Guidebook for Quận 1
Arts & Culture
This presidential palace was the setting for one of 20th-century Vietnam’s most iconic images. On April 30th 1975, Viet Cong tanks crashed through the gates, ripping up the lawn with their caterpillar tracks. The storming of the palace signalled the end of the conflict, and the black-and-white images of the tanks rolling in will forever embody the end of war.
1160 os moradores locais recomendam
Palácio da Independência
135 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaThis presidential palace was the setting for one of 20th-century Vietnam’s most iconic images. On April 30th 1975, Viet Cong tanks crashed through the gates, ripping up the lawn with their caterpillar tracks. The storming of the palace signalled the end of the conflict, and the black-and-white images of the tanks rolling in will forever embody the end of war.
Harrowing, haunting, horrifying. This important museum is not for the faint-hearted. Themed on the Vietnam War (or War of US Aggression, depending on your viewpoint), it gives Vietnam’s side of the story. And it’s not a pretty one. Its collection of weaponry and all-too-real photography lay bare the horrors of conflict. You’ll come out thinking: “Can’t we all just get along?”
1053 os moradores locais recomendam
Museu dos vestígios da guerra
28 Võ Văn TầnHarrowing, haunting, horrifying. This important museum is not for the faint-hearted. Themed on the Vietnam War (or War of US Aggression, depending on your viewpoint), it gives Vietnam’s side of the story. And it’s not a pretty one. Its collection of weaponry and all-too-real photography lay bare the horrors of conflict. You’ll come out thinking: “Can’t we all just get along?”
Nothing embodies faded European opulence quite like a 19th-century opera house. This one certainly does the job. The entrance arch is bedecked with neoclassical touches like cherubs and muses, while inside, creamy stucco plastering is bordered with plush red seating. Check listings for upcoming shows, from grandiose recitals to earthy local dance performances.
687 os moradores locais recomendam
Teatro Municipal da Cidade de Ho Chi Minh
07 Công Trường Lam SơnNothing embodies faded European opulence quite like a 19th-century opera house. This one certainly does the job. The entrance arch is bedecked with neoclassical touches like cherubs and muses, while inside, creamy stucco plastering is bordered with plush red seating. Check listings for upcoming shows, from grandiose recitals to earthy local dance performances.
Sightseeing
Oh hi, Uncle Ho! In front of the City Hall stands a statue of Ho Chi Minh, the freedom fighter-turned-prime minister who gives the city its name. He stands on a plinth, waving in greeting. Give the great man a nod as you pass by, and snap a selfie against the backdrop of the custard-coloured hall. Don’t expect to be let inside, though – it’s the gated preserve of politicos.
228 os moradores locais recomendam
People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City
Số 86 Lê Thánh TônOh hi, Uncle Ho! In front of the City Hall stands a statue of Ho Chi Minh, the freedom fighter-turned-prime minister who gives the city its name. He stands on a plinth, waving in greeting. Give the great man a nod as you pass by, and snap a selfie against the backdrop of the custard-coloured hall. Don’t expect to be let inside, though – it’s the gated preserve of politicos.
Snapchat, e-mail, WhatsApp… My, look how far we’ve come! At this post office, step back to a not-too-distant time when letters came in envelopes, and phone calls were made in wooden booths. Send a postcard to folks back home, or swing open a booth door to give them a bell. Once you’re done, swing by the gift shop to pick up an essential “Tintin in Vietnam” poster.
832 os moradores locais recomendam
Central de Correios de Saigon
02 Công xã ParisSnapchat, e-mail, WhatsApp… My, look how far we’ve come! At this post office, step back to a not-too-distant time when letters came in envelopes, and phone calls were made in wooden booths. Send a postcard to folks back home, or swing open a booth door to give them a bell. Once you’re done, swing by the gift shop to pick up an essential “Tintin in Vietnam” poster.
Livin’ the high life. This gargantuan skyscraper soars 262 metres above the city streets. The gentle curve of its glassy silhouette mirrors a lotus-flower bud that sprouts out of the concrete jungle. Whizz up the stem to the 52nd floor, where cool cocktails come with the best views in town. Swing by at sunset to see the city transform into a twinkling ocean of lights.
487 os moradores locais recomendam
Bitexco Financial Tower
2 Hải TriềuLivin’ the high life. This gargantuan skyscraper soars 262 metres above the city streets. The gentle curve of its glassy silhouette mirrors a lotus-flower bud that sprouts out of the concrete jungle. Whizz up the stem to the 52nd floor, where cool cocktails come with the best views in town. Swing by at sunset to see the city transform into a twinkling ocean of lights.
Busy hostels, tourist-tat shops, garish bars… must be the Backpacker’s District! This is where fresh-faced travellers come to sample Saigon's sights and sounds. If you dare, nibble on deep-fried scorpions at Luong Son, and add a fetching conical hat to your wardrobe at a souvenir shop. Then cap it off with a wild night at Crazy Buffalo and Go2.
45 os moradores locais recomendam
Backpacker Street
Đường Phạm Ngũ LãoBusy hostels, tourist-tat shops, garish bars… must be the Backpacker’s District! This is where fresh-faced travellers come to sample Saigon's sights and sounds. If you dare, nibble on deep-fried scorpions at Luong Son, and add a fetching conical hat to your wardrobe at a souvenir shop. Then cap it off with a wild night at Crazy Buffalo and Go2.
This basilica’s French connection goes deeper than just its name. It was built during French colonial rule as a miniature version of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral. Squint hard enough and you’ll see similarities in the twin towers and rose window. Not only that, but the Gallic influence is in-built – it’s made from red bricks from Marseille and glasswork from Chartres. Ooh la-la!
1155 os moradores locais recomendam
Catedral de Notre Dame de Saigon
01 Công xã ParisThis basilica’s French connection goes deeper than just its name. It was built during French colonial rule as a miniature version of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral. Squint hard enough and you’ll see similarities in the twin towers and rose window. Not only that, but the Gallic influence is in-built – it’s made from red bricks from Marseille and glasswork from Chartres. Ooh la-la!
Parks & Nature
Vinhomes Central Park
Drinks & Nightlife
Rooftop but not fancy as most hotels in town, very cool!
186 os moradores locais recomendam
Broma Not A Bar
41 Nguyễn HuệRooftop but not fancy as most hotels in town, very cool!
Snuffbox Lounge
14 Tôn Thất ĐạmSpeakeasy bar, love it!
Its right in front of our building in a little alleyway, the place is a little small so a reservation is a recommended, but you will love it!
42 os moradores locais recomendam
The Alley Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
63/8 PasteurIts right in front of our building in a little alleyway, the place is a little small so a reservation is a recommended, but you will love it!
Friends Bar
20 Mạc Thị BưởiSpeakeasy and whiskey cocktails!
Shopping
This market has your senses working overtime. Once inside, you’ll be immersed in a maelstrom of chaotic commerce. At every turn, vendors reel in shoppers, and heated haggling echoes all around. The objects on sale cram every surface – everything from dried fruit to lacquered vases and silken sarongs, from counterfeit footy shirts to snakes in jars. See what takes your fancy!
1702 os moradores locais recomendam
Ben Thanh Market
Đường Lê LợiThis market has your senses working overtime. Once inside, you’ll be immersed in a maelstrom of chaotic commerce. At every turn, vendors reel in shoppers, and heated haggling echoes all around. The objects on sale cram every surface – everything from dried fruit to lacquered vases and silken sarongs, from counterfeit footy shirts to snakes in jars. See what takes your fancy!
Food Scene
Sushi Nhí
210 Đường Trần NãoBest Sushi money can buy!
Have you ever tried Sushi like a local? Well look no more and visit Sushi Ko!
27 os moradores locais recomendam
Sushi Ko
122 Vĩnh KhánhHave you ever tried Sushi like a local? Well look no more and visit Sushi Ko!