🇻🇳A one-day Ho Chi Minh Citywalk: A collection of French and Vietnamese romance

Ho Chi Minh City itself doesn't offer many attractions, but its streets and alleys are filled with details that blend French romance with Southeast Asian hospitality. Old Saigon retains a rich legacy of colonial architecture, which, combined with the aroma of coffee and the roar of motorbikes, creates a unique urban atmosphere. This day trip, nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is perfect for experiencing French-Vietnamese culture and authentic cuisine.

Route:
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica → Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office → Ho Chi Minh City Hall → Ho Chi Minh Opera House → Coffee House → Maison Marou Flagship Store → Ben Thanh Market → Reunification Palace

⛪️Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
Located in the city center, built by the French in the late 19th century, it is one of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic landmarks. Its red brick structure contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery. Although currently undergoing renovations, it remains a great starting point for a city walk. Surrounding the area are numerous French-style buildings and cafes, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photo opportunities.

📮Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office
Next to Notre Dame Church, this post office was designed by a French architect and blends Gothic, Renaissance, and French styles. The interior, with its high dome, antique ceiling fans, and chartreuse walls, evokes a sense of early 20th-century Saigon. It's still in operation, and you can send a postcard to yourself for around 30,000 Vietnamese dong.

🏛Ho Chi Minh City Hall
This stately French-style building, with its white exterior and orange roof, is incredibly photogenic. While the interior isn't open to the public, the square in front of City Hall is a great place for photos.

🎭Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
Built in 1898, its ornate and elegant exterior exemplifies the French Baroque style. Street performers often perform on the stone steps in front of the building, and there are occasional evening concerts. If you're in a good time, consider attending a Vietnamese symphony or traditional opera.

☕Café Building
One of Ho Chi Minh City's most popular internet-famous landmarks, this building has been transformed into a collection of cafes, cultural and creative shops, and dessert shops. Each floor has a unique style, and the balcony overlooks Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street. It's recommended to sit in one of the cafes on the upper floors and enjoy a relaxing moment. There's also a shop called The E.Y.E Saigon inside, selling canvas bags with simple yet creative designs, perfect as souvenirs.

🍫Maison Marou Flagship Store
Known as the "God of Vietnamese Chocolate," they use local Vietnamese cocoa beans, and each piece of chocolate has a unique flavor. Besides buying souvenirs, you can also order hot chocolate or chocolate mousse, which are sweet but not cloying. Highly recommended.

🛍Ben Thanh Market
One of Ho Chi Minh City's busiest markets, it sells everything from dried goods and handicrafts to local snacks. Don't miss the affordable and authentic Cơm tấm Bà Củi (charcoal-grilled pork chop with rice) and Bé chè (Vietnamese desserts) in the market.

🏰Reunification Palace
Once the presidential palace of South Vietnam, it retains 1960s furniture, meeting rooms, and a helicopter pad, offering a more immersive glimpse into the politics and history of the time.

If you have more time, head to Pham Ngu Lao Street in the evening.
This vibrant street, home to bars, restaurants, and street food, is especially lively at night.
At the roundabout, there's Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa, which serves the most popular baguette sandwich in town.
A must-try in Ho Chi Minh City!

If Pham Ngu Lao Street isn't your thing, head towards Notre Dame Church and have dinner at Propaganda.
They specialize in refined Vietnamese cuisine.
The spring rolls, beef pho, and grilled pork chop rice are all worth trying.
The presentation is exquisite, and the quality is consistently good for a local restaurant. The walls of the shop are covered in vibrant graffiti murals, making them perfect for photo ops.

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