Saigon's Most Instagramable: 10 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon is one of the most vibrant and bustling metropolises in the world. The streets alone are a fusion of history and modernism, concrete and colour, it's where the old time Saigon meets the new bustling Ho Chi Minh City. The best part? It all blends together giving you photo opportunities on every corner.
Want to hear the irony? Most people who come to sink their teeth into the culture of Saigon, often end up missing it altogether. So, to help you capture the heart and soul that makes up this city this is my list of the top 10 most Instagramable spots in Saigon!
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| Central Post Office |
1. The 100 Year Old Alley
Hẻm Hào Sĩ Phường (or the 100-year-old alley) can be found among the weaving streets of Saigon’s District 5. Time seems to stand still as you walk through this rugged laneway. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in the picturesque Vietnamese-Chinese architectural design that accompanies the bright pops of colour circling every doorframe. Not only is this a beautiful location to shoot, but it also gives you a chance to gain insight into the inner communities that live in this amazing city.
Exact Location: Hẻm Hào Sĩ Phường, 206/17 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường 11, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
2. The Pink Church
The millennial pink trend will never fade on the gram. Never. And I’m okay with that because, hello generation Y speaking here and like duh, it’s pink. This gorgeous pink palace in the heart of Saigon can’t be missed. It just can’t!Although every angle of this beauty is a good angle, some of my favourite shots were actually taken from across the road (in order to fit in all its pink glory). Cong Caphe, found across the street, also offers up a different perspective of the pink church from its balcony seating. So grab a coconut coffee and enjoy the pink church from above.
Exact Location: Tan Dinh Church, 289 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường 8, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
3. Bình Quói Tourist Village
About 30 minutes from the city center lies Binh Quoi Village. With its laidback rustic village vibes it seems a world apart from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.There are many Instagram worthy spots to shoot here including the popular lily pad bridge, the crumbling archways and the wooden docks along the riverside.
4. The Café Apartments
One of the hippest addresses in Saigon, this apartment block is not run by your average eves dropping landlord. Over the last couple decades this apartment building has seen some changes and is one of my favourite spots to shoot inside and out.There are a ton of café’s inside the café apartments that have ultra cute interiors, great views and yummy food. Perfect for Insta. Some of my favourites to try out are: Saigon Oi, Dosh Donuts, The Letter and The Maker.
5. Bùi Viện Walking Street
Street food, bars, dogs on motorbikes, souvenir shops, smoked squid stands, you name it and you’ll find it down Saigon’s infamous ‘backpacker street,’ Bui Vien.Bui Vien is as touristy as it gets, but can make for some great photo ops day or night!
6. Bửu Long Pagoda
A 45 minute drive from downtown Saigon will land you amidst the remarkable Bửu Long Pagoda. This picturesque temple’s stunning architecture is hidden away in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 9. And although a bit of a trek it’s magical exterior is the perfect backdrop to your next Instagram post.
7. Pasteur Street Street Art
On the corner of Nguyễn Du and Pasteur Street you’ll find your classic Saigonease marvels painted along a yellow tattered wall. These gorgeous displays of art deserve a square on your grid, I mean who doesn’t love a bit of street art plastered on a yellow background!
8. Bến Thành Market
When in Saigon it's next to impossible not to go to Ben Thanh Market. But, besides being one of the most famous local markets in Vietnam and a fundamental point of reference in the city, any market you choose to visit will grasp the truce essence of what Vietnam is all about. Markets offer up an experience unlike any other and produce some unique photos that will be incredibly difficult to replicate down the isles of Walmart once you’re back home.
9. Central Park
If you’re looking to capture the Saigon skyline or just add some green to your feed while you’re here, Central Park is a great little spot to do just that. This is probably my favourite place to capture that famous skyline the city is known for. Aside from that there are a couple neat spots in the park that make for a great shot!The closest point to get that skyline is the Central 1 building in the Vinhomes complex, just cross the street into the park and you won’t miss it!
10. Cô Giang Street
It’s no secret I’m a fanatical foodie, so one of the biggest draws to Vietnam was its food culture of course. It would be a crime to leave this street food haven without a photo sat on a little plastic stool enjoying some of Saigon’s finest, street food.I especially love this street for photos because of the hustle and bustle of vendors and the local life that surrounds it. I mean isn’t THIS why you came to Vietnam in the first place?
This city is gorgeousness on every corner! These are just some of my favourite spots to capture the essence of the city. But, as long as you get out there and shoot you'll see that oppurtunities live up and down the alleyways and in every sip of your cà phê đá.
If you have any questions you can also find me on Instagram at @AlyshiaTurchyn! Don’t be afraid to reach out, there's nothing more I'd love than to help you plan your next Tomatito experience!
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