Binh Chanh District: A hidden gem in Ho Chi Minh City

Contents

1. Where is Binh Chanh District?

Binh Chanh District is situated in the western and southwestern parts of Ho Chi Minh City. It is one of the five suburban districts of the city, covering 12% of its total area. 

Binh Chanh District serves as a gateway to Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Binh Chanh District shares borders with Hoc Mon District to the north and Binh Tan District, District 8, District 7, and Nha Be District to the east. To the south, it is adjacent to Ben Luc District and Can Giuoc District of Long An Province, while its western border connects with Duc Hoa District in the same province.

With its strategic position as the western gateway to Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Chanh District serves as a vital connection point for key transport routes like National Road 1A. This artery plays an essential role in facilitating the flow of goods and people between the Mekong Delta, the southern region, and southeastern provinces, making it a hub of logistical importance.

For travelers heading to Binh Chanh District from Tan Son Nhat Airport, there are many convenient transport options available. The Xanh SM electric taxi provides a fast and direct service for those seeking comfort. Alternatively, the bus route 152 offers an affordable mode of travel, which connects the airport with Ben Thanh Market and Trung Son Residential Area.

Check out: Map of Ho Chi Minh City’s districts & useful travel tips

2. Is Binh Chanh District worth a visit?

Absolutely! Binh Chanh District offers a wide array of attractions that appeal to different interests.

• Exciting travel destinations:
  • Tan Tuc Communal House
  • Rach Gia Historical Site
  • Lang Le – Bau Co Historical Site
  • Binh Truong Communal House
  • Phu Lac Communal House
  • Phap Bao Pagoda and Tu Quang Pagoda
  • Tuong Van Monastery
  • The Buddhist Academy of Ho Chi Minh City and The Temple of the Lonely Buddha
  • Kim Cang Monastery
  • Satra Centre Mall 
  • Happy Farm
  • Lang Le Cultural Park
  • Dai Quang Minh Fishing Park
  • Le Minh Xuan Incense Village
  • Binh Loi Apricot Village

• Exceptional travel services:

• • Cycling through Le Minh Xuan Forest
  • Trying hands-on farming experiences

• Captivating shows:
  • Don ca tai tu and Cai luong performances
  • Demonstrations of bonsai-making

Binh Chanh District is known for its rich heritage (Source: Collected)

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3. Where to go in Binh Chanh, Vietnam?

3.1. Lang Le – Bau Co Historical Site

Lang Le – Bau Co Historical Site is closely tied to Vietnam’s struggle against French colonial rule in 1948. It marked significant battles etched in history and was recognized as a city-level relic in 2003. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the determination and sacrifice of those who fought valiantly to secure a turning point in the resistance.

• Address: Tan Nhut Commune, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

3.2. Temple of the Lonely Buddha

Nestled amidst serene landscapes, the Temple of the Lonely Buddha, formerly known as Thanh Tam Pagoda, is renowned for its spiritual significance and tranquil beauty. Its most famous feature, the “Lonely Buddha” statue, has an intriguing backstory. Discovered in 1976, this solitary statue of Buddha Shakyamuni emerged from an abandoned area, adding an air of mystique to the site.

• Address: Le Minh Xuan Commune, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

The Temple of the Lonely Buddha is a must-see for history enthusiasts (Source: Collected)

3.3. Tan Tuc Communal House

Constructed around 1836, Tan Tuc Communal House spans a large area by the Cho Dem River, serving as a testament to the nation’s past struggles. During the early years of the resistance, it functioned as a base for the resistance forces and a logistical hub for the Cho Dem Front. It was officially recognized as a city-level relic in 2003.

• Address: Tan Tuc Town, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

3.4. Binh Truong Communal House

Dating back to the early 19th century, Binh Truong Communal House holds over 200 years of history. It played a critical role during the French and American wars as a contact point and communication hub for revolutionaries. In 2005, it was designated as a city-level relic. 

• Address: Binh Chanh Commune, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a weekend outing in the peaceful countryside of Binh Chanh District (Source: Collected)

3.5. Phu Lac Communal House

Phu Lac Communal House was a masterpiece of Southern Vietnam’s traditional architecture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built on a spacious riverside location, the wooden temple houses an imperial decree of King Tu Duc in 1852. It was recognized as an architectural heritage site in 2007.

• Address: Phong Phu Commune, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

3.6. Le Minh Xuan Incense Village

Le Minh Xuan Incense Village has preserved the beauty of its traditional craft for nearly a century. Here, vibrant scenes of incense production line the streets, especially during major festivals like the Lunar New Year, where vivid hues of drying incense sticks create a mesmerizing sight.

• Address: Mai Ba Huong Street, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Le Minh Xuan Incense Village is famous for its traditional craft (Source: Collected)

3.7. Binh Loi Apricot Village

Binh Loi Apricot Village is a flourishing community of apricot growers. In the weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year, the village comes alive with activity as the growers meticulously prepare their trees for sale across the country. The vibrant blooms also draw many visitors for photography. 

• Address: Binh Loi Commune, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

3.8. Le Minh Xuan Forest

Located approximately 30 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City’s center, Le Minh Xuan Forest offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for cycling, trekking, and camping. Its winding trails invite exploration, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. 

The lush landscapes of Binh Chanh District make it a serene escape from the city (Source: Collected)

Explore other places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City also!

4. What to eat in Binh Chanh, Saigon?

Binh Chanh District boasts an array of local Ho Chi Minh foods. Here are some must-tries:

• Banh trang cuon khoai mi (cassava rice paper rolls)
• Banh xeo chao (crispy savory pancakes)
• Ca loc dong thui rom (grilled snakehead fish)
• Chao long Cho Dem (Cho Dem offal porridge)
• Goi bon bon (wild rice stem salad)
• Lau bo Cu Lao (Cu Lao beef hotpot)
• Mam tep chua (fermented shrimp paste)
• Vit xiem nau chao coi (porridge with braised siamese duck )

And here are some popular dining spots in Binh Chanh District:

• Hong Ky Mi Gia (17A National Road 1A): 6 AM – 10 PM
• Banh Xeo Rau Rung Trung Son (13 Street 8, Trung Son Residential Area): 10 AM – 9 PM
• Minh Tam Quan (18D Doan Nguyen Tuan Street): 10 AM – 10 PM
• Com Pho Hai Hum 1 (2390 National Road 1A): 5:30 AM – 10 PM
• Bo To Nam Sanh Pham Hung (86B Pham Hung Street): 9:30 AM – 11 PM

If you are planning to buy some specialties, Binh Chanh is home to unique local products such as ruou sam dinh lang (ginseng wine), buoi da xanh (green-skin pomelo), mai vang (yellow apricot blossoms), and bonsai. Other popular items include fresh honey, turmeric powder, and leather goods.

Visitors to Binh Chanh District often praise its flavorful cuisine (Source: Collected)

*The details in this article are for reference purposes only and may change over time. If you are planning to visit these dining establishments, it is recommended that you contact them for the most up-to-date information.

Discover other popular restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City!

5. Key information about the Binh Chanh District tour

The Binh Chanh District tour invites you to uncover its rich history and vibrant culture. The itinerary begins with a visit to Lang Le – Bau Co Historical Site and the Memorial of the 1968 Tet Offensive. Next, you will get to explore the bustling Le Minh Xuan Incense Village. The journey continues with a spiritual experience at Vietnam Buddhist Academy and the Temple of the Lonely Buddha.

Binh Chanh District offers a captivating escape from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. A visit here is not just a journey through picturesque landscapes but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions that define this charming part of Vietnam.

After exploring Binh Chanh District, take your time to see other parts of Ho Chi Minh City. In Thu Duc City, there is the grand urban area of Vinhomes Grand Park, which is home to the entertainment complex of Grand Park. This is an ideal destination for leisure, with a wide array of themed zones designed to cater to visitors of all ages. Grand Park features a water park, an amusement park, an artificial beach, and a lineup of vibrant festivals held throughout the year. 

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