Walking Routes to Discover Saigon’s Most Beautiful Streets
Some cities are best explored with a map and a plan in hand. Saigon isn’t one of them. Here, the real magic happens when you put your phone in your pocket, let your feet take the lead, and follow the sounds, scents, and colors that drift your way.
You might turn a corner and stumble upon a row of century-old shophouses, their balconies draped with bougainvillea. Or find yourself in the middle of a bustling market, surrounded by the chatter of vendors and the scent of fresh herbs. You might even wander into a quiet alley where time seems to have stopped.
Photo credit: Toplist
If you’re ready to lace up your walking shoes, here are five walking routes that reveal some of Saigon’s most beautiful streets — each with its rhythm, character, and little surprises along the way.
1. Đồng Khởi Street – French Colonial Elegance
If Saigon had a catwalk, Đồng Khởi would be it. This graceful boulevard is lined with some of the city’s most iconic architecture, remnants of the French colonial era that still stand proud today.
As you stroll, the white façade of the Opera House rises ahead, elegant and poised. Around the corner, the Central Post Office — a masterpiece by Gustave Eiffel — welcomes visitors with its arched windows and intricate ironwork. And just a short walk away, the Notre Dame Cathedral’s red bricks glow warmly under the morning light.
Photo credit: Vietnam Trips
The street feels different at different times of day. In the early hours, it’s peaceful, the hum of traffic still gentle. By afternoon, shoppers browse chic boutiques and high-end stores, while in the evenings, the area becomes softly lit and romantic.
• Best time to visit: Early morning for a calm, unhurried atmosphere.
• Photo tip: From Công Xã Paris Square, you can frame the cathedral between leafy trees for a picture-perfect shot.
2. Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street – The City’s Heartbeat
Wide, open, and always buzzing with life, Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street is where Saigon comes to meet, play, and celebrate. Without cars, you can walk freely down its center, taking in the grand City Hall at one end and the Saigon River at the other.
Photo credit: Saco Travel
On weekends and during festivals, the space fills with performances, art displays, and pop-up activities — from breakdancing crews to floral exhibitions.
As the sun sets, the street transforms. Fountains light up in shifting colors, families gather for evening strolls, and couples perch on benches with cups of iced tea. Street performers bring music to the night air, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
• Best time to visit: Sunset into evening, when the lights and energy are at their best.
• Photo tip: Stand at the far end of the boulevard and capture the full view toward City Hall, especially when it’s illuminated.
3. Lê Lợi Street & Bến Thành Market – Bustle and Color
Lê Lợi is a street in motion. With shops, craft stalls, and the constant flow of motorbikes, it’s alive from morning to night. It leads straight to the famous Bến Thành Market, a landmark that’s both a shopping destination and a cultural experience.
Photo credit: MIA.vn
Inside, the air is rich with the scent of spices and dried fruit. Stalls overflow with hand-embroidered tablecloths, lacquerware, and colorful lanterns. Even if you’re not buying anything, the market’s energy is infectious. Outside, vendors offer fresh flowers and souvenirs, while street artists sketch portraits for curious passersby.
• Best time to visit: Late afternoon, when the market is at its liveliest.
• Photo tip: Capture the market’s famous clock tower just as the sky begins to shift into golden hour — the warm light makes the scene even more vivid.
4. Phạm Ngũ Lão & Bùi Viện Walking Street – Backpacker Energy
These streets are the beating heart of Saigon’s backpacker district, a mix of cultures, languages, and personalities. By day, you’ll find travel agencies, affordable hostels, and tiny cafés tucked into unexpected corners. Colorful murals brighten alley walls, and shopfronts display postcards, handmade jewelry, and maps.
Photo credit: hanoimoi.com
When night falls, neon signs flicker to life, and the hum of conversation grows into a lively chorus. Musicians play on street corners, performers juggle fire, and restaurants spill onto the pavement. It’s loud, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating — a place where stories from all over the world seem to converge.
• Best time to visit: Early evening, before Bùi Viện Walking Street becomes too crowded to stroll comfortably.
• Photo tip: After a light rain, the neon lights reflecting on the wet street create a dreamlike photo opportunity.
5. Ho Chi Minh City Book Street – A Literary Stroll
If you prefer a slower pace but still want to be surrounded by life and color, head to Ho Chi Minh City Book Street. Nestled right beside the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, this pedestrian-only street is a paradise for book lovers and curious wanderers alike.
Photo credit: Vntrip
Shaded by tall trees, the street is lined with charming bookshops, cozy cafés, and stalls selling everything from classic Vietnamese literature to beautifully designed postcards. You might spot children sitting cross-legged on the pavement, engrossed in picture books, or friends sipping iced coffee while flipping through their latest finds.
On weekends, the Book Street often comes alive with mini exhibitions, author talks, and interactive activities for all ages. The atmosphere is relaxed yet inspiring — a place where stories seem to float in the air along with the scent of freshly brewed coffee.
• Best time to visit: Late morning, when the street is bright but not too hot, and the cafés are just beginning to fill.
• Photo tip: Stand at the end of the street facing the Post Office to capture the colorful book displays framed by the soft green of the surrounding trees.
Extra Tips for Walking in Saigon
A few simple tips can make your stroll through Saigon even more enjoyable:
• Dress light: Saigon can be hot and humid, so breathable fabrics are your best friend.
• Stay hydrated: Always carry a bottle of water.
• Mind the motorbikes: Even in pedestrian areas, a motorbike might surprise you.
• Take your time: The beauty of walking here is in the details — the scent of incense drifting from a temple, the shadow of an old tree on the pavement, the laughter of children playing on the sidewalk.
Walking in Saigon isn’t just about getting from one place to another — it’s about feeling the city’s heartbeat under your feet. Each street has its own story, whether it’s told through architecture, the people you meet, or the small, unexpected scenes that catch your eye.
So, next time you’re here, skip the rush. Let the streets guide you. And if you’re planning to stay nearby, Kin Hotel is just a short walk from some of these beautiful streets, making it easy to step out and explore the city at your own pace.
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