Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): Saigon – a young and lively mega metropolis filled with vibrant energy and has witnessed the history and modernity intertwining in its space. It is home to nearly 9 million souls who comprise this throbbing city in the southern part of Vietnam. The city has delighted its visitors with nostalgia and strong reminders of the past. The Scared announces: from the appeal of the colonial architecture to the modern skyscraper; from street-side cafes to trendy galleries, the city only evolves leaving behind its rich history. So, here is a fully held guide through the weekend in Saigon from historical places to hidden gems, nature escapes, and buzzing cultural spaces.
Friday – A Journey Through History & Modern Flavor
1pm – Start at the Heart of the City
From the heart of the city, begin your Saigon experience in District 1 (D1), where the blend of old-world charm and modern creation is most apparent. From the French-colonial period Saigon Post Office down to the grand Notre Dame Cathedral, D1 boasts some iconic landmarks to the bustling currents of the metropolitan scene – modernization, including markets and trendy shopping malls and sophisticated coffee houses.
Also, in D1, don’t miss Blanc. Restaurant, a singular dining outlet that offers a range of sensations – it’s Vietnamese or international. Sample the duck breast with butternut squash puree and bamboo shoots, while Blanc. provides incredible food while employing the hearing disabled. Vietnamese sign language on the menu adds a poignant note to your meal.
3:00pm – A Discovery of Tradition at The Fito Museum
After lunch, make your way to District 10 (D10), where the Fito Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine is located. This small but interesting museum comes with insights into the centuries-old healing practices of this nation. The rare display of medical instruments, herbal medicine, and antiques showcases the rich medical heritage of Vietnam. The fine Champa-style architecture, along with the paleontological exhibits, simply makes this museum a must-see for history buffs and cultural vultures alike.
6:00pm – Fusion Dinner with an Experience
With the setting of the sun, dinner at Organik Kitchen Saigon is on the agenda back in the District 1 area. This little bistro provides a novel twist on international and plant-based fare, ranging from falafel pitas to margherita pizza. The perfect place to chill out and absorb the artistic vibe of Saigon, the venue is also used for live music performances, art exhibitions, and charity events. All the while, sip a tropical rum punch and let the creative surroundings wash over you.
Saturday – By Nature and New Horizons
7am – Escape to Cat Tien National Park
A day trip to Cat Tien National Park is all what urban dwellers seek when they want a real break from the monotony of a fast-paced city life. Just about 150 kilometers from Saigon, this green park allows one to recline and reconnect with nature. It has diverse wildlife that include the golden-cheeked gibbons and sun bears plus the endangered Asian elephants. It is indeed the heaven of eco-tourism. Here, one can also trek, kayak, or go on an animal night safari. If you wish to spend an entire night out then, enjoy your stay at the Ta Lai Longhouse, a community-based ecotourism project that helps local ethnic groups.
11am – Explore Thu Duc City
However, if you feel more like staying in Saigon, take a trip out to the rapidly-developing area of Thu Duc City-incredibly fast urbanizing area infused with avant-garde architecture and novel tech industries. Dubbed “Vietnam’s Silicon Valley,” the area is characterized by sleek skyscrapers with modern shopping complexes full of hip restaurants. Here, you find a stark contrast to the colonial architecture of District 1. An interlude at Saigon Outcast, a genuinely bohemian venue, will give you a chance to experience a pop-up market with artisan stalls selling local produce, food stalls, and performances.
2pm – Shop Local Art & Eco-Friendly Goods
And then, the next stop is The Factory: an avant-garde space in Thu Duc that turns shipping containers into venues for exhibitions, workshops, and social events. This is the ultimate place to experience local culture. For nature lovers, Purr Nature has a store in Thao Dien that sells hand-made, eco-friendly products for entirely good purposes. The profits go to the sole cause of Purr Shelter: a home for orphaned kittens. Nearby to that, The Organik House provides sustainable, plastic-free products that will make good gifts but still support local.
7 pm-a Unique Dining Experience at Noir.
Dine at Nuit, eating in the dark in the District 1. Eat in darkness here, serving men and women with sight impairments who will lead you through the sensory journey that basically makes you appreciate food in an entirely new way. The ouses braille, and outside it carries an exciting assortment of East meets West dishes to ensure that the meal is delicious and it also carries significant meaning. The dining experience should leave people aware of issues related to inclusion and disability access.
Sunday-a slow down before you go
No breakfast at 10am in the Green Bamboo Kitchen. On your last day, you will wake up to breakfast in Green Bamboo Kitchen, a nonprofit restaurant that takes underprivileged boys in Saigon. Founded by the Ho Chi Minh City Child Welfare Association, this kitchen provides a chance for homeless boys to rebuild their lives. Simply learn to eat home-cooked traditional Vietnamese meals at such price rates that make you a supporter of a cause.
1:00 PM – Experience Coffee Culture at Its Very Best in Saigon
There are reasons enough behind Saigon’s booming coffee scene, and to have the enjoyable experience of a complete visit to this city is to taste a glass of ca phe da or iced coffee from an entirely local shop. You can spend a whole afternoon wandering along Phu Nhuan District because this place has countless hidden secret cafes and juice bars loved by the locals. Fin Saigon is in fact the best, selling sustainably grown Robusta coffee beans sourced from the central highlands of Vietnam. Picks up the locally grown coffee beans, together with a traditional filter, to make your own Vietnamese coffee experience at home.
Some say that it is a city of contrasts: A city where history embraces modernity, where nature defies urbanity, where ambushes of newness await behind every corner. In this city, you will taste socially-responsible restaurants, visit hidden palaces, and sink yourself into unique cafes for some unforgettable memories and appreciation of this vibrant city.