In 2023, Ho Chi Minh City was officially recognized by Michelin Guide as a culinary destination, marking an important turning point in the city's tourism development journey. The Michelin Guide's "set foot" in Ho Chi Minh City has affirmed the city's position on the international culinary map, while opening up new opportunities to develop the local tourism industry.
If you only have 48 short hours to explore Ho Chi Minh City, let's refer to the itinerary suggested by Pruepat 'Maprang' Songtieng, a prestigious Michelin Guide reviewer in Thailand and Vietnam, with over 10 years of experience in the field of cuisine and lifestyle.
48 hours to understand and love Saigon, have you tried it yet?
Day 1: Architectural highlights and culinary quintessence
Morning
Start your journey at Notre Dame Cathedral, a Romanesque and Gothic architectural work located at 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. This is a symbol of the city, attracting visitors with its impressive classical beauty.
Notre Dame Cathedral is an ancient French architectural work bearing strong historical and cultural imprints.
Next, visitors will come to Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, a building built in 1886, bearing the mark of French architecture with curved arches and sophisticated patterns. Inside the post office, visitors can admire unique murals, sculptures and buy souvenirs bearing the mark of old Saigon.
A familiar check-in point for many tourists when coming to Ho Chi Minh City.
Don't forget to visit the Independence Palace, which served as the residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam from 1963 to 1975. Today, the Independence Palace is a historical museum where visitors can learn about the ups and downs of Vietnam in the 20th century.
The Independence Palace attracts tourists with its unique architecture, luxurious interior and valuable historical artifacts.
Lunch
Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes at Cuc Gach Quan, a restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand. Famous for its airy space, Cuc Gach Quan offers a diverse menu with signature dishes such as Crispy Fried Tofu, Sour Fish Soup, Fried Banana...
Cuc Gach Quan is located at 10 Dang Tat, Tan Dinh ward, district 1.
Afternoon
Stroll through the Zoo, a green "oasis" in the heart of the city, located at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Visitors can visit the zoo, watch circus performances, or simply stroll among the cool green trees to relax.
Nearby, the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum is an ideal destination to learn about the past stories of the city and Vietnam. The museum displays many historical, cultural and artistic artifacts from prehistoric times to the present, helping visitors to better visualize the formation and development process of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History is located at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History is one of the largest and oldest museums in Vietnam.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at Anan Sai Gon, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City for two consecutive years. Famous for its harmonious combination of traditional Vietnamese dishes and modern culinary techniques, Anan Sai Gon offers a unique culinary experience to diners.
Famous Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Saigon.
Anan Saigon's menu is designed according to the season, using the freshest ingredients from all over the country. The dishes are meticulously prepared, but still retain the typical flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Diverse menu, meticulously prepared.
Day 2: Explore Cho Lon and Thao Dien area
Morning
The journey takes visitors to District 5, home to the largest Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. This place is considered a "miniature China" in the heart of Saigon with busy streets, ancient temples and the bustling atmosphere of the markets.
Here, visitors can worship the sacred Thien Hau Pagoda, admire the unique architecture bearing the imprint of Chinese culture, with curved tiled roofs and sophisticated patterns.
Thien Hau Pagoda currently preserves more than 400 antiques, including relief paintings of the four sacred animals - Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix.
Or visit Ha Chuong Assembly Hall, built in 1802, a place of worship for Cantonese Chinese. This place is famous for its ancient architecture, unique murals, sculptures and historical stories associated with the Chinese community in Saigon. Visitors can learn about the cultural and religious life of the Chinese and admire valuable historical artifacts here.
Walking on the busy street, listening to the breath of old Saigon...
Lunch
Walking along Ha Ton Quyen street, visitors will be immersed in the bustling atmosphere and enjoy typical Chinese dishes such as Bao buns, Pulled noodles, Chinese sweet soup...
Chinese cuisine of Cho Lon.
Afternoon
Take a leisurely stroll through the winding alleys to immerse yourself in the life of the Chinese in Cho Lon, Saigon. The streets are lined with houses, shops selling all kinds of goods, Chinese signs... all create a vivid picture of the life of the Chinese in Saigon.
The pink church stands out in the heart of the city.
Tan Dinh Church in District 3 is also a place not to be missed. This is a Gothic architectural work with a striking pink paint color, built in 1933. This place is known as the "Heart Church", attracting tourists with its romantic and ancient beauty.
Evening
Experience innovative dining in Thao Dien at An's Saigon, a Michelin Guide-recognized modern Vietnamese restaurant. There are multiple dining areas offering a variety of dining experiences, including chef-selected dinners at the counter, and innovative Vietnamese dishes.
Enjoy dinner at An's Saigon - a modern Vietnamese restaurant honored by the Michelin Guide.
Quan Lua is located at 2, Street 11, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, and is also a restaurant honored by Michelin Guide. This place offers a unique culinary experience with a harmonious combination of European-style dishes and Japanese elements.
End of day 2
After dinner, visitors can take a walk on Xuan Thuy Street in Thao Dien, which is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Along this street, it is not difficult to find many bars, clubs and restaurants serving foreign tourists. Immersing yourself in the vibrant music atmosphere, enjoying beers, cocktails and making new friends will be an unforgettable experience.
In addition, visitors can also try local delicacies such as balut, a popular street food in Vietnam. Balut is boiled, served with salt, pepper, lemon and Vietnamese coriander, bringing a unique and attractive flavor.
