1. A introduction of Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Binh Thanh District was established as part of the urban development of Ho Chi Minh City. It has evolved over the years to become one of the city's prominent districts, featuring both historical areas and modern developments.

Binh Thanh District covers an area of approximately 2,100 hectares and is home to a population of over 700,000 people, making it one of the most populous districts in Ho Chi Minh City. Binh Thanh borders several key districts in Ho Chi Minh City, including District 1, District 3, District 2 (now part of Thu Duc City), Phu Nhuan District, and Go Vap District.

Binh Thanh serves as a bridge between the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (District 1) and Thu Duc City, offering a strategic location for business and tourism. The district is known for its blend of modern urban spaces, like Landmark 81 and Vinhomes Central Park, and long-established residential areas, such as Ba Chieu and Thanh Da. This combination creates a vibrant mix of old and new, making Binh Thanh a unique part of the city.

The geography of Binh Thanh District

2. How to Travel Around Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Several bus routes such as 8, 18, 24, 36, 64, 91 pass through Binh Thanh District, providing convenient public transportation options for residents and visitors. Besides, the Metro line 01 connects Binh Thanh to various parts of Ho Chi Minh City, improving accessibility and reducing traffic congestion.

Motorbikes are also a popular mode of transportation in Binh Thanh, along with taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab. Bicycles and walking are also viable options for short distances, particularly in local neighborhoods. From Tan Son Nhat Airport, Binh Thanh is approximately a 20-minute drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, making it easily accessible via taxi, ride-hailing services, or private vehicle.

Besides, Binh Thanh is just a short distance from District 1, about a 10-15 minute drive depending on traffic. Motorbikes and taxis are commonly used for this route. Binh Thanh also can be reached from Thu Duc City by car or motorbike, taking around 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Ho Chi Minh City has a metro line passing through Binh Thanh District

3. Top Places to Visit in Binh Thanh District

3.1. Tomb of Le Van Duyet

• Address: Le Van Duyet District, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: Free, donations are welcome

The Tomb of Le Van Duyet, also known as Lang Ong Ba Chieu, is one of the oldest cultural and religious landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. It was built in 1848 during the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri and honors the memory of Le Van Duyet, a renowned military and political figure who served as the Governor of Gia Dinh (now Ho Chi Minh City). The site is a combination of historical architecture and spiritual significance, housing the tombs of Le Van Duyet and his wife, Do Thi Phan. The architecture reflects the style of the Nguyen Dynasty and includes a memorial hall, temple, and a large courtyard with beautiful decorations. Lang Ong Ba Chieu is an important cultural site, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history and spiritual traditions.

Visitors can admire the unique structures, including the memorial hall and the tombs, along with intricate decorations that reflect the Southern Vietnamese culture

3.2. Binh Thanh District’s Traditional House

• Address: 144 Le Van Duyet, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: Free

Binh Thanh District's Traditional House is an iconic cultural site that showcases the typical architecture of Southern Vietnam. This house has been preserved to maintain its traditional design, featuring elements like wooden structures, intricate carvings, and a central courtyard. It provides a glimpse into the lifestyle and heritage of the region's past, with artifacts and furniture displayed throughout the house. This location is ideal for those who want to learn about the traditional Vietnamese way of life, as it serves as both a museum and an educational space.

You should walk through the preserved rooms and outdoor areas to see how families once lived in this region

3.3. Ba Chieu Night Market

• Address: 58B Ba Chieu, Ward 14, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: Free

Ba Chieu Night Market is one of the most popular night markets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Located in Binh Thanh District, this market is well-known for its wide range of street food, local products, and affordable shopping. Visitors can find everything from fresh seafood, traditional Vietnamese dishes, to clothing and souvenirs. The market is bustling with locals and tourists alike, providing an authentic experience of Vietnamese nightlife.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant street market scene, where you can interact with locals and experience the lively evening ambiance

3.4. Landmark 81 – Observation Deck & Skyview

• Address: 720 Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: VND 200,000 – 500,000 (USD 7.6 - 19.1)

Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, reaching a height of 461 meters. The observation deck, located on the 79th floor, offers panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding areas. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas from the Skyview, where the city stretches out below, particularly stunning during the sunset or at night. In addition to the observation deck, Landmark 81 features luxury restaurants, a shopping mall, and a variety of entertainment options. It is an ideal spot for tourists looking to experience the city from a high vantage point.

You should take in the stunning views of the city, especially from the observation deck at sunset or under the stars

3.5. Vinhomes Central Park

• Address: 720 Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: Free (Some activities may have fees)

Vinhomes Central Park is a large-scale urban complex offering a combination of green spaces, luxury residences, shopping centers, and entertainment areas. The park itself is an oasis of tranquility, featuring lush landscapes, a picturesque lake, and a walking path along the Saigon River. It is one of the most popular recreational spots in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting both locals and visitors looking for a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The park is home to the Vinhomes Landmark 81 building, a central attraction within the complex.

The park’s spacious grounds are perfect for picnics, outdoor games, or simply relaxing in a green environment

3.6. Binh Quoi Tourist Village

• Address: 1147 Binh Quoi, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: VND 30,000 – 150,000 (depending on the activities) (USD 1.1 - USD 1.9)

Binh Quoi Tourist Village offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with its picturesque setting along the Saigon River. This cultural complex is designed to showcase the traditional Southern Vietnamese way of life, complete with thatched-roof cottages, traditional water buffalo-drawn carts, and lush gardens. The village is ideal for a relaxing day out, with activities such as boat rides, folk performances, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. It’s also a popular venue for hosting weddings, parties, and corporate events.

You can enjoy peaceful boat rides along the Saigon River, providing a unique perspective of the village and its surroundings

3.7. Pearl Plaza Shopping Mall

• Address: 561A Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City,
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: Free

Pearl Plaza is one of the largest shopping malls in Binh Thanh District, offering a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The mall features numerous international and local brands, a large supermarket, a cinema, and a food court with both local and global food choices. It’s a perfect place for shopping enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a modern retail experience in the heart of the district.

Visitors can browse through a wide range of stores selling fashion, electronics, cosmetics, and more

3.8. Truc Mai Music House

• Address: 104 Pham Viet Chanh, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: VND 50,000 – 200,000 (depending on the show) (USD 1.9 - USD 7.6)

Truc Mai Music House is a unique venue in Ho Chi Minh City dedicated to preserving and showcasing traditional Vietnamese music and arts. This intimate space hosts regular performances of traditional folk music, opera, and classical Vietnamese music, often featuring talented musicians and performers. It’s an excellent spot for visitors who are interested in experiencing the rich musical heritage of Vietnam in an authentic and welcoming setting.

Visitors can enjoy live performances of folk music and classical Vietnamese instruments

3.9. Van Thanh Park

• Address: 48/10 Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: VND 50,000 (USD 2)

Van Thanh Park is a peaceful green space in the heart of Binh Thanh District, ideal for outdoor activities, picnics, and leisurely walks. The park is equipped with numerous playgrounds, jogging tracks, and a large lake, making it a favorite spot for families and fitness enthusiasts. The park’s serene atmosphere, with lush trees and tranquil water, provides an escape from the urban hustle and bustle, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The park is equipped with playgrounds, making it a perfect place for families with children

4. Delicious food tour around Binh Thanh District

4.1. Ga nuong (Grilled Chicken)

Ga Nuong is a popular Vietnamese dish featuring marinated chicken that is grilled to perfection. The chicken is typically seasoned with a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and various spices, which gives it a fragrant and flavorful taste. It is usually served with rice, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, making it a savory and satisfying meal.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Ga Nuong Anh Tuyet: 67 Ngo Tat To Street, Binh Thanh District
• Quan Ga Nuong Anh Tu: 449 Le Quang Dinh, Binh Thanh District

A smoky and juicy chicken dish, marinated with a blend of spices and herbs, then grilled until crispy on the outside and tender inside

4.2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

Banh Mi is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich that combines French baguette with Vietnamese ingredients. The sandwich is typically filled with a variety of meats (such as pork, chicken, or beef), pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cilantro, and chili, all of which come together to create a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a great street food option and is enjoyed as a quick and tasty snack or meal.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Banh Mi Oanh: 08 Phan Van Han, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City,
• Banh Mi Co Lanh: 06 Ho Xuan Huong, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

A perfect fusion of crispy French baguette filled with savory meats, pickled vegetables, herbs, and spicy sauces, offering a delightful crunch and flavor

4.3. Xoi (Sticky Rice)

Xoi (Sticky Rice) is a traditional Vietnamese dish that consists of glutinous rice, which is often served with various toppings such as meats, eggs, or pickled vegetables. The sticky rice is cooked to perfection, soft and chewy, making it a comforting and filling dish. It can be enjoyed as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner option, and is often paired with savory or sweet ingredients depending on the region.

Recommended Restaurants

• Xoi Ngoc: 101 Van Kiep, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Xoi Cau Do: 43 Tran Quy Cap, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Glutinous rice that is soft and chewy, typically paired with either sweet or savory toppings like pork, peanuts, or mung beans

4.4. Banh canh ghe (Crab Tapioca Noodle)

Banh Canh Ghe is a Vietnamese noodle soup that features thick tapioca noodles served with a rich and flavorful crab broth. The soup is typically made with crab meat, vegetables, and herbs, creating a delicious and aromatic dish. The noodles are thick and chewy, which pairs perfectly with the savory crab broth. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish, popular for breakfast or lunch.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Banh Canh Hien: 74 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Banh Canh Ghe Dieu Hien: 254 Ung Van Khiem, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

A rich, hearty noodle soup where the thick tapioca noodles are paired with a delicate crab broth, often enhanced with aromatic herbs

4.5. Bun mam (Vietnamese Fermented Shrimp Noodle)

Bun Mam is a unique and flavorful noodle soup that is a specialty in southern Vietnam. The dish features thick rice noodles served in a strong, aromatic broth made from fermented shrimp paste (mam). This broth is combined with a variety of ingredients, including fish, pork, and sometimes snails. The dish is known for its complex, savory flavor and is often topped with fresh herbs and vegetables for added texture and freshness.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Bun Mam 444: 375 Le Quang Dinh, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Bun Mam Dung: 403 Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

A bold, fermented shrimp paste-based broth that gives the dish a unique, deep umami flavor, served with noodles and a variety of vegetables and seafood

4.6. Bun Rieu Cua (Crab Paste Vermicelli Soup)

Bun Rieu Cua is a classic Vietnamese noodle soup made with crab paste and vermicelli noodles. The dish features a delicate broth flavored with tomatoes and crab, often topped with a variety of ingredients like fried tofu, pork, and fresh herbs. The soup is light but flavorful, offering a refreshing taste balanced with the sweetness of the crab and tanginess from the tomatoes.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Bun Rieu 30: 44 Huynh Man Dat, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Bun Rieu Anh Quoc: 337 Chu Van An, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

A tangy, light soup with a rich crab paste base, complemented by fresh herbs, tomatoes, and delicate vermicelli noodles

4.7. Mi Vit Tiem (Roasted Duck Soup with Noodles)

Mi Vit Tiem is a comforting Vietnamese noodle soup made with roasted duck and served with thick, chewy noodles. The broth is rich and aromatic, flavored by the duck's natural juices, herbs, and spices. The duck is usually roasted to a golden, crispy texture, which adds a delicious contrast to the soft noodles and savory broth. This dish is typically enjoyed with fresh herbs, greens, and sometimes chili to enhance the flavor.

• Recommended Restaurants: Mi Vit Tiem Thuong Hai: 110 No Trang Long, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Mi Vit Tiem Huu Ky: 84 Nguyen Van Lac, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

A comforting, hearty dish where tender roasted duck is served in a flavorful broth with noodles, garnished with herbs and fried shallots

4.9. Mi Quang (Quang Style Noodle)

Mi Quang is a signature noodle dish from the Quang region in Vietnam. The noodles are yellow and made from rice, and the dish typically includes a rich, flavorful broth made from pork, chicken, or shrimp. Mi Quang is served with a variety of toppings, such as herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers, creating a perfect balance of textures. The broth is lighter compared to other noodle soups but still rich in flavor, with the addition of turmeric for a distinct yellow color and flavor.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Mi Quang Mot Goc Nha: 439 Bach Dang, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Mi Quang 245: 45 Phan Van Han, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

A distinct noodle dish from Central Vietnam, characterized by its minimal broth, served with a variety of meats and fresh herbs, providing a mix of textures and bold flavors

4.10. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)

Banh Xeo is a savory Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. The pancake is fried to a golden crisp on the outside and tender inside. It is typically served with fresh herbs and lettuce leaves, which you can wrap the pancake in for a delicious bite. Banh Xeo offers a great combination of crispy, savory, and fresh flavors.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Banh Xeo Thanh Dieu: 80 Ung Van Khiem, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Banh Xeo Anh Tien: 356 Phan Van Tri, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

A crispy, golden pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, often eaten with fresh herbs and dipped in a tangy, sweet sauce for a perfect balance of textures

Binh Thanh District stands as a testament to the harmonious balance between tradition and modernity. Its variety of attractions, unique culinary experiences, and lively culture make it an essential part of Ho Chi Minh City's charm. Whether you're looking to indulge in local delicacies or explore its historical landmarks, Binh Thanh District offers something for everyone, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.

To visit Binh Thanh District, book your Flight to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines today! For more details on flights, baggage policies, and travel itineraries, contact Vietnam Airlines via their hotline at 1900 1100, or through Fanpage or Zalo for expert advice.