35 Cities That Feel Like a Different Country Without Leaving the U.S.

23. Little Saigon, Orange County, California – A Vietnamese Haven

Located primarily in Westminster and Garden Grove, California, Little Saigon is the beating heart of the Vietnamese diaspora in the U.S.—a vibrant, bustling cultural enclave where Vietnamese language, food, and tradition flourish. Established in the 1970s after the fall of Saigon, this sprawling neighborhood has become the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam, and it offers a deeply immersive experience unlike anywhere else in the country. The sights, sounds, and aromas transport you straight to Southeast Asia. The streets are lined with pho shops, bánh mì counters, bubble tea cafes, and sprawling seafood markets filled with fresh herbs, exotic fruits, and rare spices. At the center of it all is the Asian Garden Mall, a lively marketplace that feels like a cross between an open-air Vietnamese bazaar and a community gathering space. You can shop for silk áo dài, carved jade jewelry, imported teas, or handmade lacquerware. Don’t miss the endless café options serving authentic cà phê sữa đá—strong Vietnamese coffee slowly dripped over sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice.