Travel: Ho Chi Minh City Sài Gòn

Just a quick hop from Singapore, HCMC has slowly taken over my annual Bangkok trips — I’ve been here at least 5 times in the past 8 years (3 of which I was based in Shanghai).

4D3N is just right for a first-timer, unless you’re planning to explore beyond the city. The itinerary below is what I’d personally recommend — though you won’t find Cu Chi Tunnels here (major claustrophobia alert).

What truly draws me back each time? The food, of course. I travel for food — always. Scroll on for my go-to eats after the itinerary!

4D3N ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival & Introduction to Saigon

Afternoon

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Check in to your hotel (I recommend M City Hotel Saigon, it’s near to all the food places I recommend below!)
Grab a late lunch at Bếp Mẹ Ỉn

Evening

Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and people-watching
Dinner at Secret Garden Restaurant
Have a beer at Pasteur Street Craft Beer

Day 2 – Culture & History + Vespa Night Tour

Morning

Breakfast at Hủ Tiếu Mì Cật (MUST GO!)
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Saigon Central Post Office

Afternoon

Shop at Saigon Square for clothes and souvenirs
Light lunch at Pizza 4P’s

Evening

Vespa Adventures – Saigon After Dark Tour (US$97/VND2,425,000)
- Ride through bustling streets on a vintage Vespa, savour local delicacies and explore hidden gems including vibrant flower markets and authentic street food spots.
  - 1st stop: Rooftop Bar for welcome drinks
  - 2nd stop: Seafood
  - 3rd stop: Banh Xeo
  - Last stop: Bar with live music and drinks
Return to hotel and rest

Day 3 – Local Eats & Leisure

Morning

Have breakfast at Bánh Mì Hòa Mã
- Known for its sizzling pan-style bánh mì with eggs and meat

Afternoon

Lunch at Phở Việt Nam
Vietnamese drip coffee at Cafe Vy or Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) at Eggyolk Coffee
Explore Ben Thanh Market – try local snacks or shop for souvenirs
Shoe Street Saigon

Evening

Dinner at Hà Nội Quán
Enjoy a Craft Beer at East West Brewing Co.

Day 4 – Departure

Morning

Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café (I always go back to Hủ Tiếu Mì Cật)
Last-minute shopping at Ben Thanh Market or a quick walk
Transfer to the airport

TO EAT

Bếp Mẹ Ỉn (Location in Google Maps)

• Bếp Mẹ Ỉn (meaning “Mom’s Kitchen”) is renowned for its authentic home-style dishes and nostalgic ambiance. Bếp Mẹ Ỉn has earned a spot in the MICHELIN Guide’s Bib Gourmand category, highlighting its good quality and value.

• My comments: Can’t believe it took me this long to finally try Bếp Mẹ Ỉn. Funny thing — I only found out it was a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot after seeing the label. The location is great (right in District 1), and the vibe definitely gives cozy, nostalgic Vietnamese home. Overall, it was a good experience — but food-wise, it didn’t quite wow me. Maybe I went in with my expectations dialed too high because of the Michelin label? Still worth a try if you’re in the area — let me know what you think if you go! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Secret Garden Restaurant (Location in Google Maps)

• Tucked away atop an old building in District 1, Secret Garden is a peaceful rooftop spot serving traditional Vietnamese home-style dishes. With rustic decor, lanterns, and city views, it’s perfect for a quiet escape from the city buzz. The climb up adds to the charm — and while the food is simple and comforting, the atmosphere is what really makes it special.

• My comments: The first time I visited Secret Garden was back in 2017, introduced by a friend who married a local Vietnamese. It was so well hidden we couldn’t find it at first! Tucked away on a rooftop, we had to climb what felt like endless stairs — but wow, the atmosphere and the food absolutely made it worth the effort. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hủ Tiếu Mì Cật (Location in Google Maps)

• A popular morning spot in District 1, Hủ Tiếu Mì Cật serves up hearty bowls of hủ tiếu mì packed with flavourful broth and noodles. It’s simple, satisfying, and loved by locals — perfect for a true taste of Vietnamese breakfast.

• My comments: This is HCMC’s answer to Singapore’s bak chor mee. You get two noodle options — hủ tiếu (similar to our kway teow) or mì (like mee kia), and you can have it nước (soup) or khô (dry). Of course, I had to go for the dry version!

At first glance, the noodles look super plain — just lightly tossed, almost like there’s no seasoning at all. But don’t be fooled. They’re coated in lard and some magical mystery sauce (I still don’t know what it is till today) that makes it unbelievably good. So good you’ll want to eat it all day, every day! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bánh Mì Hòa Mã (Location in Google Maps)

• Deconstructed Bánh Mì. Serving breakfast since 1958, this hidden gem in District 3 offers a sizzling skillet of eggs, meats, and pâté — paired with a warm baguette on the side. It’s a build-your-own bánh mì experience that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

• My comments: We were introduced to this famous breakfast spot by the same friend who married a local. The first time I went, it was a real eye-opener — I had to sit on a tiny stool by the roadside, surrounded by cars, bikes, and all the dust (you know what I mean). I remember thinking, “This better be good!”

Fast forward to now — after so many HCMC trips — I go back every single time. And whenever we bring friends, this is a non-negotiable stop. The food speaks for itself. I love how they serve the bánh mì deconstructed on a sizzling skillet — the bread stays crispy outside and soft inside, not the sad soggy kind you find elsewhere. Absolute must-try! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Phở Việt Nam (Location in Google Maps)

• A hidden gem near Ben Thanh Market, Phở Việt Nam serves rich, flavourful pho with hand-sliced noodles and tender beef cuts. Their signature phở thố đá (hot stone bowl) keeps your soup piping hot till the last bite. Open from 6 AM to 3 AM, it’s perfect for both early risers and late-night cravings.

• My comments: I stumbled upon this place by chance since we stayed nearby at M City Hotel — and it turned out to be a great find! Apparently, they make their own pho noodles (kway teow) and hand-slice them, which is pretty impressive.

Their signature dish is the hot stone bowl pho, but since I visited in October and it was scorching hot, I went with the regular bowl instead. The food was really good, and this is one of the dishes I have cravings for from time to time (so much that I made it myself, recipe here!). I’d definitely recommend it!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hà Nội Quán (Location in Google Maps)

• Hà Nội Quán offers a unique take on Hanoi’s bún chả, featuring a flavourful broth with tender meatballs. It’s a comforting dish that brings a taste of the North to the heart of Saigon.

• My Comments: I chanced upon this place the same way I found Phở Việt Nam — by staying nearby — and thought it was perfect to bring my friends to try this beloved Hanoi dish (which I also love and have a recipe for, find it here!). This was my first time eating here, and I was blown away by their deep-fried spring rolls (nem) stuffed with crab meat. Wow! I’m definitely tempted to try making those myself soon! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pizza 4P’s (Location in Google Maps)

• A popular spot in District 1, Pizza 4P’s serves delicious wood-fired pizzas with homemade cheese and fresh local ingredients – it’s perfect for a tasty and cozy meal after exploring nearby Ben Thanh Market.

• My comments: This spot was recommended by my husband’s cousin who recently moved to HCMC (her husband works there), and it was such a great call! As much as I love Vietnamese food and could eat it all day, it was nice to switch things up — and WOW, the food here did not disappoint. Everything was so flavourful and well done. Definitely a must-try if you’re in the mood for something different from the usual Viet fare! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

CAFES

HCMC is full of cafés, but I narrowed it down to those near our hotel (besides the popular Café Vy that serves Viet coffee) that serve oat milk lattes — a must for me since I’m lactose intolerant.

Whether you’re on the same boat or just prefer dairy-free options, these spots are worth checking out for a smooth, creamy cup without the tummy troubles.

Holy Beans Coffee (Location in Google Maps)