If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Ben Thanh Market is undoubtedly at the very top of your itinerary. It is a vibrant, pulsating hub of culture, commerce, and history. But let’s be honest: after an hour of haggling for souvenirs, dodging motorbikes, and navigating the sweltering Saigon heat under the market’s tin roofs, you are going to need a break.
You don’t need to hail a taxi or travel far to find peace, quiet, and incredible food. In fact, one of the most breathtaking culinary sanctuaries in District 1 is just a 2-minute walk away.
Welcome to Secret Garden Vietnamese Restaurant at 19 Le Cong Kieu—your ultimate post-shopping oasis. Here is your complete, step-by-step guide on how to make the quick, scenic stroll from the bustling market to our tranquil, tropical garden. 🌿
🏺 Why Walk? The Magic of the “Antique Street” Stroll
You might be tempted to grab a ride, but walking from Ben Thanh Market to Secret Garden is an experience in itself.
Instead of walking down a generic concrete sidewalk, your 2-minute journey will take you down Le Cong Kieu Street, famously known as Saigon’s “Antique Street.” This short, charming corridor is essentially an open-air museum. As you walk, you will pass shops overflowing with vintage Indochinese oil lamps, retro French colonial clocks, old Vietnamese coins, and historical memorabilia.
It is the perfect transition zone: it slowly dials down the chaotic energy of the market and dials up the cultural charm of old Saigon, preparing you for the rustic, historical ambiance that awaits inside our restaurant. 🕰️📸
🚶♂️ Step-by-Step Walking Directions (From the Market to Our Door)
Getting to 19 Le Cong Kieu is incredibly easy, but the maze of exits at Ben Thanh Market can confuse first-time visitors. Follow these simple steps:
📍 Step 1: Choose the Right Exit
Ben Thanh Market has four main gates. To get to us quickly, you want to exit through the 西门 （面向汽车站和大型环岛）或 South Gate (facing Le Loi street).
- Tip: If you are inside the market, look for the signs pointing toward the Bus Station 或者 咸宜街.
📍 Step 2: Locate the Intersection
Once you step out into the sunlight, orient yourself toward the large roundabout. You are looking for the street that runs parallel to the market’s western edge.
- Look for the street sign that says 黎公桥 (Le Cong Kieu). It connects the busy Ham Nghi boulevard right up to the market area.
📍 Step 3: Stroll Down the Antique Corridor
Turn onto Le Cong Kieu Street. Instantly, the roar of the market fades, replaced by the quiet browsing of antique collectors. Take your time, window-shop the vintage treasures, and enjoy the shade of the trees.
📍 Step 4: Spot Number 19
Keep an eye on the door numbers. As you approach 19 Le Cong Kieu, you will notice a distinct change in the architecture. Look for our rustic wooden signage, the mud-textured walls inspired by Vietnam’s Northwest highlands, and the lush, vibrant tropical plants spilling out from the entrance. You have arrived! 🌴
🌿 What Awaits You at the End of the Walk?
When you step through the doors of Secret Garden at 19 Le Cong Kieu, the contrast to Ben Thanh Market is immediate and deeply refreshing. Here is what you can expect when you complete your 2-minute journey:
🏡 A Tribute to the Northwest Highlands
Unlike the modern, flashy restaurants in District 1, our space is designed to feel like a traditional village home from Vietnam’s mountainous regions. You will be surrounded by crafted rustic brick roofs, ancient wooden pillars, and earthen walls that keep the space naturally cool and grounded.
🍃 A Lush Tropical Oasis
True to our name, the restaurant is enveloped in a vibrant, living garden. The sound of rustling leaves and the shade of tropical foliage provide an immediate escape from the concrete jungle of Ho Chi Minh City.
🍲 Authentic, Homemade Vietnamese Comfort Food
After burning calories at the market, it’s time to feast. Our menu is a love letter to traditional Vietnamese home cooking.
- Must-Try: Our signature Mango Salad (incredibly refreshing after a hot day of shopping) and our famous Crispy Spring Rolls.
- Dietary Friendly: Exhausted from trying to explain your dietary restrictions at market food stalls? Relax here. We are highly praised by tourists for our extensive Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free options, all prepared in a safe, clean, and modern kitchen.
☀️ Pro-Tips for the “Market-to-Garden” Tourist
To make the most of this mini-itinerary, keep these local tips in mind:
- Beat the Heat: The best time to do your heavy market shopping is between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. By 11:30 AM, when the Saigon sun is at its peak and the market gets stuffy, make your 2-minute walk to Secret Garden for a cool, leisurely lunch.
- Footwear Matters: Leave the high heels at the hotel. The sidewalks around Ben Thanh and the antique street can be slightly uneven. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are your best friend.
- Hydrate First: Before you sit down to your meal at our garden, order a fresh Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) or a cooling Sugarcane Juice to rehydrate after your market adventures. 🥥☕
🗣️ Lost? Show This to a Local!
Even with a 2-minute walk, the streets of Saigon can sometimes feel like a maze. If you get turned around near the market, simply show this screen to any local shopkeeper, security guard, or Grab driver. They will point you in the exact right direction:
“Xin chào! Tôi đang tìm Nhà hàng Secret Garden ở số 19 Lê Công Kiều. Bạn có thể chỉ giúp tôi đi bộ từ Chợ Bến Thành đến đường Lê Công Kiều được không? Cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều!”
(Translation: Hello! I am looking for Secret Garden Restaurant at 19 Le Cong Kieu. Can you please point me in the direction to walk from Ben Thanh Market to Le Cong Kieu street? Thank you so much!)
📞 Reserve Your Oasis Today
Because of our prime location just steps away from the city’s most famous landmark, our garden fills up very quickly with tourists seeking a quiet lunch or a romantic dinner after sunset. We highly recommend calling ahead to secure your favorite table in the garden!
📍 Our Location: 19 Le Cong Kieu Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, 胡志明市 700000, 越南 (Just a 2-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market!)
📞 Call or WhatsApp Us: +84 28 3620 5525
📧 Email for Reservations: [email protected]
📱 Follow Our Garden: 搜索 秘密花园 19 黎公桥 on Facebook to see our daily specials, garden updates, and beautiful guest photos.
✨ The Perfect Saigon Day Awaits
Your Ho Chi Minh City adventure doesn’t have to be exhausting. Shop the vibrant stalls of Ben Thanh Market, take a nostalgic 2-minute stroll down the Antique Street, and let us pamper you with authentic flavors and tranquil vibes at Secret Garden.
Put on your walking shoes, follow the vintage lamps, and we will see you in the garden! 🌿🥢🍲