Dec - 03 - 2025
Former Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City is a captivating area where Vietnam's rapid modernization collides with its deeply rooted traditions. Binh Thanh area is defined by the towering silhouette of the Landmark 81 on one side and the maze-like alleys teeming with history, sizzling street food, and authentic local life on the other. While many visitors stick to the central former District 1, Binh Thanh offers a deeper, more rewarding glimpse into the dynamic soul of modern Saigon. This comprehensive GTrip guide will navigate you through everything you need to know, ensuring you experience the very best of this fascinating district.
Overview of former Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Between Ho Chi Minh City's center and its northern and eastern suburbs, with borders on bustling former District 1 and connections to Phu Nhuan, Go Vap, and the former District 2.
Former Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City is defined in large part by the mighty Saigon River, which curves around it, creating the lush, isolated Thanh Da Peninsula. This unique geography contributes to the district's diverse character, allowing both high-rise urban developments and serene, riverside green spaces to coexist. Binh Thanh is the perfect representation of Ho Chi Minh City's evolution, a place where the past and future are not just neighbors, but are woven into the same vibrant fabric.
A large part of the district is shaped by the sweeping curve of the Saigon River, allowing Binh Thanh to blend modern high-rises with peaceful riverside green spaces
How to get to former Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City
Reaching Binh Thanh from major hubs is straightforward, thanks to its central location. The best method depends on your budget, starting point, and sense of adventure. From Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) or downtown former District 1, you can expect a travel time of 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing app (Grab/Xanh SM): This is the most convenient and popular option for tourists. You can book a car or motorbike directly to your destination, such as Landmark 81 or a hotel, with a clear, upfront price.
- Bus: For budget-conscious travelers, numerous public bus routes cross Binh Thanh. It’s an affordable way to see the city like a local, though it requires some planning to figure out routes and stops.
- Motorbike: If you're a confident rider, renting a motorbike offers the ultimate freedom to explore Binh Thanh's complex network of main roads and small alleys at your own pace.
Top 17 things to do in former Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City
Binh Thanh offers a diverse mix of attractions, such as the ultra-modern Landmark 81 Tower, the historic Le Van Duyet Tomb, and the bustling Ba Chieu Market.
1. Explore Landmark 81 and Vinhomes Central Park
From the towering heights of Landmark 81 to the serene greenery of Vinhomes Central Park, there’s plenty to see and do within this iconic complex. Below, explore some of the best ways to experience its breathtaking views, riverside strolls, and peaceful urban retreats.
Take in city views from Landmark 81’s observation deck and skyview
Landmark 81 rises 461.2 meters above the city, making it the tallest building in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Its SkyView observation deck spans the 79th to 81st floors and offers sweeping 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon River, and the surrounding regions. Thrill-seekers can try the SkyTouch experience, where you step safely outside on the 81st floor while harnessed in. For the best experience, visit at sunset to watch the skyline light up as day shifts into night.
Stroll through the riverside Landmark 81 Park
At the base of Landmark 81 lies a beautifully designed riverside park that forms part of the Vinhomes Central Park Complex. This modern green space features manicured gardens, contemporary sculptures, and lively fountains, creating a picturesque setting for a walk. It’s ideal for a morning jog, an evening stroll, or simply relaxing on the lawns while enjoying the tower's stunning views, especially when it glows after dark.
Relax at Vinhomes Central Park
Inspired by New York’s Central Park, this 14-hectare riverside park offers one of the city’s most impressive urban retreats. Stretching over a kilometer along the Saigon River, it includes open lawns, a serene Japanese garden, playgrounds, and riverside BBQ areas. The clean, modern environment makes it a favorite escape for families and anyone seeking a peaceful break from the city’s energy.
You should enjoy sweeping city views from Landmark 81’s SkyView deck, then unwind in the riverside parks and landscaped green spaces of Vinhomes Central Park
2. Enjoy riverside dining at Tan Cang Tourist Area
Located near Vinhomes Central Park, Tan Cang is a popular riverside dining zone known for its expansive seafood restaurants and relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Guests can enjoy river views and the illuminated skyline while savoring Vietnamese dishes. It’s an excellent spot for group dinners, family gatherings, and casual celebrations.
3. Step through history at the Gia Dinh Ancient Gate
Hidden along Dinh Tien Hoang Street stands the last surviving gate of the Gia Dinh Citadel, a massive fortress built in 1790. Although small and moss-covered, this lone brick structure is a rare relic of pre-colonial Saigon and an important symbol of the city’s early history. It’s a quick yet meaningful stop for history lovers, and nearby cafes on Phan Dang Luu Street make it easy to pair the visit with a relaxing break.
4. Pay respects at the tomb of Le Van Duyet
Le Van Duyet’s tomb or Lang Ong Ba Chieu is a large temple complex honoring Marshal Le Van Duyet, an influential Nguyen Dynasty viceroy. Visitors can explore elegant traditional architecture, peaceful courtyards, and the beautifully preserved tomb at its center. The site becomes especially lively during major festivals like Tet, when locals come to pray for luck and prosperity.
Le Van Duyet’s Tomb features graceful traditional architecture, tranquil courtyards, and a beautifully preserved tomb
5. Visit the sacred Hai Ba Trung Temple
This serene temple honors the Trung Sisters, two heroic figures who led an uprising against Han Chinese rule in 40 AD. The temple’s well-preserved architecture, detailed carvings, and statues of the sisters mounted on war elephants create a deeply respectful atmosphere. It is especially vibrant during the annual festival in their honor, held on the 6th day of the second lunar month.
6. Discover heritage inside the former Binh Thanh District’s traditional house
Binh Thanh still preserves pockets of old wooden "nha ruong" houses tucked away in quiet alleys and on the Thanh Da Peninsula. These traditional homes feature wooden beams, tiled roofs, and open courtyards that reflect Saigon’s former way of life. While many are private residences, their architectural details can be admired from the outside. The house at 180/6 Binh Quoi Street is one of the best-maintained examples and occasionally opens for cultural visits.
7. Enjoy live performances at Truc Mai Music House
Truc Mai Music House offers an intimate and deeply cultural experience dedicated to traditional Vietnamese folk music. Visitors can listen to masterful performances on instruments like the Dan Bau, Dan Tranh, and bamboo T’rung. The family-run setting adds warmth and authenticity, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in Vietnamese arts and heritage.
If you want to listen to Vietnamese folk music, visit Truc Mai Music House in Binh Thanh District
8. Experience local life at Ba Chieu Market
Ba Chieu Market is one of the busiest commercial hubs for everyday Saigonese, with separate sections for produce, flowers, household goods, and clothing. Its food court is particularly loved for its hearty local dishes. After 5 PM, the night market springs to life with incredible street food, attracting crowds eager for snacks like the famous chicken sticky rice (xoi ga).
9. Hunt for treasures at the antique market
The “Cao Minh” antique market is a haven for collectors, offering old coins, banknotes, vintage cameras, and wartime memorabilia. The market is a lively place to browse, photograph, and chat with passionate vendors, even if you don’t buy anything. It traditionally pops up at a cafe on No Trang Long Street, though the exact location may change, so checking locally is recommended.
10. Shop and dine at Pearl Plaza shopping mall
Pearl Plaza is a modern shopping center located at a major intersection on Dien Bien Phu Street. Inside, visitors can browse international and local brands, watch movies at the large CGV cinema, or try dishes from the diverse food court on the fourth floor. It’s a comfortable and convenient stop for dining, shopping, or taking a break from the outdoor heat.
Pearl Plaza is a heaven of shopping and also offers many activities there
11. Unwind in the greenery of Van Thanh Park
Van Thanh Park offers a more classic and nostalgic outdoor experience compared to the newer, modern parks in the city. Centered around a scenic lake, it includes paddle boats, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a well-loved weekend buffet featuring southern Vietnamese cuisine. Families and groups frequently gather here to relax and enjoy time outdoors.
12. Embrace countryside vibes at Binh Quoi Tourist Village
Binh Quoi Tourist Village recreates the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta with thatched huts, coconut groves, and waterways crossed by monkey bridges. Visitors can enjoy the famous southern buffet dinner, go boating, fish by the river, or simply unwind in a hammock. With three separate villages (1, 2, and 3), each offering a slightly different theme, this rustic attraction feels worlds away from the city.
Binh Quoi Tourist Village offers a peaceful, Mekong Delta-inspired escape with thatched huts, coconut groves, waterways, southern buffet dinners, and relaxing riverside activities
13. Go on a street food adventure along Van Kiep Street
Van Kiep Street becomes a bustling food paradise each evening, packed with stalls selling everything, such as seafood, grilled octopus, rich noodle soups, and colorful desserts. The lively atmosphere and wide variety of dishes make it a must-visit for adventurous eaters. The street is busiest after 5 PM and continues buzzing late into the night.
14. Hang out and cafe-hop on Nguyen Gia Tri Street
Nguyen Gia Tri Street, formerly D2, is the energetic hub of student culture in Binh Thanh. With countless cafes, tea shops, and casual eateries, it’s a favorite place to hang out, study, or people-watch. The youthful vibe is strongest from late afternoon through the evening, and the street is known for always having the latest trending snacks and drinks.
15. Taste authentic local dishes on Le Quang Dinh Street
Le Quang Dinh is lined with long-standing eateries specializing in specific traditional dishes. You can try many Binh Thanh District’s most beloved flavors, such as bun mam, com tam, pho. Many of the best spots are tucked inside small alleys branching off the main road, making it a rewarding area for food exploration.
Binh Thanh District is a Vietnamese food heaven located on Van Kiep Street, Nguyen Gia Tri Street, Le Quang Dinh Street
16. Explore Japanese cuisine on Nguyen Cong Tru Street
Nguyen Cong Tru Street forms the heart of Binh Thanh’s Japanese enclave. It is home to a concentration of ramen bars, izakayas, sushi restaurants, and bakeries that cater to the local Japanese community. The area is calm, orderly, and filled with Japanese signage, making it feel like a small slice of Tokyo. It’s the perfect place for high-quality Japanese comfort food.
17. Take a flavorful food tour around former Binh Thanh District
Binh Thanh is undeniably a food lover’s paradise, offering an overwhelming variety of dishes that represent the best of Southern and Central Vietnamese cuisine. To truly experience the district, you must eat your way through it. Here are some unmissable dishes:
- Try smoky grilled chicken (Ga nuong): Find famous stalls on streets like Pham Van Dong, where whole chickens are roasted on spits over charcoal and served with sticky rice or crispy bread.
- Grab a classic banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich): Look for the humble neighborhood carts with long morning queues, a sure sign of a delicious and reliable sandwich.
- Savor sweet or savory sticky rice (Xoi): The night market at Ba Chieu Market is legendary for its a variety of sticky rice dishes, especially the savory Xoi Ga (chicken sticky rice).
- Warm up with crab tapioca noodles (Banh canh ghe): A rich and savory noodle soup with a thick, starchy broth and a whole flower crab.
- Dive into rich flavors of fermented shrimp noodles (Bun mam): A pungent, complex, and iconic Southern Vietnamese specialty. Find famous versions on Van Kiep and Le Quang Dinh streets.
- Enjoy comforting crab paste vermicelli soup (Bun rieu cua): This tangy tomato and crab-based noodle soup is a breakfast and lunch staple across the district.
- Taste herbal roasted duck noodles (Mi vit tiem): A savory, slow-cooked duck leg served with egg noodles in a dark, fragrant broth derived from Chinese herbal traditions.
- Discover the unique Quang-style noodles (Mi Quang): A popular Central Vietnamese dish with wide, turmeric-infused rice noodles, a small amount of rich broth, and a variety of toppings like pork, shrimp, and rice crackers.
- Crunch into a crispy Vietnamese sizzling pancake (Banh xeo): A large, savory pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, wrapped in fresh lettuce and herbs, and dipped in fish sauce.
Crab tapioca noodles (Banh canh ghe) is one of the most popular dishes that you should try in Binh Thanh District
Practical tips for visiting former Binh Thanh District
To make the most of your trip to this dynamic district, keep a few practical tips in mind. Binh Thanh is generally safe and welcoming, but a little preparation goes a long way.
- Transportation: For convenience and transparent pricing, use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Xanh SM. For exploring, nothing beats walking to discover the district's hidden corners.
- Cash is king: Modern establishments like malls and high-end restaurants accept cards. The vast majority of local eateries, market stalls, and street food vendors only accept cash (Vietnamese Dong - VND).
- Be adventurous: Don't hesitate to wander off the main streets. The district's soul lies in its maze of small alleys, where you'll find the best food, hidden cafes, and scenes of daily life.
- Stay hydrated: Ho Chi Minh City's weather is relentlessly hot and humid. Always carry a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated as you explore.
- Safety: As in any major city, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your phone and wallet secure, especially in crowded places like Ba Chieu Market or on busy streets.
Former Binh Thanh District has a lot to explore and remember the tips to have an enjoyable visit
Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City perfectly encapsulates the vibrant, fast-paced energy of the city. It is a place where you can spend your morning marveling at the skyline from the top of Landmark 81 and your evening sitting on a tiny plastic stool, devouring some of the most delicious street food of your life. This guide from GTrip has armed you with the best things to do, see, and eat. Binh Thanh offers a travel experience that is more local, more diverse, and arguably more memorable than staying in the city center. Now, it's your turn to get out there and explore the incredible contrasts and hidden depths of this essential Saigon district.
