Dec - 03 - 2025
A visit to District 8 in Ho Chi Minh City offers a journey into the city's authentic, beating heart, far from the well-trodden tourist trails of former District 1. This is where the real Saigon unfolds a vibrant labyrinth of winding canals, bustling local markets, and communities that have thrived for generations. For the traveler hungry for an unfiltered experience, District 8 is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. This GTrip guide is your ultimate resource for exploring this captivating area. We’ll cover its unique character, the absolute best things to see and do, and the practical tips you need to navigate it like a local. Get ready to peel back the layers of Ho Chi Minh City and find a side of it many visitors miss.
Overview of District 8 in Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Southwestern part of Ho Chi Minh City, bordered by former Districts 5, 6, and 7, and Binh Chanh District
Former District 8 in Ho Chi Minh City is a sprawling, residential district shaped by an extensive network of canals and rivers in the southwestern part of the city. Bordered by the former Districts 5, 6, 7, and Binh Chanh District, it serves as a crucial waterway gateway to the Mekong Delta. The atmosphere here feels worlds apart from the gleaming downtown skyscrapers slower, more traditional, and deeply rooted in local life. This is where you’ll see families sharing meals on their doorsteps, artisans honing generations-old crafts, and markets buzzing with an energy that is purely Vietnamese, offering a true immersion into everyday Saigonese life.
District 8 is a vast residential area defined by its intricate canal network that connects the city to the Mekong Delta
How to get to District 8 in Ho Chi Minh City
Getting to former District 8 from the city center (like District 1) is straightforward and affordable.
- By ride-hailing app (Grab/XanhSM): This is the most convenient and recommended option for tourists. Simply input your destination, and a car or motorbike will take you directly there. A trip from Ben Thanh Market to the heart of District 8 typically takes 20-30 minutes, costing between 80,000 to 150,000 VND for a car.
- By taxi: Reputable taxi companies like Vinasun (white with green and red stripes) and Mai Linh (green) are readily available. They operate on a meter and are a reliable alternative to ride-hailing apps, though sometimes slightly more expensive.
- By bus: For a truly local experience, take a public bus. Routes like Bus No. 08 or Bus No. 39 travel from the central bus station near Ben Thanh Market towards District 8. Use a mapping app like Google Maps for real-time bus routes and schedules.
- By motorbike: If you are an experienced rider comfortable with HCMC's traffic, renting a motorbike gives you the ultimate freedom to explore District 8's maze-like alleys.
Top 9 things to do at District 8 in Ho Chi Minh City
Former District 8 is packed with unique experiences that showcase a different side of Saigon. Here are the top things you absolutely must do.
1. Visit Binh Dien Wholesale Market
Prepare for a full sensory experience at Binh Dien Market, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest and most dynamic wholesale hubs. This isn’t a tourist attraction but a working market where seafood, meat, and produce from all over Vietnam are traded through the night. It’s loud, raw, and absolutely fascinating. Expect the air to be thick with the scent of fresh catch and vegetables, with trucks, forklifts, and traders moving nonstop. Peak hours are between 1 AM and 5 AM, when the market is most alive. Wear closed shoes and stay alert as you navigate the bustling lanes.
Binh Dien Market in District 8 is a very large and dynamic wholesale hub
2. Explore Pham The Hien Street
Pham The Hien Street is the lifeline of District 8, famous for its vibrant Catholic community and lively street food culture. In December, the entire street transforms into a glowing wonderland of lights and nativity scenes, making it the heart of Saigon’s Christmas celebrations. Year-round, it’s a paradise for food lovers, especially after 6 PM, when countless vendors line the street. Don’t miss local favorites like snail dishes (oc), Vietnamese pizza (banh trang nuong), and the flavorful offal stew (pha lau). Stop by Binh An and Binh Thai Churches for a glimpse of the district’s spiritual life.
3. Discover the pagodas
Discover the pagodas of former District 8, where centuries-old spiritual traditions blend seamlessly with the rhythms of everyday local life.
- Hue Lam Pagoda
Tucked amid the urban bustle, Hue Lam Pagoda (Chua Hue Lam) offers a peaceful sanctuary filled with traditional beauty and calm energy. Established over a century ago, the pagoda serves as a spiritual home for the local Buddhist community. Its elegant roofs with dragon motifs, intricate wooden carvings, and quiet courtyards create an atmosphere of timeless devotion. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, speak softly, and move respectfully while exploring this sacred space.
- Long Hoa Pagoda
Long Hoa Pagoda (Chua Long Hoa) is one of District 8’s most revered spiritual landmarks, offering a peaceful retreat from the district’s lively streets. This Buddhist temple is known for its tall, multi-tiered tower, graceful statues of the Buddha, and intricately carved wooden details that reflect traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship. The tranquil courtyard, shaded by old trees and filled with the scent of incense, creates a calm and reflective atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to pause, admire the architecture, and observe the quiet rhythm of daily worship that continues much as it has for generations.
- An Phu Pagoda
Hidden in a quiet alley in former District 8, An Phu Pagoda (Chua An Phu) offers a tranquil escape from the city’s noise. Though smaller than other temples, it’s rich in character and authenticity. Inside, you’ll find finely detailed statues of Buddhist deities and arhats, each telling a spiritual story. The scent of incense lingers in the air, and the peaceful setting invites reflection, a perfect stop for those seeking a quiet moment amid local life.
Tucked away in a peaceful alley of former District 8, An Phu Pagoda (Chua An Phu) is a small yet deeply atmospheric temple where intricate Buddhist statues
4. Visit Sung Chinh Hakka Assembly Hall
Sung Chinh Assembly Hall (Chua Sung Chinh) highlights the deep cultural diversity of Saigon. Built by Hakka Chinese immigrants, it functions as both a temple and a community center. The architecture is distinct, with crescent-shaped roof ridges adorned with porcelain figures, golden woodwork, and stone dragons guarding the entrance. More than just a religious site, it stands as a testament to the enduring heritage and influence of the Chinese community in shaping Ho Chi Minh City.
Sung Chinh Assembly Hall is both a temple and cultural landmark, distinguished by its ornate crescent roofs, porcelain figures, and stone dragons
5. Stroll around Binh Dong Wharf
For a glimpse into old Saigon, head to Binh Dong Wharf along the Tau Hu Canal. Once a major trade route connecting the city to the Mekong Delta, it still retains a charmingly rustic atmosphere with boats piled high with coconuts, fruits, and produce. In the weeks leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the area transforms into a floating flower market, bursting with color and fragrance from apricot blossoms and kumquat trees. It’s one of the most photogenic and festive scenes in the city.
If you visit Binh Dong Wharf in spring, especially in Tet Holiday, you can see the beauty of flowers
6. Take photos at The Pegasuite Apartment Complex
In a district known for its traditional character, The Pegasuite stands out as a modern architectural icon. Its German-inspired design, with turrets and classic European details, gives it the appearance of a fairytale castle. Locals and photographers flock here for its unique, photogenic contrast against the surrounding cityscape. For the best shots, capture the building from across the street during golden hour before sunset. Be respectful when photographing, as it remains a private residential complex.
7. Enjoy local foods around District 8
Former District 8 is a true haven for food lovers ready to explore beyond the usual tourist favorites. The district’s food stalls and family-run eateries have perfected their recipes over generations. Try chao long (pork organ porridge) along Da Nam Street, or sample pha lau, a savory stew of offal simmered in coconut milk and spices, best enjoyed on Pham The Hien Street. For something sweet, look for bo bia ngot, a nostalgic candy roll filled with crunchy sugar, coconut, and sesame. Each dish tells its own delicious story of Saigon street food culture.
You can try pha lau, a savory stew of offal simmered in coconut milk and spices, best enjoyed on Pham The Hien Street in District 8
8. Visit Ngoc Phat Stone Carving Shop
Discover local craftsmanship at Ngoc Phat Stone Carving Shop, where artisans transform solid blocks of marble into intricate sculptures. Using traditional tools and time-honored techniques, they craft everything from small household altars to life-sized statues of deities and animals. Visitors can observe the carving process up close and explore a stunning gallery of finished works. It’s a perfect stop for those who appreciate fine artistry, and an opportunity to support local artisans by purchasing a one-of-a-kind handmade souvenir.
9. Shop and stroll around The Parc Mall*
Located right in the heart of District 8, The Parc Mall brings a modern and stylish touch to the neighborhood’s vibrant local scene. This contemporary shopping and lifestyle destination combines retail, dining, and leisure under one roof, making it a popular hangout spot for both locals and young families. Inside, you’ll find a curated mix of local boutiques, trendy cafes, and restaurants offering both Vietnamese and international cuisines. The open design and spacious walkways make it perfect for a relaxed afternoon of shopping or people-watching. If you’re looking to unwind, grab a coffee on the outdoor terrace or catch a movie at the mall’s cinema. The Parc Mall is a refreshing glimpse into modern urban life in one of Saigon’s most dynamic districts.
Parc Mall is a nice place to go exploring the activities and the food there
Practical tips for visiting District 8 in Ho Chi Minh City
A little preparation will make your exploration of former District 8 smooth and enjoyable.
- Transportation: The district's streets can be a confusing maze. Use a ride-hailing app like Grab or XanhSM for easy navigation and to avoid getting lost.
- Cash is king: While larger stores may take cards, the vast majority of street food vendors, small shops, and market stalls operate on cash only. Carry a sufficient amount of Vietnamese Dong (VND).
- Dress comfortably: Lightweight, breathable clothing and, most importantly, comfortable walking shoes are essential. If you plan to visit pagodas or communal houses, wear or bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- Be adventurous: The true magic of former District 8 is found by wandering. Don't be afraid to turn down a small alley, try a dish you don't recognize, or communicate with a smile and gestures.
- Safety: Former District 8 is generally safe, but like any busy urban area, be mindful of your belongings. Keep your phone and wallet secure, especially in crowded markets like Binh Dien.
Former District 8 has many things to do and explore
District 8 in Ho Chi Minh City is not a place of major monuments, but of countless small, authentic moments. It’s the sizzle of a food stall, the gentle lap of water against a canal boat, the friendly nod from a local, and the vibrant energy of a community living its life. It rewards the curious traveler with an experience that is rich, real, and profoundly memorable. Ready to uncover the hidden gems of Ho Chi Minh City? Let GTrip help you plan an unforgettable adventure that goes beyond the guidebooks. Our local experts can craft a personalized itinerary that dives deep into the culture and cuisine of this incredible city.
