One Day in Ho Chi Minh City: A Journey Through History, Flavor, and Atmosphere

Ho Chi Minh City is a place where culture, history, and gastronomy blend seamlessly. In just one day, you can admire colonial architecture, experience the spirit of old Saigon, savor unique coffee, and stroll through streets where books are still cherished. My adventure began in District 1, the heart of the city. First Stop: GIÁO XỨ CHỢ ĐŨI - NHÀ THỜ HUYỆN SĨ 📍 Số 1 Tôn Thất Tùng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, TP.HCM This neo-Gothic Catholic church, with its red-tiled roof and serene atmosphere, feels like a peaceful escape from the bustling city. A hidden gem where time seems to slow down. Coffee Break at Little Hanoi 📍 Little Hanoi - Matcha Egg Coffee and Cold Tea Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for coffee lovers, and here I discovered a new favorite: matcha egg latte and cold tea—a perfect duo, especially in the tropical heat. The friendly café owner even gifted me a small magnet, a thoughtful touch to remember this stop. A Hidden Gem: Đền thánh Mattheu Lê Văn Gẫm 📍 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City A small yet charming temple, often overlooked by tourists. It’s places like this that reveal the true soul of the city. Notre-Dame Cathedral (Under Renovation) 📍 01 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh This iconic cathedral, a legacy of French colonial architecture, remains a landmark even as it undergoes restoration. Though wrapped in scaffolding, its grandeur is undeniable. Saigon Central Post Office 📍 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh Walking into this post office feels like stepping back into the 19th century. I sent a postcard—a little piece of today’s adventure to a future moment somewhere in the world. Nguyen Van Binh Book Street – A Cultural Haven 📍 Đường sách Nguyễn Văn Bình, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, TP. HCM Here, books are more than just items for sale; they are a way of life. People sit, read, discuss literature—proof that in this fast-paced world, some traditions endure. Lunch at AKA RYU 📍 74 Nguyễn Du, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, TP. HCM For lunch, I chose Aka Ryu, a sophisticated Japanese restaurant serving fresh seafood and beautifully presented dishes. A perfect midday recharge. Tân Định Church – The Pink Cathedral 📍 289 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường 8, Quận 3, TP. HCM Straight out of a fairytale, this vibrant pink church is one of the most photogenic spots in the city. It looks almost surreal in real life, and no picture can truly capture its charm. Cong Cafe – Coffee with a Star 📍 26 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, TP. HCM A legendary café with a nostalgic, wartime-inspired atmosphere. I ordered their famous coffee with a star—rich, bold, and with a caramel-like aftertaste. Walking Back Through Bùi Viện Street 📍 Đường Bùi Viện, Quận 1, TP. HCM This street never sleeps. Neon lights, live music, and buzzing energy contrast sharply with the peaceful morning I had. But that’s the magic of Ho Chi Minh City!#localguides #historicallandmarks #deliciousfood