chi Minh city – “the pearl of the Far East”. It became Ho Chi Minh Museum from 1995.
Now Nha Rong Harbor still keeps a lot of documents and antiquities which help people understand more about “Uncle Ho”’s life and career.
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Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
01 Nguyễn Tất ThànhNha Rong Harbor - Ho Chi Minh Museum is a historic destination that attracts a lot of people when travelling in Ho Chi Minh city.
Nha Rong Harbor was the place that Nguyen Tat Thanh (Ho Chi Minh) went abroad to find the revolution way. After 30 years of traveled, he became an excellent leader of Vietnamese people. He was also the person who brings Vietnamese people freedom.
Nha Rong Harbor is located on the gateway of commercial port in Ho Chi Minh city – “the pearl of the Far East”. It became Ho Chi Minh Museum from 1995.
Now Nha Rong Harbor still keeps a lot of documents and antiquities which help people understand more about “Uncle Ho”’s life and career.
The central post office building has become a tourist attraction because of its beautiful architecture and history. It is Vietnam’s largest post office. The building was completed in 1891 when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. It exhibits architectural features of Gothic, French and Renaissance styles. The building’s features include wooden shutters, arched windows, a marble floor, old fashioned phone boxes and a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh. The large clock hanging above the entrance has been here since the post office was first opened and is still functioning.
The impressive building stands opposite the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral.
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Saigon Central Post Office
02 Công xã Paris The central post office building has become a tourist attraction because of its beautiful architecture and history. It is Vietnam’s largest post office. The building was completed in 1891 when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. It exhibits architectural features of Gothic, French and Renaissance styles. The building’s features include wooden shutters, arched windows, a marble floor, old fashioned phone boxes and a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh. The large clock hanging above the entrance has been here since the post office was first opened and is still functioning.
The impressive building stands opposite the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral.
Notre Dame Cathedral is part of Ho Chi Minh City Half-Day City Tour Including Notre-Dame Cathedral. An enjoyable way to experience Ho Chi Minh City.
The church’s twin towers are a distinct feature on the city skyline soaring 60 meters into the air. The square towers house six bells each and are regularly rung. There are religious services daily and Mass in English on Saturday mornings at 9:30am.
Ho Chi Minh City has quite a large Catholic community who worship at this historic cathedral. The Saigon Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was built between 1863 and 1880 under the French colonists. They used only building materials imported from France.
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Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
01 Công xã Paris Notre Dame Cathedral is part of Ho Chi Minh City Half-Day City Tour Including Notre-Dame Cathedral. An enjoyable way to experience Ho Chi Minh City.
The church’s twin towers are a distinct feature on the city skyline soaring 60 meters into the air. The square towers house six bells each and are regularly rung. There are religious services daily and Mass in English on Saturday mornings at 9:30am.
Ho Chi Minh City has quite a large Catholic community who worship at this historic cathedral. The Saigon Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was built between 1863 and 1880 under the French colonists. They used only building materials imported from France.
Independence Palace also known as Reunification Palace is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War on 30 April 1975 (source: Wikipedia).
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Independence Palace
135 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaIndependence Palace also known as Reunification Palace is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War on 30 April 1975 (source: Wikipedia).
Nguyen Hue walking street which becomes an ideal destination not only for Saigon people but also for tourists near and far.
Nguyen Hue walking street put officially into operation on 29 April 2015. As schedule, on week days, vehicles are still allowed to run along Nguyen Hue street, but from 6pm to 1am on Saturday and Sunday, all kinds of vehicles are banned to travel here.
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86Bis Le Thanh Ton station
Đường Nguyễn HuệNguyen Hue walking street which becomes an ideal destination not only for Saigon people but also for tourists near and far.
Nguyen Hue walking street put officially into operation on 29 April 2015. As schedule, on week days, vehicles are still allowed to run along Nguyen Hue street, but from 6pm to 1am on Saturday and Sunday, all kinds of vehicles are banned to travel here.
Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda is famous in Ho Chi Minh City for a set of about 100 statues made from cardboard that depicts a meeting of genies with the Jade Emperor. It has now become a favorite destination of tourists. During his recent official visit to Vietnam, US President Barack Obama visited this pagoda.
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Ngọc Hoàng Pagoda
73 Đường Mai Thị LựuNgoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda is famous in Ho Chi Minh City for a set of about 100 statues made from cardboard that depicts a meeting of genies with the Jade Emperor. It has now become a favorite destination of tourists. During his recent official visit to Vietnam, US President Barack Obama visited this pagoda.
Parks & Nature
Tao Dan is just like a forest between the city with many activities at the weekend, place you can do exercise as well.
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Children's play area, Tao Dan Park
Tao Dan is just like a forest between the city with many activities at the weekend, place you can do exercise as well.
Le Van Tam Park
Green park go for a walk near our place.
Arts & Culture
War Remnants Museum
28 Võ Văn TầnDisplay all pictures about wars in Vietnam.
Municipal Theatre 's Ho Chi Minh city
07 Công Trường Lam SơnSpecial place for special show
Art galleries in Ho Chi Minh range from rough, paint-by-numbers reproductions of famous paintings, up to some of the world’s leading modern art. Obviously the prices are drastically different too. If you are looking for a nice range of art galleries in Saigon, you should walk down Dong Khoi and take your time to look for galleries that have higher quality paintings. Le Xuan Art Gallery and Ben Thanh Art have some cheaper examples of Ho Chi Minh art, while Cua Hang Saigon Crafts and especially Apricot Gallery are higher end galleries with better quality work and prices to match.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00
Location: Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
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Art Gallery Vân
171 Đồng KhởiArt galleries in Ho Chi Minh range from rough, paint-by-numbers reproductions of famous paintings, up to some of the world’s leading modern art. Obviously the prices are drastically different too. If you are looking for a nice range of art galleries in Saigon, you should walk down Dong Khoi and take your time to look for galleries that have higher quality paintings. Le Xuan Art Gallery and Ben Thanh Art have some cheaper examples of Ho Chi Minh art, while Cua Hang Saigon Crafts and especially Apricot Gallery are higher end galleries with better quality work and prices to match.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00
Location: Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh is an elegant colonial building at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, very close to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and the classic Central Post Office. The restored three-storey 800-seat Opera House was built in 1897 and is used for staging not only opera but also a wide range of performing arts including ballet, musical concerts, Vietnamese traditional dance and plays. Performances are advertised around the building and information can be found in the state-operated tourist information centre close by.
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Opera House station
Đường Lê LợiThe Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh is an elegant colonial building at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, very close to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and the classic Central Post Office. The restored three-storey 800-seat Opera House was built in 1897 and is used for staging not only opera but also a wide range of performing arts including ballet, musical concerts, Vietnamese traditional dance and plays. Performances are advertised around the building and information can be found in the state-operated tourist information centre close by.
Essentials
Co.opMart is by far the largest supermarket chain in Vietnam. Headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City they have an always increasing amount of branches around the city. Co.opMart is also known as Saigon Co.op, Coop Mart and Co-op Mart.
Right down our building is Co.opExtra
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Co.opmart Nguyễn Kiệm
573 Nguyễn KiệmCo.opMart is by far the largest supermarket chain in Vietnam. Headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City they have an always increasing amount of branches around the city. Co.opMart is also known as Saigon Co.op, Coop Mart and Co-op Mart.
Right down our building is Co.opExtra