Planning a slow travel exploration of Saigon in just one day poses unique challenges in selecting the best spots to savor the city's essence. Let me be your guide, providing comprehensive advice for a leisurely one-day journey through Saigon's streets, where you can immerse yourself fully in its charm.

1 - Day Slow Travel Itinerary for you

Where to Go on a One-Day Saigon Walking Tour?

What to do on a one-day Saigon walking tour? Saigon boasts an array of attractions and culinary delights, making it essential to plan your itinerary thoughtfully. Begin your day with a visit to:

Morning: Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica - Fine Arts Museum

8:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast before strolling to Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, a landmark often visited first by tourists arriving in Saigon. This iconic cathedral, nestled at 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, features striking French architecture, including bell towers and a lush green park. Don't miss capturing timeless moments against its Western backdrop.

10:00 AM: Next, venture to the Fine Arts Museum, a must-visit destination in Saigon known for its picturesque corners. Explore its unique blend of European-Asian architecture, dominated by warm yellow tones. Discover photogenic spots like the spiral staircase, vaulted ceilings, and sunlit balconies.

Ticket price for museum admission: 30,000 VND per person, open until 5:00 PM daily.

Address: 97 Pho Duc Chinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Noon: Savoring Saigon's Culinary Delights for Lunch

After your morning exploration, recharge with a variety of Saigon's specialties at recommended eateries like:

• Ba Ghien Broken Rice Restaurant: 84 Dang Van Ngu, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Fish Noodle Soup - D3 Street: 67 D3 Street, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Phnom Penh Noodle Soup Quynh: A65 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette) with Stewed Offal: 243/29G Ton Dan, Ward 15, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.

Alternatively, explore snack paradises like Ho Thi Ky Market (District 10) for grilled beef rolls, snail noodle soup, or Bà Hoa Market (Tan Binh District) for papaya salad and steamed rice cakes.

Afternoon: Discovering Suoi Tien Tourist Area

Continue your slow travel journey by visiting Suoi Tien Tourist Area for relaxation and engaging in exciting activities. At this point, temporarily take a taxi or ride-sharing service to Suoi Tien as the distance is quite far.

Address: 120 Hanoi Highway, Tan Phu Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City.

Entrance fee: 120,000 VND for adults and 60,000 VND for children.

At Suoi Tien, enjoy refreshing swims at Crystal Fairy Beach, followed by exploring the Jade Emperor Palace. Engage in thrilling activities like the 18 Gates of Hell, underground tunnels, or the snow castle.

Evening: Immersing in Bui Vien Walking Street's Vibrant Atmosphere

Now, you return to the center of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). As the evening sets in, head to Bui Vien Walking Street for a vibrant nightlife experience.

Address: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Dine and unwind at Bui Vien or explore eateries like:

• Bun Mam 444 Saigon, 369 Le Quang Dinh, Ward 5, Binh Thanh District.
• Saigon Thien Ly Rice Cooker, 87A Cuu Long, Ward 15, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Pork Rib Porridge Ms. Hao, Tran Khac Chan, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Com Tam (Broken Rice) Mrs. Muoi, 294/35 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Mrs. Ut's Offal Porridge, 193 Co Giang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• North Sea Crab Egg Soup, Tan Dinh Market, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Then, if you still have time, you can head to Starlight Bridge (in the new urban area of Phu My Hung, District 7) to admire the shimmering lights at night. The area around Starlight Bridge boasts spacious grounds, ideal for strolling, admiring the scenery, and chatting with friends. Especially in the evening, there are many street food stalls offering a variety of items such as grilled rice paper, skewered fish cakes, sausages, crab soup, baguettes, and lemon tea.

Concluding a day of exploring the beauty and cuisine of Saigon, it's time to return to your hotel room to rest and conclude your journey. That concludes the most comprehensive one-day itinerary for touring Saigon. However, if you have less time, you can swap the Suoi Tien Tourist Area for Ben Thanh Market for shopping, then head to the airport for your departure.

Wrapping up a day of leisurely exploration in Saigon, it's time to return to your hotel room and reflect on your authentic experiences. This is the ultimate slow travel guide for experiencing the best of Saigon in just one day. Venture beyond tourist hotspots and dive deep into the authentic charm of Vietnam's bustling metropolis. Don't miss the chance to join the Saigon Walking Tour for an immersive and enriching experience. Your journey will be much more meaningful and authentic when you accompany us on the Saigon Walking Tour.

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