Home page
Wonderpedia
Article

District 12, Ho Chi Minh City: Places to visit and more

24/12/2024

1.241 views

5/5 - (1 vote)

District 12, Ho Chi Minh City is a rapidly developing area that offers a blend of urban and rural charm. Located to the north of the city center, it serves as a gateway connecting the bustling city life of Saigon with the more tranquil outskirts.

1. Where is District 12 on the Ho Chi Minh City map?
2. Must-see attractions in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
3. Best tours for exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s District 12
- 3.1. “District 12: Full of Fascinating Things” tour
- 3.2. “Enjoy the City’s Green Spaces” bike tour
4. How to get to District 12, Saigon from the city airport?
5. Dining tips for visitors to District 12, Ho Chi Minh City

1. Where is District 12 on the Ho Chi Minh City map?

District 12 is in the northern part of Ho Chi Minh City. It was officially established in 1997 after being separated from Hoc Mon District. Geographically, it is bordered by Hoc Mon District to the north, Binh Duong Province and Thu Duc City to the east, the districts of Tan Binh, Go Vap, and Binh Thanh to the south, and Binh Tan District to the west.

District 12, Saigon on the map (Source: Collected)

District 12 covers an area of 5,274.9 hectares and is strategically located amidst many key transport routes that connect it to surrounding areas and the city center. Additionally, the Saigon River forms its eastern boundary, providing important waterway access.

District 12 serves as a connector between the inner-city districts (Go Vap, Tan Binh) and the suburban areas (Hoc Mon, Cu Chi). This unique position gives it a rare blend of urban and rural charm. Offering the best of both worlds, District 12 in Ho Chi Minh City is an exceptionally fascinating place to explore.

>>> Explore: Map of Ho Chi Minh City’s districts & useful travel tips

2. Must-see attractions in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City

2.1. Khanh An Monastery

Khanh An Monastery is located in An Phu Dong Ward, District 12. Originally built in 1905 as a small hermitage by Master Tri Hien for meditation, it has since evolved into a significant religious site. Today, it attracts both locals and visitors who come to pray and listen to Buddhist teachings. The monastery is famous for its retreats, which regularly draw 500-1,000 participants. In addition to spiritual activities, Khanh An Monastery is actively involved in social welfare projects.

Khanh An Monastery in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

2.2. Hanh Phu Communal House

Located on Vuon Lai Street, An Phu Dong Ward, District 12, Hanh Phu Communal House lies on a spacious area of over 3,200 square meters along the Vam Thuat River. In the past, it served as a supply depot for Gia Dinh Province. It also holds historical significance as a witness to the struggle against colonial invaders. Recognized as a cultural and historical monument, Hanh Phu Communal House was officially listed as a relic site in 2007.

2.3. Tuong Quang Pagoda

Located on Vuon Lai Street, Tuong Quang Pagoda is another notable cultural site in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City. During the Tet Offensive of 1968, it was severely damaged. In 1973, Venerable Thich Phap Dong and the locals began rebuilding the pagoda. Each year, Tuong Quang Pagoda hosts the Lantern Festival (15th day of the 1st lunar month), Buddha’s Birthday (15th day of the 4th lunar month), Vu Lan Festival (15th day of the 7th lunar month), and Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of the 10th lunar month).

Tuong Quang Pagoda is a popular attraction in District 12, Saigon (Source: Collected)

2.4. Tan Hoi Communal House

Tan Hoi Communal House covers around 700 square meters in Tan Hung Thuan Ward, District 12, Saigon. It has stood for more than 160 years, preserving a royal decree from 1852. The communal house serves as a place for traditional Vietnamese rituals, including the Ky Yen Festival (16th day of the 11th lunar month), the offerings to the Lady (23rd day of the 3rd lunar month), the offerings to the Ancestor (16th day of the 8th lunar month), as well as ceremonies honoring local revolutionaries.

2.5. Vinh Nghiem Buddhist Monastery

Nestled in Hiep Thanh Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Nghiem Buddhist Monastery consists of a ground floor and an upper floor that houses the main hall. The front of the hall features a long staircase adorned with intricately carved patterns. In addition to the main hall, the monastery has a Quan Am Tower, ancestral hall, founding hall, etc. Every corner of the monastery has its own charm, making it a perfect place for visitors to take photos.

Vinh Nghiem Buddhist Monastery is a perfect place to take photos (Source: Collected)

2.6. Nguyen Anh Thu Temple

Nguyen Anh Thu Temple, covering an area of 600 square meters in Tan Thoi Nhat Ward, District 12, Saigon, was established by the locals to honor Nguyen Anh Thu for his dedication to the nation. The temple is built in a traditional three-room style with brick walls and a tiled roof. In 2011, it was recognized as a historical and cultural relic site by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. Today, it serves as a site for reflection on Nguyen Anh Thu’s legacy and his significant role in the region’s history.

2.7. Cay Queo Temple

Cay Queo Temple is nestled in Trung My Tay Ward, District 12, Saigon. Throughout its existence, the temple has been closely associated with important events and revolutionary struggles. Today, Cay Queo Temple serves as a place to educate younger generations about traditions and is also a cultural hub for the locals. The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee officially recognized it as a historical and cultural relic site in 2006.

Cay Queo Temple in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 12 (Source: Collected)

2.8. Red Areca Garden Memorial Area

The Red Areca Garden Memorial Area is a significant site in the history of Ho Chi Minh City. It represents the courage, perseverance, and unyielding spirit of the soldiers and civilians who fought together for independence. To honor their sacrifices, the memorial area was established in Thanh Xuan Ward, District 12. For visitors, especially history buffs, it is one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s revolutionary past.

2.9. An Phu Dong War Zone Traditional House

Located in An Phu Dong Ward, An Phu Dong War Zone Traditional House is a place for commemorating the martyrs of District 12 and educating students both within and outside the district about the heroic past of the nation. In addition, the site hosts various recreational activities for locals. Each year, the traditional house attracts approximately 5,000 visitors, making it one of the key places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for those interested in Vietnam’s revolutionary history.

Ho Chi Minh City’s District 12 is home to An Phu Dong War Zone Traditional House (Source: Collected)

2.10. Nguyen An Ninh Memorial House

Nguyen An Ninh Memorial House was built to honor the contributions of the revolutionary leader Nguyen An Ninh to the nation. The construction of the memorial house was initiated in 2000, covering an area of 3,101.5 square meters. It attracts around 2,500 visitors annually who come to pay tribute, learn about history, and reflect on Nguyen An Ninh’s legacy. In addition to its historical significance, the memorial house is a venue for physical training, with nearly 150 people practicing daily.

Discover: Top 10 historical places in Ho Chi Minh City you can’t skip

Best-selling products