Amanaki’s Local Picks

ACTIVITIES
Explore Saigon through experiences that move between cultural memory, historical landmarks, modern city views, and the rhythm of everyday life.
Independence Palace
_135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 19 min walk (1,4 km)_
Independence Palace preserves significant historical landmarks of the city across different eras, offering an insight into government architecture and valuable wartime artifacts.
War Remnants Museum
_26 Vo Van Tan, Xuan Hoa W., HCMC
~ 26 min walk (1,9 km)
Recommended by Grab or taxi_
War Remnants Museum displays authentic photographs and artifacts from the resistance wars in Vietnam, providing a profound perspective on history and the pursuit of peace.
Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum
_97A Pho Duc Chinh, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 11 min walk (750m)_
Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum showcases valuable collections of paintings, sculptures, and antiquities, housed within a historic French colonial mansion in the heart of the city.
Saigon Central Post Office
_02 Cong truong Cong xa Paris, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 17 min walk (1,2 km)_
Saigon Central Post Office stands as one of the city’s architectural icons, featuring Renaissance style blended with decorative details characteristic of Vietnamese culture.
CHÀO SHOW
_6 Nguyen Sieu, Saigon W., HCMC
~ 15 min walk (1,1 km)_
CHÀO SHOW presents artistic performances that blend traditional elements with contemporary influences, creating an emotional space for guests to engage with local music and culture.
A O Show
_7 Cong Truong Lam Son, Saigon W., HCMC
~ 10 min walk (700m)_
A O Show utilizes bamboo props to vividly recreate the rhythm of Vietnamese life, from the tranquility of rural villages to the vibrancy of urban settings, expressed through the language of circus and contemporary dance.
Saigon SkyDeck
_36 Ho Tung Mau – Bitexco Tower, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 1 min walk (19 m)_
Saigon Skydeck offers a panoramic view of the city from the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower, allowing visitors to observe the urban rhythm and the Saigon River through a modern glass-walled observatory.
Saigon Waterbus Bạch Đằng
_10B Ton Duc Thang, Saigon W., HCMC
~ 8 min walk (600m)_
Saigon Waterbus Bach Dang offers a river bus service along the Saigon River, allowing passengers to observe the urban landscape and enjoy the open air from the water.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
_73 Mai Thi Luu, Tan Dinh W., HCMC
~ 43 min walk (3 km)
Recommended by Grab or taxi_
Jade Emperor Pagoda is an ancient temple featuring profound Chinese architecture with exquisite statues and wood carvings, creating a tranquil spiritual space in the heart of the city.
RESTAURANTS
These dining experiences reflect the many layers of Saigon, from beloved local flavors and culinary traditions to contemporary expressions in thoughtfully crafted settings.
Cuc Gach Restaurant
_10 Dang Tat, Tan Dinh W., HCMC
~ 46m walk (3,3 km)
Recommended by Grab or taxi_
Cuc Gach Quan offers traditional Vietnamese family meals within a rustically decorated heritage house, where original values and pure flavors are cherished.
Man Moi
_34 St. Vo Van Tan, Xuan Hoa W., HCMC
~ 27m walk (2 km)_
Man Moi introduces signature dishes from various regions across Vietnam, focusing on local ingredients and traditional preparation methods to preserve the rustic flavors of each province.
Tung’s Restaurant – Vietnamese Cuisine & vegetarian Food
_230 Le Thanh Ton, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 14m walk (1 km)_
Tung’s Restaurant – Vietnamese Cuisine & vegetarian Food serves traditional Vietnamese dishes alongside vegan options in a cozy setting, emphasizing fresh ingredients and careful presentation.
Hoang’s Kitchen – Vietnamese cuisine & Vegan food
_45 Thu Khoa Huan W., Ben Thanh, HCMC
~ 16 min walk (1,1 km)_
Hoang’s Kitchen Vietnamese Cuisine & Vegan Food presents traditional Vietnamese dishes and a variety of vegan options, emphasizing the use of natural ingredients to offer light and healthy flavors.
Lục Tỉnh Home Kitchen
_37 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh, HCMC
~ 8 min walk (550 m)_
Luc Tinh Home Kitchen recreates the authentic flavors of the Mekong Delta within a rustic and nostalgic space, reminiscing about the traditional lifestyle and culinary heritage of Southern Vietnam.
Mother Ỉn’s Kitchen
_136/9 Le Thanh Tong, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 13m walk (1 km)_
Mother Ỉn’s Kitchen serves elevated Vietnamese street food in a cozy setting, reminiscent of a family kitchen with familiar presentation and rich, traditional flavors.
Pho Ha
_19 Hai Trieu, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 2m walk (140 m)_
Pho Ha serves authentic Hanoi-style pho with a clear, delicate broth and soft noodles, offering a traditional culinary experience in the heart of the city.
Phở SOL
_27 Hai Trieu, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 2 min walk (140 m)_
Phở SOL serves pho with carefully simmered broth and premium beef cuts in a modern, clean setting, offering a blend of traditional flavors and refined service.
Chuyen Ky Rice Boat
_65 – 67 Ton That Dam, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 3m walk (200 m)_
Chuyen Ky Rice Boat is one of the oldest steamed rice eateries in Saigon with over 70 years of history, preserving the traditional method of cooking rice in ceramic pots to maintain its fragrance and serving authentic Cantonese-style dishes.
Broken Rice Calmette Bridge
_116 Doan Van Bo, Khanh Hoi W., HCMC
~ 20m walk (1,4 km)
Recommended by Grab or taxi_
Broken Rice Calmette Bridge serves signature broken rice with flavorful marinated grilled pork, offering an authentic street food experience within the vibrant riverside area.
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
_26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 20m walk (1,4 km)_
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is renowned for its generous portions and rich layers of house-made cold cuts, charcuterie, and pâté following a signature recipe, offering one of the most distinctive and popular flavors of Saigon street food.
Grill Pork Noodle
_1 Nguyen Trung Truc, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 10m walk (700 m)_
Grill Pork Noodle Nguyen Trung Truc is a popular local spot serving grilled pork noodles with flavorful marinated skewers, combined with crispy spring rolls and a signature dipping sauce
Choi Oi Noodle
_15B/25 Le Thanh Ton, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 18 min walk (1,3 km)_
Choi Oi Noodle serves traditional Vietnamese noodles in a minimalist and refined setting, focusing on fresh ingredients and subtle preparation.
Hum Signature – Plant-based fine dining
_32 Vo Van Tan, Ban Co W., HCMC
~ 27 min walk (1.9 km)
Recommended by Grab or taxi_
Hum Signature offers a plant-based fine dining experience within a serene and sophisticated setting, where local ingredients are elevated through refined culinary techniques and artistic presentation.
Vo Roof
_113 Ton That Dam, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 4 min walk (290 m)_
Vo Roof is a rooftop space nestled in an old building within the Old Market area, offering views of the Bitexco Tower and urban life in a rustic and intimate atmosphere.
Pizza 4P’s Ben Thanh
_8 Thu Khoa Huan, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 14 min walk (1 km)_
Pizza 4P’s Ben Thanh combines Japanese culinary philosophy with artisanal pizzas, using fresh local ingredients within a sophisticated and contemporary open-space architecture.
Secret Garden Restaurant
_158 Pasteur, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 13 min walk (900 m)_
Secret Garden Restaurant is tucked away on the rooftop of an old apartment building, serving traditional Vietnamese home-cooked dishes in a lush, rustic setting that feels secluded from the city’s hustle and bustle.
B3 Steakhouse – Nguyen Hue Branch, 3rd floor
_68 Nguyen Hue, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 6 min walk (450 m)_
B3 Steakhouse & Craft Beer specializes in various steak cuts paired with craft beer in a cozy and youthful setting, offering a blend of Western culinary styles and the modern rhythm of the pedestrian street.
Le Jardin
_31 Thai Van Lung, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 18 min walk (1,3 km)_
Le Jardin is a long-standing French restaurant located within the campus of the French Institute in Ho Chi Minh City (IDECAF), serving traditional French dishes in a lush, peaceful garden setting that feels secluded from the city’s noise.
BARS
Saigon after dark is an essential part of the city’s character. Through this list of bars, ANIMA invites you to explore its nightlife through places with distinct identities, creative spirit, and memorable atmosphere.
Ômm Mixology Saigon
_1st Floor 63 Ho Tung Mau, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 1m walk (42 m)_
Ômm Mixology Saigon is a hidden cocktail bar in the heart of the city, focusing on the art of craft mixology by skillfully blending local ingredients with modern techniques in a minimalist and soulful setting.
The Enigma Mansion
_5H Ton Duc Thang, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 18m walk (1,3 km)_
The Enigma Mansion is a nightlife destination featuring a classical architectural style, serving meticulously crafted cocktails within a sophisticated and artistic atmosphere.
Ủ Bar
_50A Dang Dung, Tan Dinh W., HCMC
~ 47m walk (3,4 km)
Best reached by Grab or taxi_
U Bar is a cocktail space inspired by fermented ingredients and Vietnamese local produce, offering fresh flavor experiences within a minimalist yet sophisticated atmosphere.
The Monkey Productions DESSERT BAR
_91 Mac Thi Buoi, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 6m walk (450 m)_
The Monkey Productions DESSERT BAR offers an artistic dessert experience following a fine-dining concept, where sweets are meticulously plated and served directly at the counter, allowing guests to observe the chefs’ creative process.
419.Cocktails & Cine Bar
_158/6 Nguyen Cong Tru, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 9m walk (600 m)_
419.Cocktails & Cine Bar is a cinema-inspired cocktail space where each drink carries its own story, served in a cozy, private, and deeply artistic atmosphere.
Dakao Tipsy
_11A Phan Ke Binh, Tan Dinh W., HCMC
~ 20m walk (1,4 km)_
Dakao Tipsy is a rustic and intimate bar located in the Da Kao area, serving creative cocktails and light bites in a relaxed, vibrant yet distinctively sophisticated atmosphere.
The Iron Bank – Cocktail Vault
_47 Ton That Dam, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 4m walk (280 m)_
The Iron Bank – Cocktail VaultNhấp để mở bảng điều khiển bên để xem thêm thông tin is a hidden speakeasy located on the first floor of an old apartment building on Ton That Dam Street, featuring a mysterious atmosphere with raw brickwork and warm, dim lighting.
Coffee Shops
Coffee holds a special place in Vietnamese culture, from everyday rituals to more contemporary expressions. From this diverse landscape, ANIMA introduces a selection of coffee spots that range from modern specialty cafés to local flavors shaped by tradition.
Little HaNoi Egg Coffee (Yersin)
_119/5 Yersin, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 15m walk (1 km)
Best reached by Grab or taxi_
Little HaNoi Egg Coffee (Yersin) brings a small corner of Hanoi to the heart of Saigon with its signature egg coffee—creamy, rich, and fragrant—served in a nostalgic, quiet, and cozy setting.
The Workshop Coffee
_27 Ngo Duc Ke, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 4m walk (300 m)_
The Workshop Coffee is one of the pioneering specialty coffee shops in Saigon, focusing on various manual brewing methods like pour-over or cold brew, served in a spacious and modern industrial-style setting.
96B cafe & roastery
_96B Phan Ngu, Tan Dinh W., HCMC
~ 39m walk (2,8 km)
Best reached by Grab or taxi_
96B Cafe & Roastery is a dedicated specialty coffee space focusing on sourcing and roasting high-quality beans in-house, offering an authentic and refined flavor experience within a modern, minimalist setting.
% Arabica
_42 Nguyen Hue, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 5m walk (400 m)_
% Arabica offers a minimalist specialty coffee experience from Japan, renowned for its refined design philosophy using a signature white color palette and carefully selected coffee beans roasted right within the brewing space.
SPAS
After moments spent wandering and exploring the city, take a little time to let your body unwind, restore its energy, and gently return to a sense of inner balance.
MIUMIU SPA 5
_90 Le Thi Hong Gam, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 13m walk (900 m)_
MIUMIU SPA 5 is one of the branches of the well-known MIUMIU SPA system, specializing in therapeutic and relaxation massage treatments within a minimalist, modern, and exceptionally clean environment.
Souvenir Shops
At the end of your journey, this is a moment to look for pieces that can hold its memory, small things to bring home with you, each carrying a trace of Saigon.
Antique Market Street Le Cong Kieu
_Le Cong Kieu, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 9m walk (600 m)_
Antique Street Le Cong Kieu is the oldest and most famous antique street in Saigon, featuring dozens of shops selling vintage items from ceramics, ancient coins, and Buddhist statues to time-worn household objects, offering a nostalgic and cultural atmosphere.
LaMay – Authentic Handcrafted Vietnam
_41 Mac Thi Buoi, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 8m walk (550 m)_
LaMay – Authentic Handcrafted Vietnam is a display and retail space for exquisite handcrafted goods, honoring local cultural values through meticulously crafted gifts and souvenirs that blend traditional Vietnamese identity with a contemporary touch.
CULCAT & THRIFT MAMA
_96 Ho Tung Mau, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 2m walk (160 m)_
CULCAT & THRIFT MAMA is a unique hybrid space combining modern designer fashion with carefully curated secondhand pieces, offering an interesting destination for those who love sustainable and highly wearable style.
Saigon Eco Craft
_36 Le Loi, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 9m walk (600 m)_
Saigon Eco Craft is a shopping destination focused on sustainable handicrafts, honoring the craftsmanship of local artisans through products made from natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, ceramics, and linen.
Duy Tan – Saigon Artisan
_76A Le Loi, Ben Thanh W., HCMC
~ 11m walk (750 m)_
Duy Tan – Saigon Artisan is a high-end handicraft showroom featuring lacquerware, ceramics, and decorative pieces meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, blending Vietnamese cultural essence with a luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic.
Deeritage – Vintage Jewelry
_18/4 Tran Quy Khoach, Sai Gon W., HCMC
~ 49m walk (3,5 km)
Recommended by Grab or taxi_
Deeritage – Vintage Jewelry is a space specializing in vintage-style jewelry and accessories, featuring carefully curated pieces with intricate designs that honor nostalgic beauty while remaining contemporary.
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