First Impressions

Having just returned from my early April 2026 trip, I can truly say Saigon is a city like no other. As I walked through District One shortly after arriving, I was taken aback by the energy on the streets. From street vendors selling Banh Mi sandwiches and delicious Pho at rock-bottom prices to the sound of humming bike engines everywhere I went, to cheese coffee shops on every street corner, this city demands your attention and invades your senses.

Best Districts for Street Photography in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

All the pictures below were taken over two afternoons and one morning. That was all the time I needed to capture a sufficient range of shots because this city offers great opportunities on every corner. Having said that, I still recommend doing some research before heading out to shoot. For me, Cho Lon was the best area for street photography. There, several markets and small temples provide plenty of opportunities. I also had some success in District 1 and on Bui Vien Walking Street. At night, I went to Twist Cafe in Thao Dien to party with some friends. They hosted an open mic night featuring a variety of music. One girl sang Dirty Old Town (The Pogues), which I thought was quite fitting.

Equipment

All pictures in this set were taken using a Fujifilm X100v. Photos were edited using a combination of Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.