Explore Ho Chi Minh City: Oriental Night Paris of Saigon Guided Walk
There’s a saying that goes, “During the day, it’s called Ho Chi Minh, but when night falls, it’s called Saigon.” In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is equivalent to Shanghai in terms of its status. It’s a blend of tradition and modernity, East and West, conservatism and openness, creating a unique exotic charm.
Coming back to Ho Chi Minh City after ten years, I found the city has changed dramatically, completely overturning my previous memories of it. After seeing both the day and night of Ho Chi Minh City, I finally understood the meaning of this saying. At night, Ho Chi Minh City transforms into a glamorous Night Saigon, as if it has applied concealer and foundation, and it’s definitely worth a look.
Night photography tips:
🔥 I recommend taking a river cruise to enjoy the night view (around sunset or in the evening): Go to Bến Bạch Đằng Pier, near the Trần Hưng Đạo roundabout, and buy a ticket to Bình An at the ticket office. The fare is 15,000 VND, with boats departing approximately every half hour. Tickets for the sunset and evening cruises are quite popular, so it’s best to buy them in advance if you have time, otherwise, you might have to wait an hour for the next boat.
The Bình An pier is right across from Landmark 81, separated by the Saigon River, making it a great spot for photos. There are cafes along the river where you can enjoy the night view while having coffee and chatting. I launched my drone here. After exploring this area, you can take a taxi to Central Park, which is near Landmark 81.
The park has green spaces, fountains, and a tower platform for viewing. The surrounding area is a wealthy neighborhood with a very pleasant environment. You can either take a taxi or the metro back to your hotel. For dining, there are restaurants in the mall at Landmark 81, and there are also many restaurants around the residential area, making it very convenient.
Shooting Time: January 2025, during the vibrant Spring Festival
✈️ Equipment: DJI Mini 3 Pro, 5D4, and my trusty mobile phone
📍 Photos 1-5: Aerial views of the iconic Landmark 81, captured from above
Photos 6-8: A detailed guide to navigating the Saigon Water Bus
Photos 9-14: Stunning drone shots of the riverside green space square, showcasing the city’s natural beauty
Photos 15-18: Magical lantern festival scenes near the charming Coffee Apartment
⭐ While there are no specific drone checks at Ho Chi Minh City’s airport, it’s worth noting that some travelers have reported confiscations and fines in Nha Trang and Da Nang.
Therefore, exercise caution when bringing your drone into Vietnam. Although the city itself doesn’t have strict no-fly zones, it’s wise to stay clear of security guards and police. During one of my flights, a security guard signaled for me to land, so I quickly complied and left to avoid any potential fines.
It’s not uncommon to encounter arbitrary fines or requests for small bribes in Vietnam.
➡️ My visit coincided with the Year of the Snake Spring Festival, which is also celebrated in Vietnam. The streets were adorned with snake-themed lanterns, adding a unique charm to the festivities. This year is particularly special as it marks the 50th anniversary of Saigon being renamed Ho Chi Minh City.
The lantern displays and performances were exceptionally grand and beautifully designed, making the celebration even more memorable.
