Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide: Exploring District 1

Our Ho Chi Minh City travel guide takes you through District 1 — from breakfast in buzzing markets to historic landmarks, war museums, and neon nightlife. Join us as we discover Saigon step by step.

Siagon’s Underground Rail System

We kicked off the day by stumbling upon Saigon’s ambitious underground rail system. Still under construction, it gave us a glimpse into the city’s future. Once complete, it promises to transform travel across Ho Chi Minh City.

If you’re heading north, check out our Hanoi Travel Guide for another city full of contrasts

Breakfast in the Market

Next stop? Food, of course. Wandering into a local market, we grabbed a simple Vietnamese breakfast. Sitting shoulder to shoulder with locals, slurping noodles and sipping strong coffee, we couldn’t think of a better way to start the day.

“Markets are the best places to eat cheap, eat well, and soak up daily life.”

Sài Gòn Square

Bargain hunters — this one’s for you. Sài Gòn Square is packed with stalls selling clothes, shoes, and souvenirs. It’s all about haggling here, and while the brands might not be real, the prices definitely are.

Handy Tip: Using Cashpoints in Saigon

A quick piece of advice — be careful with cashpoints. Not all ATMs are equal, and withdrawal fees vary. Stick to reputable banks, check for card skimmers, and always cover your PIN.

Bitexco Financial Tower

Time to go up! From the Bitexco Tower’s skydeck, Saigon unfolded beneath us. The river snaked its way through the sprawl, skyscrapers jostled for space, and the city’s sheer size really hit us.

Art Arcade

Back on the ground, we ducked into a tucked-away Art Arcade. Inside, the cool shade revealed galleries full of paintings, prints, and quirky crafts. A nice cultural pause before heading to Saigon’s most famous landmarks.

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

This red-brick cathedral feels like a little slice of Europe in the tropics. Though currently under renovation, it remains a beautiful landmark in District 1 and a reminder of the city’s French colonial past.

Saigon Central Post Office

Right across the square sits the Central Post Office. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, its grand arches and tiled floors make it one of the most stunning post offices you’ll ever see.

War Remnants Museum

This was one of the most powerful stops on our journey. Outside, tanks and helicopters sit frozen in time. Inside, the exhibitions are emotional, documenting the war’s impact in unflinching detail.

“It’s tough to see, but it’s essential to understand Vietnam’s resilience.”

Con Ốc Quán

By the evening, we were ready for a proper sit-down meal. We headed to Con Ốc Quán, a casual local spot popular with students and workers. While the menu is packed with seafood, we kept it simple and affordable, exactly what we needed after a long day of sightseeing.

“Sometimes the best meals aren’t the fancy ones — just good, honest food that hits the spot.”

The fried rice came steaming hot, with plenty of flavour for just a few dong. The stir-fry was garlicky, crunchy, and perfect alongside it. Nothing complicated, nothing touristy — just everyday Vietnamese comfort food.

It was the ideal way to recharge before heading out to tackle Saigon’s neon nightlife.

Bùi Viện Walking Street

We ended the day where every backpacker in Saigon eventually does — Bùi Viện Walking Street. Neon lights, thumping music, cheap beer, and endless people-watching. Love it or hate it, this street is unforgettable.

Know Before You Go

🚇 Transport: The metro isn’t fully open yet, so rely on Grab bikes/taxis.
🍜 Food: Markets = best budget eats = unique Saigon flavour.
💸 Money: Use safe ATMs, expect to pay cash almost everywhere.
🌆 Must-sees: Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, War Museum, Bitexco Tower.
🌃 Nightlife: Bùi Viện is busy and chaotic.

Final Thoughts

District 1 gave us a full flavour of Ho Chi Minh City — food, history, culture, and nightlife. For budget backpackers, it’s the perfect crash course in Saigon’s energy.

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Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide: Exploring District 1