You’ve just spent the morning marveling at the iconic red bricks of the Notre Dame Cathedral, snapping photos at the Saigon Central Post Office, and walking through the historic halls of the Independence Palace. But now, the midday Saigon sun is beating down, your feet are tired, and your stomach is starting to rumble.
You could hail a taxi and sit in gridlock traffic, or you could take a scenic, tree-lined stroll to one of the most beloved hidden culinary sanctuaries in District 1.
Welcome to 位于巴斯德街158号的秘密花园越南餐厅.
Tucked away on the rooftop of an old, charming apartment building, our restaurant offers a lush, vintage oasis that feels a world away from the bustling streets below. Best of all? If you are already exploring the French colonial quarter, you are just a 10 to 15-minute walk away.
Here is your ultimate, step-by-step walking guide to navigating the beautiful streets of District 1 and finding our hidden rooftop garden. 🌿
🌳 Why Walk? The Magic of Pasteur Street
Before we get to the directions, you need to know why walking to Secret Garden is an experience in itself.
巴斯德街 is widely considered one of the most beautiful and historic boulevards in Ho Chi Minh City. Lined with sprawling tamarind and mahogany trees, it offers a natural, leafy canopy that provides precious shade from the tropical sun. As you walk, you’ll pass stunning examples of French colonial architecture, quiet boutique cafes, and glimpses of old Saigon life.
Walking down Pasteur Street is the perfect palate cleanser—a peaceful transition from the grand, busy tourist landmarks to the intimate, nostalgic, and cozy atmosphere of our rooftop garden. 🍃
🚶♀️ Route 1: From Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office
(Approx. 1.2 km | 15-Minute Leisurely Stroll)
If you are standing in the plaza between the Cathedral and the Post Office, follow these steps:
Step 1: Head South toward the Independence Palace Exit the Cathedral/Post Office area and walk down Phạm Ngọc Thạch street or Nguyễn Du street, heading south (away from the river).
Step 2: Turn onto Pasteur Street Walk until you intersect with 巴斯德街. Turn Left onto Pasteur.
Step 3: Enjoy the Tree-Canopy Walk You are now on the right path! Walk straight down Pasteur Street. Keep the beautiful tree canopy above you and enjoy the breeze. You will pass the 胡志明市美术博物馆 (a gorgeous yellow colonial building) on your left. Keep walking straight.
Step 4: Watch the Numbers As you get closer to the Ben Thanh Market area, the street numbers will start to drop. Keep your eyes peeled for the 150s.
Step 5: Spot Number 158 寻找 158 巴斯德 on your right-hand side. (See the “How to Spot the Entrance” section below, as it is famously hidden!).
🏛️ Route 2: From the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
(Approx. 800m | 10-Minute Brisk Walk)
If you have just finished touring the Independence Palace and are standing at the front gates on Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa street:
Step 1: Walk to the Front Gates Exit the palace grounds and walk toward the main front gates facing the large grassy lawn.
Step 2: Turn Left onto Nguyễn Du Street Walk out of the gates and turn Left onto Nguyễn Du street. This is a lovely, relatively quiet street lined with trees and embassies.
Step 3: Walk Straight to Pasteur Walk straight down Nguyễn Du for about 400 meters (roughly 5 minutes) until you hit the intersection with 巴斯德街.
Step 4: Turn Right onto Pasteur Turn Right onto Pasteur Street. You are now very close!
Step 5: Find Number 158 Walk down Pasteur for just another 2–3 minutes. Look carefully at the building numbers on your right side until you spot 158 巴斯德.
🕵️♂️ The Tricky Part: How to Spot the “Hidden” Entrance at 158 Pasteur
This is where 90% of first-time visitors get confused. Secret Garden does not have a massive, flashy storefront at street level. We are a hidden rooftop gem, which means the entrance is deliberately understated.
If you are looking for a giant neon sign or a hostess stand on the sidewalk, you will walk right past us! Here is exactly what to look for:
🔍 Visual Cues for 158 Pasteur:
- 该建筑： Look for an older, narrow, 4-to-5-story building. It looks like a classic, slightly weathered Saigon residential or office block.
- The Ground Floor: The ground floor might have a small, unrelated local business, a closed gate, or simply a few parked motorbikes. Do not let this deter you.
- The Small Sign: Look closely at the entrance doorway or the wall next to it. You will see a small, modest, often vintage-style sign that says “《秘密花园》” (sometimes with a small leaf icon or pointing up).
- The Alley/Corridor: Step through the narrow doorway. You will enter a ground-floor corridor.
- The Stairs: At the end of the corridor, you will see a staircase leading UP. Follow the stairs! 🪜
🪜 The Climb: Earning Your Oasis
To reach our lush rooftop garden, you must climb the stairs.
- The Workout: It is approximately 3 to 4 flights of stairs.
- The Vibe: The stairwell is a time capsule. As you climb, you’ll notice vintage tiles, old wooden handrails, and glimpses of local Saigon life through the open apartment doors.
- The Sound: With every flight you climb, the roar of the motorbikes on Pasteur street fades away, replaced by the sound of chopping vegetables, sizzling claypots, and rustling tropical leaves.
⚠️ Important Note: 巴斯德街158号没有电梯。. If you have severe mobility issues, bad knees, or are traveling with a heavy stroller, this location requires a good amount of stair climbing. Please wear comfortable, grippy walking shoes!
🌿 The Reveal: Stepping into the Secret Garden
When you reach the top landing and step out onto the rooftop, the contrast is breathtaking.
You will be greeted by a lush, vibrant tropical garden thriving under the open Saigon sky. Banana trees, ferns, and orchids surround vintage wooden tables and chairs that look like they were salvaged from a 1960s Saigon villa. The air smells of lemongrass, caramelized pork, and fresh herbs.
You haven’t just found a restaurant; you’ve found a time machine. ⏳✨
💡 Pro-Tips for the District 1 Walking Tourist
To make your 10-minute walk as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keep these local tips in mind:
- ☀️ Beat the Heat: The best time to do this walk is either before 11:00 AM (for an early, breezy lunch) or after 4:00 PM (for sunset views and dinner). If you are walking at noon, use the shade of the trees on Pasteur street and carry an umbrella.
- 🦓 Crossing the Street: When turning onto Pasteur or Nguyễn Du, remember the golden rule of Saigon traffic: Walk slowly and steadily. Do not stop, do not run, and do not step backward. The motorbikes will flow around you like water around a rock.
- 🎒 Travel Light: If you’ve been shopping at the markets, try to drop your heavy bags at your hotel before making the climb up our 4 flights of stairs.
- 📸 Look Up: While walking down Pasteur, look up at the balconies of the old apartment buildings. You’ll see incredible glimpses of local life, hanging laundry, and rooftop shrines.
🗣️ Lost? Show This to a Local!
The streets of District 1 can sometimes feel like a maze, and building numbers can occasionally be obscured by parked motorbikes or trees. If you are on Pasteur street but can’t find Number 158, simply show this screen to a local shopkeeper, a street vendor, or a security guard:
“Xin chào! Tôi đang tìm Nhà hàng Secret Garden ở số 158 đường Pasteur, Quận 1. Nhà hàng nằm trên sân thượng. Bạn có thể chỉ giúp tôi lối vào cầu thang của số nhà 158 ở đâu không? Cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều!”
(Translation: Hello! I am looking for Secret Garden Restaurant at 158 Pasteur Street, District 1. The restaurant is on the rooftop. Can you please point me to where the staircase entrance for number 158 is? Thank you so much!)
📞 Secure Your Rooftop Table Before You Walk
Because our hidden rooftop is a favorite among travelers seeking an authentic, romantic, and atmospheric meal, we fill up very quickly, especially during the lunch rush and the golden hour sunset.
Don’t walk all the way here just to find us fully booked! We highly recommend calling or messaging us to reserve your table before you start your walk from the Cathedral or the Palace.
📍 Our Hidden Location: 158 Pasteur, Bến Nghé Ward, 第 1 区, 胡志明市, 越南
📞 Call or WhatsApp to Book: +84 909 904 621
📱 Find Us on Facebook: 搜索 秘密花园 158 巴斯德 to message us directly, view our daily menu, and see beautiful photos of the rooftop to get you excited for your walk!
✨ Your Saigon Adventure Awaits
Exploring Ho Chi Minh City is about discovering the beautiful contrasts—the grand colonial history on the streets, and the intimate, hidden local life tucked away above them.
Lace up your walking shoes, enjoy the shady canopy of Pasteur Street, keep your eyes peeled for Number 158, and let your legs carry you up to the clouds. We’ll have a cold drink and a sizzling claypot of rice waiting for you at the top! 🌿🍲🥢