As you walk through Saigon, you will experience a lively atmosphere. The city is filled with motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and vibrant markets. Because of the traffic, crossing the streets can be a challenge, but it is all part of the fun. 

The city is famous for its street food. You can find delicious options like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls at nearly every corner. But there is much more to Saigon than just its food. We stayed in the city for two nights, but you could easily spend at least 3. Here are our top 10 things to do in Saigon.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SAIGON

1. CU CHI TUNNELS

When visiting Saigon, the best thing to do is to go on one of our favourite activities there: the Cu Chi Tunnels. This underground network was used during the Vietnam War by Viet Cong soldiers. You can walk through the tunnels and see displays of traps and weapons used during the war.

If you are a tall person it can be quite a challenge to walk through the narrow tunnels. But you do not have to do it, it is optional.

To avoid the crowds, we booked a tour with Joy Journeys. With only three of us, it felt almost like a private tour. The guide was amazing, and it was one of the best things we did in Vietnam.

2. BEN THANH MARKET

Another must-see in Saigon is Ben Thanh Market, the best place to find amazing souvenirs and affordable clothing. As you step inside, you are immediately greeted by a lively atmosphere and colourful stalls packed with a variety of goods. We hope that you have space available in your luggage, because it is a shopping paradise.

You will find from fresh produce and exotic spices to handmade crafts and trendy clothing. There is something for everyone at Ben Thanh Market.

3. WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM

The most important museum to visit in Saigon is the War Remnants Museum. It is truly touching and shows the real suffering caused by the war. The museum provides a deep insight into the Vietnam War and its lasting impact. As you walk through, you will encounter a variety of exhibits that tell the story of the war from different perspectives.

There are photographs, documents, and other war artifacts. Visiting the museum helps you understand the horrible consequences of war and those affected by it. It really makes you appreciate peace.

4. SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE

The Saigon Central Post Office is a beautiful and historic landmark that you must visit. Built in the late 19th century, this post office is not just a place to send mail but a stunning example of French colonial architecture.

For a fun activity, send a postcard from here. There are souvenir shops where you can buy postcards, stamps, and other items. The friendly staff are always ready to help, adding to the welcoming vibe. It’s a unique way to remember your trip! 

5. BEN NGHE STREET FOOD

Ben Nghe Street Food is a lively market perfect for food lovers. You can try classic Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls, as well as many international options. One of the highlights of the market is its lively atmosphere.

In the evenings, there are live music performances. Ben Nghe Street Food Market becomes a fun place to enjoy dinner with friends or family. If you want to learn about all the vegan options in Saigon, read our best restaurant guide.

6. BITEXCO FINANCIAL TOWER

The Bitexco Financial Tower is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks standing tall and impressive in the city’s skyline. This 68-story skyscraper, located in the heart of District 1, symbolizes the rapid growth and modernity of Vietnam.

One of the main attractions of the tower is the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor. From tere, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. 

7. TAO DAN PARK

Tao Dan Park is an oasis in the midst of bustling Saigon. This park is a favourite spot for locals and tourists looking for a bit of nature. The city can be quite hot, so the natural shade of the trees offers a perfect break from the heat.

Grab a cold Vietnamese coconut coffee to go, enjoy it in this beautiful park, and observe the locals.

8. BUI VIEN WALKING STREET

Known as the city’s “backpacker street,” Bui Vien Walking Street comes alive every evening with a burst of activity. It attracts locals and tourists alike. Bui Vien is famous for its nightlife. The street is lined with restaurants and bars.

As the sun sets, the music gets louder, and the area transforms into a nightlife hub. Bars and clubs pump out loud beats. You can enjoy live music, DJ sets, and even karaoke. The music is so loud that if you have sensitive ears bring earplugs. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but it is definitely a place to visit in Saigon.

9. THE CAFE APARTMENTS

This nine-story building was once a residential apartment complex. It has been transformed into a trendy place filled with cafes, boutiques, and creative spaces. When you visit, you will see a colourful mix of signs and decorations on the balconies, each representing a different cafe or shop inside.

Inside, every floor offers a different experience. From chic coffee shops to cozy tea houses, you can find a spot that suits your taste.

In addition to cafes, there are boutique shops selling clothes, accessories, and handcrafted goods.

10. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL OF SAIGON

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon stands as a beautiful reminder of the city’s colonial past. It is located right next to the Central Post Office. You can visit both attractions on the same day. It is a place where you can appreciate stunning architecture, and learn about the city’s history.

You can also explore the beautiful interior of the cathedral.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAIGON?

We stayed at the Fusion Original Saigon Centre Hotel and loved everything about it. Most of the rooms offer a beautiful view of the city. You will find the best view from their breakfast restaurant. The breakfast is amazing with self-service options as well as a la carte.  

The rooms are stylish and comfortable. There are also free snacks and drinks available on every floor. The location is great, with almost everything within walking distance. There is a big pool with a view, but our favourite part of this hotel was the staff. When we return to Saigon, we will stay here again.

->You can check the availability here. 

In Saigon, tradition meets modernity. It is a unique and lively city to experience. You will get an unforgettable adventure no matter what you decide to do. You can explore historic sites, enjoy food, or experience the nightlife.

SEE ALSO: Uncover Saigon’s Best Vegan Hotspots: From Delicious Street Food to Fine Dining

The post Experience the Best of Saigon: Top 10 Essential Activities and Sights appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.

It is a busy city in Vietnam known for its lively street food culture and rich culinary history.

If you are a long-time vegan or just curious about trying something new, you will be able to find something amazing to eat in Saigon. There are traditional Vietnamese restaurants with vegan options or creative fusion restaurants. You will not get bored with the food options in this city.

Let’s explore some of our favourite plant-based spots in Saigon that will leave you craving more.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAIGON?

We stayed at the Fusion Original Saigon Centre Hotel and loved everything about it. When we return to Saigon, we will definitely stay here again. The location is great, with almost everything within walking distance, and the rooms are stylishly decorated.

Most of the rooms offer a great view, but the best view is from the breakfast restaurant. For breakfast, you can enjoy vegan chia pudding and fruits, and they also offer coffee with plant-based milk. There is a big pool with a view, but our favourite part of this hotel was the staff.

->You can check the availability here.

VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN SAIGON

Vegan food in Saigon has become remarkably popular. There are many restaurants offering plant-based dishes in the city. In Saigon, you will find a wide range of vegan options, from traditional Vietnamese dishes to international cuisines.

Many restaurants and cafes have adapted classic Vietnamese recipes to be entirely plant-based, including pho, banh mi, and spring rolls.

Shamballa Vegetarian, Restaurant & Lounge – Sai Gon

We visited this restaurant chain in Hoi An and loved it so much that we decided to visit it in Saigon as well. The food was amazing, and it is one of Vietnam’s best vegetarian restaurants. While not all dishes are vegan, most of them are.

The menu is extensive, offering delicious Vietnamese dishes. We tried the Shamballa crispy mushrooms, which were amazing. We also ordered pho rolls and a pho. Pho is an herbal broth with traditional Vietnamese noodles, mushrooms, tofu, and some veggies.

Be An Vegetarian Café

This was our favourite vegetarian restaurant in Saigon, offering a mostly vegan menu. The ambiance is beautiful, but the food was even better. You can find many traditional dishes on their menu.

We tried noodles with mushrooms, different soups, and of course, spring rolls. Our favourite, however, was their mango passionfruit smoothie.

Vị Quê Kitchen vegan Saigon

This restaurant in Saigon prepares wholesome vegan meals, creatively combining flavours from the North, Central, and South of Vietnam. You can also find some fusion dishes with Western influences on their menu.

We tried their square spring rolls, which were very good! They offer hot pot, noodles, salads, noodle soups, and much more. Their menu is extensive, and the ambiance of the restaurant is pleasant.

Hum, Cafe & Restaurant – Saigon

Hum, Cafe & Restaurant in Saigon stands out with its unique architecture and cozy, elegant, and calming interior. According to their website, they are ranked 10th among the top 25 vegetarian restaurants worldwide.

While not all dishes are vegan, most of them are. Our favourite from their menu was the oyster mushrooms in trio-spice sauce steamed in a lotus leaf. Their drinks menu is also amazing, offering unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Bến Thành Street Food Market – Vegan Options in Saigon

Bến Thành Street Food Market offers a variety of Vietnamese and international food options. It can get quite crowded in the evenings and especially on weekends, making it challenging to find a seat, but the atmosphere is vibrant.

There are some plant-based options available; we ordered baozi and vegan dumplings.

Like Coffee- Banh mi

If you get hungry while visiting the famous Bui Vien Walking Street, stop by this café offering banh mi, coffee, juice, and smoothies.

We ordered their vegan banh mi, which was a great and affordable dinner option in the area. You can also enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie with your banh mi.

Heal and Celeb Vegan Restaurant Thuần Chay

Heal and Celeb Vegan Restaurant Thuần Chay is a vegan restaurant in Saigon. The money they make goes to Diviners Ashram, which offers free meditation programs and consciousness-elevating festivals.

They have delicious breakfast options like smoothie bowls. For lunch and dinner, you can choose from many traditional Vietnamese dishes made vegan. The food is delicious.

Veggie Saigon Restaurant (Vietnamese and Thai vegan)

The vegan Veggie Saigon Restaurant offers a mixed vegan menu featuring Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, pho, and spring rolls, along with Thai classics like pad Thai, fried rice, and curry.

Many plant-based restaurants in Saigon focus on organic ingredients and sustainable practices. This is perfect for all the locals and travellers who are conscious about what they consume.

Saigon’s vegan food scene is diverse, and more and more restaurants are opening up every year. They offer a wealth of options for both locals and tourists. If you are looking for traditional Vietnamese plant-based food, modern culinary dishes, or vibrant street food, Saigon has something to satisfy every vegan visiting the city.

WHAT TO DO IN SAIGON?

Saigon offers a lot of fun activities. One of our favourite experiences was visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. To avoid the crowds, we booked a tour with Joy Journeys, which was less crowded and unforgettable!

There were only three of us, making it feel almost like a private tour. The guide was amazing, and it was one of the best things we did in Vietnam.

Another must-see in Saigon is the Ben Thanh Market, where you can find amazing souvenirs. The most important museum to visit is the War Remnants Museum. It is truly touching and shows the real suffering caused by the war.

For a fun activity, send a postcard from the Saigon Central Post Office. It’s a unique way to remember your trip!

SEE ALSO: Taste the Best of Hanoi: 9 Vegan Restaurants That Offer an Unforgettable Experience

The post Uncover Saigon’s Best Vegan Hotspots: From Delicious Street Food to Fine Dining appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.