No.42 Nguyen Hue Coffee Apartment – A one-of-a-kind building in downtown Saigon.

If you are searching for the best photogenic spots in Ho Chi Minh City, never skip the 60-year-old building on No.42 Nguyen Hue Walking Street. What turns such an antiquated building into the trendiest place in all of Saigon? It’s the perfect combination of a youthful Saigon vibe with the timeless, nostalgic beauty that makes Building No. 42 stands out among other places. Come here to capture the best scenes of Saigon onto your Instagram, to shop until you drop and to fill your taste buds with endless food and coffee. Let this article guide you on your exploration into this spot, and take away plentiful recommendations for fun activities to do while you are here. 

From a 60-year-old building to the coolest address on Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Building No. 42 charms visitors at the first look with its glorious history. Back in the Vietnam War when Saigon was the capital of Southern Vietnam, the nine-storey building at no. 42 Nguyen Hue Street housed many top-ranking government officers, including Truong Buu Khanh – the first secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, as well as countless American military advisors, thanks to the central location.

When the Fall of Saigon in 1975 came, the building’s honored days slowly faded away. As Vietnam thrives in the world’s economy, skyscrapers rise higher and higher to take over the sky of Ho Chi Minh City, which turns the old apartment building into a dwarf among giants. After decades, time stained every corner of Building No. 42, from the dimly lit entrance with interlacing electrical wires to yellow brick walls with peeling paint and the twisting French-style staircase. Every breath inside the building gives you such a strong nostalgic feeling from a chaotic era. 

The building revived its fame in an unexpected event in 2015. Due to the high rental fee in the city centre, small coffee shops and fashion boutiques turned their eyes to the old building No. 42. A wave of renovation hit the building quickly, and when Nguyen Hue Walking Street was open to the public, Building No. 42 also went viral on social media for its brand new appearance: a hip complex filled with nearly 30 coffee stores, fashion boutiques and other independent stores, each with a unique concept and Instagram-worthy atmosphere. The building engages hundreds of local people and tourists every day from morning ‘till dawn, and is now considered as the coolest address on Nguyen Hue walking street. 

Once you start your journey here, prepare to be confused since the 1st floor is occupied entirely by Fahasa – a renowned chain of bookstores in Vietnam. The diminutive entrance is on the left of the book store. Now squeeze yourself to make your way through vehicles and the flow of people in and out of the building. Visitors can either wander floor by floor on the stone staircase or pay 3.000 VND to use the elevator, which will be reimbursed by some shops. The exciting area starts on the 2nd floor.

Among 3 sections of the building, section A is where most stores locate, thanks to the good view looking down to Nguyen Hue walking street and the Saigon river. Section B is a little more hidden than section A, but it still attracts a good amount of businesses due to spacious apartments. Residents remain in section C as apartments are not favorable for renovation. 

While most stores open every day from 8 A.M to 10 P.M, the building is busiest in the evening. It’s the best time to see the building glows in the beautiful light from balconies and decorative billboards. If you want to explore every corner of the building, it may take most of the day. To save your time, here’s a list of what visitors usually do when visiting the building, from the most frequent activity to the unexpected ones. 

Fill your social media news feed with fancy photos at No. 42 Nguyen Hue 

Whether you’re a fan of photography, or you just want to share some beautiful holiday moments on social media, Building No. 42 is a must-go place for you. It’s not exaggerating to say that the building is filled with Instagram-worthy backgrounds. The most photo-taken spot is not anywhere inside, but the outer view of the whole building when looking up from Nguyen Hue walking street, especially at night when the building sparkles in the light of lanterns, hanging naked light bulbs, neon lights, billboards and decorating signs. The building’s cubic-like frame with evenly square balconies makes it look like a chocolate box full of tastes and styles. 

Inside the building, artistic layouts can be spotted anywhere, from the fuzzy tiled corridors, tarnished window frames to rusty apartment doors. Before settling inside any shop, do take some photos in the hallway.  The most recommended background is the corridor of the 4th floor where a little tropical garden flourishes in the middle of the building. Or opt to the 6th floor to be surrounded in a Hoi An atmosphere with bright yellow walls and hanging lanterns all along the aisle. Even the elevator lobbies can become a hip background with different signs, billboards and maps of floors.

Now you have to make a hard decision of which store to step inside because all stores in Building No. 42 deserve the praise for their aesthetic interior. Most well-known cafés to Instagrammers include Partea, The Maker Concept, and The Letter Cafe. Partea is a classic English teahouse that actualizes every girl’s dream of living in a castle with royal-like decoration, while The Maker Concept’s industrial décor focuses on the chic, modern and somewhat minimalist style. Otherwise, come to The Letter Café to stay on a tranquil oasis in the middle of the chaotic Saigon, thanks to the elegant Hoi An influenced decoration. 

After visiting beautiful stores recommended above, let’s step out to the balconies and take a look. From there you’ll get an overview of the busy walking street, Saigon River in a far sight and some iconic skyscrapers of Ho Chi Minh city. Buihaus Coffee & Workshop on the 7th floor or Boo Café on the 9th floor are most frequently visited for their spacious and wide-angled balconies, which is suitable to set up a good photo.

If you are an active Instagrammer, check out our recommendations for more Instagram-worthy places around Ho Chi Minh city. 

Taste all the signature drinks of Saigon/ Vietnam in the Coffee Apartment

Building No. 42 is called “the Coffee Apartment” for a reason. What makes people so excited about No. 42 is that the complex offers customers various drinks with different tastes in one place. Here you’ll find people filling all seats in these cafés every day, mostly youngsters who not only want to have a good drink but also look for a cool place to hang out, socialize and date. Here in Building No. 42, all of their needs are fulfilled. 

For coffee addicts, you’ll have a hard time choosing a café in the building, because each store has their signature drinks that you don’t want to miss. To have a taste of Saigon style coffee, try Sai Gon Oi on the 5th floor. This shop has some different versions of the iconic ca phe sua da (Saigon iced milk coffee). A small detail that many customers like in this store is cute little name tags stuck onto your cup. The store also serves light desserts but we believe the true reason to visit is the drinks. 

On the same floor, you can find Nau Saigon Café, a cool place to try some unique Vietnamese coffee such as egg coffee, foam milk coffee, or coconut coffee. Egg Coffee is quite famous in Vietnam and worth trying for any newcomers to unique Vietnam’s coffee universe. Don’t hesitate of the bizarre combination of whisked egg yolk layered on top of black coffee, because it’s likely that you’ll crave for the creamy, tasty flavour of the drink.

A tip for Instagram enthusiasts: Check out Thinker & Dreamer on the 4th floor. The drinks in this shop are famous for being Instagram-worthy. If you see a small camera icon on the menu, it means the drinks are “good for taking photos”. Their drinks range from classic coffee like espresso or cappuccino to other popular drinks such as juices and tea. The combination of their tastes and looks is worth the price.

For tea lovers, there are two addresses that you shouldn’t miss in this building: Partea on the 4th floor and Orientea on the 7th floor. Partea is considered as a fairy house in the middle of this tropical city. Customers are deeply in love with the royal-like ambience of the store, besides the extensive choice for tea flavours. You can even choose your own teacup from the store’s huge display of vintage utensils.  

Orientea, as suggested in the name, is a place to taste oriental tea, mostly from Japan and China. The store receives positive reviews on the tranquil atmosphere and unique, delicate tea flavours. This is an ideal place to find a peaceful moment or to enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony. 

To cool down the heat of Saigon, don’t forget to check out Mango Tree on the 3rd floor and taste the store’s most recommended beverage: Mango Snowflake – a Korean famous drink/ dessert called bingsu, made from shaved ice topped with fruits, syrup and condensed milk. The dessert is famous for melting down in your mouth at the first bite. Eating a full bowl of bingsu guarantees to give you a shiver even on a blistering hot day. Other places of Saigon may also have bingsu, but  is notable for special flavours from coffee, bubble milk tea to durian. 

Fill your empty stomach with tastes from East to West

There are fewer restaurants in Building No. 42 than cafés, but almost all of them receive positive feedbacks for their quality and service. One thing for sure is whether you are into Eastern or Western cuisine, Building No. 42 has it all to offer. 

Start from the 2nd floor at Poke Saigon where you’ll find tasty Hawaiian seafood. This is the first restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City that serves Poke – a popular appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine, composed of raw fish, salad, toppings and sauces, which tastes fresh and healthy. This restaurant is suitable for any meal in a day thanks to its diverse menu. Those who have a vegetarian or gluten-free diet can easily choose a dish from many options.  A great thing in Poke Saigon that many customers love is that you can create your own poke flavour from unlimited toppings and sauces.  

On the 3rd floor is the right place for people who look for a European taste, with Dosh and Downtown Steakhouse. Dosh is a perfect bakery for your sweet tooth. Doughnuts are must-try when you are here because of their unbelievable soft and tender taste. Besides doughnuts, freak shakes are highly recommended, both for the taste and the Instagrammable look. Since its opening, Dosh has been one of the top-ranking bakeries in Saigon and received much attention.  Downtown Steakhouse is lesser-known, but all reviews about this restaurant are compliments for their tasty food. As suggested in the name, the restaurant’s main dish is American steaks and grills that satisfies your taste and vision. With delicious food, great outdoor setting, helpful service and affordable price, Downtown Steakhouse is worth visiting, especially suitable for dating and couples’ night-outs. 

For fans of Italian cuisine, head to 8IELTS Café on the 4th floor. The good view and arty décor with beautiful wall drawings is the most significant feature of 8IELTS. The menu composes of general Italian food such as pizza and pasta. The price and customer service in this café receive mixed reviews but are still acceptable on the average. A good thing to note down is 8IELTS offers a generous weekly discount program every Wednesday and the cafe frequently throws live music nights.   

If you have had enough of Western food, look for Michi Sushi on the 7th floor. Their menu covers a broad range in Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi (a delicacy made from raw sliced meat or fish and served with soy sauce), teriyaki (broiled or grilled meat with a glaze of mirin, soy sauce and sugar), udon (Japanese noodles) and some Western – Japanese combined dishes. The food in Michi Sushi is praised for its freshness and delicate preparation. The price is reasonable with frequent discount programs, making Michi Sushi one of the busiest stores in Building No. 42. 

Lastly, for those who want to try Vietnamese food, Saigon Vieux on the 2nd floor and Sai Gon Oi on the 5th floor are the places to go. Both cafes offer some traditional Vietnamese and Saigon dishes. While Saigon Vieux has a more diverse menu which is suitable for any meal in the day, Sai Gon Oi is better to grab a quick brunch.   

Have a shopping spree at this vintage shopping centre

When it comes to shopping, Building No. 42 confidently beats down other luxurious shopping malls for its dynamic atmosphere. Fashionaholics dash down here to search for trendiest, one-of-a-kind items. Young local designers find No. 42 a heavenly place to start up and promote their styles. Both result in No. 42 becomes a fashion treasure where new boutiques pop up frequently and customers can dive into various choices on a budget. What’s more, shopaholics crave for the aesthetic atmosphere not any less than clothes. Since social media is the main marketing platform of all start-ups here, shop owners strive to make every corner in their stores picturesque. All in combination makes a shopping spree in Building No. 42 definitely worth your time. 

A small thing to keep in mind: clothing stores in Building No. 42 are mainly for female customers with standard Asian sizes, so don’t be surprised if you struggle to find a fit item. In that case, look for accessories, such as cool bags or jewels because you won’t be disappointed. Below are some recommendations for stores you should swing by. 

For those who favour a minimalist style, Hayho Concept on the 2nd floor definitely wins your heart. Hayho Concept claims to serve customers “classic basics clothing with a twist”. The store sells men and women’s fashion clothes with uniquely designed embroidery and high-quality material. Customers usually look for cool T-shirts and polo shirts when they come here. For couples: don’t forget to dig into their T-shirt section and find some cool matching outfits as the store provides plentiful unisex items at all sizes. 

To complete your minimalism – inspired look, head to a Scandinavian style store named The E.Y.E Saigon on the 4th floor. The artistic decor and display charm your eyes at first sight. Even though all products are plain black and white tote bags, they can add flavour to your outfit with creative designs, printings and unique slogans. The brand’s mission is to proudly promote sustainable buying habit and showcase Vietnamese culture through modern fashion. The store also offers good quality, stylish white tees and chic wall prints that are worth considering. 

For girls who look for a feminine outfit, try Cosette or Chanchan. Cosette is a Vietnamese designer brand that emphasizes the classy beauty of vintage clothing. Their target customers are young office ladies who love to be trendy, yet maintain their formal and professional look.  If you adore the ao dai of Vietnam, do put this store onto your bucket list when you come to No. 42 as they offer a good selection of traditional, elegant ao dai styles. 

Come to Chanchan to find some funky pieces with gorgeous designs and nice materials. The store aims to customers who are into a somewhat casual and colourful style. Their most sold items are lovely dresses with nice cut-outs and tropical designs that brighten up your look. If you happen to come here around the Vietnamese New Year, you should also look for their very cool section of modern and chic ao dai designs.

Now let’s spice your outfit up with some cool accessories from Buom Boutique or The Maker Showroom. At Buom Boutique, take a look of their wide selection of various Japanese clothes and handmade accessories, from kimono, silk tank tops to wooden sandals and seagrass handbags. At The Maker Showroom, try out plentiful hip products from backpacks to jewellery and even designed phone cases. It’s pretty hard to step out of the building without one or two items from these cool fashion stores. 

There are still many other things to do here

Now, just when you think that you have known everything about this building, it still has more to offer. Besides eating and drinking, many cafes define themselves as co-working space and provide a great environment for freelancers or anyone who simply needs to make something done. Famous cafés that are dedicated to working or study space include The Maker Concept, Buihaus Coffee & Workshop and Thinker & Dreamer. Other cafés are also fine for working, except for busy hours in the evening. 

For beauties, don’t forget to wander around some beauty stores in the building, such as Naunau DIY Studio on the 5th floor. This cosmetics brand allows you to make your own beauty products, from handmade beauty soaps to your personally designed perfume, all with natural, eco-friendly ingredients. 

One thing for sure is that the business in Building No. 42 is competitive and frequently changing with more and more creative, unique stores pop up to the display, so the next time you visit it, prepare to discover some new and cool places.

The undefined future of Building No. 42 

Despite many compliments, the building has some drawbacks. Since apartment owners renovated it individually, the building lacks systematic management and organization, which makes common services, such as parking and using the elevator, quite low quality. The common areas are not taken care of, which leads to complaints as “dirty and messy”. The run-down construction of this 60-year-old building brought a huge concern to both residents and customers about its safety. Moreover, turning apartments into business is actually illegal and a notice of eviction has been made to shut down the business here, though the government hasn’t taken any strong action yet.

While the future of Building No. 42 Nguyen Hue Walking Street is unclear, business still prospers with new stores opening every month or so. Rumour has it that the building will soon be demolished, but until that day, No. 42 stays as the coolest address on Nguyen Hue Street and one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Check it out as soon as you can, before this unique place becomes the past. 

See Full Article Here: 42 Nguyen Hue Coffee Apartment

As a local who has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for more than 20 years, I have to admit that that Saigon can be a bit dirty sometimes. Like most developing cities in the world household litter and air pollution are problematic. In fact, a majority of the problems and complaints by residents in Vietnam could be solved by not littering.

Is Ho Chi Minh City Dirty? No, Saigon is kept pretty clean despite its population and the amount of littering that happens daily. Tourist attractions and the center of the city are kept extremely clean compared to more local areas of the city. The city government has been trying their best to improve the hygiene and sanitation of the whole city in recent years. The efforts include placing public trash bins at the intersections and hiring sweepers to clean the streets have been paying off.

Although littering, air pollution, and flood are the main factors making the city dirty, it is not as bad as you would think. District 1 where people are better educated is generally cleaner than District 12 for example, but market areas near the bus station at September 23 Park, which is also in District 1, is dirty. Pollution is a global problem that all major cities around the world have to deal with on a daily basis. Don’t expect Ho Chi Minh City to be as clean as Singapore, but it is comparable to Bangkok. This city isn’t dirty enough to avoid visiting like some places in the world that have a reputation for this.

District 1, 3, and the center of the city are kept clean and nice

Littering is banned at popular places and tourist attractions in the city. If you are visiting Museums, pagodas, and cathedrals around the city you can expect nice clean areas. There is some littering that is annoying around areas like the Opera House and Nguyen Hue walking street because of young vietnamese who aren’t cleaning up after their small get togethers. The city does a great job of getting these places cleaned up during the night though.

Bui Vien Street and Pham Ngu Lao Street are generally clean. The streets are crowded by heavy traffic during rush hour, which is around 5pm – 6.30pm. Also when there is a music event going on in the Park, the street will be so loud at night. It is great for partying but you should beware of the inevitable trash, littering, dust, smoke, and graffiti that comes hand in hand with partying and backpacker areas around the world.

Sanitation in the city is nice. Public toilets such as the ones on September 23rd Park near the backpacker area are kept clean. When using them, it is best to bring toilet paper yourself in case they are out and there isn’t a bum gun. You should also prepare some small money like 5000 VND for the donation box in front of most public toilets. This donation rule works for other public toilets in Ho Chi Minh City too.

Littering

Ho Chi Minh City has a beautiful skyline sitting right along the Saigon river that is very charming.  The patchwork of different color houses sitting like a quilt spread out for kilometers in every direction is also breathtaking. When you get a closer look on the streets though, trash and dirt can be found in small alleys, sidewalks, canals, and parks. This sort of litter can come with the territory in certain areas of the city. The city averages a whopping 8,700 tons of household garbage everyday which can create some sanitation problems in smaller unnoticed or maintained areas.

Littering in Ho Chi Minh City, all over Vietnam for that matter, is an unfortunate problem that is very common. The government is doing a great job of educating the youth of Vietnam to be more aware of our environment but the older generation can still be seen littering with no remorse. There have been recent movement in the past few years to educate the older generation to take care about the environment which seems to be gaining some traction.

There will be a difference between someone throwing their plastic single use cup in a plastic bag into the river, when compared to the trash you see sitting under the trees when you walk along the sidewalks. The trash under the trees is actually the neighborhood spot for placing household garbage. Everynight Ho Chi Minh City sanitation workers, clean up every street collecting this trash. So placing it under the tree, electric pole, or lamp post is just a collection point for the city sanitation crew. This shouldn’t be confused with careless littering.

Recycling isn’t implement in Vietnam like other countries around the world. Even though people tried to separate waste into different trash bins, staff from environmental companies still mix them together before sending them to the city’s dump sites.

Trash in markets and vendors

Most people go shopping at markets rather than supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City because they can find fresh ingredients with cheaper prices. However, the hygiene is not guaranteed as the waste and garbage can be found all over local markets. Most vendors do not throw rubbish into bins. They just simply throw their rubbish into the gutters or directly to the ground under their stalls. The trash includes plastic bags, food scraps, rotten veggie, cigarette butts, and tissues. Only when the sellers need to close their stall they sweep the floor, collect trash, put them in big plastic bags and throw them at a collection point at the rear of the market.

These vendors aren’t as dirty as it sounds, personally I feel most vendors are doing their best to keep things sanitary, but at the end of the day it is what it is. These markets are unique tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City because people can enjoy local food from people peddling their wares. 

Despite the fact that selling on sidewalks are banned by the government, local people still do these small businesses illegally to make a living. Sometimes you will witness vendor owners running away from police, or when you are enjoying your meal the vendor will make a quick dash down the street and you are left alone and confused.

Flooding in the city

This may be a blessing to any traveller who wants a great and unique local experience in the city, but it’s always painful for us locals. Flooding in the city during the rainy season is a nightmare to every citizen. It is annoying not just because of trash floating on the street, but it’s also an inconvenience afterwards. When the water level is above your knees, travelling around the city becomes harder than ever. The car and motorbike engines stopping in the middle of the street leads to prolonged traffic jams. Some people have to push their motorbikes by hands, while others trip and fall after riding on flooded potholes they can’t see. 

Even if you are not living in the flooded area, you may deal with difficulties as well. Traffic jams usually occur in the whole city when there is flooding anywhere in the downtown area.

The main reason for flooding is uncontrollable littering by us locals. The drains are choked up with garbage, river runoff is slowed down because of household trash, giving rainwater no way to escape from the city. Therefore, if you visit the city during the rainy season which is from May to November, you should really bring a raincoat, waterproof accessories and flip flops to prevent you from getting wet

Optimism of people even in such situations may surprise you and make you want to visit the city anyway. Some visitors and citizens found this entertaining. When it rains, fish in canals swim to the streets and people try to catch them. Some travelers really enjoy this that they even go kayaking in the middle of the city.

Air pollution

Most cities in the world presumably face this problem. It is no doubt that the overpopulated city like Ho Chi Minh is in the same situation. Heavy traffic, smoke, dust, and air pollution is a part of citizen’s daily life. In sunny season from December to April the air pollution is even worse in the sunlight.

Trucks carrying cattle or fish sauce is another cause of air pollution, but you can only see them in the suburb areas of Ho Chi Minh City like District 12. 

The mentioned factors are the reason why you should wear face masks and sunglasses when walking down the street in Ho Chi Minh City. They don’t just keep you from sneezing but also protect you from respiratory diseases and other kinds of sickness. 

We hope this article answers your question about the cleanliness and safety of Ho Chi Minh City. This is my home, and it is surprisingly clean even though there are many sanitation issues that our city faces with such a large population. I feel that most travellers visiting Ho Chi Minh City will feel the same.

Read More Here: Is Ho Chi Minh City Dirty?

It’s not always easy to explore Saigon under this unbeatable heat, and sometimes a quick ice cream stop can be the best way to refresh yourself and have enough energy for your adventures here. Fortunately, with a summer all year round, Ho Chi Minh City is packed with desserts places, Ice cream stands or local traditional Vietnamese sweets. In our latest video we decided to have a look at our favorite desserts to try in Saigon, and where to get them. Keep scrolling for the addresses!

#5 Kem Nhãn Chú Tám, 2 Trương Hàn Siêu Street, District 1

#4 Chè Cô Giang, 85 Cô Giang Street, District 1

#3 Trái Cây Tô, 177 Lý Tự Trọng Street, District 1

#2 Thế Giới Tàu Hủ, 164 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, District 1

#1 Kem Dừa Thái Cà-Rem, 241 Cách Mạng Tháng 8 Street, District 3.

What’s your favorite desserts in Ho Chi Minh City? We definitely have something for that “Chè”!

See Full Article Here: The Best Desserts in Ho Chi Minh City

We decided to have a look at a cheaper selection of accommodation in Ho Chi Minh city. As always this is only based on our opinion nor this is a sponsored article/video by any of these hotels. Check out the video for our top 5 best value hotels in Saigon , and scroll down below for the list of addresses:

#5 GK Central Hotel, 92 Ly Tu Trong Street,

#4 Ruby River, 59 Nguyen Thai Binh Street,

#3 Liberty Green View, 187 Pham Ngu Lao Street,

#2 Duc Vuong Hotel, 195 Bui Vien Street,

#1 Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa, 289 Ly Tu Trong Street.

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more videos about Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnamese street food coming soon! If you are interested in boutique hotels check out our article about the Top 5 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Originally Published Here: The Best Value Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Although you can’t find this on our Food Tour, We decided to give it a go and show people what it is all about.

Back in December we decided it was time to try one of the most bizarre Vietnamese street-food ever, the coconut worm (đuông dừa or Live Larvae Coconut Worm). The (Its poetic name given by the scientist community) is a relatively large beetle living in the forest of South East Asia, a real threat for plantations as it lays its eggs inside palm and coconut trees which can be completely eaten from the inside by the larvae. Yet this worm is considered as a delicacy in South Vietnam for its sweet coconut taste and is usually eaten alive with chili sauce:

So what do you think of the Vietnamese coconut worm? Have you ever tried some of the other bizarre Vietnamese food, such as the balut (hột vịt lộn, the infamous duck embryo) or the Tiết canh (Vietnamese blood soup)? Tell us in the comments below!

Article Source Here: Eating Live Larvae Coconut Worm – Bizarre Vietnamese Street-Food

We serve vegetarians on our and our Tours every day. We know how important it is for Vegetarian and vegan travellers to find some delicious local food that caters to their lifestyle.

Our goal as always is to provide travelers with the best spots for various Vietnamese street food or activities here in Saigon. One that was probably requested the most was a Top 5 vegetarians restaurants in this city. Finding 5 places for great vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh City was not too much a challenge for us, and more an excellent opportunity for delicious food. Below is our video with the Top 5 Vegetarian restaurants in Saigon, scroll down below for the list of addresses to the top Vegan Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City!

Vegetarian Restaurant Ho Chi Minh Top 5 Recommendations

#5 Cơm Chay Mani, 291/2 Võ Văn Tần Street, District 3

#4 Rou Vegetarian Restaurant, 37B Cô Bắc Street, District 1

#3 3 Lá Restaurant, 32A Cao Bá Nhạ Street, District 1

#2 Bông Súng, 86 Nguyễn Du Street, District 1
(dishes in the thumbnails are Phở Cuốn, Diếp Cuốn, Gỏi Bắp Chuối Chiên, Cơm Trộn Bông Súng, Bún Chả Giò)

#1 Hum, 32 Võ Văn Tần Street, District 1.

Have you tried any of these restaurants? which one was your favorite ? Let us know in the comments below!

Read More Here: The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

In this cooking video you will learn how to cook a Vietnamese sate sauce (Sa Tế). Check out the video and the list of ingredients right below! 🙂

List of ingredients needed to cook a Vietnamese Sate sauce

4 stalks lemongrass
3 asian shallots or 1 large french shallot
6 cloves of garlic
1 1/2 Tbsp. Annatto Seeds
1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. Sugar
2 Tbsp. Vietnamese Fish Sauce
2 Red Finger Chilis
4 Tbsp of Stock or Water
1 Cup of Oil

Have you tried to cook a Vietnamese Sate sauce? Let us know in the comments below!

Originally Published Here: How to cook a Vietnamese Sate Sauce

Saigon is absolutely wonderful at night. Between the energy, lights, traffic, and tons of people who are finding their way through the city after the sun goes down. Even though there are plenty of bars for you to wander in and out of making new friends and having drinks, the part of Saigon at night that is truly special can be found at the parks and outside the more accessible famous sightseeing destinations in Ho Chi Minh Ciy. What is so special about these places at night? It is the students of Saigon all sitting around each other with makeshift seating arrangements sharing food and drinks. They don’t want to spend money to go to a coffee shop, movie, or hooka lounge. Why do that when you can sit down with your friends for free and share your stories over some wonderful street snacks for the cost of 30,000 VND.

If you are looking to experience this energy that I am speaking of you can easily go to the park across the street from the famous sightseeing monument, Notre Dame Cathedral. There you will find what the kids have dubbed “cà phê bệt” which translates roughly to “Sit on your Butt Coffee”. You have to love that!

Here the students will be sharing different street foods from Corn stir fried with dried shrimp (Bap Xao), Grilled Rice Paper AKA Vietnamese Pizza(Banh Trang Nuong), or Rice Paper Salad with Dried Beef (Banh Trang Nuong). Now as the name might suggest they do serve coffee in this area but the young people of Vietnam might choose to split a soft drink. Sting seems to be a drink that is seen a lot at these no frills get togethers.

Some might say that you could experience this same energy in the Backpacker area called Bui Vien. Not for me though. These small on the street with no stool meetings of hopes, dreams, and pure silliness between the Vietnamese are much more insightful into what Vietnam really is over an overcrowded area like Bui Vien.

So while you are travelling here, I dare you to take a step out of the norm and go visit one of these sit on your butt and chat affairs to experience the true energy of Saigon’s youth. No worries, as a lot of them will speak a decent amount of English. If you haven’t participated in a showing of true Vietnamese hospitality yet, you are in for a surprise. They will honestly be interested in who you are, where you’re from, and what your observation of their country is. Wanting nothing in return except for your company, to break bread, and share a coffee together as you humbly rest your butt on streets of Ho Chi Minh City at Night.

Cafe Bet

Located just across the street from the Notre Dame Cathedral at the park. You can find the park at the cross street of Pasteur and Han Thuyen. Just take a seat wherever you think you might be comfortable, a vendor will soon be by to take your order. “Cafe Sua Da” is always a good choice in my opinion.

Turtle Lake

Situated in the round about where Pham Ngoc Thach and Tran Cao Van meet this offers a scenic view along with lots of Vietnamese Street Food Vendors selling excellent street food. Don’t forget to ask about the vendor across the street who sells an excellent coconut ice cream with Dried cherries and banana’s.

Opera House

This is a prime example of “if you build it they will come”, make shift seating arrangements are made all along the Opera House around 8 PM at night by students and young people enjoying drinks and the energy of downtown Saigon. Not much street food to enjoy here but still an interesting sight.

Thu Thiem Tunnel

Just across the river in District 2 the government has turned what was once Slums into beautiful parks. This features a great view of the city with numerous street food carts set up selling everything the heart might desire.

The Eiffel Bridge

Little known fact that this is the only remaining bridge in Vietnam that was built by the once famous Eiffel company. Across the road canal in District 4 young and older couples gather here to enjoy the view of the canal while holding each other tight. With benches set up along some small park like area’s it is easy to find seating that is not on the ground.

If you would like to enjoy an experience like this with a little help, you should check out Saigon Night City Tour or Saigon Street Food Tour at Night.

Read More Here: Top 5 places for a Night Time Local Experience in Ho Chi Minh City

Located in the Mekong River delta, 87 km to the west of Ho Chi Minh City. It takes only 2 hours to travel by bus from Saigon. As a result, Ben Tre has been attracting lots of tourists with its natural landscapes and culinary diversity. Tourism is new for Ben Tre, hospitality businesses are not fully developed to handle the demands and expectations of customers. That’s why tourists are often struggling when searching for the most suitable places to stay in this large “land of the coconut”.

“Where should I stay in Ben Tre?” can be regarded as one of the most asked questions of many tourists planning their trip to Ben Tre. To ensure the most comfortable experience, reserving the most suitable accommodation will help you save a lot of time and money. Ben Tre has three areas to choose from for your stay which are the city center, outer districts, or in a resort. What I hope to do in this blog is to give you an overview of the most favourable areas in Ben Tre regarding price, convenience, and activities. You can pick the most favourable place that best matches your itinerary.

Are there many places to stay in Ben Tre province?

Compared to other cities in Vietnam, Ben Tre province has limited selection when it comes to accommodation. Tourist attractions are located far away from each other making it difficult for tourists to know where to stay. The best area to stay in Ben Tre is gonna depend on your personal interests and budget. I’m gonna break down all the options to help you choose the best location for your stay in Ben Tre.

What area to stay in Ben Tre if you travel for only 1 day?

The best area when staying one day in Ben Tre is to stay in the center of the city. There are plenty of options for accommodation, ranging from low-price guest houses, friendly homestays, luxurious hotels, and small resorts. This area is a very popular in Ben Tre, with lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping. Walking is extremely convenient so you won’t need to hire extra transportation compared to staying outside of the city center.

In the center of the city, there are two streets where most of the actions take place. Dong Khoi Street is where many restaurants, karaokes, and bars are located for late night fun. Hung Vuong Street is home to the famous Ben Tre Night Market along with almost all of the 4 star and above hotels. This street is also running along the beautiful riverside making it scenic for a night out taking photos.

Located in one of the main hubs in Ben Tre – Dong Khoi Street, Mekong Hotel & Restaurant is a sound option. This hotel has a great combination of location and simplicity for such a reasonable price. At only $10-$35 per night, this might be a steal for travelers on a budget.

Address: 232-239/A1 – Dong Khoi Street, Phu Tan Ward, Ben Tre City

Website: http://bentremekonghotels.com/

Contact: 02753837179

Price: $7-$30

Another alternative is Viet Uc Hotel located right next to Ben Tre Night Market and 5-min walk from the shopping mall. Being one of the first 3-star hotels in Ben Tre, Viet Uc Hotel is still in tourists’ favorite list thanks to its consistent quality and friendly service. The rooms in Viet Uc will be simple, clean, and neat but don’t expect too much in the way of luxury. Growing up in Ben Tre, this was known by everyone as the best hotel in our city for years! There have been nicer accommodations that have come in recent years but this is still a favorite.

Address: 114 Hung Vuong Street, Ward 3, Ben Tre City

Website: http://hotelvietuc.com/

Contact: 02753511888

Price: $23-$87

If you are searching for a resort right in the middle of the action, check out Ben Tre Riverside Resort. A little further out from the city center, this is one of the newest and highest ranked resorts in Ben Tre. The astonishing riverside view where you sit to have breakfast surprises both locals and tourists with its warm feel. The price fluctuates between $65-$300 depending on the room. It offers a stunning outdoor pool with views of the river. Other amenities include complimentary shuttle bus from the property to Ben Tre Night Market, Bike and Car Rental, a cosy shared bar/lounge and an indoor Fitness Center.

Address: 708 Nguyen Van Tu Street , Ward 7, Ben Tre City

Website: https://www.bentreriverside.com/

Contact: 02753545 454

Price: $57-$305

Where to stay if you are a nature and culture lover?

A real nature and culture lover will prefer farms and gardens surrounded by fresh air. There are great places in nearby districts away from the city center. This is where you can enjoy living with nature and making friends with local people. As it is very quiet in the districts at night, a lot of homestays and hotels here have their own restaurants and entertainment services. Don’t miss art performances, culture tours, or ecotours while you are staying in this area. It will be a true local village life at night as there are no other activities nearby in the districts. It’s suitable for those wanna make friends with the locals and enjoy the real specialities, but you don’t expect too much on the quality of facility and other conveniences.

Outside of the city center in Chau Thanh District, Coco Land Homestay is one of the best-rated homestays in Ben Tre. It is equipped with a wonderful outdoor pool surrounded by a fresh garden. It is also located near famous tourist attractions like Phoenix Island or Thanh Trieu Local Market. The host family is said to be always helpful and kind. They will make you feel at home and part of their family. They can help you with activities like wandering and exploring the local Chau Thanh District on bicycles, learn how to pick fresh fruits in the garden, and cook Vietnamese dishes with the lovely host couple. If you wish to have a unique experience like this, you definitely have to stay here. The money you’ll spend on your stay will be worth every penny.

Address: Phuoc Hoa Hamlet, Thanh Trieu Ward, Chau Thanh District

Website: http://cocolandhomestay.com/

Contact: 0948866995

Price: $32-$42

Another pick to get rid of the buzz of the city is Coconut Homestay, located in Mo Cay District. This district is home to most of the coconut candy traditional villages in the Mekong. What makes this place special is that the wall of every room is made completely of coconut wood. The host family is friendly and charming. They are willing to show you local sights that you must visit around the Mo Cay district. They will also offer you Vietnamese style breakfast with traditional iced coffee.

Address: 66 Tan Phuoc, Mo Cay Town, Southern Mo Cay District

Website: https://www.facebook.com/cocohutvn/

Contact: 0902566516

Price: $26-$52

The sprawling Ben Tre Farm Stay is one of the largest homestays in the Mekong. You can enjoy the relaxed and pure Vietnamese village landscapes with surrounding tropical fruit gardens. Ben Tre Farm Stay can also arrange a package of activities, including amazing boat trips, bike tours, and food tours.

Address: Hamlet 3, Cai Suc Bridge, Phu Nhuan Ward, Ben Tre City

Website: https://bentrefarmstay.com

Contact: 0903857607

Price: $21-$30

Where are the resorts in Ben Tre?

Last but not least, resorts are ideal for family or people who prefer to relax in an all-in-one property. You will be offered a wide range of services, restaurants, and spas. Such resorts are decorated to reflect the countryside of Ben Tre province. The resorts have orchards, thatched houses, rivers and lots of coconut trees. Yet, these areas are isolated and you can only enjoy the limited facilities and entertainment on the resort. Every resort usually offer you their own transportation but it is not as flexible as when you stay at a hotel outside.

One of the most recommended resorts, is the newly built Forever Green Resort. This resort has become the most checked-in location on Instagram in Ben Tre. The meaning and purpose of this resort are explicitly revealed in the name – “bringing visitors back to nature”. It is a worthwhile area to stay in during your vacation. Besides a full range of four-star functions and services, it also makes a difference in its unique and diverse recreational activities including fishing, boating, orchards, folk games, campfires, countryside discoveries, or firefly watching by boat at night. This is also probably the best option for any team building options in Ben Tre.

Address: Phu Khuong Hamlet, Phu Tuc Ward, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre

Website: http://www.forevergreenresort.com/

Contact: 02753618618

Price: $78-$900

Where to stay in Ben Tre, it’s up to you with all these options!

With the fast-growing tourism, especially ecotourism, Ben Tre province is becoming a favourite place for tourists. I believe that anyone who is planning a trip to Ben Tre definitely want to seek out the combination of natural beauty and authentic Vietnamese experience. I know that vacation time is precious so what I hope to do is to bring you the best of my knowledge about my hometown to plan for a perfect trip. Wish you a memorable journey and great experience in Ben Tre province.

Read More Here: Where Should I Stay in Ben Tre?