Phuong’s guidebook
Sightseeing
To know more about the Vietnam wars, Cu Chi Tunnel is a must visit. It is located in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, with access by bus. You can also rent a taxi there, although this might be costly. It is recommended that you take a guided tour to this historic place of attraction.
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Cu Chi Tunnel Ben Duoc
Tổ 6 -ấp QL22To know more about the Vietnam wars, Cu Chi Tunnel is a must visit. It is located in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, with access by bus. You can also rent a taxi there, although this might be costly. It is recommended that you take a guided tour to this historic place of attraction.
There is a guided tour at the Independence Palace to get the most out of the history. There are two cafes at the front and back gates of the Palace that are worth enjoying.
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Παλάτι της Ανεξαρτησίας
135 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaThere is a guided tour at the Independence Palace to get the most out of the history. There are two cafes at the front and back gates of the Palace that are worth enjoying.
For those who would like a closer look at the history and the brutality of the Vietnam war.
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Μουσείο Επιζώντων Πολέμου
28 Võ Văn TầnFor those who would like a closer look at the history and the brutality of the Vietnam war.
This museum is within walking distance from the house. It's a major art museum in the country and what's equally impressive is the architectural value of the place itself.
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Μουσείο Καλών Τεχνών της Πόλης Χο Τσι Μινχ
97A Phó Đức ChínhThis museum is within walking distance from the house. It's a major art museum in the country and what's equally impressive is the architectural value of the place itself.
Do try the range of food (especially chè, a kind of Vietnamese dessert) in Ben Thanh Market
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Ben Thanh Market
Đường Lê LợiDo try the range of food (especially chè, a kind of Vietnamese dessert) in Ben Thanh Market
Κεντρικό Ταχυδρομείο Σαϊγκόν
02 Công xã ParisThis is a religious place where Vietnamese go to for praying, so please dress properly, cover your shoulders & pants/skirts over the knees.
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Ναός Μπα Θιέν Χαού
710 Nguyễn TrãiThis is a religious place where Vietnamese go to for praying, so please dress properly, cover your shoulders & pants/skirts over the knees.
Μουσείο Ιστορίας του Βιετνάμ
99 Nguyễn Bỉnh KhiêmMuseum of Ho Chi Minh City
Museum of Vietnamese traditional medicine
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Βιετναμέζικο μουσείο παραδοσιακής ιατρικής
41 Hoàng Dư KhươngMuseum of Vietnamese traditional medicine
This is a religious place where Vietnamese go to for praying, so please dress properly, cover your shoulders & pants/skirts over the knees.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
This is a religious place where Vietnamese go to for praying, so please dress properly, cover your shoulders & pants/skirts over the knees.
Recommended food
If you want to try an everyday typical Vietnamese meal, this is a good place to start. Although the price is slightly higher than average, the taste is very authentic. A plus point is the traditional design of the house.
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Cuc Gach Quan Restaurant
10 Đặng TấtIf you want to try an everyday typical Vietnamese meal, this is a good place to start. Although the price is slightly higher than average, the taste is very authentic. A plus point is the traditional design of the house.
Another place for Vietnamese meals that is within walking distance from our house. It's a bit pricey, although I believe that it's worth the price.
Secret Garden 131 Calmette.
131 CalmetteAnother place for Vietnamese meals that is within walking distance from our house. It's a bit pricey, although I believe that it's worth the price.
Bánh Xèo 46A
46A Đinh Công TrángThis is my go-to place for bánh xèo, our version of savoury crepe. Definitely must-try
Vietnamese love wrap & roll, and Hoang Ty is one of the places that you can try wrapping & rolling delish food by yourself
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Hoang Ty Restaurant
74 Trương Quốc DungVietnamese love wrap & roll, and Hoang Ty is one of the places that you can try wrapping & rolling delish food by yourself
If you go to Vietnam, you must have 'phở'. This place is near our house that you can walk there to have a taste of a more Sai Gon 'phở'
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Phở Phú Vương
120 Nguyễn Thái BìnhIf you go to Vietnam, you must have 'phở'. This place is near our house that you can walk there to have a taste of a more Sai Gon 'phở'
This 'bun bo' place is literally next door and my favourite breakfast place. Just walk out of the alley, turn right & you'll find it at 9 Nguyen Thai Binh Street
Bún Bò - Nguyễn Thái Bình
9 Đường Nguyễn Thái BìnhThis 'bun bo' place is literally next door and my favourite breakfast place. Just walk out of the alley, turn right & you'll find it at 9 Nguyen Thai Binh Street
This place is also right outside the alley. Walk out of the alley and turn right, it's on 7 Nguyen Thai Binh Street. The place is only open from around noon till later at night. I usually eat 'hu tieu bo vien' there, which is a kind of noodle with beef ball. There is also 'pho' with its very distinct taste. Must try!
Pho Bo Vien
7 Đường Nguyễn Thái BìnhThis place is also right outside the alley. Walk out of the alley and turn right, it's on 7 Nguyen Thai Binh Street. The place is only open from around noon till later at night. I usually eat 'hu tieu bo vien' there, which is a kind of noodle with beef ball. There is also 'pho' with its very distinct taste. Must try!
If you simply don't know which Vietnamese dish to try, go to this restaurant. They have a (very) wide range of dishes for you to choose from. Although the taste is not the best, it's also rather authentic and suitable for me on days that I don't know what to eat.
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Quán Ngon 138
138 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaIf you simply don't know which Vietnamese dish to try, go to this restaurant. They have a (very) wide range of dishes for you to choose from. Although the taste is not the best, it's also rather authentic and suitable for me on days that I don't know what to eat.
'Com tam' is a Saigon specialty. It's a kind of rice dish with grilled pork chop, eggs, shredded pork skin ..., eaten with sweetened fish sauce. A must try. 'Com tam' can be found everywhere, and I find this place rather decent, also close enough to our house.
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Quan Com Tam Thuan Kieu
24-26 Đường Tôn Thất Tùng'Com tam' is a Saigon specialty. It's a kind of rice dish with grilled pork chop, eggs, shredded pork skin ..., eaten with sweetened fish sauce. A must try. 'Com tam' can be found everywhere, and I find this place rather decent, also close enough to our house.
You probably have heard or read about The Lunch Lady, loved and made well-known by Anthony Bourdain. It's a small streetside food vendor serving different types of Vietnamese noodle, only open during lunch hours. Do check it out if you're in the area.
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The Lunch Lady (Nguyen Thi Thanh)
Nguyễn Đình ChiểuYou probably have heard or read about The Lunch Lady, loved and made well-known by Anthony Bourdain. It's a small streetside food vendor serving different types of Vietnamese noodle, only open during lunch hours. Do check it out if you're in the area.
For a taste of Hanoi food, particularly bun dau (rice vermicelli with fried tofu), try this restaurant
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Bún Đậu Homemade
1 Nguyễn Văn TrángFor a taste of Hanoi food, particularly bun dau (rice vermicelli with fried tofu), try this restaurant
Another great 'pho' place in HCMC, also listed in the Michelin Guide
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Phở Hòa Pasteur
260C PasteurAnother great 'pho' place in HCMC, also listed in the Michelin Guide
Turtle Lake is a landmark in HCMC, which turns into a fun food scene at night. You could go here, order some street food, sit by the sidewalks, and chill among the hectic traffic surrounding
Turtle Lake, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Βιετνάμ
Turtle Lake is a landmark in HCMC, which turns into a fun food scene at night. You could go here, order some street food, sit by the sidewalks, and chill among the hectic traffic surrounding
You can find banh mi literally everywhere in HCMC. Banh mi Huynh Hoa here is among those that are more famous. The banh mi is huge, with lots of fillings
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Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa
26 Lê Thị RiêngYou can find banh mi literally everywhere in HCMC. Banh mi Huynh Hoa here is among those that are more famous. The banh mi is huge, with lots of fillings
For a treat, do try this one star Michelin restaurant. Located amidst the bustling local market on Ton That Dam street, minutes walking away from the house, the restaurant offers a range of interesting fusion Vietnamese food and a rooftop bar at night. Make sure to book in advance.
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ANAN Saigon
89 Tôn Thất ĐạmFor a treat, do try this one star Michelin restaurant. Located amidst the bustling local market on Ton That Dam street, minutes walking away from the house, the restaurant offers a range of interesting fusion Vietnamese food and a rooftop bar at night. Make sure to book in advance.
'Hủ tiếu' is another Southern specialty. It's a kind of rice noodles served in a rich pork bone broth, mostly topped by prawns, quail eggs, minced pork, sliced pork and pig's heart & liver (you can ask to leave these out if you don't feel like it)
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Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Thành Đạt
34 Cô Bắc'Hủ tiếu' is another Southern specialty. It's a kind of rice noodles served in a rich pork bone broth, mostly topped by prawns, quail eggs, minced pork, sliced pork and pig's heart & liver (you can ask to leave these out if you don't feel like it)
'Bun thit nuong' is a kind of noodles served with grilled pork and Vietnamese pork sausage, sometimes fried spring rolls, eaten with fresh lettuce and herbs, and topped with crushed peanuts and sweetened fish sauce. It has a vibrant colour and balanced taste of meat and vegetables. Highly recommended.
Bún thịt nướng Kiều Bảo
'Bun thit nuong' is a kind of noodles served with grilled pork and Vietnamese pork sausage, sometimes fried spring rolls, eaten with fresh lettuce and herbs, and topped with crushed peanuts and sweetened fish sauce. It has a vibrant colour and balanced taste of meat and vegetables. Highly recommended.
Try any 'com nieu' restaurants for a taste of what Vietnamese cook and eat at home everyday. We usually have 3-4 dishes in a typical meal: rice served with some protein dish(es) (meat/fish/seafood ...), a boiled or fried vegetable dish, and a Vietnamese vegetable soup.
This restaurant is about 5 minute walking away from the house, so you can easily walk there for lunch or dinner.
Cơm niêu Thiên Lý - Hàm Nghi
Try any 'com nieu' restaurants for a taste of what Vietnamese cook and eat at home everyday. We usually have 3-4 dishes in a typical meal: rice served with some protein dish(es) (meat/fish/seafood ...), a boiled or fried vegetable dish, and a Vietnamese vegetable soup.
This restaurant is about 5 minute walking away from the house, so you can easily walk there for lunch or dinner.
Snail dishes have become a part of Vietnamese street food and/or drinking culture. 'Oc' in Vietnamese means snails; however, these restaurants don't just serve snails, but all kinds of shells, clams, octopuses, or squids. You can have them cooked in a variety of ways to your liking, from grill, to steam, fry. This 'Oc Dao' restaurant is among the more famous ones, so do try if you feel like an authentic Vietnamese eating experience. Be aware that the eatery will be rather crowded & loud.
Ốc Đào
Snail dishes have become a part of Vietnamese street food and/or drinking culture. 'Oc' in Vietnamese means snails; however, these restaurants don't just serve snails, but all kinds of shells, clams, octopuses, or squids. You can have them cooked in a variety of ways to your liking, from grill, to steam, fry. This 'Oc Dao' restaurant is among the more famous ones, so do try if you feel like an authentic Vietnamese eating experience. Be aware that the eatery will be rather crowded & loud.
I know burger is not Vietnamese food, but who doesn't love (or miss) a burger now and then. The gourmet burgers at Marcel won't disappoint you. The price range is from 150,000 - 250,000 VND for a gourmet burger.
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Marcel Gourmet Burger
115 CalmetteI know burger is not Vietnamese food, but who doesn't love (or miss) a burger now and then. The gourmet burgers at Marcel won't disappoint you. The price range is from 150,000 - 250,000 VND for a gourmet burger.
Pizza is also definitely not Vietnamese food, but 4P's is popular among locals. From a small restaurant on Le Thanh Ton Street, they now have a chain of several different locations, each with interesting restaurant design. The pizza is not Italian, but a fusion Japanese, sometimes with a seasonal Vietnamese twist. The price range here is average, not so cheap compared to a normal bowl of pho or bun bo, but definitely worth of the dining experience.
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Pizza 4P's Hai Ba Trung
151b Hai Bà TrưngPizza is also definitely not Vietnamese food, but 4P's is popular among locals. From a small restaurant on Le Thanh Ton Street, they now have a chain of several different locations, each with interesting restaurant design. The pizza is not Italian, but a fusion Japanese, sometimes with a seasonal Vietnamese twist. The price range here is average, not so cheap compared to a normal bowl of pho or bun bo, but definitely worth of the dining experience.
Dim Tu Tac
Excellent dim sum, price is a bit higher than average
Another favourite dim sum/Chinese food place of mine. Actually this one is the top of my dim sum list.
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Ngan Dinh Saigon
54 -56 Đồng KhởiAnother favourite dim sum/Chinese food place of mine. Actually this one is the top of my dim sum list.
Sweet tofu is a favourite dessert of many Vietnamese. Traditionally, it’s soft tofu served with syrup & sliced ginger, best served hot or cold (depending on your preference, I prefer it hot). You can find this in all local markets, sometimes randomly on the street for as cheap as 10k VND.
Tàu hủ xe lam - Quận 1
Sweet tofu is a favourite dessert of many Vietnamese. Traditionally, it’s soft tofu served with syrup & sliced ginger, best served hot or cold (depending on your preference, I prefer it hot). You can find this in all local markets, sometimes randomly on the street for as cheap as 10k VND.
‘Chè’ refers to a kind of sweet dessert in Vietnam. There are so many different types & variations of ‘chè’ across the country. Among the many places that I’ve eaten in District 1, my 2 favourite ones are in Ben Thanh Market & this place. Just walk out of the alley, and you’ll see it on your left. He’s been selling ‘chè’ there for a long time & I think the opening hour is around 7pm until much later at night, so perfect for a night stroll.
Chè Lâm Vinh Mậu
31 Nguyễn Thái Bình‘Chè’ refers to a kind of sweet dessert in Vietnam. There are so many different types & variations of ‘chè’ across the country. Among the many places that I’ve eaten in District 1, my 2 favourite ones are in Ben Thanh Market & this place. Just walk out of the alley, and you’ll see it on your left. He’s been selling ‘chè’ there for a long time & I think the opening hour is around 7pm until much later at night, so perfect for a night stroll.
Cafe / Tea / Cake
The coffee here is great, and it's also fun to simply sit and watch the traffic outside. A very Vietnamese activity ;)
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Katinat Saigon Kafe
91 Đồng KhởiThe coffee here is great, and it's also fun to simply sit and watch the traffic outside. A very Vietnamese activity ;)
An enjoyable afternoon tea experience in a very classic Indochine setting
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Park Hyatt Saigon
2 Lam Son SquareAn enjoyable afternoon tea experience in a very classic Indochine setting
Okkio Caffe
120 - 122 Đ. Lê LợiA very nostalgic and beautiful cafe, and of course, good coffee
Recommended place, unique Indochine decoration, good drinks & brunch
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L'Usine Le Thanh Ton
19 Lê Thánh TônRecommended place, unique Indochine decoration, good drinks & brunch
Have you heard of those cafes in one of those old apartment buildings? This is that kind of place. Located on the old apartment in Nguyen Hue street with minimal design, you can simply sit and enjoy the view out from the balcony.
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Thinker&Dreamer Coffee
42 Nguyễn HuệHave you heard of those cafes in one of those old apartment buildings? This is that kind of place. Located on the old apartment in Nguyen Hue street with minimal design, you can simply sit and enjoy the view out from the balcony.
Inspired by the design of Hue's Imperial City, Dabao Concept can be one of those quiet places where you can simply sit and relax
Dabao Concept
18 Tú XươngInspired by the design of Hue's Imperial City, Dabao Concept can be one of those quiet places where you can simply sit and relax
KOI Thé
120 PasteurKoi is a sure place to go for boba tea, there are lots of them around Ho Chi Minh City
Gong Cha
59 Nguyễn Thái BìnhAlso for boba tea, I would definitely recommend Gong Cha
There are many Cong cafe around District, you can search and find your most favourite.
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Cong Cafe
26/15 Lý Tự TrọngThere are many Cong cafe around District, you can search and find your most favourite.
One of the best afternoon tea experience in Ho Chi Minh City
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Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery
76 78 Nguyễn Thị Minh KhaiOne of the best afternoon tea experience in Ho Chi Minh City
Palais des Douceurs
87 Nguyễn TrãiA very fine patisserie
Vietnamese iced coffee is already world famous and is definitely a must try when you visit Vietnam. You can find it literally everywhere on the street. Cafe Vy is among them, and is rather well known among locals. You could give it a try.
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Cafe Vy
277E Lê Thánh TônVietnamese iced coffee is already world famous and is definitely a must try when you visit Vietnam. You can find it literally everywhere on the street. Cafe Vy is among them, and is rather well known among locals. You could give it a try.
My favourite coffee roaster in the city. They also have very scrumptious waffle.
Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters- The Opera House
My favourite coffee roaster in the city. They also have very scrumptious waffle.
Apart from coffee beans, do you know that Vietnam also produces high quality cocoa beans? Try Maison Marou, famous from their award winning chocolate bar, they then move to bring their products closer to the market through a range of chocolate products, from drinks to cake, they have all things chocolate here (and high quality). It's near the house so do check the place out.
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Drama Saigon
167 - 169 CalmetteApart from coffee beans, do you know that Vietnam also produces high quality cocoa beans? Try Maison Marou, famous from their award winning chocolate bar, they then move to bring their products closer to the market through a range of chocolate products, from drinks to cake, they have all things chocolate here (and high quality). It's near the house so do check the place out.
Recommendations for vegetarians
Vegetarian in Vietnamese is 'chay', so please search for 'quan chay' (vegetarian eatery) or 'nha hang chay' (vegetarian restaurant) on Maps, you will find even more gems in the city
Quán Chay 103
103 Nguyễn Thái BìnhA good local vegetarian place just minutes walking from the house
BONG SUNG VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
4 Bà Huyện Thanh QuanBuddha Chay
31 Đặng TấtChay Garden
52 Võ Văn TầnRau Ơi Vegetarian - Le Thi Hong Gam
Hum Vegetarian, Lounge & Restaurant
32 Thi SáchFor a more high end experience, try Hum
Shamballa Vegetarian Restaurant & Tea House
17-19 Trịnh Văn CấnBars/Pubs
District 1 has all the great cool bars, many are within walking distance to the house. Do check them out for a fun & chilling night out.
A fun place to be, within walking distance to the house.
The place is small, but packed. They have a range of great cocktails & live music as well
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Drinking & Healing
25 Hồ Tùng MậuA fun place to be, within walking distance to the house.
The place is small, but packed. They have a range of great cocktails & live music as well
A speakeasy place that lies hidden in an old apartment. Finding it is also a fun experience
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Snuffbox Lounge
14 Tôn Thất ĐạmA speakeasy place that lies hidden in an old apartment. Finding it is also a fun experience
The Iron Bank - Cocktail Vault
47 Tôn Thất ĐạmFriends Bar
20 Mạc Thị BưởiFirkin - A whisky bar
This rooftop bar is a bit more upscale, located on top of MGallery Hotel, with a view overlooking central District 1
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Social Club Rooftop
76-78 Nguyễn Thị Minh KhaiThis rooftop bar is a bit more upscale, located on top of MGallery Hotel, with a view overlooking central District 1
The Racha Room
105 - 107 Mạc Thị BưởiApothecary
The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
27/10 Nguyễn Bỉnh KhiêmQui Cuisine Mixology
22 Lê Thánh TônMinistry - Concept Bar
Located in Sofitel Hotel
Bui Vien walking street is packed with fun bars & pubs
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Bui Vien Walking Street
Đường Bùi ViệnBui Vien walking street is packed with fun bars & pubs