📍 Start your adventure right outside our door at 4D Thi Sach Street, Sai Gon Ward, District 1 — the beating heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Welcome to District 1, where colonial grandeur collides with modern energy, and every street corner tells a story. For guests staying at Silverland Jolie Hotel, this vibrant neighborhood isn’t just a backdrop—it’s your personal playground. Just steps from our chic boutique entrance, you’ll find yourself immersed in a living museum of architecture, culture, cuisine, and commerce. Whether you’re here for business, romance, or pure exploration, our curated walking tour guide will help you experience District 1 like a local—on foot, at your own pace, and with all the hidden gems only insiders know.
🚶♂️ Why Walk? Because Saigon Was Made to Be Explored on Foot
Forget taxis and tuk-tuks—there’s no better way to absorb the soul of Saigon than by wandering its streets. The rhythm of motorbikes, the scent of street food, the hum of conversation, the flash of neon signs against French balconies—it’s all best experienced up close. And with Silverland Jolie Hotel as your base (located at 4D Thi Sach Street, just 0.2 km from Ben Thanh Market), you’re perfectly positioned to begin your journey.
Our concierge team recommends starting early—around 7:30 AM—to beat the heat and crowds—and ending with sunset cocktails at our rooftop pool. But wherever you go, whatever you do, let this be your ultimate walking tour itinerary.
🌅 Morning: The Colonial Heartbeat — Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office
Distance from hotel: 5-minute walk
Best time to visit: 7:30–9:00 AM
Begin your day at two of Saigon’s most iconic landmarks:
✅ Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
A stunning example of French colonial architecture, this red-brick cathedral was built between 1863 and 1880. Its twin towers and stained-glass windows are breathtaking—even more so when bathed in morning light. Don’t miss the statue of the Virgin Mary in front, surrounded by flower vendors and street performers.
Pro Tip: Visit during weekday Mass (if you’re interested) or simply admire the exterior—the courtyard is perfect for photos without the midday glare.
✅ Saigon Central Post Office
Just across the street, this architectural gem was designed by Gustave Eiffel’s student and opened in 1892. Inside, you’ll find high ceilings, arched windows, vintage telephones, and a giant map of Vietnam on the wall. Buy postcards, send letters home, or just soak in the ambiance.
Insider Secret: Ask our concierge for a “postcard trail” — we’ll give you a list of nearby cafes where you can sip coffee while writing your cards!
☕ Mid-Morning: Coffee Culture & Hidden Courtyards
Distance from hotel: 5–10 minutes
Best time to visit: 9:00–10:30 AM
After absorbing history, it’s time for caffeine—and culture.
✅ Cong Caphe – The Art of Vietnamese Coffee
Located near Dong Khoi Street, this trendy café chain blends street art, industrial design, and traditional Vietnamese drip coffee. Order a ca phe sua da (iced milk coffee) and watch locals chat over steaming cups.
✅ The Workshop Coffee – Minimalist Perfection
A short detour down Pham Ngu Lao leads you to this sleek, Scandinavian-inspired spot known for slow-brewed single-origin beans. Perfect for digital nomads or those seeking quiet reflection.
✅ Hidden Courtyards & Secret Alleys
Ask our concierge for their “Off-the-Beaten-Path Walking Map”—they’ll point you to tucked-away courtyards behind colonial buildings, family-run tea shops, and tiny shrines that most tourists never see.
Guest Favorite: One traveler raved: “I found a little temple hidden behind a noodle shop—I’d never have seen it without the hotel’s map!”
🛍️ Lunchtime: Shopping & Street Food Galore — Ben Thanh Market
Distance from hotel: Just 0.2 km — literally a 3-minute walk!
Best time to visit: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
No visit to Saigon is complete without stepping into Ben Thanh Market—Vietnam’s largest indoor market and a sensory overload in the best possible way.
✅ What to Do Inside
- Souvenir Shopping: Silk scarves, lacquerware, conical hats, coffee beans, spices, and hand-painted fans.
- Street Food Heaven: Grab a seat at one of the food stalls and try:
- Bánh xèo (crispy rice flour pancakes)
- Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls)
- Phở (beef noodle soup)
- Chè (sweet dessert soups)
- Negotiate Like a Pro: Prices are rarely fixed—start at 50% of the asking price and smile!
Pro Tip: Our concierge offers a “Market Survival Guide” — including how to haggle, which vendors are trustworthy, and where to find the best pho.
🌆 Afternoon: Elegant Boulevards & Boutique Discovery — Dong Khoi Street
Distance from hotel: 0.1 mi (0.2 km) — 5-minute stroll
Best time to visit: 2:00–4:00 PM
Now it’s time to stroll down Dong Khoi Street—Saigon’s most elegant boulevard, lined with luxury boutiques, art galleries, and colonial-era buildings turned into chic hotels and cafés.
✅ Must-See Spots
- Vincom Center – Upscale shopping mall with international brands and rooftop dining.
- The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre – A converted warehouse showcasing cutting-edge Vietnamese artists.
- Artisan Boutiques – Discover handmade jewelry, silk dresses, and designer accessories at independent shops like Saigon Artisan and L’Atelier du Cuir.
- Café Society – Stop at Kafein or The Café Apartment for an afternoon pick-me-up among Instagram-worthy interiors.
Guest Review: “Dong Khoi is like Paris meets Saigon—so beautiful, so alive.”
🎭 Evening: Culture, Performance & Rooftop Views — Saigon Opera House
Distance from hotel: 0.3 mi (0.5 km) — 7-minute walk
Best time to visit: 5:00–7:00 PM
As the sun sets, head to the Saigon Opera House—a masterpiece of French neoclassical architecture completed in 1900. Even if you don’t catch a performance, the building itself is worth admiring.
✅ What to Do
- Take photos of the ornate façade and marble columns.
- Check the schedule for live performances—opera, ballet, or traditional Vietnamese dance.
- Grab a drink at Chill Skybar or The View Rooftop Bar (both within 5 minutes) for panoramic city views.
Pro Tip: Book tickets through our concierge—they often get discounted rates or VIP seating!
🍜 Nightfall: Street Food & Night Markets — Bui Vien Walking Street
Distance from hotel: 0.5 mi (0.8 km) — 10-minute walk
Best time to visit: 7:00–10:00 PM
End your day where Saigon truly comes alive—Bui Vien Walking Street, the city’s most famous nightlife strip.
✅ What to Experience
- Street Food Stalls: Try grilled squid, banh mi, coconut ice cream, and fresh fruit shakes.
- Live Music & Bars: From acoustic guitarists to full bands, there’s always something playing.
- Shopping & Souvenirs: Bargain for T-shirts, bags, and trinkets under colorful lanterns.
- People-Watching: Sit at a plastic stool, sip a beer, and watch the world go by.
Insider Secret: Avoid the main drag—turn into side alleys for quieter spots and better prices.
🧭 Bonus: Customized Walking Tours via Silverland Jolie Concierge
Want to go deeper? Let our concierge craft a personalized walking tour just for you:
- History Buffs: Explore lesser-known war sites, old French villas, and revolutionary landmarks.
- Foodies: Join a guided street food crawl with tastings at 5+ hidden gems.
- Photographers: Get a map of the most Instagrammable corners—from murals to alleyway cafés.
- Romantics: Book a private evening stroll with wine and roses arranged by our team.
“The staff made my stay unforgettable.” — ばたーけーき。 (September 2025)
🗺️ Your Personal Walking Tour Map (From Silverland Jolie Hotel)
Here’s a suggested route to maximize your day:
- Start: Silverland Jolie Hotel → 5-min walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office
- Coffee Break: Head to Cong Caphe or The Workshop Coffee (5–10 min)
- Lunch: Ben Thanh Market (3-min walk)
- Shopping & Culture: Dong Khoi Street (5-min walk)
- Evening Culture: Saigon Opera House (7-min walk)
- Nightlife: Bui Vien Walking Street (10-min walk)
- Return: Back to hotel for sunset drinks at our rooftop pool
💡 Practical Tips for Your Walking Tour
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking 3–5 miles—choose breathable, supportive footwear.
- Carry Small Bills: Many street vendors don’t accept large notes or cards.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle—we offer complimentary bottled water in-room.
- Use Sun Protection: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential—even in the shade.
- Download Offline Maps: Google Maps works offline, but ask our concierge for a printed map too.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots Near Silverland Jolie Hotel
- Sunrise at Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Reflections in the Central Post Office windows
- Colorful murals along Pham Ngu Lao
- Neon lights on Bui Vien Walking Street
- Sunset views from our rooftop pool
Tag us! #SilverlandJolieHotel #SaigonWalkingTour #District1HoChiMinhCity
🏨 Why Stay at Silverland Jolie Hotel for Your Walking Adventure
Because we don’t just give you a room—we give you access. To culture. To cuisine. To connection. To the soul of Saigon.
With free Wi-Fi, 24-hour concierge, express check-out, and a rooftop pool to unwind after your day, we ensure your walking tour is not just memorable—but effortless.
Let Silverland Jolie Hotel be your gateway to Saigon’s energy, elegance, and endless charm.
Your walking adventure starts here. 🇻🇳✨
📍 4D Thi Sach Street, Sai Gon Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
📞 +84-28-35218999 | ✉ reservation.jolie@silverlandhotels.com
🌐 Official Booking Page
“I’d come back just for the Eggs Benedict—but also for the walking tour.” — Real Guest Review
Step out. Explore. Discover. Saigon awaits.
