Saigon Travel

2026-01-21

Planning a trip to Saigon can be overwhelming with so many tour options. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we analyze the best travel agency in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam based on your preferred travel style. Whether you want the vintage thrill of Vespa A Go Go, the luxury speedboats of Les Rives, or the comfort of Saigon Adventure's limousines, we break down the top 10 operators. We provide honest reviews, transparent price ranges ($30 - $150+), and expert tips on avoiding tourist traps like Ben Dinh tunnels, ensuring you choose the perfect partner for an authentic Vietnamese experience.

2026-01-19

Just 40km from Ho Chi Minh City, the Can Gio Mangrove offers a perfect escape from urban chaos. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is not just "Monkey Island" but a vital ecological lung and historical site. Our comprehensive guide breaks down everything an expat needs to know: understanding the region's recovery from wartime "ecocide" , choosing between a luxury speedboat tour or an adventurous DIY motorbike trip , and navigating police speed traps. Finally, we explore must-visit spots like Vam Sat Ecopark and the seafood haven of Hang Duong Market, ensuring a deep and authentic experience.

2026-01-19

Saigon is a city where coffee is more than just a daily habit, it’s a lifestyle. From quiet hidden cafés tucked away in old apartments to modern specialty coffee shops in the heart of the city, Saigon offers an endless variety of places for coffee lovers to explore. In this article, I’ve curated 15 coffee shops located in central Saigon that I truly enjoy and would highly recommend. Whether you’re looking for a cozy space to relax, a work-friendly café, or simply a great cup of coffee, this list will help you find the perfect spot during your time in Saigon.

2025-12-30

If there is one night when Saigon truly refuses to sleep, it is Ho Chi Minh City New Year’s Eve. As the final hours of December 31st tick away, the city shifts into a very particular rhythm: part celebration, part chaos, part collective release. Fireworks crack over the Saigon River, street corners turn into spontaneous dance floors, cafés overflow onto sidewalks, and traffic transforms into a slow-moving parade of horns, laughter, and phone cameras pointed skyward.

2025-12-19

Binh Thanh District is where ancient Saigon ground meets everyday local life. Beyond the shadow of Landmark 81, this district reveals quiet temples, old markets, and some of the city’s most underrated street food - still cooked for locals at local prices. This guide walks you through Binh Thanh the way it’s meant to be experienced: light on history, rich on food, and practical enough to turn into a real one-day plan.

2025-12-15

For travelers and expats, the gridlock can be shocking. But if you shift your perspective, you’ll find yourself in the middle of one of the most unique cultural displays on the planet. This guide dives deep into the phenomenon of "Di Bao Noel", the unofficial Saigon Christmas motorbike parade, and how to navigate it without losing your mind (or your phone).

2025-12-08

You want something that tells a story. You want a piece of Vietnam to take home. You are likely asking: "Where to buy souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh that are high quality, authentic, and fairly priced?"

As a local insider living in this city, I have curated a list of the top 16 places to find unique souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh. This is not just a list; it is a deep dive into the best local brands. Whether you are looking for luxury lacquerware, sustainable fashion, or delicious snacks, this guide has it all.

I have also updated this guide with the Nearest Metro Station (Line 1), making your shopping trip easier than ever.

2025-11-25

Discover the real District 4 Saigon — a compact, high-energy neighborhood where alley life, legendary street food, canal views, and old “mafia town” stories collide. This guide takes you deep into D4’s past and present, from its bustling seafood streets to hidden hẻms, local markets, and immersive walking routes. If you want the Saigon locals actually live in, start here.

2025-12-05

Thảo Điền is a mood. A rhythm. A Sunday that never quite ends.
Nestled in District 2, this green neighborhood blends international energy with Vietnamese soul - boutique villas next to family-run phở stalls, and coffee shops that smell like roasted dreams.

People here don’t rush; they sip slowly. Every café tells a story: a young couple’s startup dream, an architect’s weekend experiment, or simply someone’s desire to build a quiet corner of joy.

So here’s your insider map - 20 of the best coffee shops in Thảo Điền, each with its own charm, smell, and heartbeat.

2025-09-01

If Saigon were a story, District 1 would be the opening chapter, setting the stage for the city’s colorful story.

Began as a small settlement along the Saigon River, District 1 grew into a bustling trading hub under the Nguyen Lords. During the French colonial era (mid-19th to mid-20th century), the district was transformed with wide boulevards, grand colonial buildings, and European-style architecture, many of which still stand today. In the Vietnam War era, District 1 became the political and military center of South Vietnam, home to the Independence Palace, U.S. Embassy, and countless wartime operations. Today, it remains the cultural, financial, and tourist heart of Ho Chi Minh City.