Coffee is a staple in many countries, but traditional coffee in Vietnam hits differently. It is probably because of its rich flavor and thick texture. A few of its variants include coconut milk coffee and the famous egg coffee mixed with condensed milk. Plus, you can enjoy it at an affordable price in any of the several street cafes in Ho Chi Minh, including The Café Apartment at 42 Nguyen Hue Street and Saigon Coffee Roastery. Aside from these cafes, you can also buy roasted coffee beans as a gift at Ben Thanh Market or Trung Nguyen. 

Saigon Central Post Office is one of Ho Chi Minh’s gems. Aside from its stunning Neoclassical and colonial architecture, this centrally located place is just adjacent to the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon and near Diamond Plaza. The main area of the building is where tourists can send postcards, letters, and other parcels. Meanwhile, its left and right sides are the areas where we purchased a few souvenirs. However, remember to haggle for a lower price, as some items can be quite pricey. To avoid the crowds, my friends and I visited this attraction in the morning as it gets busy during the afternoon. Additionally, other mementos and street food are available outside the post office. 

Visiting one of the tallest buildings in Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh’s highest viewing deck is a thrilling experience for someone who is afraid of heights like me. However, I conquered my fear and eventually had a lovely time with my friends. Its elevator is also one of the fastest, operating at 7 meters (22 feet) per second. From its 49th-floor Sky Deck, we enjoyed a 360-degree view of the city and the Saigon River. Afterward, we went to the on-site Ao Dai Gallery and witnessed a collection of Vietnam’s national dress. It is best to go here during sunset to enjoy stunning views and the city’s transition to its vibrant night scene. Moreover, visitors can buy keepsakes such as shirts, traditional fans, and bags from here.

Witness Vietnam’s rich culture at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, which delights visitors with a nightly 45-minute puppet show. The play depicts traditional Vietnamese life in the Red River Delta through legends and folk tales. Moreover, it is accompanied by live operatic songs and a small group of musicians. Just note that the songs, narrations, and dialogues are in Vietnamese, but viewers will definitely enjoy and easily follow through with the story. Note that it is best to book your tickets in advance since the shows get sold out fast.

Mekong Delta, located in the south of Vietnam, has several fishing villages, rivers, and islands. From here, my friends and I enjoyed the serene Vinh Trang Pagoda, which is a Buddhist temple with sleeping and sitting Buddhas. Other activities include rowing in the delta and visiting a coconut candy establishment, where we bought delicacies and gifts for our families and friends. Guests will also love tasting seasonal fruits from local orchards, sipping honey tea, and indulging in a sumptuous seafood meal at An Khanh. 

The Manor at Camp John Hay is one of the most excellent accommodations for a getaway in the City of Pines. While here, you can bask in the cool mountain breeze while strolling around the garden. My relatives love staying here as it has spacious suites with premium amenities and stunning views. Moreover, this place is more magical in the month of December, since the entire property is filled with Christmas decorations and lights.

Our favorite hangout place here is The Fireplace Lounge, where one can enjoy a cup of coffee and make friends with fellow travelers. Aside from friendly staff, this place has an exceptional spa service at a fee. Kids will even love the arts and crafts area. For a fun day, exploring the nearby Bell House and Mines View Park would be ideal.

Burnham Park has been one of the staple attractions that locals and tourists head to in Baguio City. It is an urban park with vast gardens and picnic and bicycle areas. Moreover, it is centrally located and can be reached by walking from the city center. If you want to stay active, you can also jog around and join Zumba classes here. Other places within the park include Burnham Lake, where you can rent different kinds of boats, and Melvin Jones Grandstand, where you can play football or watch seasonal events. Alternatively, visit Baguio Museum to learn more about the Cordillera Administrative Region. Afterward, you can indulge in a hot taho or other street foods while sitting on the bench and people-watching. 

Bell House offers a tranquil ambiance, perfect for those who want to unwind after a long day. It opened to the public in 1991 when it was handed over to the government. Aside from the colonial house, the area boasts an amphitheater with a garden and surrounding green spaces and is an ideal venue for photoshoots and wedding receptions. Additionally, since it’s within Camp John Hay, admission to this house allows you to visit the Cemetery of Negativism, which has gravestones for negative thoughts and emotions. Another side trip is the rainforest-like restaurant called Choco-late de Batirol, where you can enjoy a cup of traditional chocolate drink and indulge in hearty meals.