Wherever you go, the following special things would make you miss Saigon where the elegant and

the simple blends.

In my opinion, when you visit a city and want to understand it, you not only see the most popular

tourist attractions but also see the other more simple and ordinary that make you feel like locals and

have you heart beaten with the city.

Travelling to Saigon, you will be surprised by the busy life and feel lonely among the luxury and

lordliness of this Pearl of the Far East. Don’t let it trick you, because like Audrey Hepburn, Saigon is

seductive by its splendid beauty, but things make people love Saigon more and more by day is the

warm and dear beat for anyone who wants to be close to it.

Following are 55 special things of Saigon that any locals would miss when they go far from the city.

1. Reunification Palace (Indepence palace)

Like Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, Reunification Palace (formerly known as Independence Palace) is

the famous historical witness which passed through the two fierce wars against the French and

American colonists. It has stayed in the mind of many generations of not only Vietnamese but also

foreigners. Reunification Palace, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu, is a blend of traditional ritual

and modern architecture, typical of the 60s’.

As Vietnam was split into North Vietnam and South Vietnam, the building served as presidential

home and workplace. Wandering around its rooms, visitors may be reminded of various important

moments in the past of Vietnam, especially the war command room with its huge maps and old

communication equipment, as well as the basement labyrinth.

However, the design of the complex is not as appealing to tourists as all the historical events related

to this building. Today in most old locals’ minds, the palace is remembered vividly as a marked end

to the war, just like the fall of Berlin Wall, as the North Vietnamese tank crashed its gates on April

30th, 1975. The building now functions as a museum, where visitors can learn more about Vietnam

war.

2. Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral (also known as the Big Church, Basilica, and Cathedral) in Ho Chi Minh City

is magnificent, beautiful, and stable in the center of the city and has always attracted many people.

Whether you are religious or not, a visit to one of Vietnam’s most famous landmarks is an important

part of any trip to Ho Chi Minh. Located in a quiet corner of bustling city Saigon, Notre Dame

Cathedral is the one remaining stronghold of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam.

Architectural Masterpiece Notre Dame Cathedral – Saigon.

Work began in 1880 and took quite a few years to complete.

In 1962, the Vatican officially anointed the cathedral as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate

Conception. Today, however, it is simply known as Notre Dame Cathedral and is still used as a place

of Catholic worship with services every weekend.

Made from red bricks, tiles and windows imported from France, the neo-Romanesque structure is 60

metres tall and has two towers containing six bronze bells. In front of the Cathedral stands a statue of

the Virgin Mary, made in Rome from Italian marble, which was said to have miraculously shed tears.

3.Central Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office is the post office building at the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, District 1.

It’s no doubt the biggest post office in Vietnam and is an important commercial center of Ho Chi

Minh City.

Saigon Central Post Office is not just a post office; it is the epitome of French colonial architecture

and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. The Saigon Central Post Office is

a beautifully preserved remnant of French colonial times and perhaps the grandest post office in all

of Southeast Asia.

The building was designed by Gustave Eiffel – the renowned engineer who also designed the Statue

of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower – and features arched windows and wooden shutters, just as it would

have in its heyday in the late 19th Century.

4. Siting-plump Coffee

Saigon siting-plump coffee has been accidentally become a lifestyle for recently years. Saigonese

nowadays gathering and sitting plum on the street to have a coffee. This style of enjoying coffee

attracts lots of locals, including travellers to Saigon at all ages.

And the most popular area is around 30/4 Park and Notre Dame Cathedral where everyone with

many different occupations sharing a space and tasting coffee. There, they could see vehicles

travelling on streets, Saigon citizens and modern and old structures, namely Diamond Plaza,

Madonna Church and Independence Palace. You may catch many life’s natural scenes such as a girl

feeding pigeons or an old man playing violin and mandolin. Artistic students like sitting here a whole

day to capture some life’s angles. Sometimes you may see couples taking wedding pictures around

Notre Dame Cathedral.

Saigon ―sitting-plump‖ coffee is part of the living pace in Saigon and part of memories of the big

economic hub of Vietnam’s citizens. So, let’s sit plump! Have a coffee!

You can experience on Our tours: —-> Saigon Sightseeing Tour <—–

5. Rice Paper Salad

Banh trang tron is a hodge-podge salad-type creation and can be found almost on every pavement in

metal cart rolling along the street. The base of the dish is local ingredients, including dried beef jerky

strips, julienned green mango, fresh mint and basil, rice paper strips, chilli powder as well as sweet,

sour and spicy fish sauce. The combines of the ingredients were mixed buy the seller hands and

serves up a portion in a plastic bag with two skewers serving as makeshift chopsticks. It seems

painfully dry dish but somehow all of that manages to meld all of the ingredients into an unique

flavor.

Upon the first tasting of rice paper salad, you will understand why adults and children in Saigon

would be against this type of snack. Pick a bag of rice paper salad if you have chance to travel to

Saigon!

6. Saigon Rainy, Saigon Sunny

―Saigon is sunny in the morning, Saigon is rainy in the afternoon. Saigon is dry in a place and Saigon

is wet in other place at noon‖ – The locals often talk about Saigon’s weather like that. What a kinky

Saigon! Sometimes when you are walking around the street and see the sights, suddenly it rains.

Sometimes it rains but stops immediately. Maybe you will angry and crazy with irregular climate.

But it wouldn’t be Saigon anymore if lack of the sudden rain and the sudden sun light.

7. Opera House

If you have a chance to go to Ho Chi Minh City, you certainly can’t take your eyes off the elegant

architecture of the Saigon Opera House which still retails many lively evidences for the influence of

French architecture in Vietnam. This magnificent building, designed by French architect Ferret

Eugene and was built in 1987. Anyone who has been to France can recognize many similarities

between the Opera House and the Petit Palais. In fact, the applied ornament, balustrades, cartouches,

and roof were imported directly from France.

Nowadays, the Saigon Opera House is home of a variety of traditional and classical performances

such as plays, concerts, ballet, opera, and Vietnamese traditional dance. Visitors can file into the

1,800 seat theater to catch regular dress rehearsals, or buy a ticket for one of the weekly cultural

shows the theater is known for. On weekends, free public show is performed on the opera house steps

and the nearby park offers travelers a perfect spot to stop and enjoy the music.

8. Bright Light At Night

Ho Chi Minh City is spendid as a princess after the sunset. Different from the hustle and bustle of

daily life, Saigon at night become more attractive and fanciful with sparkling and effulgent light. The

city is covered with a new coat of shining buildings and treetlights. This is when night life of

Saigonese starts. If you’re a night owl, you’re in the right place. Saigon is a non-sleeping city, just

like Hong Kong, Singapore, which means you can literally wander around the whole city and enjoy

the upbeat and the silence, the devil and the angel of the city by night within a few hours.

You can join Taste of the night tour on Scooter around Saigon and enjoy street foods like locals

9. Quiet Early Morning

It is a blessing to wake up in the morning to a brand new day…a day for opportunity…a day to make

a difference…a day to experience the unexpected. In most all major cities, early morning is the best

time to feel safe and sound. Take a walk and catch the first rays of sunlight, breathe fresh air and see

what Saigonese do in the morning. In the parks the elders do exercises, workers eat their fast lunch,

officers read hot new and enjoy black coffee. In a vendor of noodle on sidewalks, two or three people

use a table, just have breakfast, just talk about last night soccer or news- every story.

You can join Taste of the Morning tour on Scooter around Saigon and have breakfast like local

10. The street are beautifully decorated on holidays

Decorated by sparkling array of lights On Solar New Year and Lunar New Year, Saigon night is

really magical and brilliant.They’re covered with colorful, eye-catching light that make tourists

ecstasy with its beauty. Espeacially, the streets in center becomes crowded where thousands of

people flocked here to enjoy the spring air. Families, friends and couples are excited to pose for

memorable photos. Children in colorful dress hold balloons, candies on their hands. Buildings and

shopping centers, hotels are also lighten by big lanterns and decorated by Chrismas tree, yellow

apricot trees…

11. Street Food Snacks

Travelling to Saigon, you must try all street food snacks, not only rice papper

salad. Because Saigon is a paradise of snacks and a big house of candies and cakes.

There is a large amount of choices: Vietnamese crab soup, papaya salad with

shredded beef jerky, cupcake with salted egg, milk tea, Chineese sweet soup…And

we couldn’t miss fresh fruits and cool drinks.

12.Breakfast with Broken Rice

People in other regions aren’t familiar with having breakfast with rice, but it isn’t

right for Saigonese. From students to officers, from adults to children like to

choose broken rice for their breakfast. The main reason is that the dish provides a

lot of energy for a new working day. And perhaps because they couldn’t refuse

grilled pork that are chilled with special sauce, then cooked on charcoal grill. The

main ingredient, broken rice, is a traditionally cheaper grade of rice produced by

damage in milling.

13.Walking Bui Vien Street at Night

Bui Vien Street – ―Pho Tay‖ (street of foreigners) is probably the best known street

amongst the backpacker crowd and a familiar address as well as the gathering

place of foreign visitors in Ho Chi Minh City. ―Pho Tay‖ does not sleep at night,

with a lot of fun, sadness and happiness in the life span of Saigon.

The living rhythm in ―Pho Tay‖ is always fast and noisy, especially at night.

During the daytime, tourists can travel to other places but at night, they return to

―Pho Tay‖ to relax, entertain and experience the pavement life of Saigon. The

night in ―Pho Tay‖ is colorful in lights and the colors of varied culture. Dozens of

bars, street food stall, street vendors and the backpacker community, lend a party

atmosphere most of the time. Don’t be put off by this, no visit to Saigon would be

complete without a late night drink on the thriving little street.

14. Thu Thiem Tunnel

The Thu Thiem Tunnel is an underground road tunnel which links the Ho Chi

Minh City’s District 1 with Thu Thiem New Urban Area in District 2.

New technology is being used to build the Thu Thiem Tunnel crossing of the

Saigon River with the 1,490m underwater tunnel as one of the project’s most

ambitious features. The project began in 2004 with $189m capital provided by

Japanese ODA (official development assistance) and by a consortium of four

Japanese contractors: Obayashi Corporation, Taisei Corporation, the Kumagai-

Kajima consortium and Toa Corporation. The contract consisted of the

construction of more than 7,000m2 of diaphragm wall and barrettes, both going

down to approximately 33m.

15. Nguyen Hue Flower Street

Nguyen Hue Street, one of Saigon’s oldest thoroughfares, has undergone numerous

transformations over its history. For many years, Nguyen Hue Street was a main

spring flower market for citizens of Ho Chi Minh City. This market has been

moved to 23/9 park, however to commemorate the traditional market, The Nguyen

Hue Flower Street Festival has been held for seven years as an annual event of Tet

holiday. Every Tet holiday, the street is flooded with flowers of all kinds and all

colors which are decorated splendidly and impressively according to each year’s

theme. On this occasion millions of visitors come here to enjoy the beauty of

Nguyen Hue Flower Street.

Now Nguyen Hue Flower Street has been upgraded to become a – walking square

– and has officially opened on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the

Liberation of South Vietnam and National Reunification. But in memory of many

Saigon people, Nguyen Hue still remains the most beautiful flower street.

16. Bitexco Fianancial Tower

As soon as travellers hit the ground in Saigon, they can’t help but notice the large

building that anchors the city’s skyline. Built at a time of unprecedented growth for

the Vietnamese economy, the Bitexco Financial Tower is designed to represent the

energy and aspirations of the country’s people and is an iconic embodiment of the

new and dynamic Vietnam.

Located in District 1 and surrounded by Hai Trieu, Ho Tung Mau and Ngo Duc Ke

streets, and the HCM City State Treasury facing Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Bitexco

Fianancial Tower has a structure of steel and glass. The Financial Tower stands at

68 storeys, or 262 metres high is the tallest building of the Ho Chi Minh City

(Saigon). The skyscrapper was designed to look like a lotus bud, for its design

inspired by the Lotus Flower, which is a symbol for Vietnam.

The main attraction of the tower is the 49th floor observation Sky Deck. A trip to

the 49th floor will set you back 10USD, a little high for Saigon entertainment. If

you have the time, and the cash, Bitexco is worth a look; you just can’t get a view

quite this good anywhere else in the city.

17. Ben Thanh Market

In the subconscious of Ho Chi Minh inhabitants, Ben Thanh market is not merely a

touristic shopping zone but a symbol of this animated city.

The main entrance is through the archway beneath the clocktower, leading into a

tightly packed and chaotically organised grid of commodities. Once wandering into

the market, visitors can’t help gaping at tempting stalls clothes, shoes, souvenirs,

cosmetics, jewellery, utensils, household appliances as well as seafood, meat,

vegetables, fruit, coffee powder, flowers and so on. Generally, the quality of these

products is quite good but do prepare to bargain hard and be careful when

converting the price to US dollar.

In open-air stalls surrounding the market are some nice little eateries that open just

as the market itself starts closing down, and this is, in fact, one of the best place to

try authentic

local cuisine. The adventurous can sample good local specialties like rice dishes,

noodle soup, bun dishes of vermicelli noodles, or ice cream and dessert for next to

nothing.

18. Ho Chi Minh city People’s Committee Building

The People’s Committee Building is one of oldest, biggest and most beautiful

French style buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, functioning as a city institution and as

the city’s most prominent landmark today. It is situated at the North-western end of

Nguyen Hue Street, facing a river. The former hotel is notable for its garden,

ornate façade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers.

It was designed by French architect P. Gardes and completed in 1908. Originally it

housed the Hotel de Ville, the Saigon City Hall, as is still also known today as the

City Hall of Ho Chi Minh City. This was the venue in 1945, that thousands of

people gathered to establish the Provisional Administrative Committee of South

Vietnam.

19. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

Established in 1864 by French botanist JB Louis Pierre, Saigon Zoo and Botanical

Gardens (aka Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens) are listed as one of the oldest

zoos in the world. Known as Thao Cam Vien locally, it is home to more than 500

animals of more than 100 species and more than 1,800 trees and plants of more

than 250 species. There’s also an amusement park that is sometimes open, and you

can get an ice cream or a coconut from one of the several cafés sprinkled around

the grounds.

There is a large amount of different sections to explore including the animal

conservation area, orchid garden and plant conservation centre and a children’s

amusement area. Lakes brimming with tropical fish form part of the zoo and

botanical gardens. The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a popular place for

locals and tourists to enjoy the fresh atmosphere and relax. Visitting the garden,

visitors will be surprised by the fact that you can get up close and personal to some

of the animals and feed them.

20. Saigon Starlight Bridge

The Starlight Bridge (Anh Sao Bridge) is located in the heart of the international commercial and

financial district of Phu My Hung. This first modern pedestrian bridge of Vietnam was officially

inaugurated in April 2010. Nuzzled along a beautiful river promenade with a fresh cool breeze

flowing all the time, Starlight Bridge is an architectural symphony which perfectly harmonizes with

the natural setting to create an ideal destination for for residents, customers, guests and visitors to

enjoy a brand new lifestyle.

The Starlight Bridge begins the 700 meter Crescent Walk which flows past four uniquely designed

buildings and Crescent Mall. Three buildings provide stylish, fully furnished serviced apartments and

the fourth offers premium office space.

A lighted path and illuminated waterfall are highlights of this bridge. The solar powered lights collect

energy during the day using specially designed battery panels located on the sides of the bridge.The

bridge, with its illuminated path and waterfalls, is a scenic feature drawing a lot of visitors.

21. Driving Around Saigon at Night

The Saigonese is busy at work daily, the night is time to relax and have fun. At night, couples,

families or friends gather outside, share meals or drinks and talk about everything under the stars.

Because the Saigon day is just too hot, the cooler night air offers an ideal time to drive around to

sightseeing. The city is covered with thoundsands of sparkling street and buildings lights, advertising

signs. The Saigon becomes more splendid and elegant as a girl dressed for a luxury night party.

Enjoying the nice view at night, tasting the amazing street foods, chatting with friends are a fantastic

way to experience real Saigon.

Would you like to take a great ride to experience Saigon night? Scooter Saigon Tour girls will be

pleased to do that. Let’s join us for the tour Taste of the Night.

22. Snail Dishes in Saigon

Ốc (oc), as they are known in Vietnamese, can basically refer to any type of snails, could be

considered a major part of the Vietnamese culture of Saigon. Snail eating has been around for a long

time in Vietnam. Ăn ốc – snail eating – is a national pastime in Vietnam. Every day of the week, but

particularly on weekends and at night, friends, work colleagues, and families, couples gather in quán

ốc – snail eateries – to eat, drink and talk the night away.

When you go to a quan oc, there are typically dozens of different snails to choose from. After picking

the type of raw snails you’d like to eat, you will choose a method for it to be cooked – like grilled,

sauced, coated in salt and chili, steamed, curried, etc.

23. Vietnamese Sandwich Saigon (Banh Mi)

A culinary embodiment of French colonial rule in Vietnam, banh mi sandwiches are composed

equally of French and Vietnamese parts. After the French left Vietnam in the late 1950s, they left

behind Banh Mi as reminders of this part of history. The most common version of Banh Mi features

thinly sliced pickled carrots and daikon (known as đồ chua), cucumbers, coriander, chili peppers,

pâté, mayonnaise and various meat fillings. Popular Banh Mi meat fillings include steamed pork

belly, pork chop, Vietnamese ham (chả lụa) etc. Other favorite fillings are grilled pork, fish cake,

scrambled egg, ocean fish with tomato sauce…This Vietnamese ―sub‖ is tasty served as breakfast,

lunch, dinner, or as a snack anytime. Take a walk around Saigon, you can see hundreds of food stalls

sell this type of sandwich. Travelling to Saigon, any tourist wouldn’t miss trying Vietnamese

Sandwich.

24. Hu Tieu (Vietnamese Clear Noodle Soup) “Go” in Saigon

Vietnamese Clear Noodle Soup with Barbecued Pork and Shrimp

Hu tieu, introduced by Chinese-Cambodian immigrants, is interesting because it has so many

variations. The most popular and cheapest Hu Tieu is based on clear noodle, shrimp and pork. The

shrimp and pork can be boiled or grilled and be tossed into the pot to cook at the end for simplicity.

The dish is served with chewy clear noodles in a bowl and various types of Vietnamese vegetables on

other plate.

Hu Tieu Go is a unique part of Saigon culture. The Hu Tieu stall without sign or name is located at a

corner of Saigon. Its waiter boy uses anything that can make sound, walk around the area and peddle

the dish : ―Who want to taste Noodle Soup?‖. If you want to try Hu Tieu Go, tell the boy and he will

bring you one. Hu Tieu Go is cheap so that it’s the best choice for the poor or students who don’t

want to pay a lot of money for their meals but want to taste a hot dish on a rainy day.

25. Saigon girls

Vietnam is divided into three regions: North, South and Central, the beauty of the women in each

region has its own unique characteristics.

Women from the Northern region are introverted. Hence, their insightful thought and precise action

bring them a discreet beauty. The women in Central Vietnam are very diligent and enduring.

Different from the women of other areas of Vietnam women in the South are very open-minded and

outgoing. They can be quite daring and are very sociable but very sweet at the same time. They take

care of their families very lovingly but can also be very active in the business world. In general they

possess a uniquely modern beauty.