Vinh Khanh Food Street: Location & Food Guide In Former District 4

Vinh Khanh Food Street is where Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant soul comes alive, a sensory feast of sizzling woks, neon lights, and the irresistible aroma of grilled seafood. This bustling former District 4 hotspot captures the true flavor of Saigon nightlife, from lively snail stalls to late-night BBQ joints. And at the end of it all, GTrip brings you the ultimate insider guide to Vinh Khanh food street, helping you eat, explore, and experience the city like a local.

Where is Vinh Khanh Food Street?

• Location: Vinh Khanh Street, Vinh Hoi Ward (formerly Ward 8, District 4), Ho Chi Minh City
• Length: The main food hub stretches for about 1 kilometer, running between Ben Van Don Street and Ton Dan Street.

Famous among locals as the ultimate "Saigon seafood street", Vinh Khanh is tucked away in the lively. Once known as a gritty, off-the-beaten-path area, former District 4 has transformed into a culinary hotspot, and Vinh Khanh is its glittering crown jewel. The street itself is a bustling artery of flavor that comes alive every single night.

Vinh Khanh Street, the crown jewel of former District 4, is Saigon’s ultimate seafood hub, a lively 1km stretch where the city’s nightlife and flavors come alive

How to get to Vinh Khanh Food Street

Getting to the heart of the action in former District 4 is simple, and part of the fun is the journey itself. Since you'll likely be enjoying a few beers with your seafood, we recommend leaving your own motorbike at the hotel.

• Ride-hailing app (Grab/XanhSM/Be): This is by far the most convenient and popular option for both locals and travelers. Just type “Vinh Khanh Street” into the app and choose a car for comfort or a motorbike for a thrilling, wind-in-your-hair ride through Saigon’s streets. It’s affordable, safe, and drops you right at the start of the food paradise.
• Taxi (Vinasun/Mai Linh): If you're traveling with a group or prefer a more traditional method, a taxi is a great choice. Stick to reputable companies like Vinasun (white with red and green stripes) or Mai Linh (green). This is a reliable option, especially if you're coming from your hotel with family.
• Motorbike taxi: For the truly adventurous solo traveler, hailing a traditional motorbike taxi (xe om) is an experience in itself. You'll find them on most street corners. Agree on a price before you get on (it should be comparable to the ride-hailing apps), and hold on tight for an authentic Saigon ride.

Vinh Khanh Street, the crown jewel of former District 4, is Saigon’s ultimate seafood hub, a lively 1km stretch where the city’s nightlife and flavors come alive

What to eat at Vinh Khanh Food Street?

Prepare your appetite, because the sheer variety of food on Vinh Khanh is staggering. While it earned its fame as the epicenter of snail and seafood culture, the offerings have expanded over the years. When you stand here, you can savor snacks to bubbling hotpots and sizzling BBQ platters meant for sharing, there is truly something here to satisfy every craving and budget.

Vinh Khanh, former snail paradise

You cannot talk about Vinh Khanh without talking about Oc (snails). Vinh Khanh is the undisputed king of snails in Saigon. The experience is centered around "nhau", a wonderful Vietnamese concept that means gathering with friends to eat, drink beer, and talk for hours. You’ll see groups of friends perched on tiny stools, joyfully cracking shells and toasting with beer. The magic lies in the variety: dozens of snail and shellfish dishes, grilled with scallion oil, stir-fried with tamarind, steamed with lemongrass, or sauteed in coconut milk.

Here are some of the most iconic spots you shouldn’t miss:

• Oc Oanh: 534 Vinh Khanh Street, Khanh Hoi Ward (formerly Ward 10, District 4), HCMC.
• Oc Thao: 99 Vinh Khanh Street, Khanh Hoi Ward (formerly Ward 8, District 4), HCMC.
• Oc Dao: 212/C79 Vinh Khanh Street, (formerly Ward 10, District 4), HCMC.

Vinh Khanh is Saigon’s snail kingdom, it is a haven where friends gather over endless snail dishes, cold beers, and vibrant street-side energy

Snack shops at Vinh Khanh Food Street

Beyond the sit-down seafood feasts, Vinh Khanh is a paradise for snack, local also speak "do an vat". As you stroll down the street, your senses will be tempted by countless smaller vendors and shops selling everything from grilled meats to sweet desserts. These are perfect for a quick bite while you soak in the atmosphere or for "round two" (tang 2) after your main meal. Exploring these snack shops is a key part of experiencing the dynamic former District 4 food scene.

Check out these local favorites for a taste of authentic street snacks:

• Lang Quan: 118 Vinh Khanh Street, Khanh Hoi Ward (formerly Ward 10, District 4), HCMC.
• Ot Xiem Quan: 128 Vinh Khanh Street, Khanh Hoi Ward (formerly Ward 10, District 4), HCMC.

Hotpot and BBQ in the Vinh Khanh Street area

There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking your own food right at the table, and Vinh Khanh is also a hotspot for communal hotpot and BBQ. These meals are designed for sharing, making them perfect for groups. Steaming pot of broth bubbling in the center of your table, or a grill sizzling with marinated meats, while you and your friends chat and laugh. This interactive dining is a cornerstone of Ho Chi Minh City nightlife and a fantastic way to spend an evening.

Here are some top spots to get your grill and hotpot fix:

• Chili - DIY Hotpot and BBQ: 139 Vinh Khanh Street, Khanh Hoi Ward (Ward 8, District 4), HCMC.
• Hoa Restaurant: 39 Vinh Khanh Street, Khanh Hoi Ward (Ward 8, District 4), HCMC.
• An An Quan: 531 Vinh Khanh Street, Khanh Hoi Ward (Ward 10, District 4), HCMC.

Vinh Khanh is also a go-to spot for communal hotpot and BBQ, where cooking, sharing, and laughter turn dinner into a true Saigon nightlife experience

Nearby attractions to Vinh Khanh Food Street

One of the best things about Vinh Khanh is its proximity to some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks. You can easily combine your food tour with some sightseeing for a perfect evening itinerary. After you’ve had your fill of delicious what to eat in former District 4, consider a post-dinner stroll to these spots:

Nha Rong Wharf (Ho Chi Minh Museum - HCMC branch) (1.3km)

Nha Rong Wharf is a significant historical site in Ho Chi Minh City, located along the Saigon River. Once the Indochina Shipping Company’s headquarters, it’s best known as the place where Ho Chi Minh departed to seek Vietnam’s liberation in 1911. Today, the wharf houses the Ho Chi Minh Museum branch, displaying many artifacts and documents about his life and the revolutionary history of the country. It is a popular destination for visitors who want to learn more about the city’s rich history and culture.

Nha Rong Wharf is a riverside landmark where history began, the very place Ho Chi Minh set sail in 1911 to seek Vietnam’s liberation

Bach Dang Wharf Park (1.7km)

Bach Dang Wharf Park stretches along the Saigon River for about 1.3 kilometers and offers a panoramic view of the river and the city skyline. Historically, Bach Dang Wharf was a busy commercial port during the French colonial period and has evolved into a cultural heritage site featuring landmarks. Recently renovated, the park is now a modern riverside spot with green walkways, floating restaurants, cruises, and relaxing river views. The name "Bach Dang" commemorates Vietnam's historic victories over invaders at the Bach Dang River, linking the site to the nation's proud history.​

Mong Bridge (950m)

Built between 1893 and 1894 by the French company Messageries Maritimes, the bridge was originally designed for both vehicles and pedestrians. It is recognized for its curved, rainbow-like arch design and distinctive emerald color. Over time, Mong Bridge has been transformed into a pedestrian-only bridge and remains one of the city's oldest and most iconic landmarks. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy river views, photography, and social gatherings, especially during sunset. The bridge is considered both a cultural heritage site and a vibrant urban space.​

Nguyen Hue Walking Street (2km)

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a vibrant pedestrian street located in the heart of former District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It stretches about 670 to 900 meters, connecting the City People’s Committee Headquarters to the Saigon River and Bach Dang Wharf. The street is wide and spacious, lined with green trees, fountains, and modern granite paving. It is a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy street performances and various events, especially lively on weekend evenings when it becomes a pedestrian-only zone. The area features a mix of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers, making it a cultural and entertainment hub in the city.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a lively pedestrian boulevard where locals and visitors gather amid lights, music, and the city’s modern-meets-historic charm

Essential tips for visiting Vinh Khanh Food Street

A little bit of local knowledge can go a long way in making your visit smooth, fun, and delicious. Here are our top tips from GTrip for navigating Vinh Khanh like a pro:

• Best time to visit: The street truly comes alive in the evening. Aim to arrive after 7 PM when the restaurants are in full swing and the atmosphere is at its peak.
• Bring cash: While some larger restaurants may accept credit cards, the vast majority of vendors, especially the smaller ones, are cash-only. Make sure you have enough Vietnamese Dong (VND) with you.
• Check prices before ordering: To avoid any surprises when the bill comes, it’s a good practice to ask for the price beforehand, especially for fresh seafood, which is often priced by weight. Most places have menus with prices, so take a moment to look.
• Go with a group: Vinh Khanh is best experienced with friends! The dishes are meant for sharing ("nhau" style), and going in a group allows you to order a much wider variety of snails, seafood, and BBQ.
• Be mindful of your belongings: Like any crowded place in a major city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your phone, wallet, and bag secure as you navigate the bustling street.
• Don't be afraid to try something new! Here’s your chance to be adventurous, spot something tempting on a nearby table and don’t hesitate to order it!Grilled chicken feet or exotic snails, you might just discover your new favourite dish.

Make the most of your Vinh Khanh adventure with these local tips, come after 7 PM, bring cash, go with friends, and don’t hesitate to try something new

Vinh Khanh Food Street captures the true spirit of Saigon, loud, flavorful, and endlessly alive. As you pull up a small plastic chair and share a steaming plate of oc Sai Gon with friends, the air fills with the sizzle of grills, bursts of laughter, and the rich aroma of seafood and charcoal. Bubbling hotpots, late-night BBQs, and every bite in between capture Saigon’s vibrant street food spirit, lively, communal, and full of flavor. It’s more than a meal. And it’s exactly the kind of authentic, unforgettable experience that makes exploring Vietnam with GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency truly special.