Ho Chi Minh is a city brimming with energy and youthful vibrancy, where the true charm lies in the intricate details of everyday life. To experience the best of Ho Chi Minh, you must delve into the hidden alleyways in Ho Chi Minh that weave between the city’s main streets. These alleys, often just a few feet wide, are where most Vietnamese live and where you can discover the ‘real’ Saigon. The alleys offer far more charm and interest than the central area of District 1, where most travelers spend their time. Getting lost on foot in this labyrinth brings you into contact with friendly locals, delicious street food, intriguing architecture, and authentic local life.
Walk a few meters down any alleyway and the city noises fade away, as does the traffic. The rhythm of life here is slower, calmer, and on a more human scale. It’s cool and quiet, but there’s no shortage of things to see and do: colorful fruit markets, pagodas, hidden cafes, street food vendors, shrines, and even tombs. The air is filled with cooking scents, especially during early mornings and late afternoons, mingled with the perfume of washing detergent from laundry hanging out in the sun. People live in such close proximity that there’s an intimacy to alley life: children play and do homework together; families cook, eat, and drink together. All this happens either in the open air or in ground-floor rooms with the doors wide open, allowing you to truly see life happening.
Below are five of our favorite areas for hidden alleyways in Ho Chi Minh. We haven’t plotted any particular route as this would defeat the point: the best way to experience Saigon’s alleyways is to wander aimlessly; eat and drink anything that looks good, stop to look at little bits and pieces of architecture that catch your eye; until you’re either completely lost or reach a dead end. But if you are afraid of being lost, we at Jackfruit Adventure can accompany you to help you explore an authentic Saigon in the Saigon-off-the-beaten-path tour.
01. Zen Alley
- Location: 498 Le Quang Dinh, Ward 1, Go Vap District
Zen Alley, located at 498 Le Quang Dinh in Go Vap District, is a serene escape where the hustle and bustle of city life fade away. The alley gets its name from the four pagodas located here, making both residents and visitors feel relieved and lighthearted. Chau An Pagoda, built in 1952, is the first pagoda here and is said to be located on the land of a dragon, influencing the destiny of its inhabitants. The alley is mostly tranquil and clean, except on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month when many people come to pray.
Travel Tips:
- Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
- Respect the local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting the pagodas.
- Bring a camera to capture the serene beauty of the pagodas and the surrounding alley.
02. Statue-Making Alley
- Location: 1017 Hong Bang, Ward 12, District 6
Located in Ho Chi Minh’s Chinatown, this alley is famous for its century-old tradition of statue making. More than ten families continue to craft statues of Buddha and other gods, passing down the skills from generation to generation. Walking down the alley, you’ll see sculptures of various sizes and shapes, and the workers sculpting, painting, and finishing them. The materials have evolved from jackfruit wood to concrete and plaster, with the statues now being shipped across Vietnam and the world.
Travel Tips:
- Observe the craftsmen at work and don’t hesitate to ask questions; they are usually happy to share their craft.
- If you’re interested in buying a statue, negotiate the price respectfully.
- Visit during weekdays to avoid the weekend rush and see the craftsmen in action.
03. Flower Lined Alleyway – Ho Thi Ky Alleys
- Location: Between Ly Thai To & Le Hong Phong streets, District 10
The alleyways around Ho Thi Ky Street in District 10 are less affluent but bursting with life, especially at night when the flower market is in full swing. Trapped in a triangle between three main roads, these alleys are best visited after dark when street food vendors, families, and flowers create a vibrant scene. At night, the vibrant Ho Thi Ky market transforms into a food lover’s paradise. This extensive street food market offers an extraordinary Saigon Foodie Night Ride, featuring a wide array of flavors from different regions of Vietnam and international dishes. Compared to other markets in Vietnam, Ho Thi Ky stands out with its vast area dedicated to food, an abundance of delicious dishes, and a significant daily influx of tourists.
Travel Tips:
- Visit at night to experience the full vibrancy of the flower market.
- Bargain when purchasing flowers or other goods; it’s part of the experience.
- Enjoy the local street food while you explore.
04. Doan Van Bo Alleys
- Location: Between Hoang Dieu & Vinh Khanh streets, District 4
Located in District 4, this geometric network of tight alleyways is among the liveliest and ‘tastiest’ in Saigon, offering a true Saigon Off-the-Beaten Path experience. Narrow concrete channels run from Hoang Dieu, Vinh Khanh, and Doan Van Bo streets to Xom Chieu Market. Enter the alleys from any of these busy streets and get lost in the maze. Homes, shops, and food stalls are punctuated by small Buddhist temples. Every turn reveals another hidden gem, from delicious street food vendors to quaint little shops.
Travel Tips:
- Come hungry and try the various street foods available.
- Explore in the late afternoon or evening when the food stalls are at their busiest.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
05. Hao Si Phuong Alleys
- Location: 206 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 10, District 5
Hao Si Phuong Alley, located in the heart of Saigon’s Chinatown, is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into local life. This narrow passageway, established over 100 years ago by the Chinese community with French support, is steeped in tradition and cultural heritage. The alley is a harmonious blend of Vietnamese and Chinese influences, with Buddhist prayer houses and traditional eateries coexisting. Hao Si Phuong Alley is more than just a physical space; it’s a vibrant community where generations of families have lived and formed deep connections.
Travel Tips:
- Be respectful and avoid taking photos without permission.
- Visit early in the morning to see the local life in full swing.
- Try some traditional Chinese snacks from the local eateries.
Enhance Your Experience with Jackfruit Adventure
Exploring Saigon’s alleyways is like peeling back the layers of the city to reveal its heart and soul. Each alleyway has its own character and charm, offering a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. Let Jackfruit Adventure guide you to these hidden gems in Ho Chi Minh City. Join our Ho Chi Minh cycling tour to uncover the secrets of Saigon’s alleyways. Contact us now and experience the true essence of Ho Chi Minh City with us!
