WHAT TO DO IN DISTRICT 2 WHEN YOU VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY?

Ho Chi Minh City is known for its dynamic energy, but if you’re seeking a more laid-back yet vibrant urban retreat, District 2 is your perfect escape. Once a quiet suburban area, this district has transformed into a trendy hub filled with stylish cafes, riverside restaurants, boutique shopping, and lush green spaces. I will introduce you to the top activities when you are in the District 2.

1. About District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City

Nestled on the eastern side of the Saigon River, District 2 is a blend of modernity and nature. This district has rapidly developed into an expat haven, home to a diverse community of locals and international residents.

District 2

Known for its upscale residential areas like Thao Dien and An Phu, District 2 boasts stunning river views, contemporary architecture, and a slower pace of life compared to the bustling District 1. Despite its luxurious appeal, the area also preserves a laid-back charm, making it a must-visit for those looking for an urban escape.

How to get there?

District 2 (now part of Thu Duc City) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is accessible by various transportation methods depending on your starting point. Here’s how you can get there:

– From District 1, you can go by Car/Taxi/Grab (15-30 minutes)

  1. Take Mai Chi Tho Boulevard (via Thu Thiem Tunnel) or Saigon Bridge (via Dien Bien Phu Street).
  2. Taxi fare: 100,000 – 200,000 VND (depending on the exact location and traffic).
  3. Grab and Be (ride-hailing apps) are widely available.

– By Bus (30-45 minutes)

  1. Bus 35: Ben Thanh – An Phu (Thao Dien)
  2. Bus 56: Cho Lon – Thu Duc
  3. Bus 88: Ben Thanh – Cat Lai
  4. Ticket: 6,000 – 10,000 VND

– By Motorbike (15-25 minutes)

  1. Same routes as cars: Thu Thiem Tunnel or Saigon Bridge.
  2. Motorbike rental: 150,000 – 300,000 VND/day if you need one.

– By Metro (in the future)

  1. Once Metro Line 1 is operational, you can take it from Ben Thanh to Thao Dien or An Phu stations in District 2.

– From Tan Son Nhat International Airport

  • Taxi/Grab: ~30-45 minutes (200,000 – 300,000 VND)
  • Bus: Take Bus 109 or 152 to District 1, then transfer to a District 2 bus.

2. What to do in District 2?

2.1. Stroll Along the Saigon River

Take a walk or cycle along the riverside and enjoy the scenic views of the city skyline. Some riverfront cafes offer the perfect spot to unwind with a coffee while watching the boats pass by.

District 2 is prosperous and peaceful, carrying an artistic atmosphere.

2.2. Experience Snow Town

Snow Town is a famous indoor artificial snow park in Saigon. Snow Town features various separate areas that cater to a range of exciting recreational activities such as skiing, snowman building, handmade crafts, relaxation, dining, and event hosting.

Snow Town

Snow Town promises to be an ideal escape from the heat, providing you with the most wonderful moments of relaxation.

Address: 3rd floor, CBD Premium House, No. 125, Dong Van Cong Street, District 2 (Thu Duc District).

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily.

2.3. Explore Sala Park

At Sala Park in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, you can enjoy a peaceful environment perfect for relaxation and exercise. The park features walking paths, fitness areas, and beautiful scenery, making it ideal for leisurely strolls, jogging, or simply unwinding amidst nature. Additionally, the park is a great spot for photography, especially with its unique Sala flowers.

Sala Park

Address: No. 1, Hoang The Thien Street, District 2 (Thu Duc District).

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

2.4. Pamper Yourself at a Spa

District 2 is home to several high-end spas, including Villa Aesthetica and An’s Spa, where you can enjoy a rejuvenating massage or a luxurious skincare treatment.

Relieve your stress and fatigue at the spa.

Here is the list of the addresses of many spas in District 2:

Lea Beauty Spa: No. 37, 20 Street, District 2.

Yonsen Spa: No. 33, Thao Dien Street, District 2.

Lotus Spa: No. 42, 7 Street, District 2.

3. Where to shopping in District 2?

3.1. Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien

Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien is located in the luxury Masteri Thao Dien apartment complex, boasting a prime position in the new city center with direct connections to major transportation systems. The center has a total floor area of up to 100,000 square meters, including 3 basement levels and 5 above-ground levels.

Vincom Mega Mall

The mall offers a comprehensive range of essential products and services, including fashion, dining, entertainment, leisure, and supermarkets. It is also home to a variety of well-known domestic and international brands such as H&M, Ecco, Aldo, Geox, Longines, Adidas Originals, G2000, Rayban, Tissot, Decathlon, and Thế Giới Kim Cương (World of Diamonds).

In addition, Vincom Mega Mall features the BHD STAR cinema complex with the latest technology, including 6 3D and 2D screening rooms, a super-modern entertainment center, and the tiNiWorld children’s play area designed with an open space concept, providing kids with many exciting and engaging experiences, as well as services for organizing birthday parties, children’s parties, and extracurricular activities.

Address: No. 161, Vo Nguyen Giap Street, District 2.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10: 00 PM (Monday – Friday) and 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Saturday and Sunday).

3.2. Estella Place

Estella Place is a five-storey shopping mall located in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, offering a variety of services and facilities. It features a range of shops, dining options, an outdoor playground, an indoor climbing wall, and a medical center on the fifth floor, ensuring a comprehensive shopping and leisure experience.

Estella Place

Estella Place is a large shopping center in District 2, with a total planned floor area of up to 37,000 square meters. This destination has become quite familiar to city residents, known for its high-quality shopping, fashion, dining, and educational services.

Address: No. 88, Song Hanh Street, District 2.

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily.

4. Top restaurants and cafes you must try

4.1. Top restaurants

Here’s a curated list of Michelin-selected restaurants located in the charming Thao Dien Ward:

– Du Yen: Located at 26B, Street 10, this spot offers a delightful dining experience.

– MaSa French Eatery by Hervé: Find this gem at 204/20 Nguyen Van Huong Street, where French cuisine comes to life.

– Little Bear: A cozy eatery at 36 Nguyen Ba Huan Street, perfect for a casual meal.

– An’s Saigon: Visit 5A Tong Huu Dinh Street for a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

– Madame Lam: Located at 10 Tran Ngoc Dien Street, this restaurant is known for its exquisite dishes.

Enjoy dinner with family and loved ones.

4.2. Top cafes

Thao Dien Ward is home to a variety of must-visit cafes that cater to different tastes. Here are some highlights:

– King Kois Coffee: No. 108, Le Van Thinh Street, District 2. Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious brews.

– Chill Corner: No. 34, Street 11, District 2. A relaxing spot ideal for unwinding.

– Bonjour Cafe the Art: No. 42, Thao Dien Street, District 2. Captures the essence of a French café with artistic flair.

Enjoy a cup of coffee in the early morning with Vietnamese bread.