en
Tiếng Việt 
中文 (中国) 
한국어 
01/12/2024
141 views
1. An overview of District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon District 2 is now part of Thu Duc City (Source: Collected)
District 2 is a dynamic new hub of Ho Chi Minh City, located on the left bank of the Saigon River. It was established from the natural area and population of five former communes in Thu Duc District: An Phu, An Khanh, Thu Thiem, Binh Trung, and Thanh My Loi.
Today, these areas are reorganized into 11 wards: An Phu, Thao Dien, An Khanh, Binh Khanh, Binh An, Thu Thiem, An Loi Dong, Binh Trung Tay, Binh Trung Dong, Cat Lai, and Thanh My Loi. Notably, Thao Dien Ward has become a popular destination for the expatriate community and ranked 16th in the list of “38 Most Interesting Neighborhoods in the World” in 2024 by Time Out magazine.
District 2, Saigon, is bordered by Binh Thanh District and Thu Duc District to the north, Thu Duc District and District 9 to the east, Nhon Trach District (Dong Nai) and Nha Be District to the south, and District 1 to the west.
In 2021, District 2, District 9, and Thu Duc District merged to form Thu Duc City, a new administrative unit within Ho Chi Minh City. Despite being a recently established city, Thu Duc is poised to develop into a prominent tourism destination for Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam.
More on: Ho Chi Minh City map: A compass for first-time tourists
2. How to get to District 2, Ho Chi Minh City from the airport?
District 2 is approximately 15 kilometers from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the sole airport in Ho Chi Minh City, offering several convenient transportation options.
MAY Hair & Wellness offers one of the best massage in Ho Chi Minh City
- Private vehicles: Motorcycles or cars can take the following route: Truong Son Street → Hoang Van Thu Street → Nguyen Van Troi Street → Truong Sa Street → Dien Bien Phu Street → Hanoi Highway → Mai Chi Tho Street.
- Bus: For a local experience, you can use buses to travel from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 2. Suggested routes include bus 72-1, followed by bus 43; buses 152 or 109, then transferring to buses 88 or D4 and 99; or taking bus 103 and switching to bus 55.
- Motorbike taxis and taxis: For those unfamiliar with the routes, motorbike ride-hailing services or taxis are a quick and straightforward choice. Xanh SM, Vietnam’s first electric motorbike taxi and taxi service, is highly recommended for its environmentally friendly, odor-free rides, professional drivers, and reasonable pricing. To book Xanh SM in Ho Chi Minh City, you can call their hotline at 1900 2088 or use the Xanh SM app.
3. Best places to visit in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
District 2, Saigon, offers a variety of exciting attractions, from parks and food streets to modern shopping centers, ensuring unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
3.1. Thu Thiem Riverside Park
Relax at Thu Thiem Riverside Park — a must-visit in Ho Chi Minh City District 2 (Source: Collected)
For moments of relaxation and immersion in the local life of District 2, visitors should not miss Thu Thiem Riverside Park. Spanning nearly 20 hectares, this park features various attractions, including sunflower fields, community spaces, walking bridges, lush greenery, and fountains.
Here, visitors can enjoy strolling under the trees, watching the sunset over the river, and admiring the city skyline illuminated at night. Additionally, the park is home to historical landmarks such as Thu Thiem Church and An Khanh Temple, which have stood for centuries, offering insights into the area’s rich history and cultural heritage.
3.2. Thao Dien Night Street
If you are a food enthusiast and nightlife lover, head to Thao Dien Night Street in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Operating from 7 PM to 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, this vibrant area is packed with various eateries, from local food stalls to upscale restaurants.
Visitors can savor a diverse range of dishes and drinks, from Asian favorites like takoyaki to iconic Vietnamese specialties such as sweet soup and grilled rice paper, with prices starting as low as VND 7,000. Beyond the food, guests can soak in the lively nighttime scene and get a glimpse into the local way of life.
Thao Dien Night Street in Saigon District 2 offers a lively and captivating atmosphere (Source: Collected)
3.3. Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien
Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien is a luxurious and modern shopping mall and a haven for entertainment in District 2, Saigon. With five above-ground floors and three basement levels, the mall features high-end fashion boutiques, a diverse food court, supermarkets, state-of-the-art cinemas, indoor skating rinks, and kids’ play zones.
Shopping enthusiasts can indulge in products from renowned local and international fashion brands, jewelry, accessories, footwear, and cosmetics. Meanwhile, food lovers can savor a fusion of Asian and Western cuisines, along with various beverage brands, for an unforgettable dining experience.
3.4. Snow Town
Another unique destination in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City map is Snow Town, a year-round snow-covered attraction reminiscent of a traditional Japanese winter village. Covering over 4,000 square meters, Snow Town immerses visitors in a fairytale setting with snow-dusted houses, hanging bridges, and twinkling lights shimmering amidst pure white snowflakes.
Here, visitors can stroll on soft, powdery snow, take enchanting photos in the snowy scenery, and admire romantic snow showers. You can also engage in fun activities such as skiing, snowman-making, and snowball fights. Additional facilities such as restaurants, cafés, and outdoor play areas enhance the experience for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy the picturesque snowy scenery and fun snow activities at Snow Town (Source: Collected)
3.5. Oishi Town
One standout destination in District 2, Saigon, is Oishi Town, which seamlessly combines picturesque scenery, a unique ambiance, and world-class dining experiences. Visitors are transported to a “miniature Japan” as they step into this charming area, adorned with rows of traditional wooden houses, fabric curtains, lanterns, and lush greenery.
Oishi Town invites visitors to savor delicious Japanese cuisine, engage in cultural activities, and explore trendy cafés, relaxing spas, and chic fashion boutiques. Whether you’re dining, shopping, or simply strolling through its charming streets, Oishi Town promises an unforgettable experience.
3.6. Thiso Mall
Opened in 2022, Thiso Mall has quickly become a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike. Spanning five floors and covering over 65,000 square meters, it offers an all-in-one experience with a variety of services, including shopping, dining, and entertainment for all ages.
Visitors can explore a supermarket and over 200 retail stores featuring domestic and international brands, watch movies in state-of-the-art cinemas, or enjoy entertainment zones with arcade games, children’s play areas, karaoke rooms, and spas. Inspired by the galaxy and origami art, the mall’s architecture creates a luxurious and light-filled shopping environment.
Shop and have fun at the modern and luxurious Thiso Mall (Source: Collected)
Explore: 21 bucket-list things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3.7. Family Garden
Set on over 5,000 square meters, Family Garden offers a serene retreat amid the bustling energy of District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This green haven is filled with towering trees, vegetable gardens, ponds, and fish pools. Visitors can stroll along shaded paths, reconnect with nature, and recharge their spirits.
For families, the garden provides engaging countryside activities such as fishing, planting, harvesting crops, gardening, and hosting outdoor barbecues. It is a delightful escape for anyone seeking relaxation and joy in nature.
3.8. Bloq Saigon
Bloq Saigon is a vibrant three-story entertainment complex with a central courtyard that accommodates up to 300 guests. Built from large containers, its design is as eye-catching as its offerings, which include restaurants, cafés, clothing stores, bars, beauty salons, and nail spas.
Each establishment boasts a unique style, creating plenty of Instagram-worthy spots for visitors. The food options range from Korean, Indian, and Mexican to Vietnamese, all at reasonable prices, making BLOQ a favorite among young people.
What to do in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City? Visit Bloq Saigon (Source: Collected)
3.9. Saigon Concept
Just a stone’s throw from Bloq Saigon is another exciting complex, Saigon Concept, nestled within a charming French villa. This space houses 13 shops offering coffee, ice cream, ceramics, handicrafts, perfumes, art studios, galleries, and clothing.
Its highlight is the central courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery, where visitors can relax, sip coffee, and chat. A must-try experience here is exploring the small shops selling exquisite Vietnamese handicrafts like brocade and hand embroidery, offering cultural insight and memorable souvenirs from your journey.
3.10. Lovely cafes
District 2, especially the Thao Dien area, is home to numerous cafés known for their stunning interiors and diverse drink menus. These spots offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant pace while discovering signature Vietnamese beverages. Some highly rated cafés in the area are:
- Bonjour Cafe The Art: 42 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward
- Aramour Coffee Roasters Thao Dien: 7 Le Van Mien Street, Thao Dien Ward
- Dalaland Coffee: 24/4/1 Tran Ngoc Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward
- Chill Corner: 34 Street 11, Thao Dien Ward
- LOGAN STATION Café: 2 Street 19A, An Phu Ward
Visit beautiful cafes in District 2 and immerse yourself in the local rhythm of life (Source: Collected)
Don’t miss: 20 places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for your itinerary
4. Dining guide for tourists to District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its diverse, delicious, and affordable cuisine, and District 2 is no exception. From street food to fine dining, the area entices food lovers with an array of mouthwatering options. Exploring local street food stalls not only allows you to savor unique dishes but also offers a fascinating cultural experience. Some must-visit restaurants are:
- Banh xeo Ba Hiu: 46/9 Street 12, Binh An Ward
- Hu tieu Nam Vang – Hong Phuong: 65A Nguyen Duy Trinh Street, Binh Trung Dong Ward
- Pha lau bo Co Lai: 155 Street 42, Binh Trung Dong Ward
- Com tam Ba Dat: 1 Quoc Huong Street, Thao Dien Ward
- Banh cuon Ba Nam: 93 Tran Nao Street, Binh An Ward
Ho Chi Minh City District 2 is a food paradise that attracts visitors from all over (Source: Collected)
Notably, in Thao Dien Ward, visitors can find Michelin-selected restaurants, delivering exceptional dining experiences ranging from traditional Vietnamese to Asian and European cuisines, all crafted with elegance and finesse.
- Du Yen: 26B Street 10
- MaSa French Eatery by Hervé: 204/20 Nguyen Van Huong Street
- Little Bear: 36 Nguyen Ba Huan Street
- Tre Dining: 2F, 35 Xuan Thuy Street
- La Villa: 14 Ngo Quang Huy Street
- An’s Saigon: 5A Tong Huu Dinh Street
- Olivia: 31A Le Van Mien Street
- La Fontaine: 2F, Trade Center, River Garden, 170 Nguyen Van Huong Street
- Hervé Dining Room: 204/20 Nguyen Van Huong Street
- 3G Trois Gourmands: 39 Tran Ngoc Dien Street
- Madame Lam: 10 Tran Ngoc Dien Street
- Lua: 2 Street 11
More on: Michelin-starred restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City & more
District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of modern living and rich culture. With its vibrant cafes, shopping malls, and recreational spots, it offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to relax by the river, explore trendy neighborhoods, or indulge in delicious cuisine, District 2 promises an unforgettable experience.
In addition to the various attractions mentioned above, Thu Duc City (the former District 2, 9 and Thu Duc District) is set to captivate visitors with the opening of Grand Park amusement park, slated for December 2024.
This upcoming entertainment complex promises an array of world-class experiences, including a cutting-edge water park, a vibrant amusement park, a picturesque beach, bustling one-of-a-kind commercial streets, and a calendar packed with festivals and music events. Grand Park amusement park is sure to deliver unforgettable moments for all visitors—don’t miss out!
Grand Park amusement park, Vietnam’s most vibrant entertainment complex, is coming soon to Ho Chi Minh City
