Ho Chi Minh City Cafes, Culture, Shopping Guide | PinGuide

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The Trailmap

01 Saigon Central Post Office
02 Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
03 Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
04 Nicotin Tearoom & Coffee
05 Gánh – Truly Vietnamese Cuisine
06 Cafe Apartments
07 Po Cafe
08 Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
09 LIDER
10 Môi Ðiên
11 Kiemlamot
12 Co.opmart
13 Tan Son Nhat International Airport

This guide is based on a video

Ho Chi Minh Cafe Apartment, Opera House, Shopping | Vietnam Solo Travel Vlog

Klook Discount Code: kahlilalcalaklook Agoda Code: KAHLILAGODA Itinerary Saigon Post Office Book Street New Playground Nicotin Cafe Gahn Restaurant Cafe Apartment Pho Cafe Saigon Opera House - Bamboo Cultural Show Lider Moiden Kiem Lamot Taste of Saigon Coop Grocery Business and Inquiries: kahlil.

by Kahlil Alcala · Watch on YouTube ↗

Experience the city's vibrant rhythm in one day

This guide highlights 13 places in Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors can explore various cafes, cultural sites, and shopping destinations. The guide suggests activities like attending a cultural show and finding local fashion brands. This itinerary provides a full day of diverse experiences in the city.

The Pins

01

Start your journey at the Saigon Central Post Office, a historic and functional building.

Saigon Central Post Office

Landmark · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Central Post Office, Saigon — PinGuide

07:00–19:00 daily +842838221677

2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Saigon Central Post Office

Explore the post office interior. Visitors can send postcards or browse for souvenirs. Note that other areas might offer cheaper souvenirs.

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02

A short walk from the post office, find Ho Chi Minh City Book Street.

Ho Chi Minh City Book Street

Landmark · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Book Street, Saigon — PinGuide

08:00–21:00 (Monday-Friday), 08:00–21:30 (Saturday-Sunday)

Đường Nguyễn Văn Bình, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Ho Chi Minh City Book Street

This street features many book and stationery shops. It also offers cafes and souvenir stores. This is a relaxing spot to escape the city heat.

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03

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is located near Book Street.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Landmark · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Saigon — PinGuide

The cathedral is closed to tourists for renovation. It remains open for mass: 05:30, 17:30 Monday–Saturday; multiple services on Sunday. +84823721439

1 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

The cathedral's facade is not fully visible due to ongoing renovations. Visitors can still view the exterior from a distance.

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04

Next, visit Nicotin Tearoom & Coffee inside the New Playground building.

Nicotin Tearoom & Coffee

Ho Chi Minh City

08:00–22:00 daily +84707523502

Floor 2, 26 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Nicotin Tearoom & Coffee

This cafe also functions as a pottery studio offering workshops. Try the coconut coffee here; it is a popular menu item.

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05

For lunch, head to Gánh - Truly Vietnamese Cuisine.

Gánh – Truly Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese Cuisine · Ho Chi Minh City

10:00-22:00 daily +84 2866820692

91 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Gánh – Truly Vietnamese Cuisine

The restaurant has a distinct green wall with murals. Order the rice noodles with minced pork and an iced tea. Mix the sauce with the noodles for best flavor.

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06

After lunch, proceed to Cafe Apartments, a unique vertical cafe complex.

Cafe Apartments

Landmark · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Cafe Apartments, Saigon - PinGuide

08:00-22:00 daily

42 Đ. Nguyễn Huệ, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Cafe Apartments

Research specific cafes before your visit to save energy. The building has many floors, so plan your stops to avoid unnecessary climbing.

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07

Inside Cafe Apartments, visit Po Cafe.

Po Cafe

Coffee · Ho Chi Minh City

08:00-22:00 daily +84375978325

Lầu 8, 42 Nguyễn Huệ, Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Po Cafe

This cafe is known for its industrial design. Order the signature salted coffee. It is served with the coffee filter on top; add ice after the coffee has dripped.

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08

In the evening, attend a cultural show at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House.

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Landmark · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Saigon — PinGuide

The building interior is accessible during scheduled performances; the box office is generally open 09:00–18:00 daily.

7 Lam Son Square, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

The 'Bamboo Cultural Show' starts at 6 PM and lasts one hour. Book tickets in advance, possibly through services like Klook. The show features acrobatics, martial arts, and dance, making it suitable for all ages.

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09

After the show, explore nearby clothing stores, starting with LIDER.

LIDER

Shopping · Ho Chi Minh City

09:30-22:00 daily +84 982 062 442

7 Tôn Thất Thiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · LIDER

This store offers a range of clothing items. Many visitors find tempting items here.

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10

Continue your shopping at Môi Ðiên.

Môi Ðiên

Shopping · Ho Chi Minh City

28 Tôn Thất Thiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Môi Ðiên

This clothing store features various fashion pieces. Look for unique items like sleeveless tops with tie details.

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11

Visit Kiemlamot for more fashion finds.

Kiemlamot

Shopping · Ho Chi Minh City

09:00-22:00 daily 0935832144

26 Tôn Thất Thiệp, Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Kiemlamot

This store has a red interior and offers stylish clothing. Try on wide-leg pants or other items that catch your eye.

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12

Before heading home, stop at Co.opmart for souvenirs.

Co.opmart

Shopping · Ho Chi Minh City

08:00-22:00 daily +84 28 3925 0725

189C Cống Quỳnh, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Co.opmart

This grocery store is a good place to buy local products. Consider purchasing '3 in 1 coffee' as a popular souvenir.

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13

Finally, make your way to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Ho Chi Minh City

24/7 +842838485383

Trường Sơn, Phường 2, Tân Bình, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Kahlil Alcala · curator · Tan Son Nhat International Airport

If you have film rolls, be aware of airport scanners. Check with security if hand-checking is an option for sensitive film.

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