What to do in Ho Chi Minh
We’ve been back to HCM about 4 or 5 times now — it’s become one of our favourite short getaways from Singapore. What keeps us coming back? The food scene is incredible (and affordable!), the coffee culture is strong, and there’s always something new to try — whether it’s a cocktail bar tucked behind a bookcase or a streetside bún chả stall. It’s bougie and budget-friendly — which makes it such a fun place to eat and drink well without breaking the bank.
This guide is a round-up of our go-to cafes, restaurants, and experiences — a mix of our all-time favourites and new spots we loved on our latest trip. We skipped most of the typical tourist attractions this round and focused on what we enjoy most: food, drinks, and a slower pace.
If you’re planning a short getaway, looking for low-key date ideas, or just want a reliable list of places to eat and unwind — I hope this gives you some inspiration. Think of it as recs from a friend who travels the same way you do.
Favourite Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
One of the reasons we keep coming back to Ho Chi Minh? The food scene is incredible. You can eat very well here without blowing your budget — think bougie meals at prices that would barely get you a decent main in Singapore.
Here are a couple of our go-to spots that we genuinely look forward to every trip:
Pizza 4P’s Xuan Thuy
📍 48/01 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
We always start and end our HCMC trips with Pizza 4P’s. It’s tradition at this point. This outlet in Thao Dien is one of my absolute favourites — beautifully designed, tucked away just enough to feel like you’ve found a secret adult playground (complete with wood-fired pizza).
The brand is known for its “Pizza for Peace” philosophy, blending Japanese precision with Italian soul. They make their own cheese in-house, source ingredients locally, and the service is consistently thoughtful.
Lúa
📍 2 Đ. Số 11, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Lúa feels like the kind of place you wander into and accidentally spend hours at. It’s a wine bar-meets-modern eatery tucked inside a leafy courtyard — peaceful, elegant, and yet completely unpretentious.
The menu leans European but with subtle Japanese touches (the head chef is Japanese), and they focus on organic produce from small local farms. The wine list is also impressive — we ended up doing the very dangerous thing of liking everything we tried.
We may have gone slightly overboard ordering food and wine... to the point the staff asked what we were celebrating. And that’s how we coined one of our new favourite mantras:
“Every day is a special day.”
Just a heads up — this was one of our priciest meals in HCMC, but we have no regrets. Worth it for a treat night.
Quan Nem Restaurant
📍 15E Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Quan Nem is a great spot if you’re craving something more traditional and local — especially if you love bún chả or seafood spring rolls (nem cua biển). It’s located in District 1, so it’s easy to pop by if you’re exploring central Saigon.
The menu is simple and focused — which usually means they do what they do really well. We came here for lunch and it hit the spot: fragrant grilled pork, crispy spring rolls, and fresh herbs, all served with vermicelli and dipping sauce.
The bún chả here reminded us of Hanoi, but with a Saigon twist. Definitely a comforting, satisfying meal.
It’s a casual spot with air-conditioning (a plus if you're wilting from the heat), and the service was quick and friendly. Great for a no-frills, flavour-packed Vietnamese meal.
Anan Saigon
📍 89 Tôn Thất Đạm, Bến Nghé, Ho Chi Minh City, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
We haven’t had the chance to try Anan Saigon yet — but it’s definitely on our list for next time. This one-Michelin-star restaurant has been making waves for its modern take on Vietnamese street food, helmed by chef Peter Cuong Franklin.
Set inside a repurposed wet market in District 1, the space blends old and new in a way that feels very “new Saigon.” The menu leans creative — think bánh xèo tacos and caviar-topped pho — with a focus on reimagining local flavours through a fine-dining lens.
📝 Tip: It’s a popular spot with limited seating, so best to make a reservation in advance, especially for dinner. There’s also a rooftop bar (Nhau Nhau) upstairs if you want pre- or post-dinner drinks with a view.
Our Favourite Cafés in Ho Chi Minh City
HCMC has a seriously good coffee scene — from hidden alleyway gems to design-forward spaces that make you want to linger. Here are three of our favourite finds:
Oshima’s
📍 2/37 Cao Thắng, Ward 5, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Tucked away in a quiet alley in District 3, Oshima’s feels like the kind of café you only discover if someone tells you about it — or if you’re lucky enough to stumble in. It’s small, cosy, and has a kind of hushed calm that’s perfect for slow mornings or focused work sessions.
We ended up staying here for over two hours catching up on work — the coffee was great, WiFi was solid, and no one rushed us. If you’re a digital nomad or just want a quiet corner with a great brew, this one’s a gem.
Anh Coffee Roastery
📍 200 Pasteur, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
This café makes a statement with its warm terracotta tones and earthy textures — it’s as aesthetic as it is inviting. Located along the bustling Pasteur Street, Anh Coffee Roastery offers both indoor and courtyard seating, and a solid menu of Vietnamese coffee styles and more.
We loved the space for its calm vibe despite being in such a central location. Great spot for a mid-day break if you’re exploring nearby sights.
Rang Rang Coffee
📍 1 Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Rang Rang is set in District 2’s Thao Dien area, known for its slower pace and expat-friendly boutiques. This café has an open, modern design and draws a mix of locals and international creatives.
We popped in before exploring the surrounding neighbourhood — which was full of quaint shops, indie stores, and leafy corners. Definitely worth the trip out if you want to see a different side of HCMC (plus, the coffee here is excellent).
Bars We Liked in Ho Chi Minh
One of our favourite things about Ho Chi Minh? The hidden bar scene. You’ll never know what’s behind that dark alley or unmarked door — and honestly, that’s part of the fun.
Layla – Eatery & Bar
📍 Second floor, 63 Đông Du, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, 700000, Vietnam
Tucked behind a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it alleyway, Layla is a cosy and lively spot with a laid-back charm. The walk there had us wondering if we were lost — but that only made arriving feel like we were in on a secret.
Inside, you’ll find great cocktails, a warm buzz, and an easygoing crowd. Definitely a solid place to start the night.
Summer Experiment
📍 77-79 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
This is Layla’s sister concept, but with a more experimental flair. The drinks here are creative and playful, without being over the top. One standout was a cocktail called Milk Batch Baby — creamy, refreshing, and surprisingly well-balanced. Would absolutely go back just for that.
If you’re into modern mixology and open to trying something new, this one’s for you.
CLAY – Cocktails & Cuisine
📍 18 Đường Số 6, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
CLAY is one of those places that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation — think Bali beach club energy, but nestled by the river in the heart of Thảo Điền. The space is stunning: earthy tones, flowing drapes, lush landscaping, and open-air seating that catches the breeze just right.
It’s definitely one of the more upscale spots in Ho Chi Minh City, perfect for a celebratory dinner or a bougie night out. The cocktails were well-crafted, and the food (a mix of modern Asian and Mediterranean) was plated beautifully.
I found myself saying, “I’d totally throw a birthday party here,” more than once. It just has that vibe — stylish but relaxed, and full of good energy.
Ideal for golden hour drinks, special occasions, or just when you want to treat yourself.
Favourite Massage: Lá Trà Medical Spa
📍 138 Nguyễn Văn Thủ, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Our go-to spot whenever we need a massage fix in Ho Chi Minh City. The space is clean, calm, and tucked away in a quiet stretch of District 1. The therapists are consistently good, and the whole experience always feels relaxing without being overly fussy or over-the-top.
You’ll find everything from traditional Vietnamese massage to aromatherapy and hot stone options — great value for the quality of service. Easy to book via phone or Facebook too.
📝 Tip: If you're heading there on weekends or after work hours, it's best to make a booking in advance — it gets popular with locals too.
Staying Connected: eSIM for Data
I always opt for an eSIM when I travel—it's super easy to set up and activates as soon as you land.
I used Airalo and had no issues with coverage in Ho Chi Minh.
Plans are affordable and easy to top up if needed.
Use my referral code DAPHNI0645 for USD3 off your first purchase (I’ll get USD3 credits when you use my code so it’s a win win!)
Currency & Spending: YouTrip Multi-Currency Wallet
We paid for most things using our YouTrip cards, which saved us money on foreign exchange fees.
You can withdraw up to SGD400/month from overseas ATMs with no extra fees.
After that, a 2% withdrawal fee applies.
Some ATMs may charge an additional local fee (usually minimal).
Ho Chi Minh City Travel FAQs
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We usually stay in District 1 or District 2, depending on what vibe we’re going for.
District 1 is the city centre — close to museums, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Great if it’s your first time or you want to be walking distance to most things.
District 2 (Thao Dien) has a more expat-y, relaxed feel — think leafy streets, chic cafés, wine bars, and boutique shops. A little further out, but a lovely place to wind down.
We like to mix it up depending on the purpose of our trip!
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There are multiple direct flights daily from Singapore Changi Airport to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Flight time is about 2 hours.
Carriers like Scoot, VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, and Singapore Airlines all operate this route, so there’s usually a good range of prices and timings.
📝 Tip: Book early if you’re travelling during weekends or holiday periods — prices can go up fast.
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Yes, generally very safe for travellers. Like in any major city, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded markets or while riding on scooters.
Some local tips:
Avoid showing your phone while walking near the road (snatch thefts can happen).
Stick to trusted rideshare apps like Grab.
At night, just be aware of your surroundings and avoid dimly lit alleys if walking alone.
We’ve always felt comfortable here — just practise the usual city smarts.
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Not at all — that’s part of why we love it.
You can eat very well at local prices or splurge a little on fancy cocktails and wine — and it still costs less than a similar experience in Singapore. Grab rides are cheap, massages are affordable, and even the fancier restaurants are usually worth the price.
It’s a great mix of value and quality.
