District 11, Ho Chi Minh City: A complete travel guide

Contents

1. A glance at District 11 in Ho Chi Minh City

District 11 is an urban district that stands out on the tourism map of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a cultural melting pot, home to many historical attractions and entertainment zones. Visitors to District 11, Saigon can explore centuries-old temples like Giac Vien Pagoda, unwind at lively entertainment spots such as Dam Sen Cultural Park, or delve into Vietnam’s proud history at significant landmarks. The district is also renowned for its bustling traditional markets, delightful blend of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, and intangible cultural treasures, including don ca tai tu, lion dance, and ink painting.

District 11 is among the best districts in Ho Chi Minh City for tourism (Source: Collected)

Check out the map of Ho Chi Minh City’s districts & useful travel tips!

2. Where to visit on your trip to District 11, Ho Chi Minh City?

As one of the most captivating districts in Saigon, District 11 caters to every interest. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular attractions here.

2.1. Dam Sen Cultural Park

Built in 1976, Dam Sen Cultural Park is among the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. It is also one of Vietnam’s largest cultural parks. Spread across a vast area, the park offers something for everyone, including 13 exhilarating rides, 5 interactive games, the Fairy Castle for children, an aquarium, a zoo, a bird garden, and more. The picturesque landscape here is perfect for taking photos, while Thuy Ta Restaurant and numerous cafes are ideal for relaxation.

2.2. Dam Sen Water Park

In District 11, Saigon, visitors should not miss the chance to beat the city’s heat at Dam Sen Water Park – one of the best water parks in Saigon. This water park promises to delight every visitor with 36 modern offerings such as kid-friendly slides, thrilling slides, a lazy river, a jet massage pool, and children’s swimming pools. The highlights are the 3,000-square-meter wave pool and various adventurous activities like zip-lining.

Enjoy Dam Sen Water Park in District 11, Saigon (Source: Collected)

2.3. Giac Vien Pagoda

As one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest pagodas, Giac Vien Pagoda boasts over 170 years of history. The pagoda exemplifies traditional Southern Vietnamese architecture with its wooden framework, intricate carvings, and classic yin-yang tiled roof. Giac Vien Pagoda houses 153 statues and 57 wooden panels that reflect the artistry of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, visitors can admire various artifacts, including a wooden altar, a ceramic statue of Monk Giam Trai, a hammock stand from the Nguyen Dynasty, and a centuries-old apricot tree.

2.4. Thiec Market

For those who love shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, Thiec Market is a must-see. As one of the oldest traditional Saigon markets, it is not only a place for fresh produce but also the largest marketplace for jewelry in the city. With over 40 kiosks, the market specializes in 18-karat gold and diverse jewelry designs. Visitors can browse these items, learn about goldsmithing, and immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of local life.

Thiec Market in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 11 is a paradise for jewelry enthusiasts (Source: Collected)

2.5. Dam Sen Square

As part of Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, Dam Sen Square spans over 4,000 square meters and offers an exciting mix of activities. Its crane-shaped design pays homage to Vietnamese culture, while its broad pedestrian streets and lively night markets cater to every visitor. This square features zones for shopping, dining, and traditional handicrafts. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies, shop for unique souvenirs, and watch cultural performances at its central stage, all within a festive atmosphere.

2.6. Phung Son Pagoda

Built on the foundation of an ancient Khmer temple in the early 19th century, Phung Son Pagoda in District 11, Saigon is a national cultural and historical site. Constructed in the shape of the Chinese character “国”, it features a sturdy wooden frame and a yin-yang tiled roof. The pagoda enshrines about 40 ancient Buddhist statues, many of which are gilded and intricately carved in the Theravada Buddhist style. Visitors can also admire valuable artifacts including ceramics from the Oc Eo period and a bronze bell. Surrounded by trees over a century old, Phung Son Pagoda offers a serene escape.

There are many pagodas in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

2.7. Ha Ton Quyen Food Street

Ha Ton Quyen Street in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City has long been famous as a hub for Chinese dumpling shops. Recently, this street has been developed into a food street, offering the rich diversity of Ho Chi Minh City food. From morning to night, the street buzzes with visitors enjoying dumplings, beef noodle soup, crab noodle soup, duck curry, braised duck noodles, and more. There are also numerous stalls offering sweet soup, coffee, fruit teas, mixed rice paper, grilled rice paper, and other treats – all at very affordable prices.

2.8. Khanh Van Nam Vien Taoist Temple

Khanh Van Nam Vien is the largest Taoist temple of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. Spanning over 2,000 square meters, this temple reflects a harmonious blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Its architecture preserves the essence of Taoism, featuring shaded courtyards, main halls, and worship areas. The Taoist influence is evident in symbols like the Eight Trigrams found on altars, courtyard walls, and throughout the halls. On the temple’s second floor, its library holds numerous Taoist scriptures written in Chinese characters.

District 11 is one of the best districts in Saigon to experience Chinese culture (Source: Collected)

2.9. Thang Nghia Ancestral Hall

Another unmissable attraction in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City is Thang Nghia Ancestral Hall, which serves as a cultural hub for Thang Nghia Lion Dance Troupe, boasting over 40 years of history. This hall displays documents, awards, and designs related to the art of lion and dragon dancing. The hall comprises four main sections: Trung Hieu Hall (a shrine dedicated to ancestors), Truyen Thua Pavilion (a space showcasing memorabilia), Martial Arts Arena (a training area and event venue), and Long Su Pavilion (a storage for lion and dragon figureheads).

2.10. Traditional Vietnamese Musical Instrument Gallery

Inaugurated in 2022, and managed by the District 11 Cultural and Sports Center, the Traditional Vietnamese Musical Instrument Gallery is a must-visit for music enthusiasts. This gallery displays over 100 artifacts, including traditional musical instruments and costumes representing the diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam. It also features a small stage where traditional performances are held, offering visitors an unforgettable cultural experience and a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s musical heritage.

Learn about Vietnam’s traditional music at the Traditional Vietnamese Musical Instrument Gallery (Source: Collected)

Discover more:

• 15 museums in Ho Chi Minh City to inspire your next visit!
• Saigon weather: Useful info for first-time visitors
• Ho Chi Minh City travel tips: 7 crucial notes for you

3. Useful information for visitors to District 11 in Saigon

3.1. Directions

Looking at the Ho Chi Minh City map, District 11 is located approximately 7 kilometers away from the city center in District 1, making it easily accessible by motorbike, car, taxi, or bus. Here is a quick route for visitors to follow: Le Loi Street → Le Lai Street → Cong Quynh Street → Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street → Ly Thai To Street → Ba Thang Hai Street.

3.2. Recommended places to eat

District 11 is one of the best districts in Ho Chi Minh City for culinary lovers, offering a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. Here, you can find some of the most famous restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.

Some notable Chinese restaurants in District 11, Saigon:

• 193 Thuan Hao Sui Cao: 193 Ha Ton Quyen Street
• Baoz Dimsum: 297 – 299 Le Dai Hanh Street
• Luc Dinh Ky Restaurant: 968 Ba Thang Hai Street
• Com Ga Hai Nam: 95 Au Co Street
• Thieu Ky Mi Gia: 66/5 Le Dai Hanh Street

Some notable Vietnamese restaurants in District 11, Saigon:

• Hoa Vien Phu Tho: 2 Le Dai Hanh Street
• Com nieu Thien Ly: 434 Lac Long Quan
• Quan lau ca Co Tho: 1353 Ba Thang Hai Street

District 11 stands out on the Ho Chi Minh City district map with its vibrant dining spots (Source: Collected)

3.3. Recommended itineraries

If you are unsure how to plan your itinerary for exploring District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, here are some suggestions:

• Half-day tour: Breakfast + coffee at a local stall – Thiec Market – Khanh Van Nam Vien Taoist Temple – Thang Nghia Ancestral Hall – Dumpling feast on Ha Ton Quyen Street.
• Full-day tour: Breakfast + coffee at a local stall – Thiec Market – Khanh Van Nam Vien Taoist Temple – Thang Nghia Ancestral Hall – Dumpling feast on Ha Ton Quyen Street – Traditional Vietnamese Musical Instrument Gallery – Giac Vien Pagoda – Dam Sen Square.

If you seek entertainment, you can dedicate a full day to exploring Dam Sen Cultural Park, Dam Sen Water Park, and Dam Sen Square to experience the vibrancy of District 11.

Explore 21 bucket-list things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam!

District 11, Ho Chi Minh City is a captivating destination that blends history, culture, and modern entertainment. From temples to food streets and parks, the district offers something for everyone. Make sure to include this dynamic area in your journey through Ho Chi Minh City for a well-rounded adventure!

After exploring District 11, visitors can continue their journey to Thu Duc City, another vibrant destination for exciting entertainment activities, highlighted by the amusement park of Grand Park.

Grand Park offers an immersive experience with stunning scenery and various activities. Visitors can enjoy thrilling games at the Tropical Island water park, exhilarating rides at the Singapore-inspired Dream Garden, kayaking trips at the Lake Beach, and numerous dining – shopping opportunities.

Book Grand Park ticket now