Travel Guide: 1 Day Itinerary in Saigon, Vietnam

It was quite literally, just one afternoon in Saigon.

Officially known as Ho Chi Minh but widely called Saigon, we landed in the city for a 10-hour layover on our way to Busan. Once we settled our bags and flights, I told Safwan and Danial that I'd like to explore - even if it was short. It might have been my only chance to see Saigon. 

Apart from the long commute from the airport to Zone 1, we did manage to visit some sights! 

OUR 1 DAY ITINERARY 

• Saigon Central Post Office
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Ho Chi Minh City Hall
• Cafe Apartments

Saigon is split into districts, and so most of our itinerary landed us in District 1 since it's the city center. We managed to see most places in District 1, everything was in walking distance. If we had more time, maybe in the morning or another day, we could have gone to other places but here's what we managed.

SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE

One of the most iconic tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, it's actually a functioning post office to my surprise.

With beautiful colonial architecture and ornate decorations, it felt like I was back in Europe. Inside though are regular people sending letters, the tourists and merchants selling trinkets and souvenirs to said-tourists. I didn't manage to get some, unfortunately. Only some photos. 

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

There is a surprising amount of French Colonial Architecture here in the city, like the Notre Dame Cathedral. And like the Notre Dame in France, it was closed for construction. Oh well. 

Tall at 60 meters, the stained glass windows and all-red brick were imported from Marseille. It is still a functioning church with a Virgin Mary statue right in front. It's one of the few strongholds of catholicism in a largely Buddhist Vietnam.

HO CHI MINH CITY HALL

It was closed by the time we arrived by 5.

A pastel yellow fixture that oversaw the long walk. The city hall is one of the most iconic and well-preserved landmarks in Vietnam, with a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main building. I wish I could have gone inside but I'll settle for next time.

CAFE APARTMENTS

It is what it is. A stack of cafes and shops in an apartment block.

I've never seen anything as cool and eclectic as this. We trudged up the stairs to see different shops as there are no layouts for the floors. It's the fun kind of maze, finding little treasures on your adventure. We found ourselves at a small bakery to rest before we went back to the airport.

Photos by

Danial Aldani

The one place I wished we did got to was Ben Thanh Market but it had closed early, and the night market opened later. We didn't have enough time to visit and make it back to the airport on time.

Still, Vietnam left me a sweet taste and a longing to go back. Only time will tell when.

Have you ever been to Saigon? 

Where is your next destination?

with love,

Bash Harry

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