Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City: A full guide for visitors

Contents

1. About Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Phu is in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and was officially established on December 2, 2003. It is bordered by Tan Binh District to the east, Binh Tan District to the west, District 6 and District 11 to the south, and District 12 to the north. The area has a long history that dates back over 300 years and is closely tied to the development of Saigon – Gia Dinh – Cho Lon. 

Tan Phu is home to numerous historical and cultural landmarks, as well as revolutionary sites. The district takes pride in preserving the titles of “Safe Zone – Phu Tho Hoa” and “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces.” It also has well-developed infrastructure for tourism. Tourists can enjoy a variety of regional delicacies, explore iconic sites, shop at commercial centers, and visit traditional markets that reflect the local culture.

A Tan Phu District map for visitors (Source: Collected)

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

2. How to get to Tan Phu District from the city airport?

Tan Phu District is not far from Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and can be easily accessed by both private and public transportation. Common routes to get to the attractions in Tan Phu include Cong Hoa Street, Hoang Van Thu Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Truong Son Street, Truong Chinh Street, etc. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the district.

Tan Phu is one of the easiest districts in Ho Chi Minh City to reach from the airport (Source: Collected)

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

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3. Best places to go in Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City

3.1. Phap Van Pagoda

Phap Van Pagoda, at 16 Le Thuc Hoach Street, Phu Tho Hoa Ward, is over 50 years old. It features the tallest standing bronze statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara with a thousand hands and eyes, Vietnam’s largest hand-sculpted granite lion pair, and wooden Sao tree doors engraved with the Vietnamese Prajnaparamita Sutra. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful experience while admiring the district from the 14-story tower. 

3.2. Phu Tho Hoa Tunnels

Phu Tho Hoa Tunnels, at 139 Phu Tho Hoa Street, Phu Tho Hoa Ward, is one of the most significant historical places in Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels were designed as a defense system during the war and are now a historical site where visitors can explore and learn about the struggles of the past. The tunnels, 3 to 4 meters deep, feature two levels, three chambers for up to seven people, and stretch nearly 700 meters with a width of 0.6 to 0.8 meters.

Phu Tho Hoa Tunnels is among the most significant historical sites in Saigon (Source: Collected)

3.3. Phu Thanh Temple

Phu Thanh Temple, at 111 Tran Quang Co Street, Phu Thanh Ward, was founded as a unifying space by the Le, Tran, and Nguyen families. It served as a communal gathering place for villagers to pray and honor their ancestors who helped clear the land. During the resistance wars against French and American invaders, Phu Thanh Temple was a revolutionary base. Today, it is a tourist destination with great significance.

3.4. Tan Son Nhi Temple

Tan Son Nhi Temple, at 207 Tan Ky Tan Quy Street, Tan Son Nhi Ward, is a place of folk worship and a cultural hub. It has been involved in several key events, from the patriotic movements before the formation of the Communist Party to the Resistance Wars against France and America. During these periods, the temple served as a meeting point, supply hub, and shelter for wounded soldiers. Its contributions have been integral to the achievements of Tan Son Nhi Ward, which is recognized as a “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces.”

Visit Tan Son Nhi Temple while exploring Tan Phu District (Source: Collected)

3.5. Aeon Mall Tan Phu

AEON Mall Tan Phu Celadon, at 30 Tan Thang Street, Son Ky Ward, is one of the top destinations for shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. With a wide range of brands, from fashion to food, along with large entertainment and recreational areas, it offers a diverse experience for visitors of all ages. The mall is home to approximately 200 stores, providing ample options for shoppers, whether for retail therapy or enjoying leisure activities. 

3.6. Hoa Thanh Temple

Hoa Thanh Temple, located at 396 Luy Ban Bich Street, Hoa Thanh Ward, was established in the late 19th century. During the resistance against French rule, it served as a gathering place for the local youth. While in the Resistance War against America, it was a revolutionary base and a key recruitment site for the Communist Party. Today, it honors Thanh Hoang Bon Canh and hosts the Ky Yen Festival on the 16th – 17th of the 11th lunar month, where visitors offer sacrifices such as roasted pigs, tea, cakes, and incense.

Hoa Thanh Temple on the Ho Chi Minh City District map (Source: Collected)

3.7. Quan Am Temple

Quan Am Temple, at 80/6A Trinh Dinh Thao Street, Phu Trung Ward, was built in 1972 on over 9,000 square meters. In 2005, it donated a portion of its land to Ho Van Cuong Primary and Secondary Schools. Now, it is a spiritual destination and community venue. The temple hosts two major religious festivals each year on the 19th day of the 2nd lunar month and the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. It is one of the most enriching places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

3.8. Ngoc Linh Ginseng Museum

This museum in Tan Phu District showcases over 400 exhibits related to the precious ginseng variety native to Vietnam. Spanning 250 square meters, it begins with informative displays, including writings, photographs, and maps. One of the most notable exhibits is the largest Ngoc Linh ginseng root, weighing 1.3 kilograms. The museum offers a fascinating insight into this extraordinary plant, one of the four most precious ginseng varieties in the world.

A unique museum among districts in Saigon (Source: Collected)

3.9. Local markets

One of the top markets in Tan Phu is Phu Tho Hoa Fabric Market. It offers a wide variety of textiles through over 1000 stalls, from traditional to modern materials, and caters to both retail and wholesale customers. This market is a popular spot for those looking to purchase fabrics for clothing or craftwork. Besides Phu Tho Hoa Fabric Market, other Saigon markets in the district that are worth visiting include: 

• Tan Huong Market: 198 Tan Huong Street, Tan Quy Ward
• Hiep Tan Market: 68A Cay Keo Street, Hiep Tan Ward
• Phu Trung Market: 49/26 Trinh Dinh Trong Street, Phu Trung Ward 
• Son Ky Market: 39 Bo Bao Tan Thang Street, Son Ky Ward 
• Tan Phu Market 1: 7C Pho Cho Street, Tan Thanh Ward 
• Tan Phu Market 2: 16 Hoang Ngoc Phach Street, Phu Tho Hoa Ward

Check out: 21 bucket-list things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

4. Top places to eat on your trip to Tan Phu District, Saigon

Tan Phu offers a diverse range of Ho Chi Minh City food, featuring both local and regional specialties. Popular dishes include bun mam, com lam, bun rieu, mi quang, banh cuon, and kem cuon Thai. Each dish provides a unique taste experience, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the region. Here are a few Ho Chi Minh City food destinations to stop by: 

• K3 Restaurant: 412-418 Tan Son Nhi Street, Tan Phu District

• Pon Garden Cuisine: 508 Le Trong Tan, Tay Thanh Ward, Tan Phu District 

• Mi Ga Xa Ken K3: 9 Tan Huong, Tan Quy Ward, Tan Phu District

• Sang Ky – Sa Sung Porridge: 325 Au Co, Phu Trung Ward

• Hon Dat Restaurant: 140 Tan Son Nhi, Tan Phu District

• Nguyen Nhu Lam Street Food: Phu Tho Hoa Ward, Tan Phu District

Treat your taste buds while in Tan Phu District (Source: Collected)

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

5. Which tour does Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City offer?

On May 31, 2022, the People’s Committee of Tan Phu District, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, launched the tour “Tan Phu – Di La Nho.” This tour is part of a new series of tourism products aimed at attracting both domestic and international visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a mix of historical, cultural, and modern attractions, including: 

1. Phu Tho Hoa Historical Tunnel Site
2. Phu Tho Hoa Fabric Market
3. Phap Van Pagoda
4. AEON Mall Tan Phu
5. Ngoc Linh Ginseng Museum

Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City offers a rich blend of historical, cultural, and modern attractions that make it a compelling destination for both locals and visitors. From historical landmarks like the Phu Tho Hoa Tunnels to contemporary spots such as AEON Mall Tan Phu, the district provides a diverse range of experiences. 

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