Where in HCMC

Saigon has a way of making things feel normal that would raise a few eyebrows anywhere else.

Like power lines that look like abstract art. ⚡️

Fruit casually drying on the sidewalk, like it’s a perfectly reasonable place for it. 🍊

Or ordering food delivery... from a place you can literally see from where you’re sitting. 🛵

If you’ve been in Saigon long enough, none of this surprises you anymore.

What else should be on this list?

Underrated Vietnamese food you NEED to try! PT.1: BỘT CHIÊN 😮‍🔥

Everyone talks about phở and bánh mì… but real ones know this sizzling street snack hits different 👀

Bột chiên is basically pan-fried rice flour cake.
Crispy golden edges, soft chewy center, fried with egg and green onions 🍳✨

Inspired by Chinese radish cake, but Vietnam made it eggier, simpler, and full street-style!

Next time you’re in Saigon, skip the usual and follow the sound of the sizzling pan 🔥

PT.2 coming soon… 👀

Vietnam’s fruit scene is seriously next level 🍉🍈👀

Sure, everyone knows mangoes and dragon fruit… but step into a local market and you’ll quickly realize that’s only the beginning. Piles of colorful, spiky, juicy, and sometimes slightly mysterious fruits fill the stalls 🧺✨

Some are sweet like dessert 🤤
Some are super refreshing on a hot day 🧊🍹
And some… well, they might totally surprise your taste buds 😳😂
Many of these fruits only appear for a short season, which makes spotting them in the market feel like a little treasure hunt 🕵️‍♀️

Save this list for your next market visit 🍍
And tell us - which one surprised you the most? 👀

Saigon has a way of making things feel normal that would raise a few eyebrows anywhere else.

Like power lines that look like abstract art. ⚡️

Fruit casually drying on the sidewalk, like it’s a perfectly reasonable place for it. 🍊

Or ordering food delivery… from a place you can literally see from where you’re sitting. 🛵

If you’ve been in Saigon long enough, none of this surprises you anymore.

What else should be on this list?

Some restaurants come and go. Others quietly become Saigon favorites 🍾
And .vn is definitely one of them 🥂

We’ve visited Lupin a dozen times already and it dawned on us we haven’t posted about them yet - so here we are! It’s time!

Part-cozy French bistro, part-wine shop, Lupin has built a strong following since opening. Once you visit, it’s easy to see why (and why you’ll come back again and again like us) 😉

Their rotisserie chicken alone has become something of a legend (especially on Tuesdays, regulars know 👀) but we would also recommend Slow-Cooked Beef Cheek, Duck Confit or if you’re feeling particularly French, try the Frog Legs. A dessert-must is the Profiteroles!

And if you’re into wine? Ooh, you’re in for a treat. 🍇🍷Drink it, enjoy it, heck, buy an extra bottle to take home too.

🏆 With our People’s Picks Awards 2025, Lupin took home Best Chef, Best French Restaurant, and Best New Restaurant.

Top tip: Many people don’t realize that there’s also Tables des Chefs, which is a private chef’s table room. This has to be pre-booked, so plan ahead with a custom menu (great for special occasions or maybe just to impress your friends).

Looking for something to do this week? This might be your sign to book a table ✨

Pet parents, this one’s for you 🐶🐱

Saigon is full of places that truly get how much our furry friends mean to us 🐾

Here are some of the city’s trusted pet care, boarding, and walking services to reliable animal hospitals & veterinarians, plus pet shops stocked with treats and all the good stuff.

Whether you’re planning a trip and need a safe place for your pet to stay, looking for a vet you can trust, or just spoiling them with new toys, these are the names pet lovers across the city keep coming back to ❤️

What other pet life tips do you need?
Share your favorite pet friendly

🐾 Want to discover more Best of the Best in the city?
Explore all winners and our full Directory at whereinvietnam.com ✨

EP #5: Banking in Vietnam, made simple 💳🇻🇳

Opening a bank account in Vietnam can feel confusing at first - different rules, new apps, unfamiliar terms. This post breaks it down so you know what to expect before you walk into a bank 😌

We’re covering the essentials: how the process usually works, what you’ll need to prepare, which banks are commonly recommended, and how everyday payments actually happen here.

From QR payments and cash withdrawals to understanding ATM fees, this guide is designed to help you avoid unnecessary stress (and surprise charges 💸).

Save this post for later, future you will thank you 🙌

👉 Visit whereinvietnam.com to explore more guides, tips, and moving resources

POV: You only had one street to explore… and it turned into the perfect day!

Start slow with a dreamy matcha moment 🍵 at

Then accidentally try on .momo fits 👕✨

Dinner? Hidden alley energy at .eatery
Steak, pasta, maybe a cheeky drink. It’s giving low-key but elite 🥩🍷

And before you head home, new glasses at because apparently we’re entering a new era 🤓💫

Coffee. Clothes. Comfort food. Cool accessories.
All in one walk.
Trần Quốc Toản understood the assignment!

Save this for your next day out 😉

📱🇻🇳 EP #4: Phones, SIMs & Apps in Vietnam - let’s get you connected!

Just landed in Vietnam and wondered how everyone’s always online? 👀 Don’t worry, staying connected here is easyyyyy.

Unlocked phone? You’re good to go ✅
Dual SIM? Even better 😌
Grab a local SIM or eSIM, activate using your passport, and boom - you’ve got fast data almost everywhere!

And apps? Swipe right to see which apps Vietnamese often use!

Pro tip: mobile data is often more reliable than public Wi-Fi, so don’t be shy with those data packages 😉

Moving soon or already here? Save this post 📌
👉 Visit our page whereinvietnam.com to see more things or guides

Pho is iconic, but Vietnam’s food game doesn’t stop there 👀✨

Yesss how can we skip silky bánh cuốn fresh off the steamer, smoky bún thịt nướng loaded with herbs and sweet-salty sauce, and cơm tấm - the ultimate comfort plate 🍚🔥

These dishes are bold, messy, balanced, and very hard to stop eating!
Here are some places you can visit to try these dishes in Saigon:

Bún thịt nướng 🍜
📍Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Tuyền - 175c Cô Giang, D1
📍Bún Thịt Nướng Kiều Bảo - 139 Đề Thám, D1
📍Nhân Ngãi Quán - 213 Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh, D. Bình Thạnh

Cơm tấm 🍚
📍Cơm Tấm Tài - 1 Nguyễn An Ninh, D. Bình Thạnh
📍Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền - 84 Đặng Văn Ngữ, D. Phú Nhuận
📍Cơm Tấm Mộc - 85 Lý Tự Trọng, D1

Bánh cuốn 🥢
📍Bánh Cuốn Hào Hoa - 177/1 Lý Tự Trọng, D1
📍Bánh Cuốn Tây Hồ 127 - 127 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, D1
📍Bánh Cuốn Hải Nam - 11A Cao Thắng, D3