District 6 in Ho Chi Minh City: Your essential guide

Contents

1. Saigon’s District 6 at a glance

District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, spans an area of 7.14 square kilometers, located in the southwest of the city. It is bordered by Tan Phu District and District 11 to the north, District 5 to the east, District 8 to the south, and Binh Tan District to the west.

Saigon’s District 6 is home to Binh Tay Market, one of the country’s largest wholesale hubs. The district excels in trade and services, particularly in exchanging goods with the southwestern provinces. With a mix of working-class residents and a large Chinese community, District 6 draws on its strong business traditions to promote growth, particularly in small-scale industrial production.

Saigon’s District 6 boasts significant tourism advantages, with historic sites reflecting both Vietnamese and Chinese heritage, as well as vibrant dining and tourist hubs. Recently, it has steadily built a reputation as a dynamic and welcoming destination.

A corner of Chinatown in District 6 (Source: Collected)

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

2. Best places to visit in District 6, Vietnam

District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, is home to a vibrant Chinese community, with a distinct cultural identity. When wandering here, you will be immersed in a unique atmosphere that beautifully showcases Chinese heritage. 

2.1. Giac Hai Pagoda

• Address: 1017/3 Hau Giang Street, Ward 12

The Giac Hai Pagoda, established at the end of the 19th century, belongs to the Lam Te Thien Tong lineage. Although constructed in the late 19th century, Giac Hai Pagoda’s architecture reflects the style of the early 20th century, setting it apart from other temples in the city. The pagoda has five levels: the Main Hall, Ancestor Hall, Lecture Hall, East Hall, and the House of Cult.

2.2. Thao Duong Buddhist Temple

• Address: 184 Tran Van Kieu Street, Ward 10

Thao Duong Temple exudes majestic grandeur while also captivating with its unique blend of three harmonious colors: yellow, red, and white. The temple is renowned for its striking architecture, deeply influenced by traditional Chinese design. Its structure blends Eastern Buddhist elements with Vietnamese cultural influences. The red archways, Chinese inscriptions, and clusters of round lanterns add to the remarkable beauty of this site.

2.3. Binh Tien Communal House

• Address: 112 Minh Phung Street, Ward 6

Binh Tien Communal House covers an area of about 900 square meters. Its layout includes a gate, a shrine dedicated to the five elements, a tiger god stele, a front hall, a main hall, and a back hall. Like many other communal houses in Southern Vietnam, this site is built to honor folk beliefs, serving as a spiritual hub for the local community. Beyond its historical and cultural significance, Binh Tien Communal House also boasts remarkable architectural and artistic heritage.

Binh Tien Communal House provides a sacred space for prayers, focusing on the safety and prosperity of the nation (Source: Collected)

2.4. Secret printing tunnel

• Address: 341/10 Gia Phu Street, Ward 1

At first glance, the house at 341/10 Gia Phu Street, Ward 1, District 6, blends seamlessly with the traditional Chinese-style homes of Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, hidden within its unassuming walls lies a remarkable story. During the resistance against the U.S., this house concealed three secret bunkers dedicated to printing revolutionary materials. To outsmart the enemy and avoid past mishaps, the site was cleverly disguised as a family sewing workshop. Today, this extraordinary secret printing bunker stands honored as a National Historic Site, preserving its legacy for generations to come.

2.5. Secret base of the Saigon – Gia Dinh Party Committee

• Address: 91 Pham Van Chi Street, Ward 1

Built in 1963, this historic site conceals two ingenious secret bunkers designed to protect revolutionary cadres. The first, cleverly hidden beneath the kitchen, spans 2 square meters, with its entrance disguised as a firewood storage area. The second, nestled on the mezzanine of the ground floor, lies between two wall partitions and offers a compact 0.54 square meters of space. Recognizing its historical significance, the secret base of the Saigon – Gia Dinh Party Committee was officially listed as a city-level historical site in 2008.

Step back in time at the secret base of the Saigon – Gia Dinh Party Committee (Source: Collected)

2.6. Buddha Statue Casting Village

• Address: Near Giac Hai Pagoda, Ward 12

The traditional craft village renowned for its Buddha statue artistry carries a legacy spanning nearly 100 years. The village produces a variety of Buddha statues, including Shakyamuni, Avalokiteshvara, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Dharma protectors, and many historical figures, in various sizes. A visit to this site offers not only an introduction to statue-making but also a chance to dive into local culture and connect with the hospitable residents.

2.7. Broom-making hamlet

• Address: Pham Van Chi Street, Ward 3

The broom-making village, founded in the 1960s by settlers from Quang Ngai, is known for crafting brooms from brush-sedge. This material is harvested from the mountains of Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Quang Ngai. It is harvested while still green, before flowering, and dried to achieve a smooth, durable texture. Today, only about 30 households along Pham Van Chi Street and the alleys near Binh Tien Market continue this traditional craft.

Visitors to the charming broom-making village can experience this unique traditional craft firsthand (Source: Collected)

2.8. Binh Tay Market

• Address: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2

Binh Tay Market, or Cho Lon, is one of the oldest and largest markets in Ho Chi Minh City. It is famous for offering a diverse selection of wholesale goods at unbeatable prices. From fresh produce, spices, and grains to textiles and household items, the market has something for everyone. It also stands as the vibrant center of the city’s Chinese community, with shopkeepers making up 25% of the market’s total businesses. While Binh Tay Market thrives with energy during the day, it takes on a different charm at night, captivating visitors with an array of clothing, shoes, bags, electronics, and more.

2.9. Minh Phung Market

• Address: 122 Minh Phung Street, Ward 6

With around 440 stalls, the market offers a variety of agricultural products, food, and goods during the day. By night, it transforms into a vibrant hub in District 6, famous for clothing, accessories, and bags. Operating from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM, this vibrant night market is the oldest of its kind in Saigon. Despite not being officially designated as a night market, it is still well-known among locals and visitors alike. Those eager to shop can also expand their search beyond the market. Particularly, Minh Phung Street, running alongside the bustling market, is lined with numerous clothing shops, providing even more shopping options.

Minh Phung Market, a shopping paradise (Source: Collected)

Explore more:

• 20 places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for your itinerary!
• Ho Chi Minh City metro: The city’s first urban railway
• Saigon water bus: Admire the city from a new lens

3. What to eat in District 6, Ho Chi Minh City?

The culinary delights of District 6 not only tantalize every visitor’s taste buds but also offer an unforgettable journey into the vibrant world of Ho Chi Minh City foods. Visiting District 3 offers a rare opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the city’s rich and diverse culinary heritage.

3.1. Hau Giang Street

Hau Giang Street, stretching 1.5 kilometers, is set to become Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant new culinary destination, attracting food lovers from near and far. With 355 bustling stalls centered around the Pham Dinh Ho intersection, this lively area offers various savory local delights. These include pho, banh mi, chicken noodles, chicken rice, hotpots, seafood, and more. Visitors will also find street foods like butter-fried quail, grilled eggs, sautéed corn, smoothies, and mixed fruits, all available at affordable prices.

3.2. Phu Lam Food Street

Phu Lam Food Street, located in Ward 13, was established in 2016 and is one of the first food streets in Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, it features over 140 culinary establishments alongside various entertainment, shopping, beauty, and relaxation services. The food and drink options are highly diverse, ranging from street food to regional specialties such as fermented tofu noodles, bun bo Hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup), Southern sweet desserts, mixed fermented pork, Nha Trang grilled pork rolls, and other popular dishes like banh mi and pho.

3.3. Best restaurants to visit

While exploring District 6, visitors can consider dining at these highly acclaimed restaurants:

• Hu tieu mi Huynh Gia: 7 Cho Lon Street, Ward 11
• Gia Phu Phuc Kien Restaurant: 513/28 Gia Phu Street, Ward 3
• Com Chao Trieu Chau 63: 663 Hong Bang Street, Ward 6
• To Ky Sa Te Restaurant: 17 Chu Van An Street, Ward 1
• Xoi Binh Tien: 88 Minh Phung Street, Ward 5

When visiting District 6, don’t miss its local delicacies (Source: Collected)

4. Useful tips for visiting District 6 in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your visit to District 6, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Transportation: Use Xanh SM electric taxis or rent a motorbike for hassle-free travel.
• Safety: Stay vigilant with your items, especially in crowded areas or while on the move.
• Traffic: Plan your outings outside rush hours, typically 8:00–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM, to steer clear of heavy congestion.
• Navigation: Use maps to avoid one-way streets and car-only lanes when riding a motorbike, particularly in central districts.
• Travel tip: Avoid venturing into narrow alleys unless you are familiar with the routes, as Ho Chi Minh City’s maze-like alleys can be confusing.

District 6 in Ho Chi Minh City is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its vibrant markets, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering local dishes, this district offers an authentic experience that captures the heart of the city. Whether you’re a food lover or a history enthusiast, District 6 promises a journey full of surprises. 

After exploring District 6, you can visit some of the exciting entertainment destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, including the highly anticipated Grand Park.

This expansive theme park promises a vibrant mix of entertainment and natural beauty, with a variety of themed zones offering thrilling experiences and moments of relaxation for visitors of all ages. With its seamless blend of captivating landscapes and cutting-edge attractions, it is sure to become a must-visit destination for families and friends. 

Book Grand Park ticket now