Catch the Áo Dài Festival every March

Open since 1925 at the foot of Đồng Khởi street, the Majestic is one of the city's long-running heritage hotels, with stained glass, chandeliers and Parisian-style interiors. Ask for a river-facing room and pick a higher floor for the view. In the evening, head up to the rooftop bar for river views and live local…

On the 22nd to 24th days of the third lunar month, Thiên Hậu Temple on Nguyễn Trãi street holds its biggest festival. The goddess statue is carried in a palanquin procession while lion and dragon dances and traditional music fill the streets. Arrive early because worshippers pack the courtyard, and follow what others…

A O is an hour-long, almost wordless performance that mixes acrobatics, contemporary dance and live traditional music with bamboo props to tell Vietnam's move from village to city. It plays at the Saigon Opera House on Lam Son Square, and the producer alternates shows between cities, so confirm the schedule on its…

Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street is a pedestrian lane of bookshops, pop-up stalls and café corners beside the old post office. Activities there traditionally wind down around the early evening, so come in the afternoon, and look out for the city's book and night culture events when the street stays open later with folk…

The nine-storey apartment block at 42 Nguyễn Huệ was built in the 1960s and is now packed with small cafés, several with balconies or big windows over the walking street. Find the café you want from the pavement first, then ride the lift or climb the stairs, and pick a window or balcony seat. Order a drink to earn the…

The Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of Bitexco Financial Tower gives a 360-degree view over the river bend, Thủ Thiêm and the skyline. Arrive for the last daylight before sunset so you see the city by day, at dusk and after the lights come on, and buy your ticket online to skip the queue. Check the weather first…

Jade Emperor Pagoda on Mai Thị Lựu street is an active temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor, so cover your shoulders and knees and keep your voice low. Go early on an ordinary day, because the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month and the weeks around Lunar New Year bring crowds of worshippers. Photos are…

Cyclos have no meter and fare disputes are common, so agree the total for the whole ride before you board, say whether it is per person, and type the number on your phone to avoid confusion over zeros. Politely decline street vendors who offer a photo with a carrying pole before anything touches your shoulders. When…