Although Saigon is the country’s commercial centre, the city also has a healthy cultural side. Just walking around the city, you can soak up the rich blend of culture Saigon has to offer.

The Saigon Opera House is at the heart of the city’s cultural centre. The building itself is an icon of the city, it’s grand colonial style architecture illustrating the strong European influence Saigon has experienced over the years.

Inside the 800-seater venue, visitors are treated to many elements of the beautiful design from this period. Catching a show at the Opera House is also a great way to gain insight into the local arts culture.

Water Puppetry is not confined to Hanoi, The Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theatre is a fantastic venue and allows visitors to experience this ancient arts tradition. Experiencing this atmospheric drama is must while visiting Vietnam.

The show’s dialogue is in Vietnamese, but most foreign audience members find the show is still incredibly entertaining and easy to follow. Traditional music accompanies the water-based puppet show.

Saigon also has a number of excellent art galleries and museums. Despite its modern elements, Saigon is still a very traditional city with a deep rooted cultural heritage.

It is always fun to pick up some souvenirs and handicrafts when travelling in a foreign land. Such goods are particularly appealing in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, where craftsmen use their skills to create intricate designs.

Most of Vietnam’s handicrafts originate from the north. It is always more satisfying to buy from the craftsperson who created the piece, but this is not always possible. If you want to buy souvenirs in Saigon there are a number of places we recommend.

The Dong Khoi area of the city is the best place to hunt for high qaultiy souvenirs, silk and one-off designs. You will pay more for the goods, but you can be assured that the quality is of a considerably higher standard than at markets such as Ben Thanh.

Ben Thanh Market is a one-stop shopping arena for souvenirs; however quality varies and it is recommended you examine the goods carefully before making a purchase. Endless rows of stalls sell every knick knack under the sun, providing the ideal opportunity for gift shopping.

Haggling is recommended at all markets, as prices are always marked up for tourist shoppers. Barter with a smile for the best result.

Like many Southeast Asian destinations, one of Saigon’s highlights is its vibrant markets. These lively trading places are always worth experiencing, even if you don’t intend to make a purchase – although, it is often difficult not.

Ben Thanh Market is a massive trading centre, and has recently been divided into two sections to separate tourist orientated goods from the every day items. There are so many bargains to be found, so it is well worth having a good rummage. The market opens before dawn, when locals swarm to buy the freshest produce.

Binh Tay Market is more of a wholesale outfit. It is considered the largest market in the whole of Vietnam, so be prepared to get lost. You can find almost everything under the sun at this trading spot. Binh Tay Market enjoys a scenic location amongst the vibrant streets of Chinatown.

The War Surplus Market is a dark and dense maze of stalls selling everything military related. There are some good finds, but most of the goods aren’t authentic. It’s a great place for stocking up on combat wear, Zippos lighters and other military paraphernalia.

Market shopping is an exciting experience in Saigon. Don’t be shy to practice your bartering skills as the prices are usually set exceptionally high for tourists.

Travellers who love shopping are in for a treat in Saigon. Shopping opportunities arise on every street corner, so it is best to carry some small money for those instantaneous must-buys.

From upmarket off the peg originals to intricately carved souvenirs, Saigon aims to please. The shopping district in Saigon begins at Dong Koi, where the best quality goods can be found. A general rule to remember is that the goods become cheaper and lesser quality as you move closer to Benh Thanh Market.

The most chic boutiques can be found in Dong Khoi, including gleaming department stores and swanky silk shops. The nearby streets of Hai Ba Trung and Le Loi are home to a cluster of antique shops and souvenir outlets. Goods found here are of very high quality, and it is often possible to find some real gems.

Shoppers who aren’t afraid to elbow through the crowds will enjoy a few circuits of Ben Thanh Market. This massive shopping ground is worth experiencing even if you aren’t planning to buy anything. However, it is unlikely you will leave without making a purchase.

Saigon is quite simply a shopper’s paradise; whether you are looking for designer tags or quirky souvenirs, you won’t go home empty handed.

Most visitors to Southeast Asia indulge in a massage during their stay. Spas and massage parlours are in abundance in the tourist districts throughout Vietnam. Before you have a massage you have to decide on how much money you are willing to part with for the treatment.

Spas in Saigon’s high end hotels are immaculate and every aspect of design aims to create the most relaxing environment possible. Scented candles, toweling robes and English speaking therapists are the advantages of paying the extra.

At the other end of the scale, small independent spas and massage shops around the city may be able to provide an equally good, or better massage in more modest surroundings.

Massage therapists are usually female and older ladies usually offer a more satisfying massage. There are different types of massage on offer, so you also need to decide if you want a Thai, Swedish or aromatherapy massage.

It is always best to check that your therapist is qualified in the type of massage you prefer, so have a look at the certificates on the wall before committing yourself. All types of massage can be tailored to suit your preferences, so you can tell your masseuse you like a strong or light massage.

There is little trace of a gay community in Saigon, which is typical of Vietnam as a nation. The ‘gay lifestyle’ of the west is an unknown concept in Vietnam. The result of this ignorance means many gay Vietnamese live their life with a spouse and children, despite their homosexual desires.

Saigon lacks a gay scene, so visitors hoping to meet up with other gays in Saigon must use other measures to make contact. The internet is the most common way for working gays to interact in Saigon. However, this can also be a dangerous way to meet new people.

Some tour operators organize gay tours to Saigon, which allows gay travellers to travel and mingle with other gays while on holiday. This is a safer way to meet people. These tour groups often stay in designated ‘gay-friendly’ hotels which have been selected by the operator.

There is little evidence of a gay scene among Saigon residents; however, due to the cosmopolitan nature of the city, many clubs are ‘gay-friendly’. If using the internet to initiate meetings in Saigon, it is important to be very cautious. Many gay tourists who used such methods have been targeted in the past. Creating a friendly relationship for a lengthy period before travel is recommended.

Many travellers indulge in spa treatments while travelling around Southeast Asia. Not only are the local people naturally gifted at providing these holistic treatments, but they can be enjoyed for a fraction of the price back home.

Spas in Saigon fall into different categories, from the basic spa found along the streets of the tourist district, to the swanky spa suites in the city’s high end hotels. Where you choose will be dictated by how much money you are willing to part with.

Massages are mainly performed by masseuses (women), and older women tend to give much better massages due experience. All spas will offer a range of massages, usually including Thai, Swedish and aromatherapy. Thai massage is the most vigorous technique and involves some yoga-like stretches.

Swedish massage is much gentler, and involves oil being massaged into the skin in circular motions. Aromatherapy is similar only essential oils are used to enhance relaxation and well being.

Other spa services include manicures, pedicures, facials, body scrubs and herbal compresses. Most spas provide an excellent standard of service and it is possible to enjoy five star treatment without paying the five star hotel spa fee.

Saigon’s nocturnal offerings are a lot tamer than Bangkok, but much livelier than Vietnam’s capital city. Westerners and locals tend to create separate scenes; however, this is starting to change with more venues attracting a mixed crowd. Whatever your preference it is definitely possible to have a fun night out in Saigon.

There are lots of backpacker haunts offering the usual rusty formula of pub grub, happy hour specials and a pool table. These venues provide an opportunity to mingle with other travellers and exchange useful hints and tip about travel.

Cabaret clubs and live music bars are a great place to mix with locals; however they tend to blast out Vietnamese hits which doesn’t always appeal to the Western ear.

Saigon’s cosmopolitan bar scene attracts a who’s who of Saigon. The city’s classy high end bars are frequented by the city’s elite, who are possibly the only ones who can afford the drinks. Delicious cocktails and prime people watching means it is sometimes worth the splurge.

There are some clubs in Saigon, which allow revellers to keep the candle burning into the wee hours. Clubs often attract a mixed crowd, allowing visitors to relax and socialize with locals.

Saigon’s nightlife is a lot livelier than the nation’s capital; however, it still lacks the energy of other South East Asian cities such as Bangkok. There are plenty of bars and pubs to choose from, but drinks prices and clientele vary considerably from venue to venue.

Bia hoi is the local brew and drank by the pitcher along the street. This is a cheap and cheerful way to sample the local culture over a cold and refreshing beer. These street side outfits open up late afternoon and attract locals by the dozen. There is always a good atmosphere and it may provide an opportunity for some jovial banter with locals.

Backpacker style cafes and bars are great places to meet like-minded travellers. There are often drinks promotions such as Happy Hour, and many pubs have pool tables. These budget haunts are great places to pick up hints and tips for future travel ventures.

There is a chic bar culture is Saigon characterized by trendy upmarket western style bars which are frequented by the city’s most fashionable residents. Cocktails and drinks at such venues are often tempting and delicious; however, the price list will undoubtedly be less appetizing.

One of the highlights of any visit to Saigon is sampling the wide variety of cuisines on offer. It is possible to find almost every popular international cuisine in the city, and restaurants offer a very high standard of service.

Another joy of Saigon dining is the value for money; however, this is constantly changing due to the constant rise of food prices and living coasts. Finding bargain food is becoming more of a challenge, although most meals still cost a fraction of the price back home in the west.

Pho is a staple in Vietnamese diet; locals can be found hunched over a bowl of this meaty noodle broth at any time of day. Pho can be found on almost every street and is well worth a try while travelling in Vietnam.

International food is plentiful, and is usually authentic. From Japanese sushi to American style burgers, diners can satisfy their every craving. Saigon has a wide selection of French restaurants, including a number of elegant options.

The wide variety of food on offer in Saigon reflects the diverse nature of the city. The European influence is particularly dominant, and western visitors are often pleased to find delicious coffee and French bread in abundance.