Saigon is one of the liveliest and most vibrant cities in Vietnam, with bustling streets, towering buildings, and unique architectural structures. Beyond the well-known tourist spots, there are numerous interesting and unique places in Saigon that not everyone is aware of. In this article, let's explore the lesser-known tourist destinations in Saigon to experience a different, fresh, and surprising side of the city.

Chinatown (Cho Lon) in Saigon

In Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and others, "Chinatown" refers to areas where the Chinese community has long settled and conducted business. Saigon is no exception, with the Chinese community predominantly residing in Districts 5, 6, and 11. However, the most notable Chinese district is Cholon in District 5. The Chinese population has been living in District 5 since the 18th century, and even though the percentage has decreased over the years, it remains a vibrant community, with many speaking Vietnamese fluently.

Apart from the bustling markets, this area features tourist attractions with unique Chinese architecture, such as the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda. This temple, adorned with distinctive Chinese architectural styles, is a sacred place attracting both the Chinese community and visitors seeking blessings and good fortune. Ba Thien Hau Pagoda is not only a place for the Chinese community but also a tourist destination that attracts many visitors every year.

Thien Hau pagoda

Lantern Street (Pho Long Den Luong Nhu Hoc)

Lantern Street is a famous entertainment spot in Saigon during the Mid-Autumn Festival every year. Residents on this street mainly engage in lantern-making, and during the Mid-Autumn Festival, they hang various beautifully shaped and colored lanterns outside their homes for sale, creating a dazzling and vibrant atmosphere. Over time, Lantern Street has become a unique shopping and sightseeing destination during the Mid-Autumn Festival. People gather here to stroll, take photos, and shop.

Lantern street during mid-autumn festival

Explore other cultural and architectural sites like Ong Bon Pagoda, Phuoc An Assembly Hall, Nghia An Assembly Hall (Ong Pagoda), all showcasing the distinctive beauty of Chinese architecture. When visiting Chinatown, indulge in the unique Chinese cuisine, including Peking duck, dim sum, pulled noodle soup, traditional Chinese desserts, and curry fish balls.

Cafés in Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street Condominiums

Since the introduction of Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, it has become a gathering place for many young people in the evenings. Consequently, numerous cafes have sprung up on both sides of this street to cater to the dining, entertainment, and shopping needs of everyone. Nestled next to the bustling pedestrian street is an old condominium area where you can observe and enjoy a panoramic view of the pedestrian street. Cafes in this area share a common feature of relatively small spaces but compensate with impressive, simple designs.

These cafes not only offer delicious drinks but also provide opportunities for virtual living with dazzling photos. Some spots allow you to feel peace and tranquility, providing a moment of serenity amidst the never-sleeping city below.

Gò Vấp Train Station

Gò Vấp Train Station, though no longer operational, retains its railway tracks and working areas. Due to its extended closure, the walls are adorned with aged paint, creating a classic scene that appeals to those who appreciate vintage aesthetics.

Nhà ga Gò Vấp

The station has become a familiar backdrop for models or couples taking wedding photos. With chill photo spots like the train tracks, on the train, or at the waiting platform, Gò Vấp Train Station is undoubtedly an ideal location for photography enthusiasts wanting to explore Saigon's hidden corners.

Old Apartment Buildings

Ly Tu Trong Apartment Building

Ly Tu Trong Apartment Building, located on the street of the same name in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, maintains the characteristics of old Saigon despite its central location. The building features elements like tiled staircases and sturdy cement structures, reminiscent of French colonial architecture. The elevators in the apartment are box-type with occasionally functioning doors, providing a sight often seen only in movies but now present in this condominium.

Currently, four floors of the Ly Tu Trong Apartment Building are still operational for business, alongside residential units. The location is strategically positioned, and it's no surprise to find not only cafes but also restaurants, bars, pubs, art shops, and fashion stores within this building. Exploring here allows you to not only enjoy culinary delights and shopping but also indulge in the retro classic atmosphere with unique photo corners in the stairwell, iron railings, or on each floor's hallways.

Ton That Dam Apartment

Ton That Dam Apartment Building, although not centrally located, attracts many visitors due to its ancient architecture, moss-covered walls, and vintage hallways within a building over 130 years old. The unique beauty has captivated many photographers.

The main attraction at the Tôn Thất Đạm apartment complex is the tranquil space along with the extremely romantic river view. It is precisely because of this that there are numerous coffee shops and fashion stores choosing this residential area as their business location. Many coffee shops are decorated in a vintage style, where you can drop by for a cup of coffee with friends, relax in a peaceful atmosphere, and choose the most stylish corners for your check-in photos.

In addition to the two mentioned apartment complexes, there are other old residential areas with a vintage charm and the patina of time that few people know about but are picturesque check-in spots, such as the Pasteur apartment complex, Hao Sy Phuong apartment complex, Su Van Hanh apartment complex.

Saigon Urban Flea Market

Saigon Urban Flea Market, situated in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, is a haven for those who love distinctive fashion, unconventional secondhand items, vintage clothing, collectibles, and handmade jewelry. The market is arranged in an "Urban" style, providing a modern, dynamic space suitable for today's youth. Here, you can easily find unique secondhand items, vintage-style clothing, collectibles, souvenirs, and interesting handmade jewelry.

In addition to the market, Saigon Urban Flea Market hosts live music performances in the evening, along with intriguing street food stalls offering a variety of local and international dishes. It's a place where you can meet and interact with many foreign friends.

Saigon Water Bus

Saigon Water Bus is a unique and relatively unknown mode of transportation in Saigon, allowing travelers to commute between districts via waterways. The special feature here is that you can enjoy Saigon from an entirely new perspective, gliding over the city's rivers and canals.

The Bach Dang Water Bus is built on the grounds of the old Bach Dang Park, featuring a modern and spacious architecture with green aesthetics. It's an ideal place for young people passionate about photography. You can take photos with the yellow river bus or any space at the Bach Dang Water Bus location.

Check-in cùng Saigon Water Bus (ảnh: Sưu tầm)

To fully experience the interesting aspects of Saigon Water Bus, choose to depart from the Bach Dang pier. You'll experience the feeling of gliding on the water, with a serene and gentle atmosphere. The cool breeze over the river will help you forget the fatigue, troubles, and immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery. While the boat is running, you can leave your seat to step outside and immerse yourself in the natural landscape, capturing impressive photos to preserve memories.

Ba Hoa Market

Ba Hoa Market, also known as District 11 Market, is located in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. This market is often referred to as a "Mini Quang Nam" in the heart of Saigon due to its collection of typical specialties from the Central region, mainly from provinces such as Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Da Nang, and others. If you are from the Central region and miss the flavors of Quang dishes, or if you want to taste authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine without traveling too far, Ba Hoa Market is a wise choice.

Ba Hoa Market is a culinary paradise with famous Central Vietnamese dishes such as beef sausage, Quang-style vermicelli, mi quang (Quang-style nood

Mariamman Temple

Mariamman Temple, also known as Bà Ấn Pagoda, is located at 45 Trương Định, Bến Thành Ward, District 1. This temple worships the goddess Mariamman, and also includes statues of Buddha to harmonize with the local indigenous culture, hence its designation as a pagoda. It is one of the three Hindu-style temples in Ho Chi Minh City.

What makes this place special is the unique and colorful architecture of the temple, with intricately carved and sophisticated statues of deities and divine beings. Here, you can learn more about Hinduism and the beliefs of the Indian community in Saigon. Therefore, it is not only a sightseeing spot for architecture but also a sacred place for tourists and locals to come and worship.

Thạnh An Island - Cần Giờ

Thạnh An Island is located in Cần Giờ District, Ho Chi Minh City. Although not well-known as a tourist destination due to the lack of famous landscapes and luxury services attracting tourists, the special feature here is that you can enjoy the fresh and peaceful air of nature and savor the local specialties.

Thanh An Island

Tourists visiting Thạnh An Island usually spend a day, checking in at the riverside, admiring the natural scenery, and enjoying local seafood before returning. However, if you only do these activities, it would be a regret. At Thạnh An Island, you can witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the sea.

Dawn at Thanh An island

To fully explore the beauty of Thạnh An Island, it's recommended to arrive before sunset, then go to the riverside to take photos, feel the breeze, and admire the sunset. Stay overnight to experience the sunrise by the sea, participate in the local fishermen's livelihood of fishing for seafood, kayak, fish, and learn about the mangrove ecosystem before heading back.

Củ Chi Fosaco Eco-Cultural Minority Village

Củ Chi Fosaco Eco-Cultural Minority Village is located in Củ Chi District, considered a "Little Central Highlands" in the heart of Saigon, where you can experience the life of ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands.

Here, you can marvel at the architectural landscape typical of the Central Highlands, such as Rông houses, stilt houses, and utensils made of wood, bamboo, and rattan. Learn about the culture, customs, and habits of ethnic minorities, along with enjoying local specialties and participating in entertaining activities, and festivals characteristic of the Central Highlands people. Although not well-known, the Củ Chi Fosaco Eco-Cultural Minority Village is an ideal place to explore and experience new and interesting things.

These are some lesser-known tourist destinations in Saigon, offering visitors new and unique experiences. If you want to learn more about the history, culture, and life of this city, take the time to explore the suggested places above. Wishing you an exciting and surprising journey in Saigon!"