Ho Chi Minh City, often remembered for its kinetic energy and motorcycle-filled streets, holds a surprising secret: it is a fantastic destination for wellness and restoration. To truly unplug, your choice of accommodation sets the tone. For a Japanese-inspired retreat right in the heart of District 1, Kin Hotel Hai Ba Trung is a revelation. Located just minutes from the Opera House, this hotel features a stunning wine-red velvet aesthetic combined with minimalist design. The real draw for wellness seekers is the 24-hour smart Japanese Onsen, which includes a five-element themed hot spring, private sauna, and cold plunge pool—perfect for soothing muscles after a flight. Guests staying here enjoy complimentary access to these facilities for two hours daily, along with a business lounge offering unlimited noodles, fruit, and coffee.

• Kin Hotel Hai Ba Trung: Features 24-hour Japanese Onsen and sauna facilities.
• Anlam Saigon River: A luxury hideaway offering private pools and lush greenery for total seclusion.
• Amanaki Thao Dien: Located in the expatriate enclave of District 2, offering a rustic aesthetic with pineapples and lychees used as room scents.
• M Village: Known for its green, industrial design and 24-hour butler service, providing a quiet oasis despite the city noise.

For those seeking a complete escape from the urban sprawl, Anlam Saigon River offers a luxurious resort experience with private pools and rooms enveloped in greenery, where you can charge everything to your room and settle the bill at the end. Alternatively, in the trendy Thao Dien area, Amanaki impresses with its attention to detail, welcoming guests with small coconuts and scenting rooms with lemongrass, pineapple, and lychee. If you prefer staying central but crave a garden atmosphere, M Village locations (like the one on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia or Tu Xuong) offer industrial-chic designs filled with plants, creating a peaceful sanctuary in the middle of the city.

Begin your wellness journey by nourishing your body with Vietnam's most famous comfort food: Pho. Head to Pho Hoa Pasteur, a Michelin-recommended establishment loved by locals. The broth here is clear and sweet, and they offer a unique beef ball option. A pro tip for dining here: use the accompanying herbs generously to enhance the flavor, but pluck the leaves rather than eating the stems whole. For a different style of pho, Pho Viet Nam offers a stone pot version where you cook the raw meat yourself in the bubbling broth, ensuring it is perfectly tender.

• Pho Hoa Pasteur: Michelin-rated, known for beef balls and fresh herbs.
• Pho Viet Nam: Famous for stone pot pho that keeps the soup piping hot.
• Fine Arts Museum: A yellow colonial masterpiece perfect for a quiet, reflective stroll.
• The Workshop Cafe: A top-rated specialty coffee shop ideal for a mid-day pause.

After lunch, take a slow, reflective walk through the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum. This yellow colonial-era building is not only a treasure trove of art but also a filming location for the movie The Lover. Its vintage architecture provides a calming backdrop for photography and quiet contemplation. When you need a break, ascend to The Workshop Cafe, ranked among Asia's best coffee spots. Their salted coffee and professional brewing methods offer a sophisticated caffeine fix in a high-ceilinged, industrial space that feels worlds away from the street noise below.

No wellness itinerary in Saigon is complete without indulging in the city's exceptional spa culture. For a comprehensive experience near Ben Thanh Market, visit Momo Spa & Nail. This large establishment offers a one-stop service including massage, hair washing, and manicures in a clean, independent environment. The staff are professional, and the manager speaks multiple languages, ensuring a stress-free experience. They even offer luggage storage and shower facilities, making it a perfect pit stop. If you are looking for a highly-rated head spa, Sen Trang Spa in District 1 is strongly recommended; a two-hour session of hair washing and massage is reported to be so relaxing that it induces sleep twice over.

• Momo Spa & Nail: One-stop service for massage and nails near Ben Thanh Market.
• Sen Trang Spa: Highly recommended for a sleep-inducing head spa and massage.
• Royal Barbershop: A male-focused spa offering ear cleaning, shaving, and massage.
• VIP Barbershop: Offers competitive pricing for hair washing combos.

For a different kind of grooming relaxation, particularly for men, Royal Barbershop provides a specialized service menu that includes heel exfoliation, traditional shaving, and ear cleaning—a deeply relaxing practice that tingles the senses. Alternatively, VIP Barbershop runs promotions where a 90-minute session can be very cost-effective. After your treatment, enjoy a light, healthy meal at Bep Me In, a Michelin-recommended spot tucked in an alley near Ben Thanh Market. Their Vietnamese pancake (Banh Xeo) and fried tofu are must-tries.

On your final day, shift your focus to mental wellness through creativity and nature in the Thao Dien area (District 2). Engage in a calming DIY session at Workshop Hub, hidden up a small staircase opposite Aramour Coffee. Here, you can spend hours creating sand paintings, clay art, wind chimes, or scented candles. It is a quiet, patient process that acts as a perfect meditation. Alternatively, visit Allie Flower in District 1 to craft your own seasonal decorations, such as a mini Christmas tree using Nobel pine, under the guidance of helpful staff.

• Workshop Hub: A hidden gem in Thao Dien for DIY crafts like candles and painting.
• Allie Flower: Offers guided floral and holiday decoration workshops.
• Mặn Mòi Thảo Điền: A Michelin-selected restaurant offering river views and unique dishes.
• AO Show: A "bamboo circus" performance at the Opera House that tells the story of Vietnam.

For lunch, head to Mặn Mòi Thảo Điền, a Michelin-selected restaurant with a beautiful environment. Their beef pho pot with starfruit, pineapple, and cucumber offers a flavor explosion that is both refreshing and comforting. Conclude your wellness itinerary with the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House. This "bamboo circus" is a sophisticated cultural performance devoid of spoken language, using bamboo props and acrobatics to narrate the transition of Vietnam from countryside to city. The live music and lighting create an immersive, emotional experience that serves as a perfect, gentle finale to your trip.

Wellness isn't just about salads; it's about eating quality food in a stress-free environment. Pizza 4P's is a must-visit for this exact reason. Known as the "queue king" of western food in Saigon, it is worth the wait (or reservation). Their house-made 4-cheese pizza served with honey and the burrata cheese pizza are legendary. The open kitchen and attentive service create a warm, relaxing atmosphere perfect for a slow dinner. For a morning pick-me-up that feels like a treat, visit Little Hanoi Egg Coffee. Their signature egg coffee is rich and creamy, and their sourdough options provide a hearty start to the day.

• Pizza 4P's: Famous for house-made cheese pizzas and a relaxing dining vibe.
• Little Hanoi Egg Coffee: A top spot for traditional egg coffee and sourdough breakfast.
• Quince: A Michelin-recommended eatery where the duck breast is described as "shockingly delicious".
• El Gaucho: For a protein-rich meal, their USDA Prime T-bone steak is tender and juicy.

If you crave a high-end culinary experience to celebrate your trip, Quince is a standout where dishes like the duck breast are described as "shockingly delicious." Alternatively, for steak lovers, El Gaucho on Hai Ba Trung offers a premium experience; their USDA Prime T-bone steak is incredibly juicy, and they offer a complimentary bread basket with three types of delicious sauces, including a slow-cooked garlic sauce.