Saigon rewards photographers who wander off the tourist trail. These are the seven areas I keep coming back to for street photography in Ho Chi Minh City, from Cholon’s markets to District 4’s alleys and the canals of District 8. For each one you’ll find what makes it special and the best time to go.
CHO LON
Without surprise, the home of Saigon’s once-large ethnic Chinese community, ‘Chợ Lớn’, literally meaning “Big Market”, is one of my favorite areas for street photography. It still bears traces of this history, with plenty of Mandarin signage, dim sum stalls and an assembly hall built by immigrants from the north. The atmospheric Chinatown is a great playground for street photographers on my Down in Chinatown sunrise photography tour.
DISTRICT 8
District 8 is a largely residential area characterized by canals and rivers, often overlooked by tourists and photographers. An exception is the period before Tet where boats from the Mekong Delta bring flowers along the river. Despite its low profile, District 8 offers an interesting scene for street photographers, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern Vietnamese culture. Join me on my Echoes of the Past to discover it through your lens.
DISTRICT 10
District 10 has become slowly but surely one of my favorite areas to photograph in Saigon. The district holds a unique local charm and quieter streets compared to its more frenetic neighbors, making it an ideal spot to experience the city from a local perspective. There is also something really cinematic in the old buildings and markets I love exploring on my Rise and shine in an enchanted maze sunrise photography tour.
THANH DA
Binh Quoi is one of Saigon's best-kept secrets: an island nestled within the bustling metropolis, connected to the city by a single bridge. The residential area at the island's entrance encapsulates all that defines Saigon – a vibrant market surrounded by historic apartment buildings, a tranquil park where adults gather for exercise and jogging, and cozy coffee shops where locals gather to exchange the latest neighborhood news. Thanh Da is part of my Explore an island of wonders morning photography tour.
THU THIEM
The Thu Thiem Peninsula is one of the most fascinating areas to document in the city due to its rapid transformation, especially since the completion of the new Ba Son bridge in late 2023. The Thu Thiem New Urban Area, designated as the city's new financial and innovation hub, will radically alter the landscape of this neighborhood. But for now, families still gather by the river at sunset for kite-flying, a cherished childhood pastime for many Saigonese, or simply to revel in quality family time.
RAILWAY DISTRICT
Starting from the train station and following the railway tracks is the promise of an exhilarating and fun adventure in Saigon. Keep going and you will arrive in a quieter part of the city I haven't been exploring as much as I wish but which is like a snapshot from bygone times and a great area to discover the real Saigon and capture local people’s daily life.
DISTRICT 4
Historically, District 4 was a slum area that became a crime hotspot under the reign of infamous gangster Nam Cam, also known as the 'Godfather of Saigon'. It is nowadays a safe and vibrant urban area known for its bustling streets, lively markets and street food. With its rich cultural heritage and energetic atmosphere, District 4 offers a glimpse into the dynamic life of the city and has become one of my favorite districts to explore on my Step into Saigon unseen morning photography tour.
See this places through your lens
Most areas in this guide are part of one of my private photography tours. Each is limited to 5 people, with hotel pick-up from central areas and personalized guidance along the way. Tours start at $59 per person for groups of 3 to 5 ($129 for a single person).
If you’d like to go deeper, my one-on-one street photography workshops (half-day from $160, full-day $300) are tailored to your level and goals, with a review of your photos along the way.