Ho Chi Minh City: A Halal Travel Guide to Vietnam’s Most Vibrant City

If Hanoi is the “Old Soul” of Vietnam, quiet and traditional, then Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is its young, roaring engine. This is a city that never sleeps. It is loud, colorful, and bursting with energy.

For the Muslim traveler, Ho Chi Minh City is arguably the most convenient destination in Vietnam. Why? Because right in the heart of District 1 lies a thriving community often called “Little Malaysia,” where Halal food and mosques are just steps away from the major luxury hotels.

Ready to discover the heartbeat of Vietnam? From golden sunsets on the river to world-class shopping and soaring skylines, here are 10 unforgettable experiences awaiting you in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Shop & Eat at Ben Thanh Market and “Saigon Halal Street”

We start with the most important area for any Muslim traveler: The Ben Thanh District.

Ben Thanh Market This is the symbol of the city. Inside, it is a sensory explosion. You will find thousands of stalls selling lacquerware, coffee, dried fruit, and fabrics.

• Shopping Tip: The sellers here expect you to bargain. If they say 500,000 VND, you should smile and offer 250,000 VND. It is part of the game!
• For Muslim Ladies: This is the best place to buy Vietnamese Silk and ready-made Ao Dai (traditional long dress) that are modest and perfect for photos.

Nguyen An Ninh Street (Saigon Halal Street) Just outside the West Gate of Ben Thanh Market lies Nguyen An Ninh Street.

• The Vibe: You will feel like you have been transported to Kuala Lumpur. The street is lined with Halal restaurants, shops selling Hijabs and Telekung, and travel agencies specializing in Muslim tours.
• Why go: It is the safest and easiest place to find strictly Halal food (nasi goreng, teh tarik, and pho) without needing to check ingredients. It is the “Halal HQ” of Saigon.

2. Visit the Historic Mosques of Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City is home to a small but vibrant Muslim community (mostly of Cham and Indian descent), and their mosques are architectural gems that welcome visitors from all over the world.

The Saigon Central Mosque (Jamia Al-Musulman) Located at 66 Dong Du Street, right next to the luxury Sheraton Hotel.

• The Architecture: Built in 1935, this mosque is famous for its stunning lime-green facade and peaceful courtyard. It is an oasis of silence in the middle of the chaotic city.
• The Experience: You can visit for your daily prayers (Solat) or simply sit by the ritual pool to cool down. It is incredibly welcoming to tourists.

The Cho Lon Mosque (Chinatown) Located at 641 Nguyen Trai Street in District 5.

• Why go: This mosque has a unique blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture. It is cleaner, quieter, and feels very spiritual. Visiting here gives you a chance to see the famous “Chinatown” area of Saigon without getting lost in the busy temples.

3. Admire the Architecture at the Central Post Office

Right in the center of town is the Saigon Central Post Office.

• Why it’s special: Designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the Eiffel Tower guy), it looks more like a grand European train station. The yellow walls, green shutters, and massive arched ceiling make it one of the most photogenic spots in Vietnam.
• Activity: It is still a working post office! You can buy a postcard, write a note to your family back home, and mail it right there.

Nguyen Van Binh Book Street Just next to the Post Office is the famous Book Street. It is a pedestrian-only lane covered in green trees, lined with cute bookstores and open-air cafes. It is peaceful, safe, and has a very intellectual “vibe” that is perfect for a morning coffee.

4. The Independence Palace (A Time Capsule)

The Independence Palace is a fascinating time capsule and a masterpiece of 1960s architecture. It is airy, open, and surrounded by massive green lawns.

• What to see: You can walk through the grand Banquet Halls, the Presidential Office, and the Cinema Room. Everything is preserved exactly as it was in 1975, from the retro telephones to the velvet chairs. It feels like walking onto a movie set.
• The Gardens: The grounds are huge and full of old trees. It is a great place to let kids run around safely away from the motorbikes while admiring the historic tanks and jets parked on the lawn as exhibits.

5. Walk Down Nguyen Hue Street & See the “Cafe Apartment”

In the evening, the whole city comes to Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This is a massive pedestrian plaza that runs from the City Hall down to the river.

The Cafe Apartment (42 Nguyen Hue) You have definitely seen this on TikTok. It is an old 9-story apartment block where every single balcony has been turned into a different cafe or boutique.

• The Look: A charming relic of old Saigon that has been transformed into a bustling hub of coffee shops, creative spaces, and retail stores.
• The Activity: Take the elevator (small fee) or walk up the stairs to explore. You can sip a matcha latte on the 5th floor while watching the crowds below. It is the ultimate “Saigon Vibe” experience.

6. Catch the Sunset on the Saigon Waterbus

For the best view of the skyline, skip the expensive dinner cruises and do what the locals do: take the Saigon Waterbus.

The Secret

• Cost: It only costs about 15,000 VND ($0.60) for a ticket!
• Route: Go to the Bach Dang Wharf (District 1) and buy a ticket to Binh An (District 2).
• Timing: Board the boat around 5:00 PM.
• The View: As the boat travels along the Saigon River, you will watch the sun set behind the skyscrapers. The wind is cool, and the view of the Landmark 81 tower lighting up is spectacular. Once you arrive at Binh An, grab a drink at the riverfront cafe, enjoy the breeze, and take the boat back.

7. Touch the Sky at Landmark 81

Speaking of skyscrapers, you cannot miss the giant bamboo-shaped tower piercing the clouds. This is Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

• Vinhomes Central Park: At the bottom of the tower is a massive, luxury park modeled after Central Park in New York. It is free to enter, very clean, and perfect for an evening walk.
• The SkyView: For a ticket price, you can go up to the 81st floor. The view is breathtaking—you can see the entire sprawling city and the winding river below. It is a great spot to see just how modern Vietnam has become.

8. Day Trip: The Mekong Delta (Rivers & Orchards)

For a refreshing change of pace, we recommend a day trip to the Mekong Delta (My Tho or Ben Tre). This is the “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam, a region of endless rivers and green islands.

The Experience

• Sampan Ride: You will sit in a small wooden rowing boat, being paddled through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms. It is silent, green, and incredibly peaceful.
• Fruit & Honey: You will visit local orchards to taste fresh tropical fruits (dragon fruit, mango, longan) and drink tea mixed with fresh honey and kumquat.
• Muslim Friendly? Yes! Many tour operators in the Mekong now cater to Muslim guests. Since the food in the Mekong is naturally focused on fresh fish and vegetables, it is easy to find Halal-friendly meals (like Deep Fried Elephant Ear Fish—a local specialty).

9. Modern Shopping at Saigon Centre (Takashimaya)

If Ben Thanh Market is for traditional vibes, Saigon Centre (Takashimaya) is for modern luxury.

• Why go: It is the premier shopping mall in the city. If you need air conditioning, clean prayer room facilities (ask the concierge), and high-end brands, this is the place.
• The Food Court: The basement food court is legendary. While not everything is Halal, there are many vegetarian and seafood options, and the Japanese fruit desserts are to die for.

📍 Directory: Halal Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon is a food paradise. Here are the direct Google Maps links to the best Halal-certified restaurants to keep you fueled:

Vietnamese & Malaysian (The “Malaysia Street” Favorites)

1. The Daun Restaurant (Vietnamese & Singaporean – Highly Recommended)
2. Kampung Melayu (Authentic Nasi Lemak & Teh Tarik)
3. Halal @ Saigon (Right opposite the Central Mosque)
4. Pho Muslim (The best authentic Halal Beef Pho in town – located in an alley but worth it!)
5. Serai Malaysian Kitchen (Modern Malaysian cuisine)

Indian & Middle Eastern 

1. Baba’s Kitchen (Indian – Famous on Tripadvisor)
2. Beirut Restaurant (Lebanese & Middle Eastern + Hookah)
3. Taj Mahal Restaurant (Indian & Pakistani)

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City is a destination that surprises you. It is not just about history; it is about the now. It is a city of incredible food, warm smiles, and endless energy.

For the Muslim traveler, it offers the perfect balance: the comfort of easy-to-find Halal food and mosques, combined with the excitement of exploring a rapidly modernizing Asian metropolis. Pack your walking shoes and your appetite—Saigon is waiting for you!