Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is the vibrant heart of southern Vietnam. With its bustling pace, diverse culture, and friendly locals, Saigon is a must-visit destination for first-time travelers. If you’re wondering, “What should I experience in Saigon?” here’s a curated list of iconic activities and landmarks, including the quintessential Saigon milk coffee experience—a cultural hallmark of the city.

1. Enjoy Saigon Milk Coffee in the Early Morning

Nowhere is milk coffee (cà phê sữa đá) as integral to daily life as in Saigon. More than just a drink, it’s a cornerstone of Saigon culture, where people gather, chat, and kickstart their day. Invite your friends to a sidewalk coffee spot near Notre-Dame Basilica or 30/4 Park in the early morning. Sitting on the pavement, sipping a cool, creamy Saigon milk coffee while watching the city come alive offers an authentic, down-to-earth experience. The drink, made with the slightly bitter taste of drip coffee, blended with sweet condensed milk and ice, creates an unforgettable bold flavor.

For a more modern vibe, visit well-known coffee shops like Trung Nguyên Legend on Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Street or Bason Café Đồng Khởi. These spots not only serve authentic Saigon milk coffee but also offer stylish settings perfect for Instagram-worthy moments.

2. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica – Saigon’s Iconic Landmark

Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the famous landmarks in Saigon that every visitor should see. With its French colonial architecture, the basilica is not only a popular photo spot but also a gathering place for locals. After exploring its history and snapping photos, head to the nearby Công xã Paris area for some sidewalk coffee, immersing yourself in Saigon’s lively rhythm. It’s a perfect way to enjoy milk coffee while soaking in the city’s cultural vibe.

3. Stroll Along Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street

Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street captures the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City tourism. At night, the street comes alive with dazzling lights and street performances like music and dance. Take a leisurely walk, try local street food, or stop by a trendy café like The Running Bean to sip Saigon milk coffee while people-watching. This is a must-do for experiencing Saigon’s vibrant nightlife.

4. Cruise the Saigon River with Saigon Waterbus

For a unique perspective, try the Saigon Waterbus, a boat ride along the Saigon River covering an 11km route from Bạch Đằng Wharf to Linh Đông. The ideal times are 8 AM or 5 PM to see the city from a fresh angle. At just 30,000 VND for a round trip, it’s an affordable way to enjoy a new Saigon experience. Bring along a milk coffee to sip on board for an extra touch of charm.

5. Explore Chợ Lớn’s Culinary Scene and Chinese Desserts

Chợ Lớn in District 5 is a haven for foodies, offering a deep dive into Chinese-influenced cuisine. Try the famous desserts at Tường Phong or Hà Ký, known for their sweet, unique flavors. Afterward, visit a nearby café to enjoy milk coffee and catch up with friends. This blend of food and Saigon culture in Chợ Lớn will make your trip unforgettable.

6. Relax at Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake is another famous landmark in Saigon, perfect for chilling with sidewalk coffee or relaxing in a green, serene space. Early mornings here are peaceful, with tree-lined shade making it ideal for sipping milk coffee, chatting, or reading. It’s a great spot to find calm amidst the city’s hustle.

UFO Instant Milk Coffee – Bring Saigon’s Flavor Home

If you’ve fallen in love with Saigon milk coffee during your trip but lack the time to linger in cafés, UFO instant milk coffee is the perfect way to bring Saigon culture home. Designed to recreate the rich, authentic taste of traditional milk coffee, it uses technology that mimics drip coffee brewing at 90°C, extracting the essence of freshly roasted beans. Just mix with hot water and add ice for a Saigon milk coffee experience anywhere.

UFO instant milk coffee is not only convenient but also nails the balance of coffee’s slight bitterness and condensed milk’s sweetness—true to Saigon’s taste. It’s a meaningful gift to share with friends or family after your Ho Chi Minh City tourism adventure, or a simple way to relive those early mornings at sidewalk coffee spots.

Conclusion

Your first visit to Saigon will captivate you with its blend of tradition and modernity, from humble Saigon milk coffee moments to the vibrant famous landmarks in Saigon. Whether you’re chilling at a sidewalk coffee spot in the morning, strolling Nguyễn Huệ, or exploring Chợ Lớn, each experience reveals a new facet of Saigon culture. To keep the flavor alive, try UFO instant milk coffee—your companion for bringing Saigon’s essence to every journey. Plan your Ho Chi Minh City tourism adventure now and dive into the city like a local!