Over the recent years, Ho Chi Minh has experienced a surge in investments and developments. This has caused the central neighborhoods like Districts 1 and 2 to become even busier. While this is not entirely a negative facet of development, sometimes the buzz of a lively city can be quite overwhelming. If you find yourself craving a slower pace but don’t want to give up modern comforts, you can take a break at Binh Thanh district.
Although it’s only 7 kilometers away from District 1, Binh Thanh can actually make you feel like you’re somewhere farther away. Here, you get the perfect balance between modernity and tradition. Behind towering skyscrapers, you can clearly see the culture and traditions of old Saigon peeking through.
So, if you’re looking for a quick but satisfying vacation, here are a five reasons to visit Binh Thanh.
1. Easy-to-Find Accommodations
Binh Thanh is located near both downtown Ho Chi Minh and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. As such, it has become one of the most popular areas for expats to settle down.
2. Vibrant Night Markets
If you love visiting markets, whether for shopping or simply for exploring, Binh Thanh is the perfect place. Its markets has a distinctly local vibe, teeming with activity without feeling oppressive. One of the most popular is the old Ba Chieu Market. Built in 1942, this marketplace is open until the wee hours of the morning so you can explore it to your heart’s content without the need to rush. What’s more, practically everything is sold at a discounted price. From fruits and vegetables to household appliances, Cho Ba Chieu is the place to shop for many of your daily necessities. Take note, however, that produce gets sold out pretty quickly, so you have to visit early to get the freshest picks.
There’s also Thi Nghe Market if you want a smaller space with a more intimate feel. Like Ba Chieu Market, Thi Nghe has long operating hours. It was built in the 18th century and its strategic location by the Nhieu Loc Canal made it one of the most important and busiest markets at the time. Through the years, other major trading points emerged and Thi Nghe Market became focused toward the locals. Up to this day, the market has maintained its old Saigon charm.
3. Street Food Galore
One of the best places to get your street food fix is over at Phan Van Han. You’ll immediately know that you’ve reached this half-mile stretch of street when you get assaulted by a wall of enticing aromas. Here, you can get everything from crispy and spicy bot chien to a steaming bowl of handmade pho. You can also find curb-side hole-in-the-wall-style restaurants and food carts serving delicious meals. If you’re looking for a lively, rowdy time, Quan Nhau Binh Dan is the perfect place. The restaurant is run by young men and everything is grilled on a stove in front of the street. Meanwhile, Thu’s Spread on Vo Duy Ninh serves some of the most flavorful dishes around. From veggie skewers to seafood, the proprietor Thu will make sure you’ll have the most authentic Vietnam street food experience.
4. Significant Cultural and Historical Attractions
You can find plenty of cultural and religious spots in almost every district of Ho Chi Minh City, and Binh Thanh is no exception. One of the most popular include the Tomb of Le Van Duyet. Also known as the Tomb of the Marshal, the shrine is dedicated to Le Van Duyet and his wife. Duyet is considered a local hero due to his contributions in ending the Tay Son rebellion. There’s also Tinh Xa Trung Tam, a Buddhist temple founded in 1965 and considered as the birthplace of Khat Si Buddhism in Vietnam. Of course, there are various other temples and pagodas scattered in Binh Thanh, like the Phuoc Vien Pagoda, Dieu Phap Pagoda, and the Chua Chanh Giac.
5. Beautiful and Accessible Parks and Eco Spots
Binh Thanh has no shortage of beautiful parks and eco-tourism spots to make you forget the bustling city for a while. There’s Van Thanh Park, a surprisingly peaceful oasis in the middle of the district. It has a restaurant overlooking an artificial lake, sprawling gardens, and even a swimming pool. It’s one of the best places to relax if you don’t want to travel too far.
Situated on the banks of the Saigon River, Binh Quoi Tourist Village is another place where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature. This eco-tourism zone covers 3.5 hectares and has everything from a riverside restaurant to several fishing spots. There’s also Thanh Da Island, a peninsula in northern Binh Thanh. With its tranquil river scenery, lush vegetation, and rice paddies, you’ll be surprised that it’s only 10 kilometers from central Binh Thanh.
A vacation in Vietnam doesn’t necessarily have to be somewhere far away. With places like Binh Thanh District, a peaceful and relaxing vacation is at the tips of your fingers.
