\n
\u2013 Things to do in Saigon\u2013<\/h3>\n
\n1. Nguy\u1ec5n V\u0103n B\u00ecnh Book Street – literature heaven and Instagrammer’s favorite<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nSituated just a few steps away from Saigon’s Notre Dame, Nguy\u1ec5n V\u0103n B\u00ecnh Book Street <\/strong>is\u00a0the go-to place for local bookworms.<\/p>\nEven if you might have a catalog of unread books at home, this is still a very worthwhile place to go. Its unique outdoor library aesthetic offers some gorgeous shots for social media.<\/p>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/instagram-hanhtamnguyen.jpg\")
\nImage credit: @hanhtamnguyen<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\nThey have a cafe space throughout the street as well, so bring your books here – either the ones from home or freshly bought – and enjoy this relaxing space for you to read in.<\/p>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/instagram-iamlttho.jpg\")
\nImage credit: @iamlttho<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nWith books of various genres in Vietnamese, English, and even French, this is a fantastic check-in location for book-hungry readers.<\/p>\n
The site is also home to various book-related events – be it art exhibitions, meet-the-author events, or writing workshops and discussions. Check out this place from time to time to see what’s hot!<\/p>\n
Address: <\/span><\/strong>Nguy\u1ec5n V\u0103n B\u00ecnh Street, B\u1ebfn Ngh\u00e9 Ward, District 1, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City<\/p>\nOpening hours:<\/span><\/strong> 8am-10pm, Daily<\/p>\nContact:<\/span> <\/strong>093 201 61 09 |\u00a0Saigon Book Street\u00a0Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n
\n2. Gi\u00e1c L\u00e2m Pagoda – cleanse your karma inside this ancient temple<\/h4>\n
\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/91040222_1415401098651100_5643864557964831901_n.jpg\")
\nImage credit: @marcel_travelsoul<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nGi\u00e1c L\u00e2m Pagoda<\/strong> was built back in 1744 and it is one of the oldest temples in Saigon. With its unique architecture and historical religious artifacts, this temple is a must-go for those interested in Buddhist culture.<\/p>\nEven if you’re not interested in religious histories, the temple’s signature seven-storied stupa<\/em> and Buddhist-style garden provide some rustic atmosphere that would go nicely on your photos.<\/p>\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/130593225_187844559701690_6329972155603545758_n.jpg\")
\nImage credit: @jordy_comes_alive<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nOf course, being a sacred place, you can also come here and pray for health, money, and even love. So if you’ve been having bad karma lately, light some incense and donate to this pagoda.<\/p>\n
After the trip, you can check out the various cheap yet tasty vegan restaurants around the temple – so if you’re interested in a vegan meal but don’t know where to look, this trip might make for a good opportunity.<\/p>\n
Address: <\/span><\/strong>565 L\u1ea1c Long Qu\u00e2n Street, Ward 10, T\u00e2n B\u00ecnh District, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\nOpening hours:<\/span><\/strong> 5am-12pm, 2pm-8pm, Daily
\nContact: <\/span><\/strong>028 3865 3933<\/p>\n
\n3. Ph\u00f9 Ch\u00e2u floating temple – catch a ferry to this floating pagoda in the middle of a river<\/h4>\n
\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/158600381_851369985727006_3812590278144357532_n.jpg\")
\nImage credit: @_ninhnguyen95<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nTemples aren’t exactly a rare sight – even in a busy metropolis like Saigon – but there are a few temples around that are found in rather unusual locations. One of which is the famous Ph\u00f9 Ch\u00e2u Temple <\/strong>that floats on V\u00e0m Thu\u1eadt River and is only accessible by boats.<\/p>\nTo get to Ph\u00f9 Ch\u00e2u Temple, you will need to travel from G\u00f2 V\u1ea5p Market through Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u00e1i S\u01a1n Street, turn left at the end into Tr\u1ea7n B\u00e1o Giao Street. A few hundred meters more and you’ll find a ferry service that will carry you to the temple for VND10,000\/person (~0.42USD)<\/strong> – an affordable trip that offers an exciting time and photo opportunities for guests who are itching for short and sweet water adventures.<\/p>\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/98160178_1209880616029469_2395915021197628740_n.jpg\")
\nImage credit: @nhv_5<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nInside the temple, not only will you find unique and colorful porcelain decorations that cover the temple from walls to columns, there is also a pond filled with cute turtles for you to watch and take photos.<\/p>\n
Price:<\/span><\/strong> VND10,000\/person (~0.42USD) for ferry
\nAddress: <\/span><\/strong>173\/36\/7B11 D\u01b0\u01a1ng Qu\u1ea3ng H\u00e0m Street, Ward 5, G\u00f2 V\u1ea5p Street, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\nOpening hours:<\/span><\/strong> 8am-6pm, Daily<\/p>\n
\n4. Japan Town – Try out mouth-watering food in a Japanese-style town<\/h4>\n
\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Japan-town-Le-Thanh-Ton-street-2-1-2048x1493-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
For those in Saigon who want to have a try at authentic Japanese food, then there’s no place better than the famous Japan Town <\/strong>– a 300m-long alley that you can freely walk through to appreciate the uniquely Japanese atmosphere.<\/p>\nThis little area is home to a lot of Japanese restaurants with great food for you to enjoy – so if you’ve been craving either Japanese grills or ramen but can’t seem to find a restaurant that suits your taste, then this town might have something for you.<\/p>\n
![\"Japan-Town-alley-by-night-1-2048x1638\"](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Japan-Town-alley-by-night-1-2048x1638-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Not just a place for food, Japan Town offers some gorgeous backdrop for atmospheric photos, such as traditional-style Japanese cafes and izakayas with iconic red lanterns hanging overhead. Get your cameras ready and check out this place for some great shots.<\/p>\n
Check out some articles that we have written about this delightful corner of Saigon:<\/p>\n
\n- Saigon Japan Town Guide<\/a><\/li>\n
- Okonomiyaki Shu Saigon<\/a><\/li>\n
- Cheese Coffee On L\u00ea Th\u00e1nh T\u00f4n, Saigon<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Address: <\/span><\/strong>15B L\u00ea Th\u00e1nh T\u00f4n Street, B\u1ebfn Ngh\u00e9 Ward, District 1, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2013 Food and drinks in Saigon\u2013<\/h3>\n
\n1. C\u00e0 ph\u00ea v\u1ee3t – taste this freshly brewed coffee filtered through a cloth net<\/h4>\n
\n
![\"C\u00e0](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/144726420_1849188271913113_9083419947759774114_n.jpg\")
\nImage credit: B\u00f9i Huy Khang<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nFor the coffee connoisseurs, there’s nothing strange about Vietnam being a cultural coffee hotpot, where you can try out a variety of wonderful blends made with an endless number of methods, from traditional to modern.<\/p>\n
Besides the iconic phin<\/em> filter, there is also another brewing method called c\u00e0 ph\u00ea v\u1ee3t <\/em><\/strong>– also known as nel drip coffee – that we think you should try.<\/p>\n![\"C\u00e0](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/245923291_3123720281184473_8596947585809064674_n.jpg\")
Image credit: Cheo Leo Cafe<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nC\u00e0 ph\u00ea v\u1ee3t<\/em> is done by simmering the beans inside a clay or metal pot, then filtering the liquid through a fabric net, which is what gave the method its name. This brewing method was brought into Vietnam from China by the Hoa<\/em> people, and then naturally developed into what we see today.<\/p>\nSaid to have a very distinctive flavor, with a smooth and creamy texture and a hint of sweet aftertaste, this delicious coffee is worth a try and can only be found in some family businesses around Saigon.<\/p>\n
If you want to try it out, we recommend checking Cheo Leo Cafe<\/strong>, an 80-year-old business that has become popular among many coffee lovers in Saigon. The coffee here is brewed inside real clay pots, so you’ll know that it’s a worthy, authentic place for a good cup of Joe. Do note that their sitting space is quite small, and can get crowded easily.<\/p>\nPrice: <\/span><\/strong>VND18,000-VND28,000 (~USD0.76,~USD1.18)
\nAddress: <\/span><\/strong>109\/36 Nguy\u1ec5n Thi\u1ec7n Thu\u1eadt Street, Ward 2, District 3, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City\u00a0<\/em>
\nContact: <\/span><\/strong>0166 962 6363 | Cheo Leo Cafe’s Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n
\n2. Ch\u00e8<\/em> – Munching on soothingly sweet soup on the street<\/h4>\n
\n![\"Ch\u00e8\"](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/320607173_1792812351101243_5950463473049777757_n.jpg\")
\nImage credit: @nhan_tv<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nCh\u00e8<\/i><\/b> is one of the most unique desserts that you’ll find in Vietnam – a sweet and thick soup that is made from various ingredients such as beans, fruits, and jelly, combined into an almost endless world of flavor.<\/span><\/p>\nEnjoyed by both young and old, <\/span>ch\u00e8<\/span><\/i> is a quintessential icon of Vietnamese snacks and shouldn’t be missed out on. Every province of Vietnam offers a distinctive variation on <\/span>ch\u00e8<\/span><\/i>, and Saigon is no exception.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Ch\u00e8](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/foody-che-thap-cam-phuc-linh-413-637073828799386034.jpg\")
\nImage credit: Anh Thi Cao<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nWe suggest trying out your first <\/span>ch\u00e8<\/span><\/i> experience at <\/span>Ch\u00e8 Ph\u1ee5c Linh<\/b>, an old shop with more than 30 years of experience. This place <\/span>offers an array of sweet ingredients for you to combine into your <\/span>ch\u00e8<\/span><\/i>. <\/span>If you want to escape the intense heat of Saigon, try out a cooling <\/span>bowl of <\/span>ch\u00e8<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\nPrice: <\/b><\/span>VND10,000-VND20,000 (~USD0.42,~USD0.84)
\n<\/span>Address: <\/b><\/span>200 L\u00ea Quang Sung Street, Ward 6, District 6, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\n<\/span>Time:<\/b><\/span> 9am-6.30pm, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n
\n3. G\u1ecfi kh\u00f4 b\u00f2<\/i><\/b> – snacking on beef jerky and papaya salad inside a park<\/b><\/h4>\n
\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/81086784_1061417967533420_3369375292224176128_n.jpg\")
\nImage credit: Daniel Doan<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nBesides ch\u00e8<\/i>, g\u1ecfi<\/i> is also an essential part of Vietnamese cuisine – a kind of salad made from various healthy ingredients bound together with a dressing made from fish sauce.<\/p>\n
G\u1ecfi<\/em> has become a common sight on many Vietnamese dining tables and it is eaten as an appetizer, side dish, or a simple snack for students during rush hour.<\/p>\nThe Saigonese’s favorite has to be the tasty <\/span>g\u1ecfi kh\u00f4 b\u00f2<\/i><\/strong> – made from shredded green papaya, beef jerky, and prawn crackers. This delightfully simple snack has been an all-time favorite among students.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/127861481_1566339073566726_437757271778135180_n.jpg\")
\nImage credit: Duc Nguyen<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\nThere are a few old stalls that sell this dish around Saigon, but our favorite is the <\/span>D\u00ec S\u00e1u’s g\u1ecfi kh\u00f4 b\u00f2<\/i><\/b> stall located in <\/span>L\u00ea V\u0103n T\u00e1m <\/span><\/i>Park.<\/span> This lady has been making this simple snack for more than half a century. Her <\/span>reputation is known far and wide among the locals across 2 generations. <\/span><\/p>\nOrder a box of <\/span>g\u1ecfi<\/span><\/i> here and eat it in the nearby park for a refreshing snacking experience.<\/span><\/p>\nPrice: <\/b><\/span>VND28,000 (~USD1.18)
\n<\/span>Address: <\/b><\/span>On the sidewalk in front of L\u00ea V\u0103n T\u00e1m Park, 259a Hai B\u00e0 Tr\u01b0ng Street, Ward 8, District 3, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\n<\/span>Time:<\/b><\/span> 11 am-9pm, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n
\n4. C\u01a1m t\u1ea5m<\/em> – classic meat and rice with a comforting taste<\/h4>\n
\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/17310183_615978145274709_1498825920403141918_o-e1672811796191.jpg\")
\nImage credit: Gia \u0110\u00ecnh BB – C\u01a1m T\u1ea5m BB<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nPotato chip brand O’Star recently released a c\u01a1m t\u1ea5m<\/i><\/strong>-flavored chips and it’s no surprise that they did. The original dish is so good that it’s only logical to turn it into a chip flavor.<\/p>\nC\u01a1m t\u1ea5m –<\/span><\/i> or simply, broken rice – is a combination of rice and a variety of meat such as grilled pork, egg meatloaf, and shredded pigskin, finished off with a side of fish sauce. <\/span><\/p>\nThis simple yet utterly divine dish has become a <\/span>mainstay of day-to-day Saigonese life. It<\/span>\u00a0can be found in every little corner of Saigon – be it as breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"c\u01a1m](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/com-tam-ba-ghien.jpg\")
\nImage credit: C\u01a1m T\u1ea5m Ba Ghi\u1ec1n<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nC\u01a1m T\u1ea5m Ba Ghi\u1ec1n <\/i><\/b>is very popular among fans of this dish. Although their prices are a bit higher than the average stalls, the meat’s juiciness and delightful sauce are simply unmatched. <\/span><\/p>\nIt can get crowded rather easily, so try to go there a bit early if you can. <\/span><\/p>\nPrice: <\/b><\/span>VND75,000-VND141,000 (~USD3.16,~USD5.94)
\n<\/span>Address: <\/b><\/span>84 \u0110\u1eb7ng V\u0103n Ng\u1eef Street, Ward 10, Ph\u00fa Nhu\u1eadn District, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\n<\/span>Time: <\/b><\/span>7am-10pm, Daily
\n<\/span>Contact:<\/b><\/span> C\u01a1m T\u1ea5m Ba Ghi\u1ec1n’s Facebook page<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\n5. B\u1ed9t chi\u00ean<\/em> – crunchy and eggy goodness that leaves you wanting more<\/h4>\n
\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/134502224_2874183542869895_2005601345293358187_n.jpg\")
\nImage credit: M\u1ea1nh Ti\u1ebfn Kh\u00f4i<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nAnother student’s and office worker’s long-time favorite is the b\u1ed9t chi\u00ean<\/em><\/strong>. It’s a known Chinese-influenced dish made from fried rice flour cake and egg, accompanied with refreshing vegetables and tangy soy sauce.<\/p>\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/301954286_10166979258615145_4339663686428876045_n-e1672812656359.jpg\")
\nImage credit: Alex Harun Dang<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nEaten as either a quick snack or a full-blown meal, the crispy, chewy b\u1ed9t chi\u00ean<\/em> is a contender for the most popular comfort food in Saigon.<\/p>\nWe recommend trying out this delightful dish at B\u1ed9t chi\u00ean \u0110\u1ea1t Th\u00e0nh<\/strong><\/em>. We recommend the 2 eggs version instead of 1 egg for that extra-flavored punch.<\/p>\nPrice: <\/span><\/strong>VND40,000-VND46,000 (~USD1.69,~USD1.94)
\nAddress: <\/span><\/strong>277 V\u00f5 V\u0103n T\u1ea7n Street, Ward 5, District 3, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\nTime: <\/span><\/strong>2pm-9pm, Daily
\nContact: <\/span><\/strong>028 <\/span>3833 <\/span>4980<\/span><\/p>\n
\nThings to do in Saigon – live to your fullest in Vietnam’s most exciting city<\/h3>\n
\n
This list only covers the surface level of what’s available in this large, fantastic city. For now, check out the many locations above and stay tuned as we continue to add more exciting activities to this ever-expanding article.<\/p>\n
Also check out our suggestions for things to do in Hanoi<\/a> and things to do in Da Nang<\/a>.<\/p>\nCheck out our reviews about other fascinating places in Saigon, from cafes to activity hubs such as NEO- Saigon<\/a>,\u00a0The Alchemist Cafe<\/a>, and\u00a0Saigon Outcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nCover image adapted from: @iamlttho<\/a>, <\/em>
\n
Situated just a few steps away from Saigon’s Notre Dame, Nguy\u1ec5n V\u0103n B\u00ecnh Book Street <\/strong>is\u00a0the go-to place for local bookworms.<\/p>\n Even if you might have a catalog of unread books at home, this is still a very worthwhile place to go. Its unique outdoor library aesthetic offers some gorgeous shots for social media.<\/p>\n They have a cafe space throughout the street as well, so bring your books here – either the ones from home or freshly bought – and enjoy this relaxing space for you to read in.<\/p>\n With books of various genres in Vietnamese, English, and even French, this is a fantastic check-in location for book-hungry readers.<\/p>\n The site is also home to various book-related events – be it art exhibitions, meet-the-author events, or writing workshops and discussions. Check out this place from time to time to see what’s hot!<\/p>\n Address: <\/span><\/strong>Nguy\u1ec5n V\u0103n B\u00ecnh Street, B\u1ebfn Ngh\u00e9 Ward, District 1, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City<\/p>\n Opening hours:<\/span><\/strong> 8am-10pm, Daily<\/p>\n Contact:<\/span> <\/strong>093 201 61 09 |\u00a0Saigon Book Street\u00a0Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n Gi\u00e1c L\u00e2m Pagoda<\/strong> was built back in 1744 and it is one of the oldest temples in Saigon. With its unique architecture and historical religious artifacts, this temple is a must-go for those interested in Buddhist culture.<\/p>\n Even if you’re not interested in religious histories, the temple’s signature seven-storied stupa<\/em> and Buddhist-style garden provide some rustic atmosphere that would go nicely on your photos.<\/p>\n Of course, being a sacred place, you can also come here and pray for health, money, and even love. So if you’ve been having bad karma lately, light some incense and donate to this pagoda.<\/p>\n After the trip, you can check out the various cheap yet tasty vegan restaurants around the temple – so if you’re interested in a vegan meal but don’t know where to look, this trip might make for a good opportunity.<\/p>\n Address: <\/span><\/strong>565 L\u1ea1c Long Qu\u00e2n Street, Ward 10, T\u00e2n B\u00ecnh District, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City Temples aren’t exactly a rare sight – even in a busy metropolis like Saigon – but there are a few temples around that are found in rather unusual locations. One of which is the famous Ph\u00f9 Ch\u00e2u Temple <\/strong>that floats on V\u00e0m Thu\u1eadt River and is only accessible by boats.<\/p>\n To get to Ph\u00f9 Ch\u00e2u Temple, you will need to travel from G\u00f2 V\u1ea5p Market through Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u00e1i S\u01a1n Street, turn left at the end into Tr\u1ea7n B\u00e1o Giao Street. A few hundred meters more and you’ll find a ferry service that will carry you to the temple for VND10,000\/person (~0.42USD)<\/strong> – an affordable trip that offers an exciting time and photo opportunities for guests who are itching for short and sweet water adventures.<\/p>\n Inside the temple, not only will you find unique and colorful porcelain decorations that cover the temple from walls to columns, there is also a pond filled with cute turtles for you to watch and take photos.<\/p>\n Price:<\/span><\/strong> VND10,000\/person (~0.42USD) for ferry For those in Saigon who want to have a try at authentic Japanese food, then there’s no place better than the famous Japan Town <\/strong>– a 300m-long alley that you can freely walk through to appreciate the uniquely Japanese atmosphere.<\/p>\n This little area is home to a lot of Japanese restaurants with great food for you to enjoy – so if you’ve been craving either Japanese grills or ramen but can’t seem to find a restaurant that suits your taste, then this town might have something for you.<\/p>\n Not just a place for food, Japan Town offers some gorgeous backdrop for atmospheric photos, such as traditional-style Japanese cafes and izakayas with iconic red lanterns hanging overhead. Get your cameras ready and check out this place for some great shots.<\/p>\n Check out some articles that we have written about this delightful corner of Saigon:<\/p>\n Address: <\/span><\/strong>15B L\u00ea Th\u00e1nh T\u00f4n Street, B\u1ebfn Ngh\u00e9 Ward, District 1, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n For the coffee connoisseurs, there’s nothing strange about Vietnam being a cultural coffee hotpot, where you can try out a variety of wonderful blends made with an endless number of methods, from traditional to modern.<\/p>\n Besides the iconic phin<\/em> filter, there is also another brewing method called c\u00e0 ph\u00ea v\u1ee3t <\/em><\/strong>– also known as nel drip coffee – that we think you should try.<\/p>\n C\u00e0 ph\u00ea v\u1ee3t<\/em> is done by simmering the beans inside a clay or metal pot, then filtering the liquid through a fabric net, which is what gave the method its name. This brewing method was brought into Vietnam from China by the Hoa<\/em> people, and then naturally developed into what we see today.<\/p>\n Said to have a very distinctive flavor, with a smooth and creamy texture and a hint of sweet aftertaste, this delicious coffee is worth a try and can only be found in some family businesses around Saigon.<\/p>\n If you want to try it out, we recommend checking Cheo Leo Cafe<\/strong>, an 80-year-old business that has become popular among many coffee lovers in Saigon. The coffee here is brewed inside real clay pots, so you’ll know that it’s a worthy, authentic place for a good cup of Joe. Do note that their sitting space is quite small, and can get crowded easily.<\/p>\n Price: <\/span><\/strong>VND18,000-VND28,000 (~USD0.76,~USD1.18) Ch\u00e8<\/i><\/b> is one of the most unique desserts that you’ll find in Vietnam – a sweet and thick soup that is made from various ingredients such as beans, fruits, and jelly, combined into an almost endless world of flavor.<\/span><\/p>\n Enjoyed by both young and old, <\/span>ch\u00e8<\/span><\/i> is a quintessential icon of Vietnamese snacks and shouldn’t be missed out on. Every province of Vietnam offers a distinctive variation on <\/span>ch\u00e8<\/span><\/i>, and Saigon is no exception.<\/span><\/p>\n We suggest trying out your first <\/span>ch\u00e8<\/span><\/i> experience at <\/span>Ch\u00e8 Ph\u1ee5c Linh<\/b>, an old shop with more than 30 years of experience. This place <\/span>offers an array of sweet ingredients for you to combine into your <\/span>ch\u00e8<\/span><\/i>. <\/span>If you want to escape the intense heat of Saigon, try out a cooling <\/span>bowl of <\/span>ch\u00e8<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n Price: <\/b><\/span>VND10,000-VND20,000 (~USD0.42,~USD0.84) Besides ch\u00e8<\/i>, g\u1ecfi<\/i> is also an essential part of Vietnamese cuisine – a kind of salad made from various healthy ingredients bound together with a dressing made from fish sauce.<\/p>\n G\u1ecfi<\/em> has become a common sight on many Vietnamese dining tables and it is eaten as an appetizer, side dish, or a simple snack for students during rush hour.<\/p>\n The Saigonese’s favorite has to be the tasty <\/span>g\u1ecfi kh\u00f4 b\u00f2<\/i><\/strong> – made from shredded green papaya, beef jerky, and prawn crackers. This delightfully simple snack has been an all-time favorite among students.<\/span><\/p>\n There are a few old stalls that sell this dish around Saigon, but our favorite is the <\/span>D\u00ec S\u00e1u’s g\u1ecfi kh\u00f4 b\u00f2<\/i><\/b> stall located in <\/span>L\u00ea V\u0103n T\u00e1m <\/span><\/i>Park.<\/span> This lady has been making this simple snack for more than half a century. Her <\/span>reputation is known far and wide among the locals across 2 generations. <\/span><\/p>\n Order a box of <\/span>g\u1ecfi<\/span><\/i> here and eat it in the nearby park for a refreshing snacking experience.<\/span><\/p>\n Price: <\/b><\/span>VND28,000 (~USD1.18) Potato chip brand O’Star recently released a c\u01a1m t\u1ea5m<\/i><\/strong>-flavored chips and it’s no surprise that they did. The original dish is so good that it’s only logical to turn it into a chip flavor.<\/p>\n C\u01a1m t\u1ea5m –<\/span><\/i> or simply, broken rice – is a combination of rice and a variety of meat such as grilled pork, egg meatloaf, and shredded pigskin, finished off with a side of fish sauce. <\/span><\/p>\n This simple yet utterly divine dish has become a <\/span>mainstay of day-to-day Saigonese life. It<\/span>\u00a0can be found in every little corner of Saigon – be it as breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n C\u01a1m T\u1ea5m Ba Ghi\u1ec1n <\/i><\/b>is very popular among fans of this dish. Although their prices are a bit higher than the average stalls, the meat’s juiciness and delightful sauce are simply unmatched. <\/span><\/p>\n It can get crowded rather easily, so try to go there a bit early if you can. <\/span><\/p>\n Price: <\/b><\/span>VND75,000-VND141,000 (~USD3.16,~USD5.94) Another student’s and office worker’s long-time favorite is the b\u1ed9t chi\u00ean<\/em><\/strong>. It’s a known Chinese-influenced dish made from fried rice flour cake and egg, accompanied with refreshing vegetables and tangy soy sauce.<\/p>\n Eaten as either a quick snack or a full-blown meal, the crispy, chewy b\u1ed9t chi\u00ean<\/em> is a contender for the most popular comfort food in Saigon.<\/p>\n We recommend trying out this delightful dish at B\u1ed9t chi\u00ean \u0110\u1ea1t Th\u00e0nh<\/strong><\/em>. We recommend the 2 eggs version instead of 1 egg for that extra-flavored punch.<\/p>\n Price: <\/span><\/strong>VND40,000-VND46,000 (~USD1.69,~USD1.94) This list only covers the surface level of what’s available in this large, fantastic city. For now, check out the many locations above and stay tuned as we continue to add more exciting activities to this ever-expanding article.<\/p>\n Also check out our suggestions for things to do in Hanoi<\/a> and things to do in Da Nang<\/a>.<\/p>\n Check out our reviews about other fascinating places in Saigon, from cafes to activity hubs such as NEO- Saigon<\/a>,\u00a0The Alchemist Cafe<\/a>, and\u00a0Saigon Outcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cover image adapted from: @iamlttho<\/a>, <\/em>
\nImage credit: @hanhtamnguyen<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\nImage credit: @iamlttho<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\n2. Gi\u00e1c L\u00e2m Pagoda – cleanse your karma inside this ancient temple<\/h4>\n
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\nImage credit: @marcel_travelsoul<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nImage credit: @jordy_comes_alive<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nOpening hours:<\/span><\/strong> 5am-12pm, 2pm-8pm, Daily
\nContact: <\/span><\/strong>028 3865 3933<\/p>\n
\n3. Ph\u00f9 Ch\u00e2u floating temple – catch a ferry to this floating pagoda in the middle of a river<\/h4>\n
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\nImage credit: @_ninhnguyen95<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nImage credit: @nhv_5<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nAddress: <\/span><\/strong>173\/36\/7B11 D\u01b0\u01a1ng Qu\u1ea3ng H\u00e0m Street, Ward 5, G\u00f2 V\u1ea5p Street, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\nOpening hours:<\/span><\/strong> 8am-6pm, Daily<\/p>\n
\n4. Japan Town – Try out mouth-watering food in a Japanese-style town<\/h4>\n
\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n
\n\u2013 Food and drinks in Saigon\u2013<\/h3>\n
\n1. C\u00e0 ph\u00ea v\u1ee3t – taste this freshly brewed coffee filtered through a cloth net<\/h4>\n
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\nImage credit: B\u00f9i Huy Khang<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nImage credit: Cheo Leo Cafe<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nAddress: <\/span><\/strong>109\/36 Nguy\u1ec5n Thi\u1ec7n Thu\u1eadt Street, Ward 2, District 3, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City\u00a0<\/em>
\nContact: <\/span><\/strong>0166 962 6363 | Cheo Leo Cafe’s Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n
\n2. Ch\u00e8<\/em> – Munching on soothingly sweet soup on the street<\/h4>\n
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\nImage credit: @nhan_tv<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nImage credit: Anh Thi Cao<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Address: <\/b><\/span>200 L\u00ea Quang Sung Street, Ward 6, District 6, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\n<\/span>Time:<\/b><\/span> 9am-6.30pm, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n
\n3. G\u1ecfi kh\u00f4 b\u00f2<\/i><\/b> – snacking on beef jerky and papaya salad inside a park<\/b><\/h4>\n
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\nImage credit: Daniel Doan<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nImage credit: Duc Nguyen<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Address: <\/b><\/span>On the sidewalk in front of L\u00ea V\u0103n T\u00e1m Park, 259a Hai B\u00e0 Tr\u01b0ng Street, Ward 8, District 3, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\n<\/span>Time:<\/b><\/span> 11 am-9pm, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n
\n4. C\u01a1m t\u1ea5m<\/em> – classic meat and rice with a comforting taste<\/h4>\n
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\nImage credit: Gia \u0110\u00ecnh BB – C\u01a1m T\u1ea5m BB<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nImage credit: C\u01a1m T\u1ea5m Ba Ghi\u1ec1n<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Address: <\/b><\/span>84 \u0110\u1eb7ng V\u0103n Ng\u1eef Street, Ward 10, Ph\u00fa Nhu\u1eadn District, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\n<\/span>Time: <\/b><\/span>7am-10pm, Daily
\n<\/span>Contact:<\/b><\/span> C\u01a1m T\u1ea5m Ba Ghi\u1ec1n’s Facebook page<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\n5. B\u1ed9t chi\u00ean<\/em> – crunchy and eggy goodness that leaves you wanting more<\/h4>\n
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\nImage credit: M\u1ea1nh Ti\u1ebfn Kh\u00f4i<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nImage credit: Alex Harun Dang<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nAddress: <\/span><\/strong>277 V\u00f5 V\u0103n T\u1ea7n Street, Ward 5, District 3, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City
\nTime: <\/span><\/strong>2pm-9pm, Daily
\nContact: <\/span><\/strong>028 <\/span>3833 <\/span>4980<\/span><\/p>\n
\nThings to do in Saigon – live to your fullest in Vietnam’s most exciting city<\/h3>\n
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