Distance: 3 km
Some of D1’s best bits are tucked behind the facades of its faded colonial-era buildings and back-alley boutiques. Culture vultures, venture through Pham Ngu Lao, the monikered backpackers district, to discover more than kitsch dive-bar hordes – from Ben Thanh Markets to the Museum of Fine Arts and high-calibre views…
A. Ben Thanh Market
Ram-jammed wholesale depot for fruit, veggies, poultry and meat from across the country. Produce aside, the ochre-hued complex, originally built in the 1880s (and reno’d in the 1920s), is a marvellous example of simple Franco-Chinese architecture. Swoop in early for a bao brekkie with locals to avoid tour-group hordes later on. Also known locally as Cho Lon Moi.
Le Loi, Ben Thanh, Quan 1, 6am-6pm daily, ben-thanh-market.com
B. Museum of Fine Arts
Shamefully neglected collection in an otherwise charming colonial edifice replete with stained glass windows and ironwork spiral staircases, but worth a gander for a quick art history lesson across all mediums. Sweaty Betty alert: there’s no air con.
97A Pho Duc Chinh Nguyen, District 1, +84 28 3829 4441, 9am-5pm Tue-Sun, baotangmythuattphcm.vn
C. Ginkgo Concept Store
Witty bright tees for all and other locally made garb, perfect for take-home gifts. Tots in tow? Kit them up to match you too.
254 De Tham street, District 1, +84 28 6273 4923, 8am-10pm daily, ginkgo-vietnam.com
D. Pham Ngu Lao Street
Saigon has been hard at it developing its cosmo drinking district; take a walk through Pham Ngu Lao to soak in, and soak up the bargain bin beers and backpackers in singlets, shorts and sandals. Rocking street eats fared by a lively crowd, so don’t be shy or watch for red-light libations if you make it till dawn.
Pham Ngu Lao, District 1
E. EON Heli Bar at Bitexco Tower
If you’ve had enough of the fanny-pack hordes among Pho Tay, reach for the stars with cocktails atop this mega modern edifice. The soaring skydeck is the highest in the city offering killer 360-degree panoramas. Perfect respite from a full day on your feet.
52/F, Bitexco Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, District 1, +84 28 6291 8752, 10am-late daily, eon51.com/eon-heli-bar
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: holgs – iStock.com
