Travel Guide
Lost in the Heart of Saigon: Where to Go and What to Do Starting from Kabana?
Saigon can take you through endless vibrancy, but the most rewarding part of the day is a tranquil little corner to leave the rush behind. That is why CityHouse wrote this guide: so you can set out from CityHouse SOUL Kabana, a quiet place to stay that sits very close to the center, and plan a day of markets, Metro rides, street strolls and river views without racing the clock. All distances below are measured from the Cao Ba Nha area.
01 CITY GUIDE
Kabana, a place to pause along the way
Kabana is at 10 Cao Ba Nha, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (former District 1), in central Ho Chi Minh City. The pleasure of this location is that one step out the door puts you in the rhythm of District 1, and when you need quiet, it takes only minutes to be back somewhere warm and slow. For a city break, it is a comfortable balance: out by day, rest in the afternoon, out again in the evening.
SOUL · QUEST FOR BALANCE
CityHouse SOUL Kabana
A quieter place to return to in the heart of the city, after a day exploring Saigon.
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02 CITY GUIDE
Distances from Kabana at a glance
| Destination | Distance | On foot | Taxi or ride-hailing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Thanh Metro Station | about 1.5 km | about 18 min | about 7 min |
| Ben Thanh Market | about 1.5 km | about 18 min | about 7 min |
| Nguyen Hue Walking Street | about 2.3 km | about 28 min | about 10 min |
| Bach Dang Wharf (Water Bus) | about 2.5 km | about 30 min | about 10 to 12 min |
| Saigon Port (dinner cruise boarding) | about 3 km | best by ride | about 10 to 12 min |
These figures are for reference, based on the usual route from the Cao Ba Nha area. Ride times can be longer at rush hour, typically around 7:00 to 9:00 am and 4:30 to 7:00 pm, so leave a few extra minutes if you have an appointment.
03 CITY GUIDE
Ben Thanh Metro: getting to know the city's new line
If you want to try the Metro, start at Ben Thanh Station, the underground station right in front of the market. From Kabana you can ride about 7 minutes or walk about 18 minutes to the station. According to VnExpress (in Vietnamese), Metro Line 1 runs 19.7 km with 14 stations, so it is a fun way to see the city from a new angle without sitting in traffic. Fares depend on distance, and it is best to check the HCMC Metro app from HURC before you go. Exploring Ho Chi Minh City by Metro walks you through buying tickets and a sample itinerary.
04 CITY GUIDE
Ben Thanh Market: culture, shopping and familiar flavors
Ben Thanh Market is where Saigon is easiest to feel in a single morning: food stalls, handicrafts, vendors calling out and the smell of coffee. Go early while it is cool, have a local-style breakfast, then pick up a few small things to take home. Carrying small bills and asking the price first will keep you at ease. From Kabana it is about 1.5 km, roughly 7 minutes by ride or 18 minutes on foot if you like threading through small streets.
05 CITY GUIDE
Nguyen Hue Walking Street: strolling, photos and young nightlife
From Ben Thanh Market, continue about 800 m to 1 km, or 10 to 15 minutes on foot, to Nguyen Hue Walking Street. In the afternoon it is a relaxed place to stroll; in the evening the street fills with music, lights and groups of young friends. Nguyen Hue Walking Street covers its history and how to enjoy an evening there. From Kabana to Nguyen Hue is about 2.3 km, roughly 10 minutes by ride.
06 CITY GUIDE
Bach Dang Wharf: river views and the Water Bus
A short walk beyond Nguyen Hue brings you to Bach Dang Wharf, where you can sit by the riverside park, watch the Saigon River and look across to the far bank. The whole stretch from Ben Thanh Market to Bach Dang Wharf is only about 1 km. This is also the boarding point for the Saigon Water Bus, the river bus that lets you see the city from the water without chartering a whole cruise. Late afternoon is the best time, when the sun softens and a breeze comes off the river. From Kabana it is about 2.5 km, roughly 10 to 12 minutes by ride.
07 CITY GUIDE
The evening highlight: dinner on a Saigon River cruise
For a memorable evening, try dinner on a cruise. Boats usually pick up guests at Saigon Port, 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Xom Chieu Ward, about 3 km from Kabana and roughly 10 to 12 minutes by ride. According to the booking page of Saigon Cruise (in Vietnamese), most boats open boarding around 6:00 pm, leave the pier around 7:30 pm and return around 9:30 pm, a river journey of roughly an hour and a half to two hours as the city lights come on. Each boat has its own menu, from set menus to buffets, and prices range widely, from about 565,000 to 1,790,000 VND per person depending on the boat when we checked. Because prices, times and schedules can change, book ahead and reconfirm with the operator.
For couples or an anniversary, it is a romantic experience that stays with you. After dinner, a ride of about 10 to 12 minutes takes you back to Kabana.
08 CITY GUIDE
A suggested day out and back
Here is a reference itinerary for one day, with a pause in the middle so you do not get tired.
Morning
Around 8:30, leave Kabana for Ben Thanh Market, and spend one to two hours having breakfast and wandering the stalls. If you want to try the Metro, ride from Ben Thanh Station toward the center.
Midday to afternoon
Walk to Nguyen Hue Walking Street, have lunch nearby, then return to Kabana for a short rest. This is the slow stretch of the day, letting your feet and mind rest before you go out again.
Late afternoon
Head to Bach Dang Wharf when the sun is gentle and sit by the river as the sky changes color, or try the Water Bus if you have time.
Evening
Around 5:15 pm, leave Bach Dang for Saigon Port to board your dinner cruise at 6:00 pm, then return to Kabana for a quiet night. If you still have energy, you can stop by Nguyen Hue before heading back. If you prefer a fuller schedule, a day in central Ho Chi Minh City has more suggestions by time of day.
09 CITY GUIDE
Back at Kabana: leaving the city at the door
What we like most about this way of exploring is the return. After hours among busy streets, river and night lights, Kabana is where you can step in, leave the noise outside and find your own rhythm again. When Kabana opens its doors, you can follow the CityHouse SOUL Kabana page to learn when booking opens.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Kabana to Ben Thanh Market?
About 1.5 km, roughly 18 minutes on foot or about 7 minutes by ride-hailing. The exact address of Kabana is on the CityHouse SOUL Kabana page.
How do I get to the Metro from the Kabana area?
Head to Ben Thanh Metro Station by a ride of about 7 minutes or a walk of about 18 minutes, then board. Exploring Ho Chi Minh City by Metro explains how to buy tickets, and fares are best checked in the HCMC Metro app from HURC.
When is the best time to visit Nguyen Hue Walking Street?
Late afternoon for a gentle stroll, evening for the crowds and music. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a natural link to Bach Dang Wharf.
Where do dinner cruises depart from?
Usually Saigon Port, 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Xom Chieu Ward, while Bach Dang Wharf is where the Saigon Water Bus boards. Times, menus and prices vary by boat, and you can view and book on the dinner cruise menu page.
Can I do all of this in one day?
Yes, if you split it into morning, afternoon and evening and leave a rest in the middle. You can check stay options at CityHouse to choose a place close to these spots.
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