Amazing Places In Ho Chi Minh City You Didn't Know Existed

So, you’ve seen all the top spots and famous landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, but what about the hidden gems? We share ten amazing secret spots that you’ve got to see in Saigon.

1. Bình Quới Tourist Village

Binh Quoi Tourist Village © Damien Donnelly / Wikipedia

2. Tân Định Church

Building, Church

Vietnam is more likely to conjure up images of temples than churches, but the country actually has a relatively large Christian population – just under 10% according to a 2014 poll. The most famous of the city’s churches is probably Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, but there are plenty of others that are worth a visit. Tân Định is less well-known but no less eye-catching. The 19th century building was built when Vietnam was part of French-Indochina and boasts a bright pink exterior, a large clock tower and a number of interesting statues.

Address: 289 Hai Bà Trưng Street, District 3

Phú Quốc Island

3. Saigon Kitsch

As with any major tourist destination, the same souvenirs seem to pop up all over the city, and even across the country. Ho Chi Minh City is no exception, with enough conical hats and lacquered coconut bowls for every single visitor. If you fancy a keepsake that’s a little different from the norm, Saigon Kitsch has plenty of quirky and stylish gifts, from stylish t-shirts to amusing covers for your electronics. Most of the items feature vintage war-time posters or Vietnam-related puns.

Address: 43 Tôn Thất Thiệp, District 1

4. Pasteur Street Brewing Company

Microbrewery beer © TheNerdPatrol / Flickr

5. 's Pizza

Restaurant

This is restaurant is neither traditional nor Vietnamese, but it’s still well worth a visit. Although there’s nothing better than trying local food, trying the most popular new restaurants in town is a close second! This Japanese pizza joint offers some of the most unusual and delicious pizzas in the city, with toppings including sashimi sushi, calamari seaweed and okonomiyaki. Although there are three branches of 4P’s Pizza in Ho Chi Minh City, the Lê Thánh Tôn branch is worth a look due to its beautiful architecture.

Address: 8/15 Lê Thánh Tôn Street, District 1

6. Nguyen Hue Street

Met Cafe at 42 Nguyen Hue Street © Courtesy of Scott Pocock / @scott.vs.world

7. Station

Vietnam’s arts scene is growing rapidly, with young creatives excelling in a number of different mediums. 3A Station, also known as 3A Alternative Art Area, is one of the best places to get a taste of the industry. The area is comprised of three converted warehouses, which were built in the 19th century and abandoned after the Vietnamese gained independence from the French. The warehouses are now graffiti-clad cafés, offices, shops and galleries.

Address: 13 Thái Văn Lung, District 1

8. Trầm Café

Cafe

Tram Cafe © Courtesy of Scott Pocock / @scott.vs.world

9. Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda

This beautiful temple is unlike many others in the city, due to its colourful, detailed figurines dotted around the roof and many other surfaces. The Taoist pagoda is dedicated to Quan Cong, a military general from the Three Kingdom’s period. The entrance of the temple boasts a large statue of Quan Cong’s horse, which many visitors will stroke the mane of, for luck before a journey.

Address: 184 Hồng Bàng, District 5

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