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Ho Chi Minh City —or, as many still lovingly call it, Saigon — is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis full of surprising contrasts. Most visitors look for sites like Ben Thanh Market or the War Remnants Museum. And suppose you're willing to step off the tourist trail, you’ll uncover some of the most unique experiences in Saigon; some of the city’s most authentic and unforgettable moments are tucked away in hidden alleys and lively neighborhoods that rarely make it into guidebooks.
Whether it’s your first trip or you’re back to see Saigon through a new lens, this list of 10 unique local experiences will help you connect with the city on a deeper level — one that’s warm, personal, and full of character.
1. Exploring Saigon’s Nightlife and Street Food on a Vintage Vespa
Experience the rhythm of Saigon after dark from the back of a vintage scooter.
The energy of the city truly comes alive at night. Join a local night tour on a classic Vespa and ride through hidden alleys and lesser-known neighborhoods like Districts 3, 5, and 10. Each stop is a doorway into authentic street food — from crispy bánh xèo to grilled skewers or the famous “Vietnamese pizza” (bánh tráng nướng).
These tours blend food, history, and connection. Guides share stories about each dish, each vendor, and how food fits into everyday life here. And when you’re sitting on a plastic stool in District 4, beer in hand, sharing freshly steamed clams with people you just met? That for you is Saigon in its truest form — warm, raw, and unforgettable.
👉 One of the best off-the-beaten-path Saigon experiences you’ll ever have.
2. Learn to Cook Southern Vietnamese Dishes
Because eating is great, but cooking the food yourself? That’s personal.
A half-day Vietnamese cooking class gives you more than just recipes. You’ll start at a local market, picking out herbs, seafood, and veggies while learning how locals shop. Then, back in the kitchen, you'll prepare Southern classics like gỏi cuốn, bò cuốn lá lốt, and bánh xèo.
In between slicing and sizzling, you’ll hear stories — how certain dishes are passed down in families, what flavors are distinct in Vietnamese culture, and how food brings people together.
Rest assured, you’ll leave with a full belly and recipes you’ll actually want to make at home.
3. Sip Coffee in Apartment 42
Behind a fading French façade on Nguyen Hue is a world few tourists notice.
Apartment 42 looks worn from the outside, but inside, it’s a wonderland of tiny cafés, boutiques, and vintage charm. Climb a few stairs and step into cozy corners serving egg coffee, homemade cakes, and skyline views that feel like a local secret.
By day, it’s slow and nostalgic. By night, softly lit and alive with quiet conversation. It’s a peaceful break from the city’s pulse — a true hidden gem in Saigon.
4. Feel the Soul of Vietnam in a Traditional Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry might sound simple, but it’s full of magic.
Dating back over 1,000 years, múa rối nước is a traditional Vietnamese form of art performed over water. Wooden puppets glide and dance while musicians accompany them live. The stories touch on village life, harvests, legends, and cultural values.
Even without speaking the language, you’ll feel the joy and meaning in every splash. It’s one of those non-touristy activities in Ho Chi Minh City that still deeply connects you with its roots.
5. Wander Through Little Japan
Yes, right in the middle of Saigon.
Tucked behind Lê Thánh Tôn Street is a neighborhood that feels like Tokyo — soft lights, handwritten signs, izakayas, and tiny bars hidden in alleys. It might appear chaotic from the outside, but that is exactly its charm. Nestled in the tiny alleys are the quieter places, where you can sip sake in silence or chat with the bartender over a whiskey highball.
It might appear as a place where locals don’t go, but you’d be surprised how much some of us enjoy the little “change of surroundings” that one feels instantly the moment you arrive there.
6. Drift into Golden Hour on the Saigon River
When the city noise fades and the skyline glows.
A sunset cruise on the Saigon River is perfect for those looking to slow down. With a cool breeze, gentle music, and a dinner buffet, you’ll float past bridges and historic buildings as the light changes.
It’s romantic without being forced, relaxing without being dull, and a different way to see the city. One that’s quiet, reflective, and absolutely beautiful.
7. Dig Through Saigon’s Vintage Corners
If you love stories told by old things, this is your playground.
From wartime Zippos and vinyl records to yellowing books and propaganda art, Saigon’s antique markets offer treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
Check out Trần Nhân Tôn Book Street, Lê Công Kiều, or a weekend market on Nơ Trang Long Street. It’s part shopping, part storytelling. And each item? A memory waiting to be unlocked.
8. Sip Cocktails Above the Chaos
Sometimes the best view is from above it all.
Rooty Bar at rooftop of The Myst Dong Khoi offers a slice of calm right in District 1. With leafy plants, glowing lanterns, and a refreshing breeze, it’s the perfect place to slow down.
Order a Jungle Bird, kick back, and let the city twinkle beneath you.
👉 Book your stay at The Myst Dong Khoi — the heart of Saigon is just an elevator ride away.
9. Create a Scent That Feels Like Saigon
Because the right scent can bring back memories instantly.
Join a local workshop and craft your own perfume using Vietnamese ingredients — pomelo peel, lemongrass, jasmine, and cinnamon. It’s relaxing, hands-on, and deeply personal.
You’ll leave with more than just a souvenir. You’ll leave with a portable memory.
10. Find Peace in a Pagoda
In a city that never stops, this is where you can try.
Pagodas like Giác Ngộ or Xá Lợi offer a moment of stillness. Light incense. Sit among lotus blooms. Breathe. Some of them offer beginner meditation on weekends — open to anyone.
No need to be spiritual. Just curious. Just quiet. Sometimes that’s enough.
Final Thoughts: Let Saigon Surprise You
The most unique experiences in Saigon aren’t always the loudest or the most advertised. They’re in the quiet café above a bookstore. The steaming pancake at a street corner stall. The unexpected breeze during a river cruise.
Start with these ten ideas, and let the rest unfold. Saigon is chaotic, yes — but it’s also full of charm. And once you feel it, it stays with you.
Planning Your Trip
- Best time to explore: Early morning or golden hour
- Getting around: Grab or scooter rentals
- Cultural tip: Dress modestly at temples, and try a few Vietnamese phrases
Where to Stay
🏨 The Myst Dong Khoi — Quiet luxury in the heart of the city
- Inspired design with local details
- Rooftop garden bar, pool, spa
- Walking distance to Nguyen Hue, the river, and more
👉 Book now and make Saigon your story.
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April 30, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the complete liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. This is considered a great holiday for our nation and also an opportunity to look back on the glorious journey and heroic history of Vietnam. Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City on this special occasion, you will not only explore the beauty of the city but also admire the special military parade in the city center, an event held every 40 years.
50th Anniversary of Southern Liberation Day - Memories of a Time of Fire and Bullets
Before 1975, Saigon was considered the economic and political center of Southern Vietnam. This place has gone through many ups and downs, fire and bullets, witnessing the heroic battles of our ancestors. From the urban struggles of students and intellectuals to the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, all contributed to the great victory on April 30, 1975.
Today, when you travel to Ho Chi Minh City, especially the central streets of District 1, you will encounter historical relics, heroic marks of wartime such as the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum, ... places that preserve unforgettable memories.
The Myst Dong Khoi – The Soul of Saigon
The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel right in the heart of the city, on the busiest and most bustling street in the city, near famous tourist attractions such as Bach Dang Wharf, Saigon River, Nguyen Hue Walking Street or Metro Line 1,... With architecture inspired by Vietnamese culture mixed with modernity, every corner of the hotel space is a story about the culture and people of old Saigon, elegant, quiet but extremely prominent and vibrant.
The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel not only brings historical spatial experiences with reliefs from hundreds of years ago, or tiled roofs, sketches of Saigon before 1975, which further enhance the historical and nostalgic atmosphere, helping visitors experience a Saigon in the 60s and 70s
Journey to Explore Saigon History with The Myst Dong Khoi
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel offers special experiences for visitors who want to learn more about the history and culture of Saigon:
1. Tour of Famous Historical Sites
Ho Chi Minh City is home to many famous historical sites, of which there will be no place that will recreate the atmosphere of April 30 more vividly and vividly than the Independence Palace. Around there are also War Remnants Museums,... or Nha Rong Wharf - where Uncle Ho left to find a way to save the country or other famous historical sites along Le Duan, Dong Khoi streets,...
On the occasion of April 30 - May 1, 2025, in front of the Independence Palace will be the place where the largest military parade ever takes place, marking the 50th anniversary of the complete liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, the most important event to help you feel the re-enactment of the historical moment when tanks entered the main gate, ending the 21-year war.
2. Experience Old Saigon Cuisine
Special cuisine is an indispensable part when traveling to Saigon. Visitors will easily encounter delicious dishes with rich Vietnamese flavors through street stalls to luxury restaurants. The Nest Restaurant at The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel also serves a diverse and special menu, bringing the spirit and culture of Vietnam to every meal or atmosphere. All help you feel the tradition, helping visitors feel the most authentic experiences.
From Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City - The Glorious Past to the Prosperous Present
After more than 50 years of the Liberation of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, has undergone dramatic changes. From a city heavily affected by war, it has now become the most developed economic urban area in the country, extremely modern with the city's iconic skyscrapers: Landmark 81, Bitexco Tower, besides, Saigon still retains its traditional, ancient, historical features from the past to the present, from small alleys to traditional markets such as Ben Thanh Market, Tan Dinh Market, Ba Chieu Market, ...
Choosing to stay at The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel not only means you choose a place with modern facilities, advanced equipment and outstanding services, but also located right on the main road of the city, convenient for traveling to the above tourist attractions. Come to us, you will not only find a luxurious place to stay but also have the opportunity to experience a part of the heroic history of this city
The occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South is not only an occasion to remember history but also an opportunity for each of us to love and appreciate the cultural values and people of Saigon. If you are looking for a destination to immerse yourself in the flow of history, let The Myst Dong Khoi be your companion on this journey.
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Ho Chi Minh City - a modern and economically developed city in Vietnam and the region, has just put into operation the city's first metro map line 1 from Ben Thanh station to Suoi Tien station, opening up new routes of discovery not only for city residents but also tourists.
Metro Line 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is put into operation to help reduce traffic jams in the city, while helping people move from the city center to District 2 and District 9 faster and more economically.
Metro Map: The train will pass through 14 stations, starting from 11 elevated stations including:
- Suoi Tien Bus Station
- National University
- High-Tech Park
- Thu Duc
- Binh Thai
- Phuoc Long
- Rach Chiec
- An Phu
- Thao Dien
- Tan Cang
- Van Thanh Park.
The train will then go down to 3 underground stations: Ba Son - City Theater - ending at Ben Thanh station.
The 17 electric bus routes to the metro stations include:
(1) Route 153: Binh An Shipyard - Lien Phuong Street
(2) Route 154: Thanh My Loi Residential Area - Masteri An Phu
(3) Route 155: Saigon Bus Station - City Theater
(4) Route 156: Saigon Bus Station - Hoa Hung Station
(5) Route 157: Van Thanh Bus Station - Duc Khai Apartment
(6) Route 158: Van Thanh Bus Station - Thanh Da Residence
(7) Route 159: Ngo Tat To Apartment - Hang Xanh Intersection
(8) Route 160: Van Thanh Station - Vinhomes Central Park
(9) Route 161: Van Thanh Bus Station - Ga Intersection Bus Station
(10) Route 162: Man Thien Apartment - Hoa Lu Secondary School
(11) Route 163: College of Industry and Trade - Phuoc Thanh Secondary School Binh
(12) Route 164: Nong Lam University - Topaz Apartment
(13) Route 165: Nong Lam University - High-Tech Park
(14) Route 166: National University - Suoi Tien
(15) Route 167: Nong Lam University - Linh Trung 1 Export Processing Zone
(16) Route 168: University of Technical Education - Binh Thai Intersection
(17) Route 169: Vincom Thu Duc - Tay Hoa Intersection
What is the fare for Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien)?
Accordingly, a single ticket for Metro Line 1 (for people to travel on one route in one day) for cash users costs from 7,000 - 20,000 VND (depending on the distance). For people who buy single tickets without using cash, the fare ranges from 6,000 - 19,000 VND.
Ticket prices are based on time, one-day ticket is 40,000 VND/person (unlimited number of trips per day), 3-day ticket is 90,000 VND/person (unlimited number of trips per 3 days).
For monthly tickets, general passengers are 300,000 VND/person (unlimited number of trips per month), and for students, it is 150,000 VND/person.
The above ticket prices include personal insurance for passengers using public passenger transport services by train on Metro Line 1.
Attractive destinations according to each Metro Line 1 station
Definitely cannot miss checking in the hottest places according to each Metro Line 1 station in Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Thanh Station - "Heart" of Metro Line 1
When mentioning Metro Line 1, Ben Thanh Station is definitely a must-see. This is considered the "heart" of Metro Line 1 because of its important location at the beginning of the journey. As soon as you set foot on Ben Thanh underground station, you can "live virtual" right in the impressive giant skylight area right in the station. With a height of 6m, a diameter of 21.6m, it is designed to look like a lotus flower. In addition to lighting, this area is modern, spacious and also displays some artworks as highlights.
From the station, you can easily move to Ben Thanh market, a timeless symbol of the city. Not only does it have unique architecture, but here you can also shop for a variety of items such as clothes, handicrafts, and local specialties. And experience the cuisine of 3 regions of Vietnam right inside the market.
Saigon Opera House Station - Discover the ancient beauty in the heart of the city
Also located right in the center of District 1, City Theater Station offers visitors some equally unique attractions. Typical examples include the City Theater with its French-style architecture, which will make photography enthusiasts admire the sparkling pictures. In addition, Nguyen Hue walking street is also an ideal space for walking around and enjoying the cool breeze. This is also a place where vibrant cultural and artistic activities are regularly held. Along both sides of the street are a series of restaurants, cafes, and bustling shopping areas.
About 10 minutes walk from the station, you can visit two iconic buildings of the city that every "Saigon citizen" must check in at least once: the City Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. Witnesses of history through the ups and downs of time. Enjoy the nostalgic space in a place that preserves culture right in the heart of the bustling city.
The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel is only 500m from the City Theater Station, about 7 minutes walk, making it easy for you to explore many interesting places to visit as well as experience impressive Saigon.
