Are you looking for a place to shop, dine, relax, and enjoy the best of Ho Chi Minh City? If so, you should definitely visit the Saigon Centre, a modern and luxurious complex that offers everything you need for a memorable experience. Whether you are a fashion lover, a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or a sightseer, you will find something to suit your taste and budget at the Saigon Centre.
In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to the Saigon Centre, its history, its attractions, its location, and its tips. Read on to discover why the Saigon Centre is a must-see destination in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overview of Saigon Centre
The Saigon Centre is a shopping mall and office complex located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the largest and most dynamic city in Vietnam. It is one of the most iconic and prestigious landmarks in the city, as well as one of the most popular destinations for locals and tourists alike.
The Saigon Centre was first opened in 1996, and underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2016. It now consists of five components: a shopping mall, an office tower, a hotel, a serviced apartment, and an observation deck.
The Saigon Centre covers an area of over 100,000 square meters, and has a capacity of over 20,000 people. It has won several awards and accolades for its architecture, design, and service, such as the Vietnam Property Awards, the Asia Pacific Property Awards, and the BCI Asia Awards.
Things to Do at Saigon Centre
The Saigon Centre offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the things you can do at the Saigon Centre:
Shopping:
The Saigon Centre is a shopping paradise for anyone who loves fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and more. It is home to the Takashimaya department store, the first and largest Japanese department store in Vietnam, which occupies five floors and features over 200 brands of clothing, accessories, cosmetics, electronics, and more. You can also find many other international and local brands at the Saigon Centre, such as Zara, H&M, Adidas, Nike, Uniqlo, Mango, and more. Whether you are looking for casual, formal, or trendy outfits, you will find something to suit your style and budget at the Saigon Centre.
Dining:
The Saigon Centre is a foodie’s heaven, as it offers a wide range of cuisines and dishes to satisfy your appetite. You can choose from over 50 restaurants, cafes, and bars at the Saigon Centre, serving Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Italian, French, and more. You can also enjoy some local specialties, such as pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and more, at the Sense Market, a food court that showcases the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a fine dining experience, you will find something to please your palate at the Saigon Centre.
Entertainment:
The Saigon Centre is a place to have fun and relax, as it offers various entertainment options for you and your family. You can watch the latest movies at the CGV cinema, which has eight screens and a 4DX theater. You can also play some games at the Game Centre, which has arcade machines, bowling lanes, karaoke rooms, and more. You can also enjoy some live music and performances at the Sky Garden, a rooftop garden that hosts events and festivals throughout the year. Whether you are looking for a thrilling, relaxing, or romantic time, you will find something to entertain you at the Saigon Centre.
Sightseeing:
The Saigon Centre is a place to admire the beauty and charm of Ho Chi Minh City, as it offers a stunning view of the city skyline and the Saigon River. You can visit the Observation Deck, which is located on the 49th floor of the office tower, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from a height of 178 meters. You can also see some of the historical and cultural landmarks of the city, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, and the Ben Thanh Market, which are all within walking distance from the Saigon Centre. Whether you are looking for a daytime or nighttime view, you will find something to awe you at the Saigon Centre.
How to Reach Saigon Centre
The Saigon Centre is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, as it is located in the central business district of Ho Chi Minh City. Here are some of the ways you can get to the Saigon Centre:
Bus:
You can take the bus number 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, or 06, and get off at the bus stop near the Saigon Centre, which is on Le Loi Street. The bus fare is 6,000 VND (0.26 USD) per person, and the bus runs every 10 to 15 minutes from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm.
Taxi:
You can take a taxi from anywhere in the city, and ask the driver to take you to the Saigon Centre, which is on Le Loi Street. The taxi fare depends on the distance and the traffic, but it usually ranges from 50,000 VND (2.16 USD) to 150,000 VND (6.48 USD) per trip. You can also use some online taxi services, such as Grab, Gojek, or Be, which are cheaper and more convenient.
Motorbike:
You can rent a motorbike from some of the rental shops in the city, and drive to the Saigon Centre, which is on Le Loi Street. The motorbike rental fee is about 100,000 VND (4.32 USD) per day, and you will also need to pay for the gas and the parking fee. The parking fee at the Saigon Centre is 5,000 VND (0.22 USD) per hour for motorbikes, and 20,000 VND (0.86 USD) per hour for cars.
Walking:
You can also walk to the Saigon Centre, if you are staying near the city center, or if you want to enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere of the city. The Saigon Centre is about 1.5 km (0.93 miles) from the Ben Thanh Market, 2 km (1.24 miles) from the Notre Dame Cathedral, and 2.5 km (1.55 miles) from the Reunification Palace. You can follow the signs and the maps along the way, or ask some of the locals for directions.
Tips for Visiting Saigon Centre
To make the most of your visit to the Saigon Centre, here are some useful tips and advice for you:
The best time to visit the Saigon Centre is in the morning or in the evening, when it is less crowded and more comfortable. You can also avoid the peak hours, which are from 11 am to 2 pm, and from 5 pm to 8 pm, when it is more busy and noisy.
The dress code at the Saigon Centre is casual and comfortable, but you should also dress appropriately and respectfully, especially when visiting some of the religious and cultural sites nearby, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Reunification Palace. You should also wear some sunscreen and a hat, as the weather in Ho Chi Minh City can be hot and sunny.
The security measures at the Saigon Centre are strict and efficient, as they have security guards, cameras, and metal detectors at the entrances and exits. You should also follow the rules and regulations of the Saigon Centre, such as not smoking, not littering, not bringing pets, and not taking photos or videos without permission.
The facilities at the Saigon Centre are modern and convenient, as they have restrooms, ATMs, lockers, information desks, and free WiFi throughout the complex. You can also find some services, such as luggage storage, currency exchange, and tour booking, at the Takashimaya department store or the hotel.
The prices at the Saigon Centre are reasonable and affordable, as they have a wide range of options for different budgets and preferences. You can also find some discounts, promotions, and coupons at some of the stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, especially during some holidays and festivals, such as the Lunar New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, or the Christmas.
The Saigon Centre is a place where you can experience the best of Ho Chi Minh City, as it offers a mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and sightseeing. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something to suit your needs and wants at the Saigon Centre.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to the Saigon Centre today, and discover why it is a must-see destination in Ho Chi Minh City.
