Ho Chi Minh City is a city that never stops moving. With millions of motorbikes weaving through narrow streets, bustling intersections, and a downtown grid that can confuse even seasoned travelers, getting from Point A to Point B requires a bit of local know-how.
When your destination is Secret Garden Vietnamese Restaurant at 19 Le Cong Kieu, District 1, the challenge becomes even more specific. We are nestled in the heart of Saigon’s famous “Antique Street”—a charming, narrow corridor lined with vintage shops, historic memorabilia, and lush tropical greenery. While this makes for a magical dining atmosphere, it also means that large vehicles cannot easily drive directly to our front door.
Don’t worry! Thousands of tourists find their way to our garden every month without getting lost. Whether you prefer tapping a ride-hailing app, waving down a traditional taxi, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through the historic streets, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to reach us stress-free. 🌿
📱 Option 1: Grab & Ride-Hailing Apps (The Tourist Favorite)
For most international visitors, ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek, or Be are the most convenient way to navigate Ho Chi Minh City. They eliminate the language barrier, provide upfront pricing, and track your route in real time.
✅ How to Book Your Ride to Secret Garden
Step 1: Open the App Launch Grab (the most widely used app in Vietnam) on your smartphone. Ensure your GPS/location services are turned on.
Step 2: Enter the Destination In the destination field, type:
シークレットガーデン 19 Le Cong Kieu
Or, for maximum accuracy, type the full Vietnamese address:
19 Lê Công Kiều, Quận 1, TP. Hồ Chí Minh
Step 3: Choose Your Vehicle Type
- 🏍️ GrabBike (Motorbike Taxi): The fastest way to cut through traffic. Perfect for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind a breeze. The driver can navigate closer to our entrance.
- 🚗 GrabCar (4-seater/7-seater): Ideal for families, groups, or if you want air-conditioned comfort. Important note: The car may not be able to drive all the way to Number 19 due to the narrow street width. (More on this below!)
Step 4: Communicate with Your Driver Once your ride is confirmed, you can use the in-app chat to send a message. We recommend copying and pasting this note:
“Hi! I am going to Secret Garden Restaurant at 19 Le Cong Kieu, District 1. Since the street is narrow, please drop me off at the corner of Le Cong Kieu and Pasteur Street, or near Ben Thanh Market. I will walk the last 2 minutes. Thank you!”
📍 The Best Grab Drop-off Points
Since Le Cong Kieu is a short, relatively narrow street flanked by antique shops and pedestrian foot traffic, we strongly recommend asking your driver to stop at one of these two points:
| Drop-off Point | Why It Works | Walk Time to Us |
|---|---|---|
| Corner of Le Cong Kieu & Pasteur Street | Wide road, easy for cars to stop safely, no blocking traffic | ~1 minute |
| Corner of Le Cong Kieu & Ham Nghi Street | Near the Ben Thanh Market roundabout, very recognizable | ~2 minutes |
| Ben Thanh Market (West Gate) | If your driver gets confused, this is the universal landmark | ~3 minutes |
Once dropped off, simply turn onto Le Cong Kieu Street, enjoy the vintage shop displays, and walk to Number 19. You cannot miss us! 🚶♂️
🚕 Option 2: Traditional Taxis (Vinasun & Mai Linh)
If you prefer the simplicity of waving down a cab or if your phone battery is running low, traditional taxis are still a reliable option in District 1. The two most reputable companies are:
- 🟢 Mai Linh (Green cars) – Hotline: 1055
- ⚪🔴 Vinasun (White cars with red/green accents) – Hotline: 028 38 27 27 27
✅ How to Use a Traditional Taxi
Step 1: Flag Down the Right Taxi Only board Vinasun (white with red/green stripes) or Mai Linh (all green). Avoid unbranded cars that may approach you near tourist areas, as they can overcharge.
Step 2: Show the Driver the Address Rather than trying to pronounce “Le Cong Kieu,” simply show them this text on your phone:
“Nhà hàng Secret Garden, 19 Lê Công Kiều, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1. Đường này nhỏ, anh/chị cho em xuống ở đầu đường Lê Công Kiều (giao với Pasteur hoặc Hàm Nghi) rồi em đi bộ vào nhé. Cảm ơn!”
(Translation: Secret Garden Restaurant, 19 Le Cong Kieu, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1. This street is narrow, please drop me off at the beginning of Le Cong Kieu street (intersection with Pasteur or Ham Nghi) and I will walk in. Thank you!)
Step 3: Confirm the Meter is On Before the car starts moving, make sure the driver turns on the meter. The ride within District 1 should be very short and inexpensive.
Step 4: The Drop-off Just like with Grab, your taxi will likely stop at the corner of Le Cong Kieu and Pasteur または Le Cong Kieu and Ham Nghi. Pay the driver, step out, and enjoy the 1-2 minute walk through the antique street. 🏺
🚶♀️ Option 3: Walking (The Most Rewarding Route)
If you are already exploring central District 1—perhaps you’ve been shopping at Ben Thanh Market, admiring the Notre Dame Cathedral, or sipping coffee on Nguyen Hue Walking Street—walking to Secret Garden is often faster than taking a car (due to one-way streets and traffic congestion).
📍 Walking from Ben Thanh Market (3 Minutes)
- Exit the 西門 of Ben Thanh Market (facing the bus station/roundabout).
- Orient yourself toward ハム・ギー通り.
- Look for the short street labeled Lê Công Kiều.
- Turn onto Le Cong Kieu and stroll past the antique vendors.
- Arrive at Number 19 on your left or right (depending on your direction).
📍 Walking from Notre Dame Cathedral / Independence Palace (15–20 Minutes)
- From the Cathedral, walk south on Le Duan Boulevard toward the Independence Palace.
- Turn right onto Pasteur Street—a beautiful, tree-lined avenue.
- Walk straight on Pasteur for approximately 1.2 kilometers.
- As you approach the Ben Thanh Market area, look for the intersection with ル・コン・キュー.
- Turn onto Le Cong Kieu, and you’ll see our rustic wooden entrance ahead. 🌴
📍 Walking from Nguyen Hue Walking Street (10–12 Minutes)
- Start at the Saigon River end of Nguyen Hue.
- Walk west toward City Hall, then continue onto Pasteur Street (heading inland).
- Follow Pasteur until you reach Le Cong Kieu.
- Turn right and walk to Number 19.
🛺 Option 4: Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm) – For the Adventurous
If you want the most authentic local experience and don’t mind weaving through Saigon’s legendary traffic, a motorbike taxi is thrilling and efficient.
- GrabBike (booked via app) is the safest and most transparent option.
- Traditional Xe Ôm: If you hail one on the street, agree on a price before you get on. For a short ride within District 1, a fair price is typically 20,000–40,000 VND.
- Show the driver: “19 Lê Công Kiều, Quận 1”
Motorbikes can navigate the narrow street much more easily than cars, so your driver may actually be able to pull up right in front of our entrance! 🏍️
❌ Common Mistakes Tourists Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with GPS, tourists sometimes end up a few blocks away. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to dodge them:
🚫 Mistake 1: Asking the Car to Drive Deep into the Alley
Le Cong Kieu is charming but narrow. Cars that attempt to drive the full length often get stuck behind parked motorbikes or delivery carts. ✅ Solution: Always request to be dropped at the entrance of the street (Pasteur or Ham Nghi end) and walk in.
🚫 Mistake 2: Confusing Le Cong Kieu with Le Cong Uan or Other “Le” Streets
Saigon has many streets starting with “Le.” ✅ Solution: Double-check the spelling: Lê Công Kiều (with the accent marks). Show the written Vietnamese address to your driver.
🚫 Mistake 3: Relying Solely on GPS Without Looking Up
The street is short (approximately 200 meters). If your GPS says you’ve arrived but you only see antique shops, look for Number 19 and our distinctive rustic wooden entrance with lush greenery. We blend into the historic street by design!
🚫 Mistake 4: Arriving During Peak Traffic and Expecting a Quick Drop-off
Between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, the area around Ben Thanh Market is extremely congested. ✅ Solution: If you’re visiting during dinner rush, consider getting dropped off a block away (on Ham Nghi or Pasteur) and walking the final stretch. It’s often faster than sitting in gridlock.
🔍 Visual Cues: How to Know You’ve Found the Right Place
Le Cong Kieu is an antique lover’s paradise, so how do you spot Secret Garden among the vintage clocks and porcelain shops? Look for these distinctive features:
- 🧱 Mud-Textured Walls & Rustic Brick: Our entrance pays tribute to Vietnam’s Northwest Highlands. You’ll see warm, earthy tones that stand out from the glass-fronted shops.
- 🪵 Wooden Pillars & Vintage Signage: Look for our handcrafted wooden sign reading “Secret Garden.”
- 🌿 Lush Tropical Greenery: Even from the street, you’ll see vibrant plants, trailing vines, and the promise of a garden within.
- 🏮 Warm Lantern Lighting: In the evening, our entrance glows with soft, inviting lanterns.
- 👃 The Aroma: Follow your nose! The scent of sizzling claypots, fresh herbs, and lemongrass often drifts onto the street during lunch and dinner hours.
🗺️ Quick Reference Card (Save This to Your Phone!)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 住所 | 19 Le Cong Kieu, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, HCMC |
| 🏛️ Nearest Landmark | Ben Thanh Market (2-3 min walk) |
| 🚇 Nearest Metro Station | MRT Ben Thanh Station (3 min walk) |
| 🚗 Best Car Drop-off | Corner of Le Cong Kieu & Pasteur |
| 🏍️ Best Motorbike Drop-off | Directly in front of 19 Le Cong Kieu |
| 🚶 Best Walking Route | From Ben Thanh Market West Gate |
| 🕐 Operating Hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily) |
🗣️ The Ultimate “Show Your Driver” Card
Screenshot this section and show it to ANY driver (Grab, taxi, or xe ôm) to ensure a smooth, confusion-free drop-off:
🇻🇳 “Xin chào! Vui lòng chở tôi đến Nhà hàng Secret Garden ở số 19 Lê Công Kiều, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1 (gần Chợ Bến Thành). Đường Lê Công Kiều hơi nhỏ và đông, anh/chị vui lòng cho tôi xuống ở đầu đường Lê Công Kiều (giao với đường Pasteur hoặc Hàm Nghi) để tôi đi bộ vào khoảng 1-2 phút. Cảm ơn anh/chị rất nhiều!”
🇬🇧 (English Translation: “Hello! Please take me to Secret Garden Restaurant at 19 Le Cong Kieu, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1 (near Ben Thanh Market). Le Cong Kieu street is a bit narrow and busy, please drop me off at the beginning of Le Cong Kieu street (intersection with Pasteur or Ham Nghi) so I can walk in for about 1-2 minutes. Thank you so much!”)
💡 Pro Tips for a Seamless Arrival
- 📶 Download Offline Maps: Before your trip, download the District 1 area of your preferred map app. This way, even if your data connection drops in the underground metro or a narrow alley, you can still navigate.
- 🔋 Charge Your Phone: You’ll need it for Grab, maps, and showing the address to drivers. A portable power bank is a lifesaver in HCMC.
- 🌤️ Time Your Arrival: If it’s raining heavily (common from May to November), a GrabCar or taxi to the corner of Pasteur/Le Cong Kieu is your best bet. The walk from the drop-off point is short enough to dash through with an umbrella. ☔
- 👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes: The final 1-2 minutes involve walking on a sidewalk that may be slightly uneven due to the historic nature of the street. Sneakers or flat sandals are ideal.
- 📸 Look Up! As you walk down Le Cong Kieu, don’t just stare at your phone. The antique shops, vintage signs, and colonial architecture are a feast for the eyes. Take a moment to soak it in before stepping into our garden.
📞 Reserve Your Table & Confirm Your Arrival
Now that you know exactly how to reach us, the final step is securing your table in our lush, tranquil garden. Because we are a popular spot for tourists seeking a peaceful escape after a day of sightseeing, we highly recommend booking in advance, especially for dinner (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) or weekend visits.
📍 Address: 19 Le Cong Kieu Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +84 28 3620 5525
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Facebook: 検索する シークレットガーデン 19 Le Cong Kieu to message us directly. We’re happy to send you a pin location, confirm your reservation, or answer any dietary questions before you arrive!
✨ Your Journey is Part of the Experience
Getting to Secret Garden isn’t just about transportation—it’s the beginning of your Saigon story. Whether you glide underground on the sleek new Metro, zip through traffic on a GrabBike, or wander through the antique-lined corridors on foot, every route leads you to the same destination: a hidden garden where time slows down, flavors come alive, and the chaos of the city melts away.
We’ve made finding us as easy as possible. Now, all that’s left is for you to arrive, take a deep breath of tropical air, and let us take care of the rest. 🌿🍲
See you at 19 Le Cong Kieu! ✨