Former Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City: Top Things to Do & Travel Tips

The former Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the city's best-kept secrets, offering a genuine escape from the well-trodden tourist paths of District 1. While central Saigon buzzes with rooftop bars and colonial architecture, Tan Phu provides a raw, unfiltered look into the daily life of the Saigonese people. This is where you'll find sprawling local markets overflowing with energy, families gathering for street-side feasts, and hidden historical sites that tell a different story of the city. For the traveler hungry for authenticity, Tan Phu is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. This GTrip guide is your key to unlocking it all. We will explore the district's significant historical landmarks, guide you through its bustling markets, reveal the can't-miss dishes of its legendary food scene, and provide all the practical travel advice.

Overview of former Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City

Location: Western part of Ho Chi Minh City, bordered by former Districts 6, 11, 12, Tan Binh, and Binh Tan.

Former Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant residential area that embodies the authentic, fast-paced rhythm of modern Saigonese life. Unlike the city center, Tan Phu is not defined by skyscrapers or tourist souvenir shops. Instead, its character is shaped by lively local communities, countless family-owned eateries, and a network of alleys that hide some of the city's most delicious food. A visit here is a dive into the real Ho Chi Minh City, where tradition and modernity coexist in a uniquely Vietnamese way.

Tan Phu District offers an authentic slice of modern Saigonese life, defined by lively local neighborhoods, family-run eateries, and bustling alleyways

How to get to former Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City

Getting to Tan Phu from central districts like former District 1 is straightforward and affordable.

• Ride-hailing apps (Grab/Xanh SM): This is the most convenient and recommended method for tourists. A car or motorbike ride from former District 1 typically takes 25-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The app provides a fixed price, eliminating any need for haggling.
• Taxi: Reputable taxi companies like Vinasun (white with green and red stripes) or Mai Linh (green) are widely available. Ensure the driver uses the meter. This option is slightly more expensive than ride-hailing apps.
• Public bus: For the adventurous and budget-conscious traveler, public buses connect the city center to Tan Phu. It is the cheapest option but requires navigating the bus routes, which can be challenging without knowledge of the system.

Top 8 things to do in former Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Phu seamlessly blends historical depth with modern energy. Here are the top things to see and do to experience the district's unique character.

1. Explore Phu Tho Hoa Tunnels

The Phu Tho Hoa Tunnels are a significant historical site, serving as a secret revolutionary base long before the famous Cu Chi Tunnels were established. This underground network was vital for storing weapons, training soldiers, and planning attacks during the First Indochina War. Today, visitors can explore a preserved section of the tunnels and a small museum showcasing relics and photographs from the period. It offers a powerful, intimate look at the resourcefulness of the resistance fighters. The tunnel passages are narrow, so you should wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy shoes for navigating the grounds and underground sections.

Visiting Phu Tho Hoa Tunnels helps you know more about the role of the tunnel during the First Indochina War

2. Visit pagodas and temples

Former Tan Phu District is home to a variety of remarkable pagodas and temples, each offering a unique glimpse into the local spiritual life. Below are some notable religious sites worth visiting, where culture, devotion, and serene architecture come together.

Phap Van Pagoda

Phap Van Pagoda is a large and impressive Buddhist complex known for its serene atmosphere and intricate architecture. It provides a peaceful sanctuary away from the city's hustle. The pagoda features beautiful statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, traditional curved tile roofs, and a spacious courtyard where locals come to pray and find tranquility. It plays a central role in the spiritual life of the Tan Phu community, especially during major Buddhist festivals. Visit in the early morning to witness local devotees making offerings and to experience the most peaceful ambiance.

Tan Son Nhi Temple

Tan Son Nhi Temple is a beautiful and historically significant local temple dedicated to deities from folk religion. Its vibrant colors, ornate carvings, and smoky incense create a powerful sensory experience. The temple is an active place of worship, offering a fantastic opportunity to observe the daily religious practices of the local community. It is particularly lively during the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month. While photography is often permitted, always be respectful of worshippers. A quiet nod and a smile can go a long way.

Phap Van Pagoda in Tan Phu District is large and impressive

Phu Thanh Temple

Dedicated to Guan Yu, a revered Chinese general deified as a symbol of loyalty and righteousness, Phu Thanh Temple is a classic example of a Chinese-style temple. Its architecture is rich with symbolism, featuring ceramic-tiled roofs adorned with dragons, intricate wood carvings, and a central altar where Guan Yu is worshipped. The air is thick with the scent of incense, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. You should look for the large coils of incense hanging from the ceiling, which are burned as offerings for good fortune and can last for weeks.

Quan Am Temple

This temple is dedicated to Quan Am, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, also known as the Goddess of Mercy. It is a place of profound peace and devotion for many locals. The highlight is the serene and beautifully crafted statue of Quan Am, often depicted pouring the water of compassion from a vase. The temple's quiet garden and gentle atmosphere make it a perfect spot for quiet reflection. Visiting this temple is a calming experience. Take a moment to sit in the courtyard and simply observe the tranquil flow of daily devotion.

Hoa Thanh Temple

The Hoa Thanh Temple (Thanh That Hoa Thanh) is a Cao Dai temple, offering a fascinating glimpse into one of the world's most unique religions. Cao Dai synthesizes elements from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism. The architecture is a visual feast, characterized by its vibrant colors, whimsical design, and the all-seeing Divine Eye symbol painted above the main entrance. The bright pinks, yellows, and blues are unlike any other religious structure in the city. You should try to visit during a prayer session (typically held four times a day) to witness the colorful robes and unique chanting rituals from a designated viewing area.

Phu Thanh Temple is one of the popular temples in Tan Phu District

3. Discover Ngoc Linh Ginseng Museum

A truly unique attraction, the Ngoc Linh Ginseng Museum is dedicated to Vietnam's national treasure. It is a rare and highly prized variety of ginseng found only in the country's central highlands. The museum provides a comprehensive look at the history, cultivation, and medicinal properties of Ngoc Linh ginseng. Visitors can see preserved specimens, learn about the difficult harvesting process, and understand why it is considered one of the world's most valuable herbs. The museum has a shop where you can purchase authentic ginseng products, though they are a significant investment due to their rarity.

4. Shop and relax at Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon

For a taste of modern Vietnamese life, head to Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon. This massive, state-of-the-art shopping center is a popular hub for local families. It offers a stark contrast to the district's traditional markets, with international and local retail brands, a large supermarket, a modern cinema, and an enormous food court. It's an excellent place to escape the midday heat. The ground-floor food court and supermarket offer an amazing selection of ready-to-eat meals, sushi, and baked goods at very reasonable prices.

Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon is a massive shopping mall and also offers various amazing activities

5. Browse Phu Tho Hoa Fabric Market

Phu Tho Hoa Fabric Market is a textile lover's dream. This sprawling wholesale and retail market is a dizzying maze of stalls piled high with fabrics of every imaginable color, texture, and pattern. You'll find traditional silk for an ao dai, cotton for custom-made clothes, or unique prints for a craft project at local prices. The visual spectacle and bustling energy make it a worthwhile stop even if you aren't buying. This is a wholesale market, so prices are excellent. Don't be afraid to politely bargain, especially if purchasing multiple meters.

6. Eat your way through Nguyen Nhu Lam Food Street

As evening falls, Nguyen Nhu Lam Street transforms into a vibrant, open-air food paradise. This is where locals go to eat, socialize, and unwind. Dozens of vendors set up plastic tables and chairs along the sidewalk, serving a massive variety of dishes. The air is filled with the sounds of chatter and the incredible aromas of Vietnamese cooking. You should go with an empty stomach and a sense of adventure. Pointing at what looks good is a perfectly acceptable way to order.

7. Enjoy the local food in former Tan Phu District

Tan Phu is a true culinary hotspot. This is where you'll find some of the most authentic and delicious food in Ho Chi Minh City, far from the tourist markups. Our former Tan Phu district food guide highlights the absolute must-try spots.

• Bo To Quan Moc (111A Go Dau St.): This place specializes in "bo to", which translates to "young beef". The meat is exceptionally tender and flavorful. The signature experience is grilling thin slices of beef right at your table on a small charcoal brazier. You then wrap the cooked meat in rice paper with a huge platter of fresh herbs, star fruit, and green banana, and dip it in a fermented anchovy sauce (mam nem). It's a fun, social, and incredibly delicious meal.
• Oc Nho Sai Gon (136 Trinh Dinh Trong St.): Eating "oc" (snails) is a quintessential Saigon experience. Oc Nho Sai Gon is a beloved local institution, famous for its lively atmosphere and huge menu of shellfish cooked in dozens of ways. Must-try dishes include clams steamed with lemongrass, scallops grilled with scallion oil and peanuts, and blood cockles stir-fried with tamarind sauce. It's messy, loud, and utterly fantastic.
• Bun Rieu 533 (533 Tan Ky Tan Quy St.): Bun rieu is a savory crab and tomato noodle soup that is complex and deeply comforting. This humble street-side stall serves one of the best versions in the area. The broth is a rich red from tomato and shrimp paste, floating with clouds of delicate crab and shrimp paste, springy tofu, and slices of pork blood pudding. It’s served with a mountain of fresh herbs like mint, perilla, and shredded morning glory.
• Hu Tieu Chay Cay De (1 Diep Minh Chau St.): For a delicious vegetarian option, Hu Tieu Chay Cay De is a local favorite. This vegetarian noodle soup (hu tieu chay) proves that meat-free dishes can be just as flavorful. The clear, savory broth is made from vegetables like daikon and jicama, and the bowl is loaded with a variety of mushrooms, tofu, mock meats, and fresh greens. It’s a light yet satisfying meal.
• Banh Beo Ba Nam Nu (118/84 Le Trong Tan St.): Banh beo are delicate, soft steamed rice cakes served in tiny individual saucers. At this famous spot, tucked away in an alley, each cake is topped with a savory mixture of dried shrimp, crispy pork skin, scallion oil, and a drizzle of sweet and sour fish sauce. You use a spoon to scoop each one out of its dish. They are addictive, and you'll find yourself ordering plate after plate.
• Bun Bo Hue Nguyen Son: You can find great bun bo Hue all over the city, and the stalls in Tan Phu are no exception. This spicy beef noodle soup from the city of Hue is a flavor powerhouse. The broth is defined by its deep, aromatic lemongrass flavor and a kick of chili. A bowl comes loaded with thick rice noodles, slices of beef shank, pork knuckle, and cubes of congealed pig's blood. It's a robust and exhilarating dish for any noodle soup lover.

Banh beo are delicate, soft steamed rice cakes served in tiny individual saucers

8. Visit local markets in Former Tan Phu District

To truly see the heart of the district, spend a morning at one of its traditional markets. This is where daily commerce happens with a vibrant, chaotic energy that is quintessentially Vietnamese.

• Tan Huong Market - 198 Tan Huong St., Tan Quy Ward: A large, bustling market known for its fresh produce and food stalls.
• Hiep Tan Market - 68A Cay Keo St., Hiep Tan Ward: A classic neighborhood market perfect for observing local life.
• Phu Trung Market - 49/26 Trinh Dinh Trong St., Phu Trung Ward: Known for its extensive morning food section.
• Son Ky Market - 39 Bo Bao Tan Thang St., Son Ky Ward: A modern-style market hall that is clean and well-organized.
• Tan Phu Market 1 - 7C Pho Cho St., Tan Thanh Ward: One of the main markets in the district with a wide variety of goods.
• Tan Phu Market 2 - 16 Hoang Ngoc Phach St., Phu Tho Hoa Ward: Smaller and more intimate, offering a very local feel.

Practical tips for visiting former Tan Phu District

• Carry cash: Bringing cash (Vietnamese Dong - VND) is essential. While malls accept cards, the vast majority of street food stalls, local markets, and small shops operate on a cash-only basis.
• Dress respectfully: When visiting pagodas and temples, show respect by covering your shoulders and knees. A light scarf or sarong is easy to carry for this purpose.
• Stay hydrated: Ho Chi Minh City's climate is tropical and humid. Always carry a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated, especially when walking around markets or historical sites.
• Learn a few words: While not essential, learning a few simple Vietnamese phrases like "Xin chao" (Hello) and "Cam on" (Thank you) will be greatly appreciated by locals and can enhance your interactions.
• Bargaining etiquette: At local markets, bargaining is common. Do it with a smile and a friendly attitude. A good approach is to counter with about half the initial price and meet somewhere in the middle.

Remember those above tips to have a complete visit to Tan Phu District

Former Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City offers a slice of Saigon that remains wonderfully and vibrantly authentic. It’s a place for travelers who want to step beyond the guidebook highlights and connect with the city on a deeper, more personal level. By exploring its historic tunnels, praying in its serene temples, and diving headfirst into its unparalleled food scene, you trade the familiar tourist trail for unforgettable memories and a true taste of local life. Ready to discover the real Ho Chi Minh City? Let GTrip help you plan an unforgettable adventure.