Ho Chi Minh City, which boasts the highest population in Vietnam and serves as its primary financial center, is undergoing a significant cultural revival. The city has seen an increase in both restaurants and bars opening up, along with a surge in tourist arrivals like never before. For those inclined towards luxurious experiences, this development makes it not only a premier shopping destination but also a focal point for emerging Vietnamese talent. New venues and innovative retail concepts are presenting a dynamic outlook for Southeast Asia’s role in shaping the realms of fashion, art, and design.
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Reside at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon
Previously known as the InterContinental Saigon, this renowned and centrally situated hotel in Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling District 1 has been reborn under new management as the JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon only recently. It now boasts modernized amenities including the stylish Driftwood Pool Bar. Located close to key attractions such as the Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum, it serves as an ideal starting point for newcomers to the city and offers premium accommodations suitable for regular travelers, featuring exceptional concierge services along with nearby residences hosting fully equipped apartments and suites.
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Although amenities such as the Executive Lounge access – often a key feature at many Marriott properties – might seem geared primarily toward business travelers, this hotel embraces a family-oriented atmosphere. Situated on the 19th floor of the Saigon Marriott, the lounge offers a cozy ambiance where guests can unwind with evening drinks before exploring the city’s attractions during their next full day.
In the meantime, the premium suite on the top floor richly deserves its distinguished title, offering ample space for a family of three—or even four or more—while providing panoramic vistas of the adjacent neighborhood and cityscape. The facilities boast a contemporary and chic design yet maintain an unmistakable classic appeal.
The true highlight at this hotel lies in its meal service, and you would regret missing out on trying the local favorite—banh mi—which is essential in Saigon. Should western-style baked goods suit your palate better, then look no further than their exceptional afternoon teas featuring an array of exquisite mini-cakes and canapés so visually appealing they seem almost too good to consume. During the celebration of Lunar New Year, I relished a chocolate ‘red envelope’ treat included in the specially curated afternoon tea selection for the festivities, followed by tasting some seasonal macarons available at the on-site buffet restaurant called Market 39. The abundance of choices even for minor snack options offers a glimpse into the opulence that defines this particular Marriott stay as extraordinary. Just like founder J. Willard Marriott used to emphasize, small details often lead to significant experiences.
Grab some reading material from Book Street.
Literature-themed travel isn’t yet as popular as tours focused on art or food, but Ho Chi Minh City’s cozy Book Street could change that mindset. Located close to landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and the bustling Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, this picturesque lane brimming with open-air cafes and independent bookshops attracts steady crowds. It offers an array of Vietnamese publications alongside global bestsellers and elusive collector items — providing a serene escape amidst the city’s typically busy atmosphere.
Shop at Rue Miche
Grateful for significant support from prominent K-pop figures, Vietnamese fashion designers have recently gained considerable attention. They draw inspiration from Generation Z’s favored aesthetics—ranging from flirtatious designs to cutting-edge streetwear. The retail boutique Rue Miche showcases an impressive collection of these brands alongside various art and cultural events each month. Additionally, it features a lively juice bar named Rotten, offering refreshing options like cool coconut or pomelo drinks—a perfect treat during Vietnam’s warm and muggy weather.
Occupying two levels, some of our favorite labels at Rue Miche feature Subtle Le Nguyen, which has been sported by many notable individuals. Kylie Jenner ; The Moon, popularized by Lisa from Blackpink ; often worn by Vietnam's It girls, was also favored by Beuter.
Dine at Cuc Gach Quan
Cu Gach Quan appears like a potential hidden treasure — marked by its inconspicuous location, lack of a public Instagram presence, and minimal English content on its Facebook page — but it doesn’t quite fit that description. Featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide, this local restaurant draws inspiration from traditional Vietnamese home-cooked meals from rural areas. It has long been an integral part of Ho Chi Minh City’s growing culinary landscape, offering a broad array of dishes that showcase the rich diversity of Vietnam’s cuisine.
Here you won’t encounter ordinary servings of pho; instead, enjoy robust communal meals meant for sharing, like slow-cooked spare ribs and clay pot fish stew – both satisfyingly rich in flavor and texture when enjoyed together rather than alone. The ambiance merits extra praise too, crafted to make visitors feel instantly comfortable with an inviting setting adorned with vibrant foliage, vintage treasures, lively colored paper lanterns, and a stunning koi pond greeting them upon arrival.
End your evening with Summer Experiment.
Nestled on the second floor of an inconspicuous structure near the bustling Ben Thanh Market, visitors entering Summer Experiment for the first time may experience surprise at their discovery. Upon entry, one encounters a flourishing garden followed by retro-styled furniture within an industrial setting—a combination that shapes the establishment’s ambiance with relaxed yet refined touches, offering top-notch beverages and customer care.
This does not imply that the cocktails lack intrigue; they showcase innovative uses of indigenous flavors and locally obtained components, reflecting the lush and abundant variety of plant and animal life found throughout Vietnam.
Stroll along the shores of Vung Tau
If the bustling resort city of Da Nang feels overcrowded nowadays, think about heading south to Vung Tau, located only a two-hour drive from central Ho Chi Minh City, for your beach getaway. Although less developed than its northern counterpart, VungTau offers a natural allure and distinctive charm that makes it ideal for travelers looking for an authentic Vietnamese vacation.
In contrast to Da Nang, where enormous upscale resorts line the coastline, and neighboring Hoi An, whose charm has been somewhat diminished by excessive tourism, you won’t encounter many tourist traps in this small town. It continues to be favored more by Vietnamese families than visitors from abroad.
To immerse yourself in the nation’s renowned street life, stroll alongside the less-traveled shore, where locals often meet up with friends and relatives outdoors for meals and perhaps some beer. These long stretches of beach are bordered by two picturesque hills known as Big Hill and Little Hill, each featuring Vietnam’s interpretation of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Cristo Redentor statue.
Drift along the Mekong River Delta
Visiting Vietnam isn’t complete without taking a boat tour since the nation’s vast system of waterways has significantly influenced its historical development throughout the ages. Among these, the Mekong stands out as one of Asia's longest rivers, stretching from southwest China into Southeast Asia, passing through Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and ultimately reaching southern Vietnam.
At this location, you will observe tour guides and locals from Vietnam maneuvering through the iconic Mekong River Delta using both motorized speedboats and traditional rowing boats. They navigate along narrower waterways shaded by fruit-bearing trees and near bustling floating markets. Despite how touristy it might appear, witnessing firsthand the actual landscape of this area—filled with rice fields and deeply rooted in agricultural practices—is truly captivating. This experience is best appreciated when someone else handles the rowing for you, assuming you have no intention of doing so personally.
Gloria Tso remained as a visitor at the JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon.
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