Saigon, a city that never sleeps, always hides interesting and surprising things behind every street corner. Besides high-rise buildings and bustling shopping centers, Saigon also captivates visitors with its simple, close-knit beauty in small alleys. If you are familiar with famous tourist destinations, try exploring Saigon in a different way, slowly stepping into the alleys and feeling the very unique rhythm of life here. You will surely find countless unique “virtual living” corners, imbued with Saigon’s character that no other place has. Let’s explore with “Travel Around The World” 7 beautiful alleys that you must check-in when you come to Saigon!
1. Alley 144 Pasteur, District 1 – A Symphony of Colors in the Heart of the City
Located right on the bustling Pasteur Street, Alley 144 is like a different world, completely separate from the noise outside. This alley is actually the entrance to a restaurant, but its unique beauty has turned it into a hot check-in spot for Saigon youth and international tourists.
Stepping into Alley 144 Pasteur, you will immediately be impressed by the brightly colored walls. Calligraphy is drawn all over the walls, recording the names of famous Vietnamese landmarks and typical tropical fruits. Each drawing is a creative street art work, bringing a vibrant and energetic space.
Not just a great backdrop for “Instagrammable” photos, Alley 144 Pasteur is also a place where you can learn more about Vietnamese culture through images and words. Take a slow stroll, admire every little detail, and feel the intersection of street art and traditional culture. Don’t forget to prepare a camera or phone with a full battery to capture memorable moments in this special alley.
Colorful walls with calligraphy in Alley 144 Pasteur, a famous check-in spot for Saigon youth.
Unique entrance to a restaurant in Alley 144 Pasteur, decorated with artistic calligraphy.
2. Alley 41 Pham Ngoc Thach, District 3 – The Spontaneous World of Graffiti Art
If you are a street art lover and want to find a “cool” space to unleash your creativity, Alley 41 Pham Ngoc Thach is definitely a destination not to be missed. This alley is famous for its colorful and personal graffiti paintings, painted directly on the old walls.
Different from the neat and perfect beauty of art galleries, graffiti in Alley 41 Pham Ngoc Thach brings a sense of freedom, spontaneity, and inspiration. Each painting is a story, a unique message, expressing the artist’s unique view of life and society. You can easily spot abstract images, funny cartoon characters, or meaningful slogans creatively displayed on the alley walls.
Alley 41 Pham Ngoc Thach is not just a place for taking photos, but also a space for you to explore and experience graffiti art in the most authentic way. Take your time to stroll slowly, admire each work, and let your imagination fly with the colorful strokes. This is also an ideal location for personal lookbook photoshoots, or simply a place for you to find new inspiration in life.
Graffiti art stands out in Alley 41 Pham Ngoc Thach, creating a unique "Instagrammable" space.
Impressive graffiti wall background in Alley 41 Pham Ngoc Thach, ideal for stylish lookbook photoshoots.
3. Japan Alley (Little Tokyo) – Miniature of the Land of Cherry Blossoms in Saigon
If you want to experience a space imbued with Japanese culture without having to go far, come to Japan Alley, also known as Little Tokyo. This alley stretches through many small streets, connecting Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung streets, creating a miniature Japanese neighborhood right in the center of Saigon.
Stepping into Japan Alley, you will feel a clear difference from other alleys. Dark brown wooden doors with traditional Noren curtains, signs in Japanese characters, Izakaya lanterns hanging overhead, all create a space imbued with Japanese culture. In particular, this alley concentrates many Japanese-style restaurants, eateries, and bars, from traditional dishes such as sushi, ramen, udon to attractive Izakaya snacks.
Japan Alley is not only a Japanese culinary paradise in Saigon, but also an ideal check-in location for those who love Japanese culture and style. You can easily find street corners with classic and peaceful features of the land of cherry blossoms to create unique “Instagrammable” photos. Try wearing a Yukata, stroll through the alley, and enjoy Japanese cuisine, you will feel like you are lost in a small street in Tokyo.
Japan Alley (Little Tokyo) recreates Japanese cultural space in the heart of Saigon.
Ideal place for taking "Instagrammable" photos and enjoying Japanese cuisine in Saigon's Little Tokyo.
4. Hao Si Phuong Alley, District 5 – Imprints of Old Saigon – Cho Lon Architecture
Hao Si Phuong Alley, located in the Cho Lon area, District 5, is one of the rare alleys that still retains the old architectural features typical of old Saigon. This alley is not only a residential area for many households, but also a “living museum” of the history and culture of the Chinese community in Saigon.
Stepping into Hao Si Phuong Alley, you will feel like you are walking into a historical film. On both sides of the alley are rows of houses adjacent to each other, built in the typical architecture of the Chinese, with yin and yang tiled roofs, old brick walls, and wooden windows stained with time. Although somewhat old and simple, it is this rustic and genuine beauty that creates a special attraction for Hao Si Phuong Alley.
A special feature of Hao Si Phuong Alley is its peace and quiet, in contrast to the noise and bustle of the crowded Cho Lon area. Strolling in the alley, you will feel the slow, simple rhythm of life of the people here. Hao Si Phuong Alley has also been the setting for many famous movies, especially TVB movies, bringing a familiar and close feeling to visitors. If you want to find an old, nostalgic space for “Instagrammable” moments, Hao Si Phuong Alley will certainly not disappoint you.
Hao Si Phuong Alley with strong architectural imprints of old Saigon – Cho Lon.
Rows of houses with typical Chinese architecture in Hao Si Phuong Alley.
Peaceful and quiet space in Hao Si Phuong Alley, in contrast to the bustle of the Cho Lon area.
5. Alley 3A Ton Duc Thang (3A Station), District 1 – Unique Art and Entertainment Complex
Alley 3A Ton Duc Thang, also known as 3A Station, is a unique art and entertainment complex located right in the center of District 1. This place used to be an old railway station, then renovated and transformed into a creative space, attracting many young people and tourists.
Alley 3A Ton Duc Thang stands out with colorful and personal street art walls. Graffiti and murals are constantly created by young artists, bringing a space that is always new and full of surprises. Besides, Alley 3A is also home to many fashion shops, cafes, restaurants, and tea rooms, creating a diverse and vibrant space.
Especially on weekends, Alley 3A Ton Duc Thang regularly organizes cultural and artistic events, flea markets, attracting many locals and tourists to visit and have fun. This is an ideal place for you to explore street art, shop, enjoy cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Saigon at night. If you are a dynamic, creative person and want to find an “all-in-one” place for fun and entertainment, Alley 3A Ton Duc Thang is definitely a great choice.
Alley 3A Ton Duc Thang (3A Station) is a unique art and entertainment complex in District 1.
6. 288 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Apartment Complex, District 3 – Admire Graffiti Art and Show Off Your Street Artist Skills
288 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Apartment Complex is another interesting destination for those who love graffiti art. The community art project at this apartment complex is implemented by GA 0 and Click 9 groups, turning old, monotonous walls into impressive street art works.
Coming to 288 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Apartment Complex, you will admire graffiti paintings with diverse styles and themes. From abstract drawings and cartoon characters to meaningful messages about life, each painting carries its own mark, showing the creativity and talent of street artists. In particular, 288 apartment complex also creates conditions for visitors to participate in the art creation process. You can freely draw graffiti on designated walls, expressing your personality and talent.
288 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Apartment Complex is not only a unique “Instagrammable” check-in spot, but also an open space that encourages creativity and community cultural exchange. If you want to find a new and exciting art experience in Saigon, don’t miss the opportunity to visit 288 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Apartment Complex.
Admire modern graffiti paintings at 288 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Apartment Complex.
7. Graffiti Alley 15B Le Thanh Ton, District 1 – Street Art Area Given the “Green Light”
Graffiti Alley at 15B Le Thanh Ton is a special destination in the list of beautiful alleys in Saigon. This is one of the few places in Saigon that is given the “green light” by the government and local people for graffiti art to develop. Thanks to that, Alley 15B Le Thanh Ton has become a true graffiti “sanctuary”, attracting many street artists and tourists to visit and create.
Before being “souled” by graffiti art, Alley 15B Le Thanh Ton was originally an old, gloomy, and little-known alley. But thanks to the appearance of colorful and personal murals, the alley has become lively, fresh, and more attractive than ever. Alley 15B Le Thanh Ton is not only a place for artists to unleash their creativity, but also a space for exchange and connection between street art and the community.
If you want to learn about graffiti art in Saigon and admire unique and impressive works, Alley 15B Le Thanh Ton is a destination not to be missed. Come here, stroll through the colorful alley and feel the miraculous transformation of street art.
Graffiti Alley 15B Le Thanh Ton is a favorite destination for Saigon youth and international tourists.
Saigon not only has big streets and high-rise buildings, but also small, beautiful alleys, hiding countless interesting things. The 7 alleys that “Travel Around The World” has just introduced are just a small part of the treasure trove of Saigon’s “hidden gems”. Take time to explore and experience, and you will see Saigon is even more beautiful and charming than that. Don’t forget to share your “Instagrammable” moments in these alleys with “Travel Around The World”!