A Design Lover's Guide to Ho Chi Minh City

Begin your day at The Cafe Apartments, a quirky nine-story apartment building turned into a hub of indie coffee shops, boutiques, and co-working spaces. Sip a Vietnamese iced coffee at Good Days or % Arabica, where vintage interiors and curated design create an inspiring start. Take time to explore each floor—the graffiti-covered stairwell and hand-painted signage make it feel like an urban art installation.

Just a short stroll away, step inside the Central Post Office, a French colonial masterpiece designed by Gustave Eiffel. Marvel at the high vaulted ceilings, intricate floor tiles, and hand-painted maps. Check out the antique telephone booths and period details, then select a handful of postcards to send home to family and friends.

For lunch, join the queue at My Banh Mi. Located just outside the Post Office, this beloved sandwich shop is always bustling with guests. Hint: Try the famous watermelon juice and lemongrass chicken bánh mì.

In the afternoon, dip into the iconic Ben Thanh Market, where chaos meets craftsmanship. Hunt for handwoven textiles, lacquerware, and contemporary versions of traditional Vietnamese designs. It’s also a prime spot for people-watching and capturing colorful scenes through your camera lens.

If time allows, stop by The Craft House—a concept store showcasing Vietnamese ceramics, stationery, and minimalist homeware by local designers.

As night falls, experience Saigon’s street food scene on a guided motorbike tour. Zip through hidden alleyways and neon-lit boulevards with a local driver, sampling everything from bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) to fresh seafood and smoky grilled skewers. The tour typically includes up to 10 tasters and gives you a visceral look at the city’s energy and evolving food culture, all served up with a dash of adrenaline.

Begin your day exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s thriving fashion and lifestyle scene. Start at L’Usine Saigon Centre, where minimalist Vietnamese clothing brands are showcased in an airy, modern setting. From there, take a leisurely walk to nearby concept stores like Waa Studios, The Idiot Official, and Dore Studio.

Next, head to Man Moi, a refined Vietnamese lifestyle boutique that also houses a chic restaurant. Enjoy a leisurely lunch where the ambience is as thoughtfully designed as the menu—expect modern takes on Vietnamese classics in a calm, gallery-like space. After your meal, explore their homeware, clothing, and curated objects that reflect the country’s emerging design language.

Indulge in a classic high tea at the Park Hyatt Saigon, where colonial French elegance meets modern luxury. Served in the cozy Park Lounge, the experience includes delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and fragrant teas. Surrounded by white paneling, fresh orchids, and plush seating, it’s the perfect moment to relax and reflect in style.

As evening falls, witness a piece of Vietnamese heritage with a performance at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater. This traditional art form, performed on a water stage with live music and colorful puppets, offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese folklore and rural life—with a touch of theatrical charm.

End your day at the vibrant Ben Nghe Street Food Market, a contemporary take on the traditional night market. With sleek wooden stalls and ambient lighting, this curated space offers everything from craft beer and bánh mì to fusion Vietnamese tacos. Choose a few small plates and soak up the buzzing, modern atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City by night.

Journey outside the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a powerful and immersive look at Vietnam’s wartime resilience and ingenuity. The tunnel network offers a glimpse into underground life during the Vietnam War, with narrow passageways, hidden entrances, and preserved bunkers.

Alternatively, spend the morning at the War Remnants Museum. Located in District 3, this museum is one of Vietnam’s most impactful museums. Through poignant photography and preserved artifacts, it tells the story of the Vietnam War from a local perspective. The exhibits are raw and emotionally heavy, yet essential viewing for thoughtful travelers.

Lighten up this afternoon at Summer Experiment, a chic cocktail bar known for experimental drinks inspired by Vietnam’s landscapes and botanicals. The menu is both playful and visually beautiful—expect creative glassware, smoked infusions, and bold ingredients like passionfruit, chili, and lemongrass.

Dress up for a performance of the AO Show at the iconic Saigon Opera House, a beautiful building with grand arches and chandeliers. The AO Show blends acrobatics, dance, and traditional Vietnamese storytelling in a highly visual performance using bamboo, baskets, and body movement to stunning effect.

Enjoy dinner at Quince Saigon, a benchmark for design-savvy fine dining in Ho Chi Minh City. Blending global flavors and Vietnamese ingredients, Quince excels at bold, wood-fired dishes like spicy salmon nori tacos and perfectly grilled steaks.

Start your morning at Thị Cafe, a cozy gem in District 1 that channels old‑Saigon spirit. With wooden interiors, traditional iced milk coffee, and kumquat tea on offer, it’s the perfect nostalgic spot to kick off the day. Feeling hungry? Order a steaming bowl of pho or fluffy bánh mì from a street vendor—there are plenty of stands set up each morning.

After a whirlwind week in HCMC, today is about total relaxation. Saigon is known for its chic and affordable spa venues, so spend the afternoon enjoying as many beauty and wellness treatments as you can handle. Whether you prefer a full-body massage, luxurious hair treatment, or artistic nail design, many excellent beauty businesses—like Laboho Spa and Amour Hair Salon—are based in District 1.

After pampering, unwind in style by taking a riverboat ride along the Saigon River to An Lam Retreats Saigon River. Relax on the water and soak up the urban skyline before arriving at the resort, where lush tropical gardens and tranquil pools await.

Savor your serene surroundings with a tropical swim and complimentary spa circuit. As night falls, dine in the resort’s open-air restaurant, where candlelit tables and gentle river breezes set the scene for a sumptuous Vietnamese dinner.