Saigon 2-Day Itinerary: District 1 & Cholon Explorer

Start Day 2 with a Grab ride to Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown. Begin at Binh Tay Market, the atmospheric 1928 wholesale market. Wander through the vast halls where Chinese-Vietnamese merchants trade dried goods, spices, herbal medicine, and fabrics. Have breakfast at the food court — try hủ tiếu (pork and shrimp noodle soup, 30,000-45,000₫) or dim sum.

Walk to Thien Hau Temple, the most beautiful Chinese temple in Saigon. Step inside to experience the atmospheric swirl of incense smoke from massive spiral coils hanging from the ceiling. Admire the intricate ceramic figurine friezes on the roof, the ornate wood and stone carvings, and the gilded altars. Watch devotees making offerings to Thiên Hậu, the goddess of the sea.

Take a Grab from Cholon to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of Saigon's most ornate temples. Explore the labyrinthine interior filled with carved wooden figures, gilded statues, and clouds of incense smoke. Find the terrifying Ten Hells diorama depicting punishments for various sins, the fertility room with ceramic figurines, and the peaceful turtle pond in the courtyard. This temple gained fame when President Obama visited in 2016.

Walk or take a short Grab ride to Tan Dinh Church, Saigon's Instagram-famous pink church. Photograph the striking bubblegum-pink facade blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Step inside to see the equally pink interior with white columns, stained glass windows, and vaulted ceilings. The contrast between the ornate colonial church and the bustling Vietnamese street life around it is quintessential Saigon.

Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in Saigon's legendary café culture. Head to the Cafe Apartment at 42 Nguyen Hue — a 1960s residential building converted into dozens of independent cafes. Take the tiny elevator (10,000₫) or walk up and choose a café with a balcony overlooking the boulevard. Order a cà phê sữa đá (30,000-50,000₫), try an egg coffee (cà phê trứng, 45,000-65,000₫), or go for a coconut coffee (cà phê dừa, 45,000-60,000₫).