Do you crave busy streets full of motorbikes and the endless sound of honking? If so, Saigon is your place to be. Although it may be a large city with lots going on, Saigon is one of the most special places to me along with the entire country of Vietnam. My husband grew up just a couple hours outside of Saigon, and most of his family still lives there. I feel so lucky to be a part of the family, and I long to return every day. I’ve been fortunate to visit during Tết in 2020 and most recently a few weeks ago for our wedding. Having learned so much about Saigon, here are my top 5 best things to do in Saigon for a week:
1. Take a ride on a motorbike
It’s an essential part of living in Vietnam to be able to ride a motorbike. If you have the chance, I highly recommend jumping on a motorbike and experiencing the craziness of the streets. If not, you can always grab a ride share and experience one as a passenger. Either way, you’ll see the city like a local. The prices to rent are quite affordable as well. Also, take note that if you’re on foot and attempting to cross the street, the motorists will not stop for you. The best way to cross the streets is to enter the flow of traffic at the slightest of openings. The motorists will go around you as long as you keep walking at a consistent pace. You got this!
2. The Saigon Central Post Office (Bưu điện Trung tâm Sài Gòn)
This post office was built in the late 19th century when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. You’ll notice its architecture exudes French influence. When we were there, I noticed a bride and groom taking pictures in front of the post office, so it’s definitely a picturesque sight.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral
This cathedral is similar to the post office in that its architecture and design was created by the French. It’s a beautiful monument that’s worth a quick visit. I also found it easy to navigate the city, as most of the attractions are within the same vicinity. One of the best things about Saigon is how walkable the city is, just remember to practice crossing the streets as motorists will not stop for pedestrians.
4. Devour authentic Vietnamese food & drink
There’s an endless supply of street food in Saigon, and I’d recommend tasting a little bit of everything. Most articles will recommend going for the famous Vietnamese phở or bánh mì (and if you’ve never tried these dishes, please do!) However, one of my favorite soups is hủ tiếu. It’s a flavorful soup made with pork bones, herbs, noodles, prawns, or other meats. Definitely worth trying! If you’re craving veggie dishes, you should be able to find a number of dishes with tofu, veggies, rice, and/or noodles. And of course, get a taste of Vietnamese coffee! It’s a must, even if you’re not a huge coffee lover like me.
5. Buy your own áo dài
If you’ll be in Saigon for a few days that should be enough time to have a unique áo dài made for you. An áo dài is a traditional Vietnamese garment which can be worn by either males or females on special occasions. It’s also an iconic part of the Vietnamese culture. Make sure you’ll be in the area for a few days, since the maker will need time to craft your garment after getting your measurements. Once you have your very own áo dài, you’ll have the perfect outfit to wear to your next special event!
I hope you enjoy Saigon whenever you visit, and please reach out with any questions in the comments section below. I’d love to hear about your Saigon stories! For more travel content and inspiration, click here. Happy travels!