Planning a Saigon city tour but not sure where to begin? This comprehensive guide by The Rice Travel Group is your perfect travel companion — from choosing the right hotel location and discovering must-visit landmarks, to finding the best local food in Ho Chi Minh City that fits both your budget and your appetite for authentic experiences. 

Saigon - an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Saigon — The City That Never Sleeps

Something remarkable happens to almost every traveler the moment they step off the plane at Tan Son Nhat International Airport: they are instantly swept up in the vibrant, warm, and endlessly colorful rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City. The hum of motorbikes, the aroma of iced Vietnamese coffee drifting from sidewalk cafés, the glow of neon lights along the city’s central boulevards — it all seems to whisper: “Welcome to Saigon, where every street corner tells a story.”

Saigon - where every street corner holds its own moment, its own story.

Saigon is unlike any other city in Vietnam. It is a place where the old and the new coexist in a remarkably natural way: a century-old pagoda may stand right beside a New York-style cocktail bar. A bowl of slow-simmered beef pho, perfected over generations, can be enjoyed just meters from an upscale fresh seafood restaurant.

It is precisely this diversity that makes careful planning essential for a successful Saigon city tour — particularly when it comes to choosing where to stay. And that is the detail many travelers overlook until it is too late.

Where to Stay for the Best Saigon City Tour Experience

Ask any local in Saigon where the most centrally located neighborhood is for exploring the city, and the answer will never change: the Bui Vien – De Tham corridor, District 1.

This cluster of streets sits at the very heart of District 1 — the city’s central hub — from which virtually every major attraction is just a short walk or a few minutes’ ride away. No lengthy commutes. No expensive taxi fares. Guests simply step out the door and find Saigon already waiting for them.

The Rice Hotel — A Trusted Base for Domestic and International Travelers

Among the accommodation options in this area, The Rice Hotel stands out as a consistently recommended name, with a network of 7 branches spread across Bui Vien and De Tham Streets. This is more than just a place to sleep — it is an immersive Saigon living experience from the moment you check in.

Why do so many travelers choose The Rice Hotel for their Saigon city tour?

• Unbeatable location: Bui Vien and De Tham are the twin arteries of District 1’s most vibrant tourist precinct. Guests are just steps from the lively Bui Vien Walking Street and only minutes from Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, and Ly Thai To Water Drop Park.
• Modern amenities with authentic local character: The Rice Hotel blends contemporary comfort with the genuine spirit of Saigon — something that larger international chains often lack.
• Flexible options for every traveler: With 7 branches, guests can select the room that best suits their needs — from standard rooms for solo travelers to spacious suites for families, couples, or large groups.

Staying at The Rice Hotel means placing yourself at the very center of Saigon’s local energy — that special, electric atmosphere you can only truly feel when you are living in the city, not observing it through a taxi window.

The Rice Hotel

Top Attractions Not to Miss on Your Saigon City Tour

One of the greatest advantages of staying in the Bui Vien – De Tham area is proximity to Saigon’s most iconic landmarks. Below is an ideal city tour itinerary you can begin on your very first day.

Bui Vien Walking Street

Step outside The Rice Hotel and you are already standing beside one of the most vibrant streets in Southeast Asia. Bui Vien Walking Street — located in Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1 — is a place where, after 6:00 PM, the entire world seems to converge.

Lining both sides of the street are bars, pubs, restaurants, cafés, and food carts packed side by side. Live music fills the air from every direction. International travelers, local residents, and wandering backpackers mingle in an atmosphere of infectious openness.

Best time to visit: During the day for sightseeing and photography; after 8:00 PM to experience Saigon’s nightlife at its peak — when neon signs blaze and the street becomes one giant outdoor stage.

Bui Vien Walking Street

Insider tip: Order an ice-cold beer and a plate of grilled squid at Nong Thon Dai Viet Restaurant, settle in, and simply slow down. Taking time to observe is the best way to absorb the true character of Bui Vien at night.

Ben Thanh Market — A 100-Year Icon of Saigon

Just minutes from The Rice Hotel, Ben Thanh Market needs no introduction. Built in 1914, with its distinctive arched roof and iconic clock tower, it has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Ho Chi Minh City.

Inside is a labyrinth of hundreds of stalls: fabrics, clothing, souvenirs, handicrafts, and regional specialty products. The market’s food section is equally worth exploring: bánh lọt, bún riêu, chè thập cẩm, and an array of Southern Vietnamese street snacks — all at reasonable prices and bursting with local flavor.

Ben Thanh Market

Travel tip: Do not hesitate to bargain — it is a cherished part of the market’s culture and an entertaining experience in itself.

War Remnants Museum — Where History Speaks

For travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history, the War Remnants Museum (28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3) is a stop that cannot be skipped. From Bui Vien, it is approximately a 10-minute ride away.

The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documentary materials chronicling Vietnam’s resistance. Among its most renowned collections is a body of war photojournalism — captured by international correspondents — recognized as among the most significant of its kind in the world. Open daily, it attracts millions of visitors each year.

War Remnants Museum

Park No. 1 Ly Thai To

Not every stop on a city tour needs to be fast-paced. Park No. 1 Ly Thai To is a rare green oasis in the heart of District 1, offering a welcome breath of calm amid the city’s relentless energy. The park is especially beautiful in the early morning or at golden hour in the late afternoon.

Park No. 1 Ly Thai To

Tip: Pick up a glass of fresh sugarcane juice from a nearby street vendor, sit down, and watch Saigon life drift past. That is the real experience.

Where to Eat in Saigon — A Culinary Journey from Street Food to Fine Dining

Nothing reveals the soul of a city more clearly than its food. And Saigon — as Vietnam’s undisputed culinary capital — will never disappoint. The real question is not “Where can I eat well?” but rather “How can I possibly try everything in just a few days?”

Morning: Saigon Broken Rice

If there is one dish that Saigonese eat at any hour of the day — breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even 2:00 AM — it is cơm tấm. Soft, fragrant broken rice; richly marinated grilled pork chops, golden with scallion oil; a fried egg; shredded pork skin; Vietnamese pork sausage; and a light vegetable broth on the side.

Sitting down to a plate of cơm tấm on a Saigon sidewalk, sipping iced coffee, watching a river of motorbikes pass by: this is why people say Saigon’s local vibe has an irresistible pull.

Afternoon: Southern-Style Beef Pho

Saigon’s beef pho is noticeably different from its Hanoi counterpart: the broth is sweeter and more full-bodied, served with a generous plate of fresh herbs — bean sprouts, Thai basil, saw-tooth coriander — alongside hoisin and chili sauce for personalized seasoning. A bowl of properly made Saigon pho, with tender beef and a deeply sweet bone-simmered broth, is the perfect midday meal.

A Must-Visit Dining Destination: Dai Viet Restaurant

After a full day of city touring, you deserve a dinner that is truly memorable. That is where Dai Viet Restaurant comes in. Conveniently located in the city center close to The Rice Hotel, Dai Viet is the most comprehensive answer to the question of the best restaurant in District 1 — whether you are seeking traditional Vietnamese flavors, creative Western dishes, or premium fresh seafood.

Dai Viet Restaurant

A Menu of 300+ Dishes

•       Traditional Vietnamese dishes: Fresh spring rolls, sweet-and-sour seafood hotpot, grilled nem nuong, crispy bánh xèo, bite-sized bánh khọt — familiar favorites executed with quality ingredients and authentic Southern Vietnamese flavor.

•       Premium fresh seafood: Spiny lobster, Ca Mau mud crab, clams, queen conch, red grouper — all carefully selected and prepared to order: steamed, wok-tossed with chili salt, grilled with cheese, or flambéed with garlic butter.

•       Western dishes: Pasta, pizza, steak, burgers — enough to ensure that guests not yet familiar with Vietnamese cuisine will still find something they love.

Dai Viet Restaurant is famous for its delicious, fresh seafood prepared in an attractive way.

Drinks — From Ice-Cold Beer to Handcrafted Cocktails

Dai Viet’s beverage menu spans a full range of beers (from traditional Saigon draught to international labels), wines, sake, whisky, and a cocktail menu featuring classics like Mojito and Margarita alongside original tropical-inspired creations.

The combination of exceptional cuisine and a diverse drinks program makes Dai Viet the ideal venue for family dinners, group gatherings, romantic evenings, and business entertaining alike.

Cocktails

Saigon After Dark — Experiencing the City’s Legendary Nightlife

If you think you have understood Saigon after a single day of sightseeing, wait until the sun goes down.

After 9:00 or 10:00 PM, when many cities have settled into silence, Saigon is just warming up. Bui Vien Street blazes with neon, live music spills from bars, and on the sidewalks, long conversations unfold between strangers from every corner of the globe.

Despite all the energy, Saigon’s nightlife never feels unwelcoming. It carries a warmth and openness that is rare in major cities anywhere in the world. Saigonese people love to celebrate, love to connect, and they will always welcome you like an old friend.

Staying at The Rice Hotel — right on the Bui Vien and De Tham corridor — means you can fully immerse yourself in Saigon’s electric night scene and be back in your room resting within just a few steps.

Practical Travel Tips for a Perfect Saigon City Tour

• Getting around: Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app. Motorbike rental by the day is a fun option for independent explorers. Or simply walk — from The Rice Hotel, most top attractions are within comfortable walking distance.
• Currency: Carry Vietnamese dong (VND) in cash, as many street stalls and markets do not accept cards. ATMs are widely available throughout the central district.
• Best time to visit: Saigon is beautiful year-round, but the dry season (December to June) is the ideal window for a city tour — no sudden downpours and optimal conditions for outdoor exploration.
• Street food: Do not hesitate to eat from street stalls. Some of the best local food in Ho Chi Minh City is found in the smallest, most unassuming spots — affordable, flavorful, and deeply authentic.

See Also: Can Tho Tour – Half-Day Cai Rang Floating Market Experience with The Rice Travel Group 

Final Word: Saigon Is Waiting — All You Have to Do Is Arrive

Saigon is not the kind of city you visit once and move on from. It is the kind of city people return to, trip after trip, because every visit uncovers a new hidden corner, an untried flavor, an unheard story.

Every great adventure deserves a great starting point. When you stay at The Rice Hotel on Bui Vien and De Tham Streets, you are placing yourself at the absolute center of Saigon — where everything that makes this city extraordinary is well within reach. And when hunger strikes, remember Dai Viet Restaurant — District 1’s premier dining destination with 300+ dishes, premium fresh seafood, and a drinks menu spanning craft cocktails to cold beers — where a single dinner can become the most lasting memory of your entire trip.

Saigon - a prominent destination for all tourists visiting Vietnam.

City Tour Saigon Hotline: +84 962.333.621 (Zalo / WhatsApp)