Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City: A newcomer’s guide

Contents

1. A glance at Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City

Go Vap is an inner-city district, about 7 kilometers away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City and covering a land area of 19.2 square kilometers. It borders Tan Binh District (now part of Tan Son Hoa, Tan Binh and Tan Son Ward), Phu Nhuan District (now part of Duc Nhuan Ward), Binh Thanh District (now part of Binh Loi Trung Ward) and District 12 (now part of Tan Thoi Hiep, An Phu Dong and Thoi An Ward) serving as a gateway connecting the city to nearby provinces like Dong Nai and Tay Ninh. With major roads such as Nguyen Kiem, Nguyen Oanh, and Dai Han, Go Vap District has easy access to Tan Son Nhat Airport and the North-South railway.

Go Vap District, Vietnam is known for its vibrant culture (Source: Collected)

Legend has it that Go Vap got its name from a type of tree called Vap. Known for its iron-like strength, these trees used to cover the highland in the area. Over time, the locals started calling it Go Vap, a name that stuck until today.

Go Vap is a mix of the old and new. Its over 300-year-old historical sites, reflecting the rich heritage of the region. At the same time, the district is bustling with shopping centers, entertainment spots, and a thriving service industry, which offers plenty of modern conveniences and fun activities for tourists.

Starting in July 2025, under Resolution 1685/NQ-UBTVQH15 (2025), Go Vap District will be reorganized into six new wards: Hanh Thong, An Nhon, Go Vap, An Hoi Dong, Thong Tay Hoi, and An Hoi Tay.

Don’t forget to check out the Map of Ho Chi Minh City’s district!

2. Top places to visit in Go Vap District

2.1. Thong Tay Hoi Communal House

Thong Tay Hoi Communal House is one of the oldest communal houses in southern Vietnam, built in 1698 by settlers from the Thuan – Quang region (now Quang Binh – Thua Thien Hue). Originally made of bamboo and leaves, it was rebuilt in 1883 and became a place to worship Thanh Hoang, the guardian deity who protects people from natural disasters, illnesses, and wild animals.

The communal house holds 37 valuable artifacts, including beautifully carved panels and horizontal lacquered boards. Unlike other communal houses, these items still keep their original lacquer and gold finishes without being repainted. Recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1998, Thong Tay Hoi Communal House is a symbol of the rich history of the region.

Thong Tay Hoi Communal House in Go Vap District (Source: Collected)

2.2. Phu Chau Floating Temple

Regarded as one of the most popular places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Chau Floating Temple is a unique spiritual site located on a 2,500-meter-square mound in the middle of the Vam Thuat River. Before 1975, it was a popular pilgrimage site for people in Saigon – Gia Dinh. Since 1992, the temple has undergone several restorations, which transformed it into a spacious structure built with modern materials while preserving its traditional Vietnamese-Chinese architectural style.

The temple’s architecture is a masterpiece of ceramic mosaic art, adorned with intricate designs of dragons, phoenixes, and other cultural symbols. The walls are inlaid with murals that reflect folk beliefs, showcasing craftsmanship that is both elaborate and artistic. In 2014, the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City recognized Phu Chau Floating Temple as an architectural and artistic relic.

2.3. Sac Tu Truong Tho Pagoda

Sac Tu Truong Tho Pagoda is a spiritual site that offers insight into the development of Buddhism in the region. It houses relics that are over 200 years old and is home to many valuable artifacts, including a Amitabha Buddha statue, Eighteen Arhat statues, Ten Kings of Hell statues, and a Great Bell. In 2000, the Ministry of Culture and Information recognized Sac Tu Truong Tho Pagoda as a national architectural and artistic relic. A visit to the pagoda is not just a spiritual journey but also a step back in time, surrounded by the enduring legacy of Vietnam’s Buddhist traditions.

The serene atmosphere at Sac Tu Truong Tho Pagoda in Go Vap District (Source: Collected)

2.4. Hanh Thong Tay Cathedral

Hanh Thong Tay Cathedral was established in 1861 by Bishop Puginier, originally built in a communal house. By 1921, it had become dilapidated. Thanks to Denis Le Phat An, the uncle of Queen Nam Phuong, and priest Mattheu Ho Tan Duc, the cathedral was rebuilt in the Byzantine style, inspired by the Vitale Basilica in Ravenna, Italy. It measures 40 meters long, 14 meters wide, and 16 meters high, with a 30-meter-tall bell tower and three domes. Inside, you will find the tombs of Denis Le Phat An and his wife, which honor their contributions to the parish.

2.5. An Hoi Incense Burner Village

An Hoi Incense Burner Village is a must-see attraction in Go Vap District (now part of An Hoi Tay Ward). The tradition of incense burner making started here in the 18th century, when two artisans brought the craft to the village. At its peak, more than 30 households practiced making incense burners, mostly families from central Vietnam. Today, 5 households still continue the tradition, passing it down through generations.

Making a bronze incense burner requires a meticulous process. The artisans handle everything, from mixing materials to casting, molding, and adding design elements like carving and embossing. Around Tet, the workshops get busy as the artisans prepare incense burners for the holiday. Once finished, the burners are sent to Cho Lon and across the region, where they are used to honor ancestors during the festive season.

An Hoi Incense Burner Village is a fascinating attraction on the Go Vap District map (Source: Collected)

2.6. Gia Dinh Park

Gia Dinh Park is located between Ward 3 in Go Vap District (now part of Hanh Thong Ward) and Ward 9 in Phu Nhuan District (now part of Duc Nhuan Ward). It is known as the green lung of the city, covering 32 hectares of area and home to over 1,000 trees. As one of the city’s largest parks, it is a great place for locals and tourists to relax, take a walk, or exercise while enjoying the fresh air away from the city’s bustle. The park also has a children’s playground with fun games, slides, and water taps. There are also lawns that are perfect for picnics, festivals, or cultural events, offering plenty of space for visitors to enjoy the outdoors.

2.7. Go Vap Cultural Park

Go Vap Cultural Park spans over 37 hectares, offering a peaceful, nature-filled escape. Here, you will feel like entering a quiet village surrounded by lush greenery. The path leading to the park is lined with colorful flowers, adding to the charm. Inside, you will find a lotus pond, a reed pond, and a small forest, making it a perfect spot for photos. Go Vap Cultural Park also has plenty of space for walking and exercising, making it one of the parks in Saigon for both relaxation and activity.

The massive Go Vap Cultural Park (Source: Collected)

2.8. Hanh Thong Tay Market

Hanh Thong Tay Market is a large outdoor market located in a residential area. Visitors can find everything here, from clothes, accessories, cosmetics to electronics, toys, and souvenirs. A unique feature of Hanh Thong Tay Market is that it primarily caters to local shoppers rather than tourists. As a result, visitors can expect to find a wide range of products at very affordable prices.

Hanh Thong Tay Market is not just a shopping site but also a food lover’s paradise. The street food vendors here serve a variety of delicious dishes at affordable prices. Some of the most popular dishes to try include grilled rice paper, Vietnamese pancakes, grilled pork noodles, Vietnamese steamed rice cakes, and sweet soup.

2.9. Emart

There are two Emart malls in Go Vap District: one at 366 Phan Van Tri Street, Ward 5 (now part of An Nhon Ward), and the other at 385 Phan Huy Ich Street, Ward 14 (now part of An Hoi Tay Ward). Since its establishment, Emart has quickly become a popular destination for shopping. The company aims to become a leader in retail by providing a joyful shopping experience for customers and creating valuable contributions to local communities. As one of the most popular places for shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, Emart is committed to offering quality products while supporting the development of the region.

Emart is a popular place for young people in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

2.10. Lotte Mart

Lotte Mart Go Vap is an integrated commercial center that includes a supermarket, a high-end shopping center, entertainment facilities, and dining options. It is the first in the district to introduce an advanced retail model with functional zoning and state-of-the-art shelf equipment. The mall features specialized areas designed to meet the growing living standards of Vietnamese consumers. Lotte Mart also brings popular private-label products from the Korean market, catering to the shopping needs of local customers.

2.11. Hoa Binh Water Music Square

Hoa Binh Water Music Square features a stunning water music area, entertainment zones, and a green corridor. It offers a peaceful space for the locals to walk, exercise, and enjoy vibrant water music shows, especially on weekends. Recently, the square has become a popular venue for cultural activities organized by Go Vap District, particularly during holidays. These events aim to promote cultural values, convey meaningful messages, and engage the local community in district-wide initiatives.

The bustling Hoa Binh Water Music Square (Source: Collected)

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3. How to get to Go Vap District in Ho Chi Minh City?

If you are traveling from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Go Vap District, here is the route to follow:

• From the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, follow Truong Son Street and Pho Quang Street toward Nguyen Thai Son Overpass.
• Keep left to continue onto Nguyen Thai Son Overpass.
• From there, follow Pham Ngu Lao Street and Phan Van Tri Street to Street 3.
• Continue along Street 3, then head toward Alley 32 of Street 15.
• You have now arrived at Go Vap District.

4. Recommended places to eat and drink in Go Vap District

If you are looking to explore the food scene in Go Vap District, there are plenty of great options to satisfy your cravings. This vibrant district offers numerous cozy restaurants and lively night markets in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can enjoy delectable Ho Chi Minh City food. Whether you are in the mood for Vietnamese grill, pho, or other specialties, here are some top restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City you should check out in Go Vap District:

• BA GAC Vietnamese Grill & Beer Garden Quang Trung: 1 Quang Trung Street
• Friends Restaurant: 14 Phan Van Tri Street
• Con Ga Mai: 181 Quang Trung Street
• Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: 68 Le Duc Tho Street
• Tu Tri Restaurant: 499 Le Van Tho Street

For those looking to relax with a cup of coffee, Go Vap District has several cafes that provide a perfect blend of spacious settings and great drinks. Here are some popular spots for a refreshing experience:

• Family Garden Cafe: 438 Phan Van Tri Street
• Du Mien Garden Cafe: 7 Phan Van Tri Street
• Country House Coffee: 18C Phan Van Tri Street

5. Which is the best tour for exploring Go Vap District, Saigon?

Taking the “Go Vap – A Hundred Years of Finding the Past” tour is a great way to explore the rich history of Go Vap District. This tour will take you to important sites that are over 100 – 300 years old, showing how the area has preserved its cultural heritage. The main attractions are Phu Chau Floating Temple and An Hoi Incense Burner Village, where visitors can watch artisans at work and buy unique handcrafted items.

Additionally, you can come to Alley 730 on Le Duc Tho Street, also known as the “Alley for Cultural Guide – Digital Transformation”. Here, there is a collection of murals that covers nearly 600 square meters of walls, which showcases the historical places in Ho Chi Minh City featured in the “Go Vap – A Hundred Years of Finding the Past” tour. At this alley, there is also a QR code that visitors can scan to enjoy a free online tour of Go Vap District.

Go Vap District is a vibrant area of Ho Chi Minh City, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and local charm. From exploring its heritage, relaxing at a café, or enjoying delicious dishes, Go Vap beautifully showcases the dynamic spirit of Saigon. With its diverse attractions, Go Vap District is truly a hidden gem worth discovering.

If you have thoroughly explored Go Vap, continue your journey in Ho Chi Minh City by heading to Thu Duc City (now part of Long Binh Ward), which is home to Grand Park. This expansive entertainment complex features an array of attractions, from the action-packed Tropical Island water park to the enchanting Dream Garden amusement park. You can also relax at the artificial beach or shop and dine along Park Avenue. With its diverse zones, Grand Park is a perfect spot for an unforgettable day out in Saigon!

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