Explore Saigon in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Top Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, and More – From Book Boutiques to Jungle Cruises Along the Mekong
Ho Chi Minh City, which stands as Vietnam’s most populated metropolis and primary financial center, is undergoing a remarkable cultural revival characterized by an increase in restaurant and bar establishments along with a surge in tourist arrivals like never before. For those inclined towards luxurious experiences, this development has transformed the city into a premier shopping destination and a focal point for young Vietnamese innovators. These emerging artists and designers are introducing dynamic new venues and boutique shops that paint a vivid picture of what South East Asia could be—a thriving nexus for fashion, art, and design.
Looking for assistance in mapping out your journey through the vast expanse of southern Vietnam but unsure how to begin? We’ve got you sorted.
Linger at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon
Previously known as the InterContinental Saigon, this renowned and centrally situated hotel in Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling District 1 has been reborn under the new banner of JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon just recently. The property now boasts modern amenities including the stylish Driftwood Pool Bar. Located within easy reach of key attractions such as the Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum, it serves as an ideal starting point for newcomers and seasoned travelers alike. Additionally, guests can enjoy premium concierge services along with accommodations at nearby residences featuring fully equipped apartments and suites.
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Although amenities such as Executive Lounge access—which is often a key feature at many Marriott properties—might seem geared primarily toward corporate travelers, this hotel maintains a welcoming atmosphere for families too. Situated on the 19th floor of the Saigon Marriott, the lounge offers an cozy, homelike ambiance where guests can unwind with evening drinks before their next big adventure exploring the city sights.
At the same time, the premium suite on the top floor lives up to its grand title, offering ample space for a family of three—or even four or more—while providing panoramic vistas of the adjacent neighborhood and cityscape. The facilities boast a contemporary and stylish design yet maintain an undeniable touch of classic elegance.
The meal service at this hotel really stands out, making it an essential experience; particularly noteworthy is the banh mi, a must-try local favorite. Should traditional European treats appeal more, then look no further than their exceptional afternoon teas—featuring exquisite miniature cakes and savory bites so visually stunning they seem almost too beautiful to consume. During Lunar New Year festivities, I relished a decadent chocolate ‘red envelope’ dessert included in the specially curated afternoon tea menu, followed by some seasonal macarons available at Market 39, one of the property’s dining venues. The sheer abundance of choices for every conceivable snack elevates this Marriott stay into something extraordinary, highlighting how small details create memorable experiences—a philosophy encapsulated by founder J. Willard Marriott who famously emphasized that "it's the little things that make big things happen."
Grab some reading material from Book Street.
While bookstore tourism has not yet reached the popularity levels seen in art or culinary tours, Ho Chi Minh City’s cozy Book Street offers compelling reasons to organize your next trip centered around literary landmarks. Situated close to notable sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the historic Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, this picturesque street teems with constant activity due to its blend of open-air cafes and independent bookshops. These stores offer an array of Vietnamese publications alongside global blockbusters and elusive treasures—providing a serene escape amidst the bustling surroundings.
Shop at Rue Miche
Thanks to significant support from prominent K-pop stars, Vietnamese fashion designers have recently gained considerable attention. These designers draw inspiration from Generation Z’s favored aesthetics—ranging from flirtatious designs to cutting-edge streetwear. The retail boutique Rue Miche showcases an impressive collection of these brands along with a variety of artistic and cultural events each month. Additionally, they feature a trendy juice bar named Rotten, offering refreshing drinks like cool coconut or pomelo beverages that are perfect for Vietnam’s warm and muggy weather. Who wouldn’t enjoy such delightful refreshments?
Occupying two levels, some of our favorite labels at Rue Miche are from Subtle Le Nguyen, a brand favored by celebrities like Kylie Jenner ; The Moon, made popular by Lisa from Blackpink ; often worn by Vietnam's It girls, was also favored by Beuter.
Dine at Cuc Gach Quan
Cu Gach Quan appears like a concealed treasure at first glance — tucked away in an unassuming spot, lacking a public Instagram presence, and offering minimal details in English on its Facebook page — but it defies that expectation. Featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide, this neighborhood restaurant draws inspiration from traditional Vietnamese rural fare and has become a mainstay in Ho Chi Minh City’s growing culinary landscape over the years. Its extensive menu showcases the remarkable diversity within Vietnam’s gastronomy.
Here you won’t encounter ordinary bowls of pho; instead, you’ll be treated to generous communal plates meant for sharing, like slow-cooked spare ribs and clay pot fish stew—both satisfyingly rich flavors that truly shine when enjoyed together rather than alone. The ambiance adds extra appeal with its inviting decor where patrons immediately sense familiarity upon entry. They’re enveloped by verdant plants, vintage treasures, vibrant paper lanterns, and an exquisite koi pond gracing the front area.
Wrap up your evening with Summer Experiment.
Nestled on the second floor of an inconspicuous structure near the well-known Ben Thanh Market, visitors entering Summer Experiment for the first time may experience surprise at their discovery. Upon entry, one encounters a flourishing garden followed by retro-styled furniture arranged within an industrial setting—elements that collectively shape the establishment’s distinct personality marked by relaxed ambiance yet offering top-notch beverages and customer care.
This does not imply that the cocktails lack intrigue, as they explore indigenous tastes and locally obtained components, reflecting the lush and abundant variety of plants and animals found throughout Vietnam.
Stroll along the shores of Vung Tau
If bustling beach city Da Nang feels overcrowded nowadays, think about heading south to Vung Tau, merely a two-hour journey from central Ho Chi Minh City, for your coastal getaway. Although less developed than its northern counterpart, Vung Tau boasts an unpolished allure and distinctive character ideal for travelers looking for a genuinely Vietnamese vacation.
In contrast to Da Nang, home to large-scale luxurious resorts along the coast, and neighboring Hoi An, whose charm has been somewhat overshadowed by excessive tourism, you won’t encounter many typical tourist attractions here. This small town retains its appeal primarily for local Vietnamese families rather than visitors from abroad.
To immerse yourself in the renowned street life of this nation, stroll alongside the less frequented shorelines where locals come together with their loved ones to enjoy meals and perhaps a drink or two. These expansive sandy stretches are bordered by two picturesque hills known as Big Mountain and Little Mountain, featuring Vietnam’s interpretation of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer monument.
Drift through the Mekong River Delta
Visiting Vietnam isn’t complete without taking a boat tour since the nation’s vast system of waterways has significantly influenced its historical development throughout the ages. Among these, the Mekong stands out as notably remarkable due to being one of Asia's longest rivers, stretching from southwest China into Southeast Asia via Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand before reaching southern Vietnam.
At this location, you will observe tour guides and local Vietnamese traversing the renowned Mekong River Delta using both motorized boats and traditional rowing boats. They navigate through narrow channels shaded by lush fruit trees and pass by bustling floating markets. Despite how touristy these experiences might appear, witnessing firsthand the actual landscape of this area—filled with expansive rice fields and deeply rooted agricultural activities—is truly captivating. This remains true unless you find yourself trying to manage one of the boats on your own.
Gloria Tso remained as a guest at the JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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