Thu Duc City: Guide to the ultimate experience on your trip

Contents

1. A glance at Thu Duc City

Thu Duc City was established in 2020 by merging District 2, District 9, and Thu Duc District to form a new city under Ho Chi Minh City. Thu Duc City holds great potential to become a prominent tourist destination for the southern region of Vietnam. Located in the eastern part of Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Duc Vietnam borders District 1, District 4, District 12, and Binh Thanh District to the west, with the Saigon River marking the boundary. To the south, it borders District 7 along the Saigon River and Dong Nai Province along the Dong Nai River. To the north, it borders the cities of Thuan An and Di An in Binh Duong Province.

As part of Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Duc City enjoys many advantages in geography and economy. It also preserves numerous cultural values, both tangible and intangible, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of the region. These assets are harmoniously integrated with newly developed urban areas, creating opportunities for tourism development across various forms. Visitors can participate in eco-tourism, engage in spiritual tourism, experience sports-based tourism, and more.

Where is Thu Duc City? – In the eastern part of Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

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2. The best places to visit in Thu Duc City Vietnam

2.1. VinWonders Grand Park

VinWonders Grand Park, set to open in December 2024, is one of the most anticipated attractions in Thu Duc City, offering a range of top-tier entertainment experiences. From a modern water park and a serene man-made beach to bustling commercial streets, VinWonders Grand Park promises something for everyone. Located in the Vinhomes Grand Park urban area on Nguyen Xien Street, VinWonders Grand Park is designed with various themed zones that cater to all ages:

• Tropical Island: This water park features a series of water slides suitable for everyone, from young children to thrill-seeking adults.
• Dream Garden: This is a fairytale world filled with colors, featuring 15 giant light trees towering 20 meters tall each. Visitors can relive their childhood with classic games like merry-go-round here.
• VinWonders Grand Park Beach: At this man-made beach, visitors can stroll along the soft white sand under palm trees, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the tranquility amidst the bustling Saigon. You can also engage in water sports like kayaking.

In addition, VinWonders Grand Park hosts a variety of vibrant festivals, including the “Fantasy On Ice” festival with its snow sledding experience. Another highlight is the 8WONDER Winter Music Festival in December 2024, featuring the famous band Imagine Dragons and top V-Pop stars in world-class performances. There are also ample opportunities for shopping and dining on commercial streets like Park Avenue, Broadway, and Ginza.

VinWonders Grand Park promises unforgettable fun for everyone

2.2. Buu Long Pagoda

Buu Long Pagoda is a renowned spiritual attraction in Thu Duc City. Constructed in 1942, it stands out with its unique architecture inspired by both Buddhist designs from India and Vietnamese cultural elements. Nestled beside the peaceful Dong Nai River, the pagoda’s surroundings are lush and serene. Interestingly, Buu Long Pagoda is known as a “smoke-free temple,” as visitors would come here to pray without lighting incense as in other temples.

2.3. Thao Dien Night Street

For those looking to explore the lively side of Thu Duc City at night, Thao Dien Night Street is a must-visit. This street is filled with both modest street food stalls and upscale restaurants. Here, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of dishes from Asian and Western cuisines. Don’t miss out on delicious treats such as ice cream, grilled dishes, takoyaki, grilled rice paper, sweet soups, and more.

Check out Thao Dien Night Street on the Thu Duc Vietnam map for tourists (Source: Collected)

2.4. Hoi Son Pagoda

Hoi Son Pagoda is a beautiful spiritual attraction in Thu Duc City, overlooking a magnificent landscape of rivers and mountains. Built in the 17th century, it houses many precious relics, including plaques gifted by Emperor Khai Dinh, centuries-old ancestral tablets, altars, and statues. Moreover, Hoi Son Pagoda is located on an archaeological site of the Dong Nai River culture, which dates back around 3,500 years. Visitors can admire ancient relics such as stone tools and ceramic fragments thousands of years old, which are currently displayed in the pagoda’s traditional house.

2.5. Oishi Town Japanese Street

In the heart of Thu Duc City lies a small Japanese street – Oishi Town – which offers the experiences that mirror the streets of Tokyo. Here, you can capture moments reminiscent of Japan, with wooden houses harmoniously blending with lush nature. You can also savor delicious Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and takoyaki. The street features numerous trendy cafés, relaxing spas, and fashion stores. Beyond, it offers a host of cultural activities showcasing Japan’s traditions, such as vibrant music performances.

Oishi Town – a must-visit on the Thu Duc City map (Source: Collected)

2.6. Ao Dai Museum

Among various Vietnamese museums, Ao Dai Museum stands out as a destination that celebrates the beauty of Vietnam’s traditional dress – ao dai. The museum spans 16,000 square meters with scenic river views and architecture inspired by Kim Bong houses. It showcases Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage such as Quan ho and Don ca tai tu, all recognized by UNESCO. In addition to the exhibition about the history of ao dai, the museum also features other themed displays, as well as an interactive space for children.

2.7. Phuoc Long Pagoda

Phuoc Long Pagoda is regarded as one of the most sacred temples in Thu Duc City. Situated on an islet on the Dong Nai River, this pagoda is famous for its ancient architecture which harmoniously blends with the peaceful natural surroundings. Built in 1965, it is adorned with numerous colored statues of figures from both Buddhist and folk beliefs. The main hall of the pagoda is made primarily of wood, with intricate carvings and lacquered details. It also preserves a large collection of antique items and even offers free vegetarian lunches.

Phuoc Long Pagoda impresses with its striking statues of Buddhas and Arhats (Source: Collected)

2.8. Saigon Riverside Park

A perfect spot for relaxation amidst the bustle of Thu Duc City is Saigon Riverside Park. Covering 20 hectares, this park is divided into 13 zones, with communal areas, fountains, flower gardens, green spaces, walking paths, and more. Visitors can take a peaceful walk along the riverside, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse themselves in the daily life of the locals. A highlight here is the vast sunflower field, which provides a perfect backdrop for nature-inspired photos. It also has cultural attractions such as An Khanh Communal House and Thu Thiem Church.

2.9. Tam Da Lotus Pond

About 20 kilometers away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City lies Tam Da Lotus Pond. Spanning 3 hectares, this pond impresses with its vibrant pink blooms and the lush green of lotus leaves. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful beauty and feel the scent of the lotus. Visitors can also wear traditional Vietnamese outfits like ao dai or ao ba ba and take photos with Vietnam’s national flower.

The peaceful beauty of Tam Da Lotus Pond (Source: Collected)

2.10. National Cultural and Historical Park

The National Cultural and Historical Park in Thu Duc City is a large-scale project dedicated to preserving and celebrating Vietnam’s cultural values. The park is divided into four themes that represent the entire history of the country: the era of the Hung Kings; the period from the Dinh Dynasty to the Tay Son Dynasty; the Nguyen Dynasty and Vietnam’s struggle for independence against the West; and ethnic villages. Visitors can explore the grand memorial site of the Hung Kings, see historical artifacts, learn about Vietnam’s history, and join communal activities in the park’s green spaces.

2.11. One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda in Thu Duc City is considered one of the most unique Buddhist architectural works in Saigon. Built in 1958, it was modeled after the iconic One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi. This pagoda stands on a single column about 12 meters tall in the peaceful Long Nhan Lake. It features ancient details such as curved tiled roofs and intricate dragon-phoenix carvings. Other structures of the pagoda include the main hall, statues of Buddhas, the memorial house, and the monks’ quarters.

The pagoda’s architecture resembles the famous One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

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3. The top day tours for exploring Thu Duc City

To fully explore the beauty of Thu Duc Vietnam, you can opt for day tours that cater to your preferences. Some of the tours include:

Go on a day tour to explore Thu Duc Vietnam (Source: Collected)

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4. Essential guide for tourists to Thu Duc City

4.1. When is the best time to visit?

Saigon weather is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, with consistently high temperatures throughout the year and two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season lasts from May to November and the dry season runs from December to April. The average temperature hovers around 27°C, with peaks reaching over 40°C. The sunshine is generally not too harsh, the humidity is low, and the evenings are cooler. Therefore, visitors can explore Thu Duc City at any time of the year.

4.2. How to get there?

From the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily reach Thu Duc City by taxi or motorbike rental, as the distance can be covered in about 20-30 minutes. If you are driving yourself, you can take one of the following routes:

• Hong Ha Street – Pham Van Dong Street – Linh Dong Street – Ly Te Xuyen Street.
• Hong Ha Street – Pham Van Dong Street – National Road 13
• Hong Ha Street – Nguyen Thai Son Street – Pham Ngu Lao Street – Nguyen Oanh Street – Ha Huy Giap Street – Hanoi Avenue

4.3. Where to eat and drink?

Thu Duc City is a great destination to enjoy the local cuisine, with many Michelin-selected restaurants and beautiful cafés. Here are some well-known places to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City street food and other delicacies:

• Lau Bo Giao Toan: 218 National Road 1K
• Hu tieu 10 Doan: 49 Dang Van Bi Street
• Nam Bo Restaurant: 200-202 Tran Nao Street
• Ben Song Restaurant: 88 Street 26, Quarter 5
• Banh Mi Hoa Dat: 5 Han Thuyen Street
• Lau Bo Nha Go: 467 Kha Van Can Street
• Hai Chau Seafood Restaurant: 1162 Pham Van Dong Street

For an elevated dining experience, here is a list of Michelin-selected restaurants in Thu Duc City:

• Du Yen: 26B Street 10, Thao Dien Ward
• MaSa French Eatery by Hervé: 204/20 Nguyen Van Huong Street
• Little Bear: 36 Nguyen Ba Huan Street
• Tre Dining: 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, 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, Thao Dien Ward

There are countless options to explore the delicious cuisine of Thu Duc, Saigon (Source: Collected)

Regarding cafes in Saigon, Thu Duc has many coffee shops with great drinks and beautiful views for you to explore:

• Ngoi Nha Go Cafe: 561-563-565 Kha Van Can Street
• Bonjour Café The Art: 42 Thao Dien Street
• Dalaland: 24/4/1 Tran Ngoc Dien Street
• Bamos Coffee & Tea: 22/6 Street 7, Quarter 3
• The Coffee House: 359 Do Xuan Hop Street

4.4. Where to shop?

For shopping, visitors can head to modern shopping centers, local markets, or fashion streets in Thu Duc City. Some popular shopping destinations include:

• Thiso Mall: 10 Mai Chi Tho Street
• Gigamall: 240-242 Pham Van Dong Street
• Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien: 161 Vo Nguyen Giap Street
• Estella Place: 88 Song Hanh Street
• Vincom Plaza Le Van Viet: 50 Le Van Viet Street
• Vincom Plaza Thu Duc: 216 Vo Van Ngan Street

To explore the local culture, you can visit traditional markets such as Thu Duc Market, Thao Dien Market, Linh Xuan Market, and Binh Phuoc Market. Fashion lovers can also check out Vo Van Ngan Street in Binh Tho Ward, where numerous trendy stores offer the latest designs for you to choose from.

Visit traditional markets to explore the local culture in Thu Duc Vietnam (Source: Collected)

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*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

Thu Duc City is a promising tourist destination that combines modernity with heritage. With diverse attractions from historical sites to commercial centers, it offers a unique experience for visitors. Whether you are fond of vibrant neighborhoods or natural beauty, Thu Duc City is a must-visit.