Ho Chi Minh City is evolving at lightning speed, and the way you explore this vibrant metropolis is changing too. The highly anticipated Metro Line 1 has officially transformed the tourist experience in Saigon, offering a sleek, modern, and incredibly convenient way to bypass the legendary motorbike traffic.
If you are a modern traveler who loves the efficiency of public transit but craves authentic, traditional experiences, we have the perfect itinerary for you.
Imagine stepping out of the futuristic, air-conditioned underground of the MRT Ben Thanh Station, taking a short, scenic stroll through a historic antique street, and arriving at a lush, tranquil culinary oasis.
Welcome to Secret Garden Vietnamese Restaurant at 19 Le Cong Kieu. Here is your ultimate, step-by-step guide to riding the Saigon Metro and finding your way to our rustic Northwest Highlands-inspired garden. 🌿
🚄 Why Smart Tourists Are Taking the Metro to District 1
Before the Metro Line 1 was completed, getting around central District 1 during peak hours meant dealing with taxi gridlock or weaving through seas of motorbikes. Today, the underground metro is the smartest, fastest, and most stylish way to reach the city’s best food spots.
- Beat the Traffic & The Heat: Glide beneath the chaotic streets in a cool, clean, and modern carriage. 🌬️
- No Language Barrier: The station signs, ticketing kiosks, and route maps are fully bilingual (Vietnamese and English), making navigation effortless for international visitors.
- The Perfect Appetite Builder: The short walk from the station to our restaurant takes you through one of Saigon’s most charming historic corridors.
🎟️ Step 1: Boarding the Metro (Line 1)
Whether you are staying near the Ba Son station, the Saigon Opera House, or coming from further out along the Line 1 route, your destination is the central hub: Ben Thanh Station.
- Ticketing: Head to the automated ticket machines or the service desk at your departure station. The system is highly intuitive and accepts various modern payment methods, including contactless cards and QR-code apps designed for transit.
- The Ride: Board the train heading towards Ben Thanh / Suoi Tien (depending on your starting point, ensure you are heading into the city center). The ride is incredibly smooth, offering a unique, quiet perspective of the city as you pass underground beneath the bustling districts.
🚉 Step 2: Arriving at the Futuristic MRT Ben Thanh Station
As your train pulls into the final central stop, take a moment to admire the station itself. Ben Thanh Station is an architectural marvel, featuring sweeping curves, modern lighting, and a grand underground concourse that connects directly to the heart of the city.
- The Orientation Challenge: Because the station is large and underground, it is easy to lose your sense of direction.
- Your Goal: You need to head towards the exits that lead to Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành) and the Central Bus Station / Ham Nghi Street.
- Follow the Signs: Look for the glowing overhead signs pointing toward the Market. The escalators here are long, so stand on the right and keep your bags secure. 🎒
🚶♂️ Step 3: The 3-Minute Walk to Le Cong Kieu Antique Street
Once you surface from the underground station, you are instantly back in the vibrant energy of District 1. You are now just steps away from our restaurant. Here is how to make the final approach:
📍 Locate the Market and the Intersection
As you step out of the metro exit, orient yourself toward the iconic towers of Ben Thanh Market. You will see the large roundabout and the busy streets radiating outward.
📍 Find the Antique Street
Look for the street sign that says 黎公桥. This short, historic street acts as a connector near the market area (intersecting with Ham Nghi and Pasteur).
📍 Stroll Through Time
Turn onto Le Cong Kieu Street. This is where the magic happens. The roar of the main boulevards fades, replaced by the quiet charm of Saigon’s famous Antique Street. 🏺 As you walk toward Number 19, you will pass storefronts overflowing with vintage Indochinese oil lamps, old French colonial clocks, retro coins, and historical memorabilia.
📍 Arrive at Secret Garden
Keep an eye on the door numbers. When you reach 19 Le Cong Kieu, you will immediately notice a shift in the atmosphere. Look for our rustic wooden signage, the earthy mud-textured walls, and the lush, vibrant tropical greenery welcoming you inside. You have successfully traded the ultra-modern metro for the timeless beauty of the Vietnamese highlands! 🌴
🌿 The Reward: What Awaits You at 19 Le Cong Kieu?
Stepping into Secret Garden after a ride on the sleek Metro Line 1 is a beautiful study in contrasts. You leave behind the glass and steel of the 21st century and step into a sanctuary that honors the past.
- The Architecture: Our design pays tribute to the ancient village homes of Vietnam’s Northwest. You will dine surrounded by crafted rustic brick roofs, warm wooden pillars, and textured earthen walls. 🧱
- The Atmosphere: The lush tropical garden thrives around you, vibrant and alive, offering a peaceful, quiet retreat from the city’s relentless pace.
- The Food: Authentic, homemade, and deeply comforting. Whether you are craving something light and refreshing after your journey, or a hearty traditional feast, our kitchen is ready to serve you.
🍲 Must-Try Dishes for the Hungry Traveler:
- The Refreshing Starter: Our famous Mango Salad (Gỏi Xoài)—crisp, tangy, and the perfect way to cool down after walking through the city. 🥭
- The Iconic Classic: Cơm Niêu (Traditional Claypot Rice)—served piping hot with caramelized edges, pairing perfectly with our signature savory dishes. 🍚
- Modern Dietary Needs: Traveling with dietary restrictions? We are incredibly proud to offer extensive Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free options, ensuring every modern traveler can eat safely and deliciously. 🌱
🗣️ Lost? Show This to a Local or Station Guard!
If you find yourself slightly disoriented in the underground concourse or on the street level, don’t hesitate to ask a local or a station staff member. Show them this friendly Vietnamese phrase:
“Xin chào! Tôi muốn đi bộ từ Ga Metro Bến Thành đến Nhà hàng Secret Garden ở số 19 Lê Công Kiều. Bạn có thể chỉ giúp tôi lối ra hướng Chợ Bến Thành và đường Lê Công Kiều được không? Cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều!”
(Translation: Hello! I want to walk from Ben Thanh Metro Station to Secret Garden Restaurant at 19 Le Cong Kieu. Could you please point me to the exit towards Ben Thanh Market and Le Cong Kieu street? Thank you so much!)
🎒 Pro-Tips for the Modern Metro Explorer
- Timing is Everything: If you want a quiet, peaceful ride and a relaxed walk through the antique street, try to travel outside of the local rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
- Footwear: The metro station involves quite a bit of walking and escalator riding. Comfortable sneakers or sandals are highly recommended for the transition to the outdoor antique street. 👟
- Combine Your Itinerary: The Metro makes it incredibly easy to visit other landmarks. Take the metro to Ben Thanh, walk to Secret Garden for lunch, and then stroll down Ham Nghi Street towards the Saigon River for a perfect afternoon.
📍 Plan Your Visit & Reserve Your Oasis
The modern metro has made finding traditional Saigon flavor easier than ever, but our garden tables still fill up fast with travelers seeking a quiet escape! We highly recommend booking your table in advance to secure your spot in our lush courtyard.
📍 Our Location: 19 Le Cong Kieu Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, 胡志明市 700000, 越南 (Just a short walk from the MRT Ben Thanh Station)
📞 Call or WhatsApp Us to Book: +84 28 3620 5525
📧 Email for Reservations & Inquiries: [email protected]
📱 Connect With Us: 搜索 秘密花园 19 黎公桥 on Facebook to see our latest garden photos, daily specials, and updates.
✨ From the Sleek Underground to the Rustic Highlands
Your Ho Chi Minh City adventure should be seamless, modern, and deeply memorable. Hop on the new Metro Line 1, glide into the heart of the city, and let us treat you to the warmest hospitality in Saigon.
Tap your card, follow the antique lamps, and we will see you in the garden! 🌿🥢🍲