Saigon skyline at golden hour with the Saigon River and colonial architecture

The Guest Guide

Welcome to
Sài Gòn

A personal guide from us to you.

Scroll

From us, with love

Our city, shared with you

Whether you're visiting for the very first time or you're a seasoned regular, we've put together some of our favorite recommendations to help you enjoy your stay. From where to stay and what to eat, to local spots worth exploring, we hope you'll take some time to experience the city we love.

Arrival

The Airport

Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN)

The city's only international airport, ~30 minutes from District 1 by Grab (~US$8). Direct flights from most of Asia, one-stop from Europe and the US via Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, or Tokyo.

The Paperwork

E-visa, 90 days

Most passports apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — about US$25, 3–5 business days. Allow at least two full weeks before you fly.

Stay with us

Where we'd stay ourselves

We don't have a hotel block — An Lâm only has 35 suites and villas, so book early if you'd like to stay on-site. Otherwise, the city centre has plenty of beautiful options below.

An Lâm Retreats Saigon River

Venue

Saigon River · 35 exclusive suites & villas

Where the wedding happens

Quiet and secluded, this is where we'll be saying I do. Staying on-site means no shuttle, no rush — but it fills fast, so book early.

View on map

Park Hyatt Saigon

Luxury

District 1 · Opera House Square · ~45 min from venue

Five-star classic

The city's grande dame. Centrally located for shopping, dining, and sightseeing — our top pick in the city centre.

View on map

Hôtel des Arts Saigon (MGallery)

Boutique

District 3 · ~40 min from venue

Art-deco design hotel

Rooftop pool with skyline views, beautifully styled rooms, and a real sense of place.

View on map

Fusion Suites Saigon

Mid-range

District 1 · ~40 min from venue

Spacious suites

Great value, big rooms, and breakfast included — easy if you're travelling as a family.

View on map

M Village

Affordable

Multiple District 1 locations

Modern boutique stays

Cool local brand with several properties around the city — well-located and easy on the wallet.

View on map

Around Town

Rides

Grab is your friend

Download Grab before you arrive. Cars and motorbikes, in-app payment, no haggling. Most rides in District 1 are under 100,000₫ (~US$4).

Payments

Cash or card?

Big restaurants, hotels, and chains take card. Smaller spots, cafés, and street food are cash-only — keep small notes on you.

On Foot

Walking the streets

Crossing the street is its own art form: walk slowly, don't stop, don't run. Make eye contact with the motorbikes — they'll go around you.

Connectivity

SIM & data

Buy a Viettel or Mobifone tourist SIM at the airport. ~US$5 for 30 days, unlimited data. eSIM options work well too.

Coffee, food & beyond

A shortlist of the places that make us fall in love with Saigon every time. Vietnamese coffee is having a moment — and it's truly great. The food and cocktail scenes are just as alive.

A warm Vietnamese coffee shop interior with soft light and a pour-over

The Coffee Scene

Cafe Slow

Exactly what it says — sit, sip, slow down.

View on map
Lacàph

Tasting flights and a beautiful space dedicated to Vietnamese coffee.

View on map
Tonkin Specialty Coffee

Serious pour-overs and single-origin beans worth taking home.

View on map
The Hummingbird

Quiet, considered, the kind of café you stay at all afternoon.

View on map
Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters

Roastery-led and consistently excellent — order anything.

View on map

Where We Eat

Cục Gạch Quán

Home-style Vietnamese in an old villa — our forever recommendation.

View on map
BeAn Vegetarian

Thoughtful, modern Vietnamese vegetarian. Worth a long lunch.

View on map
Anan Saigon

Michelin-starred reinvention of Vietnamese classics in Chợ Cũ market.

View on map
Quán Bụi

Reliable, beautiful Vietnamese cooking — easy first dinner in town.

View on map

Sài Gòn's Bar Scene

The Triệu Institute

Local ingredients, sharp cocktails, beautiful room.

View on map
Firkin

Cosy, conversational, a proper bartender's bar.

View on map
The Alley

Hidden away as the name suggests — always worth the hunt.

View on map
Kim's Tavern

Warm, neighbourhood feel. Stay one drink longer than planned.

View on map
PK Malt

For whisky lovers — deep list, no hurry.

View on map

If You're Staying Longer

A morning at Bến Thành Market

Touristy, yes — still worth one visit.

Sunset on Saigon River

Catch a sampan boat from the Bạch Đằng pier.

Day trip to the Mekong Delta

1.5 hrs out, half-day or full-day tours.

Củ Chi Tunnels

Sobering, fascinating, only an hour away.

We can't wait to see you in the city that's been home to so many of our memories together.

Cảm ơn bạn — see you in Sài Gòn.