French boulevards, smoky temples and the memory of 1975 on the banks of the Saigon River.
Its official name has been Ho Chi Minh City since 1976, but almost everyone still calls the centre Saigon, and since 2025 that is also the official name of the ward that covers it. Between the red-brick cathedral, the palace of 1975, incense-filled pagodas and the pedestrian Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard, three free walking routes let you explore its history, its mysteries and its highlights at your own pace.
Choose your free tour
All routes are free and can be combined. If it’s your first visit, start with the mixed route.
From the war museum to the palace of 1975, from the French cathedral and post office to the wharf where Hồ Chí Minh set sail.
A hotel of correspondents and spies, the most famous photo of 1975 misunderstood, a Virgin who “wept”, a lake built to pin down a dragon and two temples of avenging gods.
Ben Thanh Market's clock, the lotus-shaped tower, Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard, the Opera House, the Majestic and the general pointing to the river.
The map
The routes cross in the old town. Tap a point to see which story awaits you there.
Filled points already have a published article; the rest are in the works.
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Itineraries
We’ve planned it day by day for you: which routes to walk and in what order, what else to see and where to eat.
All three routes in one full day: the highlights, the history and the legends at dusk.
See the itinerary 2A gentler pace: the three routes over two days, plus extra sights and where to eat.
See the itinerary 3The city in depth: one route a day, extra museums and neighbourhoods, and a day for good food.
See the itineraryWhat to eat
The dishes you can’t leave without trying, and the classic spots that have been serving them for years.
The baguette the French left behind, made lighter and crisper and stuffed with pâté, Vietnamese cold cuts, cucumber, coriander, chilli and pickled carrot. Như Lan has been making them opposite the Bitexco tower since 1968: perfect to eat standing up between two stops.
Where to try it
A huge, crisp, golden crêpe of rice flour and turmeric, filled with prawns, pork and bean sprouts. You tear it into pieces, wrap them in mustard leaves and lettuce with herbs and dip them in fish sauce. Number 46A on Đinh Công Tráng, a few minutes from the end of the mystery route, has been frying them in full view for decades.
Where to try it
Cold rice noodles with chargrilled pork, fried spring rolls, peanuts, herbs and a sweet-and-sour fish sauce poured over the top. It is quick and refreshing, ideal for the midday heat; Chị Tuyền's stall on Cô Giang Street is one of the best known.
Where to try it
The national soup: beef broth simmered for hours with star anise and cinnamon, rice noodles and thin slices of meat. In the south it comes with a plate of herbs, bean sprouts and lime so everyone can finish it to taste. Phở Hòa on Pasteur Street has served it since 1968, until late.
Where to try it
Very strong robusta coffee with condensed milk and plenty of ice, the fuel of Saigon. At Cheo Leo, open since 1938 according to the family, it is still brewed through the old cloth filter (cà phê vợt). Have it at breakfast or mid-afternoon, perched on a low stool.
Where to try it
