Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City: What to know & explore

Contents

1. Where is Phu Nhuan District? How to get there?

Before April 30, 1975, Phu Nhuan was part of Tan Binh District in Gia Dinh Province, comprising eight hamlets. After the country’s reunification, Phu Nhuan became a central district of Ho Chi Minh City.

Phu Nhuan District is a dynamic area in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Located 4.7 km northwest of downtown, Phu Nhuan District is bordered by Binh Thanh District to the east, Tan Binh District to the west, District 1 and District 3 to the south, and Go Vap District to the north. Covering 4.855 km², it makes up 3.66% of the inner city’s area.

To go to Phu Nhuan District from the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can take Truong Son Street, then Tran Quoc Hoan Street, then Hoang Van Thu Street. If you want to travel by bus, catch bus numbered 152 or 109 from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the stop near Southeastern Armed Forces Museum Military Zone 7, then transfer to bus numbered 08, 64, or 104 to get to Phu Nhuan District. 

If you prefer not to use public transport, you can opt for a taxi. Xanh SM is an eco-friendly electric taxi service which is gaining popularity in Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its high service standards, Xanh SM provides a comfortable ride, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious travelers.

Read more: Map of Ho Chi Minh City’s district & useful travel tips

2. Highlights on the Phu Nhuan District map for tourists

2.1. Phu Nhuan Communal House

• Address: 18 Mai Van Ngoc Street

Phu Nhuan Communal House is a significant cultural and historical site in Phu Nhuan, Saigon. Built before 1853, it offers a serene setting for visitors interested in traditional Southern Vietnamese architecture. 

Here, tourists can admire the architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries with intricate carvings, gilded decorations, and sacred symbols. Among its notable artifacts are two ancient incense burners – one ceramic with a blue glaze and one bronze – alongside 34 other preserved relics, including a decree from Emperor Tu Duc.

Phu Nhuan Communal House also serves as a spiritual hub. Visitors can witness traditional rituals, learn about Vietnamese spiritual practices, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of a national heritage site.

Phu Nhuan Communal House is a notable attraction in Phu Nhuan District (Source: Collected)

2.2. 87A Tran Ke Xuong Relic

• Address: 87A Tran Ke Xuong Street

This historical site was originally a French villa built in the 1930s. During the war from 1955 to 1958, it served as the headquarters of the Liaison Delegation of the General Command of the Vietnam People’s Army. The villa’s unique architecture, combined with its deep historical value, makes it a noteworthy attraction for history enthusiasts exploring historical places in Ho Chi Minh City.

In 1988, the villa was recognized as a national relic site, commemorating its significance in the country’s fight for freedom. After restoration efforts in 2009, the relic has transformed into a prominent educational hub. It has a main building, auxiliary buildings, and a beautifully landscaped garden, making it an insightful stop for those interested in Vietnam’s wartime history.

87A Tran Ke Xuong Relic in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

2.3. Vo Tanh Tomb

• Address: 19 Ho Van Hue Street

Vo Tanh Tomb was built by Emperor Gia Long in 1802 to honor General Vo Tanh, a national hero. It remains an important historical site, offering insight into Southern Vietnamese architecture. In 2019, the tomb was officially recognized as a city-level architectural monument.

Vo Tanh Tomb features traditional elements of Southern Vietnamese architecture, such as front and rear murals, entrance pillars, and surrounding walls. The front mural depicts a tiger, representing strength and courage. These artistic designs highlight the deep respect for Vo Tanh’s contributions to the country. Inside, visitors can find valuable artifacts such as hanging boards and couplets.

Vo Tanh Tomb is built in the style of a Southern Vietnamese communal house (Source: Collected)

2.4. Phap Hoa Pagoda

• Address: 120/47 Thich Quang Duc Street

Phap Hoa Pagoda offers a blend of cultural heritage and spiritual significance in Phu Nhuan, Saigon. Renowned for its impressive collection of approximately 10,000 ceramic vases, the pagoda was acknowledged by the Vietnam Book of Records in 2007 as the temple with the highest number of ceramic artifacts. The collection features vases from famous Vietnamese ceramic centers like Bat Trang alongside pieces from China and Japan, reflecting a rich blend of artistic traditions.

Beyond ceramics, Phap Hoa Pagoda is home to Vietnam’s first stone engraving of the Saddharma Pundarika Sutra. This masterpiece, containing nearly 70,000 meticulously arranged Vietnamese characters etched in white on black granite, adds to the temple’s allure among the places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

The impressive architecture of Phap Hoa Pagoda (Source: Collected)

2.5. Gia Dinh Park

• Address: Hong Ha Street

Gia Dinh Park stands as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest green spaces. Spanning 32 hectares, it is home to over 1,000 trees, including notable species like monkey pod trees, Lim Xet, water trumpet trees, etc.

This expansive park offers a peaceful retreat from urban life, attracting locals and tourists alike for leisurely walks, exercises, and relaxation. As a famous parks in Saigon, it is ideal for outdoor activities such as picnics, social gatherings, and community events.

The lush greenery of Gia Dinh Park provides a tranquil setting to escape the city’s bustle. Additionally, a well-equipped children’s playground, climbing frames, and water features ensures family-friendly fun.

Gia Dinh Park is a beloved destination for both locals and tourists in Phu Nhuan District (Source: Collected)

2.6. Military Zone 7 Stadium

• Address: 202 Hoang Van Thu Street

Military Zone 7 Stadium is just a 10-minute drive away from Tan Son Nhat Airport. Primarily hosting football matches, the stadium has a seating capacity of around 25,000. It is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s key sports venues alongside Thong Nhat Stadium and Thanh Long Stadium.

Beyond sports, Military Zone 7 Stadium is well-known for accommodating entertainment events. Its Stand A, equipped with a roof, can seat up to 6,700 people. At the same time, the entire venue can hold up to 18,000 attendees for concerts, solidifying its status as a prominent multi-purpose stadium in the city.

Quan Khu 7 Stadium is a venue for many large-scale events in Phu Nhuan District (Source: Collected)

Read more: Ho Chi Minh City map: A compass for first-time tourists

3. Food paradises in Phu Nhuan District that you can’t miss

3.1. Phan Xich Long Street Food

With over 220 dining establishments, this bustling street features more than 80 well-known restaurants. Popular spots include iSushi, ShoGun, Sushi Hokkaido Sachi, Kichi-Kichi, GoGi House, and Den Da Café. Additionally, the new food court at Rach Mieu Sports Center offers around 20 food stalls from skilled chefs and established brands. If you are exploring Ho Chi Minh City food, make sure to try iconic dishes like Vietnamese rice paper, noodles, and more.

3.2. Other eateries

In addition to the two locations mentioned above, visitors can explore several other eateries in Phu Nhuan District:

• Ngo 8 Restaurant: 8 Cu Lao Street
• Ngoc Suong Marina Boat Restaurant: 11 Nguyen Van Troi Street
• Hoang Ty: 74 Truong Quoc Dung Street
• Hoa Vien Tri Ky: 123 Hong Ha Street
• Com Tam Ba Ghien: 84 Dang Van Ngu Street

Phu Nhuan District is a culinary hotspot in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Read more: 25 of the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

4. The best tour for exploring Phu Nhuan District, Saigon

For a comprehensive exploration of Phu Nhuan District, you can take a guided tour. The “Phu Nhuan – A Place to Return” tour offers visitors a unique chance to explore the cultural richness of the district. This tour highlights key attractions such as Phu Nhuan Communal House, 87A Tran Ke Xuong Relic, and Vo Tanh Tomb. 

Additionally, tourists can immerse themselves in the vibrant food scene at Phan Xich Long Street and even create their personalized perfumes at Iris Nguyen. The reference price for the tour starts from 829,000 VND. This curated tour not only showcases the district’s cultural significance but also allows travelers to appreciate its local culture.

Explore the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for a fun-filled trip!

Phu Nhuan District is a hidden gem for tourists seeking a multifaceted experience in Ho Chi Minh City. With its cultural sites, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere, Phu Nhuan is an ideal destination to explore the heart and soul of the city.

In addition to Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City offers numerous other exciting destinations to explore. Those include Thu Duc City, where the entertainment complex of Grand Park Amusement Park has just opened its doors. Grand Park Amusement Park features a large water park, a state-of-the-art amusement park, and a variety of thrilling events. Conveniently located near bustling streets, it also offers fantastic shopping and dining opportunities, making it an ideal place for families to have fun.

Grand Park Amusement Park is a fantastic place for visitors of all ages