Saigon’s Hidden Gems: 10 Secret Photo Check-In Spots

Saigon is always a hot spot for travel enthusiasts and those who love to capture Instagrammable moments. From colorful alleys to uniquely styled cafes, Saigon boasts a treasure trove of locations for you to pose and create photos worthy of a million likes. If you’re looking for brand-new, stunning photo opportunities, don’t miss out on this list of the 10 most beautiful check-in spots in Saigon, which I’ve painstakingly “crawled” through to discover!

New to the city? This Saigon itinerary for first-timers is the perfect starting point before you go off the beaten path.

I. Why is Saigon a Paradise for Instagrammable Photos?

What is it about Saigon that makes people so “crazy” about it? Why do people immediately think of Saigon when it comes to taking pictures?

• Diverse architecture: Saigon is a harmonious blend of classic French architecture, old apartments with a strong sense of time, and modern skyscrapers.
• Street culture: The intricate alleys, the colorful street vendors, the unique graffiti walls… all create an authentic and vibrant Saigon.
• Natural light: Saigon is blessed with warm, radiant sunshine all year round, creating shimmering and emotional photos.
• Unlimited creativity: Cafes, shops, studios… in Saigon always know how to reinvent themselves with unique concepts, attracting young people and inspiring creativity.

II. Top 10 Most Beautiful Photo Check-in Spots in Saigon

And here is a list of ‘coordinates’ that I have painstakingly searched for and experienced, guaranteed to bring you the most ‘stylish’ photos. For the best experience, don’t forget to choose the right area to stay. Find out where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for a perfect base.

1. Thanh Da Apartment – Super Retro “to die for”

If you are a lover of retro and vintage styles and want to find a space with a strong sense of time, then Thanh Da Apartment is definitely a must-visit destination. It offers a nostalgic feeling, with its mottled walls, old corridors, and time-worn balconies.

Instagrammable Spots for Check-in Photos at Thanh Da Apartment:

• Old corridors: This is the “signature” background of Thanh Da Apartment. You can freely pose with the mottled walls, colorful clotheslines, and faded windows. Try matching your outfit with a retro style to create impressive photos.
• Spiral staircase: The spiral staircase with unique architecture is an impressive highlight, creating photos with depth and unique perspectives. Try shooting from below to create a unique visual effect.
• Balconies: Balconies with views of the surrounding residential area are ideal for taking OOTD photos or simply admiring Saigon from above. Try taking photos at sunset for romantic shots.
• Local residents: Don’t hesitate to ask the locals here for permission to take pictures in front of their houses. A friendly smile will help you get natural and intimate photos.
• Ideal Time to Take Photos at Thanh Da Apartment: Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to take photos at Thanh Da Apartment, when the light is soft and not too harsh. Avoid shooting at noon as the sun will be very bright and uncomfortable.

Detailed Information:

• Address: 7 Thanh Da, Cu Xa Thanh Da, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: Free
• How to get there: You can easily get here by motorbike or bus. Park your vehicle in the nearby parking lot.

Note: It is recommended to go on weekdays to avoid crowds. Please keep the general hygiene and respect the residents here!

2. Alley 144 Pasteur – A miniature Japan in the heart of Saigon

This small alley hides a miniature “Japan”, with restaurants and cafes that bear the imprint of the land of cherry blossoms. Coming here, you will feel like you are lost in Tokyo or Kyoto.

Unique Instagrammable Spots at Alley 144 Pasteur:

• Japanese restaurants: The restaurants with lanterns, Japanese signs and attractive dishes are the perfect background for Japanese-style photos. Try taking photos with your favorite dishes.
• Graffiti walls: The graffiti walls with images of anime and manga characters are also an interesting highlight of this alley. Try posing in a cosplay style to get unique photos.
• Small alleys: Try going deep into the small alleys inside, you will discover many unexpected instagrammable spots! Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment with new shooting angles.
• Ideal Time to Take Check-in Photos at Alley 144 Pasteur: The evening is when this alley becomes the most shimmering and vibrant, with lights from restaurants and a bustling atmosphere.

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Detailed Information:

• Address: 144 Pasteur, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: Free
• How to get there: Located right in the center of District 1, very easy to find. You can walk from Notre Dame Cathedral or the City Post Office.

Note: Take a walk to enjoy the charm of this alley and its Japanese flavors — then dive into 15 must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh City for more authentic local eats.

3. City Post Office – The beauty of classic French architecture

One of the most beautiful classic French architectural works in Saigon. The City Post Office is not only a tourist destination, a top Check-in Photo Spot in Saigon but also a historical witness, carrying interesting stories.

Unique Instagrammable Spots at the City Post Office:

• Post Office facade: The facade with classic French architecture is a “classic” background that everyone who comes here must take a picture of. Try taking photos from a distance to capture the entire Post Office.
• Inside the Post Office: Inside the Post Office with soaring rows of columns, ancient murals and transaction counters with a strong sense of time are also very beautiful photo angles. Try taking photos with old telephones or handwritten letters.
• Wooden chairs: Sitting on old wooden chairs and posing is also a good idea. Try reading a book or writing a letter to create a natural pose.
• Ideal Time to Take Photos at the City Post Office: Early morning or late afternoon is the time when the light is the most beautiful. Avoid shooting at noon as the Post Office will be very crowded with tourists.

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Detailed Information:

• Address: 125 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00
• How to get there: Located right in the center of District 1, it’s very easy to find.

Note: Dress respectfully when visiting the Post Office. Be sure to buy some souvenirs here.

4. The “Rich Area” of Lan Anh Village

Nestled along the poetic Saigon River, Lan Anh Village is a high-end villa area with luxurious European architecture and tree-lined streets. It offers a peaceful and romantic space, completely separate from the noise of the city.

Saigon Photo Check-in Spots At The “Rich Area” of Lan Anh Village:

• The streets: The tree-lined streets with luxurious villas are a great background for European-style photos.
• Riverside: Admire the Saigon River and take photos with a background of docked boats and high-rise buildings.
• Grounds: Explore the lush green gardens and unique architectural structures within the Lan Anh Village grounds.
• Ideal Time to Take Photos at the “Rich Area” of Lan Anh Village: Early morning or late afternoon is when the light is the most beautiful and the air is fresh.

Detailed Information:

• Address: Road 45, Quarter 5, Binh An Ward, District 2, HCMC (Near Saigon Bridge, you need to find out the route carefully or ask the locals)
• Entrance fee: Free (You need to move gently, keep order and respect the privacy of residents)
• Opening hours: Free
• How to get there: You can get here by motorbike or car.

Note: Keep order, do not make noise and respect the privacy of residents. Do not litter indiscriminately. Please keep order and respect those around you.

5. Mong Bridge – A historical witness of Saigon

The ancient bridge spanning the Ben Nghe canal is not only a transportation structure but also a historical witness, associated with the ups and downs of Saigon.

Unique Instagrammable Spots at Mong Bridge:

• Panoramic View of Mong Bridge: Take photos from afar to capture the entire Mong Bridge with its unique architecture and the green trees on both sides of the canal.
• On Mong Bridge: Stand on Mong Bridge and pose with a background of modern high-rise buildings or busy boats on the canal.
• Mong Bridge Angle: Find creative shooting angles from under the bridge or from the cafes along the canal.
• Ideal Time to Take Photos at Mong Bridge: The evening is when Mong Bridge becomes shimmering and magical with bright lights.

Detailed Information:

• Address: Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC
• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: Free
• How to get there: Located near the center of District 1, you can easily walk from other tourist attractions.

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Note: Should go in the evening to see Mong Bridge shimmering in the lights.

6. Lost In Hong Kong Beer Alley

Hidden in a small alley on Co Giang Street, Lost In Hong Kong Beer Alley is a bar with a strong Hong Kong style with graffiti walls, red lanterns and a vibrant atmosphere. This is a top Photo Check-in Spot in Saigon, ideal for those who want to find a unique and different space to relax and “live virtually”.

Unique Instagrammable Spots at Lost In Hong Kong Beer Alley:

• Graffiti walls: The graffiti walls with unique and personality images are a great background for street style photos.
• Red lanterns: The red lanterns hanging all over the bar create a shimmering and magical space.
• Bar counter: Take photos with the bar counter and colorful cocktails.
• Ideal Time to Take Photos at Lost In Hong Kong Beer Alley: Evening is when the bar becomes the most vibrant and shimmering.

Detailed Information:

• Address: 175/19 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, HCMC (The alley is near Bui Vien Street)
• Entrance fee: Free (Drink prices depend on the type)
• Opening hours: 17:00 – 02:00
• How to get there: You can get here by motorbike or taxi.

Note: Should arrive early to get a good seat.

You might be interested in: All tours to explore the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

7. Binh Quoi Tourist Village 1 – A peaceful “countryside” in the heart of the city

Next on the list of Top Photo Check-in Spots in Saigon is Binh Quoi Tourist Village 1, which recreates a peaceful and simple Southern Vietnamese village with thatched-roof houses, fragrant lotus ponds and green coconut trees. This is an ideal destination for those who want to return to nature and take photos with a truly Vietnamese background.

Unique Instagrammable Spots at Binh Quoi Tourist Village 1:

• Thatched-roof houses: The thatched-roof houses are a great background for countryside style photos.
• Lotus pond: The lotus pond with fragrant lotus flowers is an impressive highlight of the tourist area.
• Coconut trees: The green coconut trees reflecting on the water surface are a beautiful background for tropical style photos.
• Ideal Time to Take Photos at Binh Quoi Tourist Village 1: Early morning or late afternoon is when the light is the most beautiful and the air is fresh.

Detailed Information:

• Address: 1147 Binh Quoi, Ward 28, Binh Thanh,HCMC
• Entrance fee: About 30,000 VND/person
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 21:00
• How to get there: You can get here by motorbike or bus.

Note: You should bring sunscreen and a hat because the tourist area is quite large and has many outdoor areas. Also, respect the quiet spaces in museums, as flash photography is not allowed. For a more comprehensive guide to your family trip, be sure to check out this family-friendly itinerary in Saigon.

8. The “Secret” Alleys in Chinatown (Districts 5, 6, 11)

Saigon’s Chinatown is a treasure trove of unique culture and architecture. Besides the bustling main streets, this area also hides countless small alleys with ancient houses, street vendors, and colorful murals. This is the ideal place for you to explore and find unique Instagrammable spots on your journey to find the top Photo Check-in Spots in Saigon.

Unique Instagrammable Spots In The “Secret” Alleys:

• Ancient houses: The ancient houses with the typical architecture of the Chinese are a great background for retro and nostalgic photos.
• Street vendors: Take photos with street vendors selling typical Chinese dishes to create authentic and vibrant photos.
• Murals: Search for murals with unique images and stories to create impressive photos.
• Ideal Time to Take Photos At The “Secret” Alleys in Chinatown (Districts 5, 6, 11): Early morning or late afternoon is when the light is the most beautiful and you can feel the slow pace of life in this area.

Detailed Information:

• Address: Districts 5, 6, 11, HCMC (Explore the small alleys yourself to find the best shooting angles).
• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: Free
• How to get there: You can get to Chinatown by motorbike, bus or taxi.

Note: Respect the local people and do not make noise in residential areas.

9. Mariamman Hindu Temple

This ancient and sacred Hindu temple is an oasis of Indian culture in the heart of bustling Saigon. With its unique architecture, colorful statues and solemn atmosphere, the Mariamman Temple offers a unique cultural experience and is an incredibly impressive photo location.

Beautiful scenes at Mariamman Temple:

• Temple facade: The temple gate with colorful divine figures is an incredibly impressive background. Try taking photos from a wide angle to capture the entire temple gate.
• Inside the temple: Explore the intricately carved divine statues, unique decorative patterns, and the sacred space inside the temple. Be sure to remain silent and respect the religious space here.
• Pond: The small pond inside the temple is a quiet and peaceful photo spot. Try taking a reflection photo of the temple on the water.
• Ideal Time to Visit Mariamman Temple: Early morning or late afternoon is when the light is softest and the space is the quietest. Avoid taking photos during prayer hours.

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Detailed Information:

• Address: 45 Truong Dinh, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC
• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: 7:00 – 19:00
• How to get there: Located right in the center of District 1, you can easily walk from other tourist attractions.

Note:

• Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the temple.
• When entering the temple, you must remove your shoes outside.
• Do not take photos in restricted areas.
• Respect religious ceremonies and those who are praying.
• If you intend to donate, find out the official information from the temple manager.

10. 42 Nguyen Hue Cafe Apartment

Not only a top Photo Check-in Spot in Saigon, 42 Nguyen Hue Apartment is also considered a food and cafe complex that attracts young people. Each apartment here is designed with a facade facing the pedestrian street, offering super cool photo angles for visitors. You can also stop by Boo Coffee, The Letter Coffee… to check in and get your Instagram on.

Unique Instagrammable Spots At 42 Nguyen Hue Cafe Apartment:

• Balconies: Each cafe here has its own balcony with a view directly down to Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. This is the “must-check-in” photo angle for everyone who comes here. You can pose with the background of the bustling crowds, high-rise buildings and green trees.
• Inside the cafe: Each cafe here is decorated in its own style, creating unique and impressive spaces. Explore each cafe and find the best shooting angles.
• Staircase: The apartment’s staircase is also an interesting background with old architecture and mottled walls.
• Corridors: The corridors are also used to decorate with many green plants and lanterns, creating a cozy and intimate feeling.
• Ideal Time to Take Photos At 42 Nguyen Hue Cafe Apartment: Late afternoon is when Nguyen Hue pedestrian street becomes the most shimmering and vibrant with bright lights.

Detailed Information:

• Address: 42 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1,HCMC
• Entrance fee: Free (Drink prices depend on each cafe)
• Opening hours: Depends on each cafe
• How to get there: Located right on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, it’s very easy to find.

Note: You should go on weekdays to avoid crowds. Try visiting many different cafes to explore all the beauty of this apartment.

III. Conclusion

Saigon always has surprises waiting for you to discover. Hopefully, with this list of 10 top Photo Check-in Spots in Saigon that I just shared, you will have interesting experiences and bring back ‘memorable’ photos. Don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag me in them! For more tips on exploring the city, check out this ultimate guide to Ho Chi Minh City. I wish you a successful and memorable ‘photo hunt’!