Away from the tourists but full of life, District 10 Ho Chi Minh City, is a vibrant and entrenched take on Saigon that locals truly know. A mere skip away from District 5 Ho Chi Minh City and downtown, this lively district boasts revolutionary history, spiritual sites, and epic street food alike. If you’re looking for a flexible way to discover Vietnam, District 10 Ho Chi Minh City is your gateway to discover e. Be tempted by hidden highlights Ho Chi Minh City, vibrant and full of colour, culture, and character.
District 10 is one of 19 districts of District 10 Ho Chi Minh City, which is situated in the south-central part of Saigon. It anchors a lively bridge between the city’s bustling heart and its more traditional outskirts.
Secret Weapon Bunker
Vietnam War relics don’t get much more amazing than this one that’s hidden below a rather nondescript house. Constructed in 1965, this secret underground bunker held weapons and provided refuge to freedom fighters during the Tet Offensive. The site serves as a living history book, and a walk there is equivalent to stepping into pages of history. If you’re interested in Saigon’s history beyond the museums, this is a treasure.
Secret Weapon Bunker (Source: dantri)
Tran Phu Memorial Stele
Set within one of the district’s most popular parks, this granite stele commemorates Tran Phu, the first General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Emblazoned with his celebrated last words, “Keep the fighting spirit strong,” the memorial is a place of remembering and honor. It’s quiet, purposeful, and tells a story that ultimately shaped the future of the country.
Tran Phu Memorial Stele (Source: muctim)
Vietnam National Buddhist Temple (Quoc Tu)
Quoc Tu is the spiritual eye of District 10. Housing a 13-storey stupa, the statues of the Buddha, and beautifully done Vietnamese architecture, it is not only a temple of worship, but also the coherence place of national Buddhist activities. Whether wandering leisurely or coming for a prayer session, the still energy and tranquil space here won’t soon be forgotten.
Vietnam National Buddhist Temple (Source: avaco)
An Quang Pagoda
This isn’t just any pagoda; it’s the center of Vietnamese Buddhism in the south. An Quang Pagoda functioned as a hub of Buddhist learning and social activism in times of war and remains to this day the symbol of religious unity. In contrast to the more touristy temples of District 5 Ho Chi Minh City, An Quang is still serene, solemn, and real.
An Quang Pagoda (Source: scootersaigontour)
Giac Ngo Pagoda
Giac Ngo Pagoda: of Venerable Thich Nhat Tu, its modern Buddhist self-study and Vipassana meditation. There is active community work, study programs, and meditation retreats at the space. It’s a special mix of ancient wisdom and modern spirituality, perfect for travelers looking for treasured experiences, not sightseeing.
Giac Ngo Pagoda (Source: giacngo)
Chi Hoa Communal House
This ancient communal house is widely believed to have been built in the year of 1698 and, till now, is considered one of the oldest historical and cultural sites of Saigon, remaining particularly intact. While contemporary urbanization has reduced its original size, Chi Hoa is a rare vestige of life in a southern Vietnamese village. Now a National Historic and Cultural Heritage Site, it remains a dignified and elegant face of old Saigon.
Chi Hoa Communal House (Source: thanhnien)
Ho Thi Ky Food Street
Dubbed Saigon’s “little Cambodia,” this narrow alley bursts into action after nightfall with 100+ stalls selling grilled seafood, skewered meats, butter-fried corn, stir-fried noodles, and Khmer specialties like num bò chóc. Be prepared for crowds, chaos, and inspired flavor, all with a student-friendly price tag.
Ho Thi Ky Food Street (Source: vnexpress)
Nguyen Tri Phuong Street
Coney Island Shops: Everything is like a sweet street. For a taste, check out Che Thai Y Phuong, at 380 Nguyen Tri Phuong (it opens at 2 p.m.), or slurp a steaming bowl of hu tieu Nam Vang, at 458 Nguyen Tri Phuong. Fans of bubble tea should hit up Gong Cha and TocoToco on this stretch.
Che Thai Y Phuong in Nguyen Tri Phuong Street (Source: mytour)
To Hien Thanh Street
Locals rave about fruit bowls smothered with jelly, avocado, and shaved ice at Bu Bu Trai Cay To, 247 To Hien Thanh. Neighbouring vendors sell butter smoothies, grilled skewers, and sweet soups (che) – all for a mere 20,000 VND.
Bu Bu Trai Cay To in To Hien Thanh Street (Source: TráiCâyTôNgon)
Su Van Hanh Street
This street is one of the most lively in the city. Korean BBQ for Hotpot Story (632 Su Van Hanh), Taiwanese Hotpot at Manwah Taiwanese Hotpots inside Van Hanh Mall (11 Su Van Hanh), and dozens of bubble tea shops such as Phuc Long and Koi The dot the street.
Manwah Taiwanese Hotpots in Su Van Hanh Street (Source: Manwah – Taiwanese Hot Pot)
Ba Hat Street
This soundless yet beloved food street is filled with hidden treasures. Taste some banh cuon nong at 87 Ba Hat, or sip a banh canh cua op at 215 Ba Hat. Don’t forget Bun thit nuong Co Ut (106 Ba Hat) for smoky grilled pork vermicelli.
Bun thit nuong Co Ut in Ba Hat Street (Source: xanhsm)
Here’s what you can’t leave District 10 Ho Chi Minh, without tasting:
And these platefuls are not just meals, they are as much a part of daily life here in District 10 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, created with family recipes handed down from one generation to the next. More flavor, heart, and value than the touristy eateries of District 5 Ho Chi Minh City.
Van Hanh Mall, with an area of 55,000 square meters and 7 floors, is one of the largest and most modern trade centers in the city. More than 200 stores, including high-street fashion, tech gadgets, and cosmetics. Craving something tasty? There’s a whole floor devoted to dining, from sushi and Korean BBQ to Vietnamese comfort food.
Mall-goers can catch the latest blockbusters at CGV Cinemas within the mall. And if you’re traveling with kids, make a beeline for the arcade zone or have the little ones join a workshop while you shop. Newer, cool, très chic. Unlike those shopping scenes in District 5 Ho Chi Minh City, here is the Van Hanh Mall, which is newer, trendier, and more convenient.
Van Hanh Mall (Source: VanHanhMall)
When it’s time to trade traffic noise for rustling leaves, Le Thi Rieng Park is your oasis. Covering 8 hectares and featuring shady avenues, grassy meadows, and a peaceful lake, it’s one of the greenest oases in District 10 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.
Locals flock here to jog, do tai chi, picnic, or walk their dogs. Flower gardens fill the park, and there are even community orchid and bird clubs for hobbyists.
But what makes this park especially, if you’re doing this with kids, is the White Rabbit Amusement Park on the grounds.
Le Thi Rieng Park (Source: wikipedia)
The flamboyant indoor-outdoor amusement park is a dream for kids and teens. Here you find all the thrilling rides, such as the “Fly Away” (one of only four in the world), a spinning disc, roller coasters, bumper cars, a haunted house, and a 6D cinema. It’s a great weekend day out and one of the most family-friendly places in HCMC for sure.
Well, in District 5 Ho Chi Minh City, there are also historical parks and temples, but not the amount of recreational variety as in the present District 10 Ho Chi Minh, if I can say so.
White Rabbit Amusement Park (Source: go2joy)
Gotta work off all that amazing street food? For the more adventurous, try Jump Arena, an indoor park filled with trampolines, climbing walls, a rope course, and obstacle challenges. It’s appropriate for kids and adults, so it’s ideal for families, couples, and anyone seeking an active break.
You will also be provided with safety gear, and trained staff are on hand to ensure an internationally approved level of indoor adventure.
Jump Arena (Source: klook)
A cultural institution for all since 1985, the Hoa Binh Theater District 10 Ho Chi Minh. With more than 2,000 seats and top-line acoustics, it has been home to some of Vietnam’s most memorable performances from classical music and drama to contemporary dance and international concerts.
What makes this one different isn’t simply the architecture (courtesy of the star designer Huynh Tan Phat), but the deep connection to the community. Sleeker and more commercial than many (though not all) of the larger venues in District 5 Ho Chi Minh City, Hoa Binh is a place that feels professional and personal, a stage upon which culture actually lives.
Pro tip: During your stay, inquire with your local guide or hotel concierge about performance schedules. Top shows frequently sell out well in advance!
Hoa Binh Theater (Source: HoaBinhTheater)
Hidden down an alley just off District 10 Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s main roads, the FITO Museum is Vietnam’s first private museum that is solely dedicated to traditional medicine. But make no mistake, this is not just for pharmacists or historians. No other exhibit in the city approaches its more than 3,000 objects, which range from tools and books to altars and medicinal cabinets; it is more the feeling of art than science you get from this place.
You’ll wander through antique wooden architecture, intricately carved brass mailboxes and mother-of-pearl panels, and even a full-scale apothecary room from centuries bygone. It’s educational, picturesque, and fascinating at the same time.
What makes it special?
FITO Museum (Source: klook)
Estimated Travel Time: 15-25 minutes by car
Distance: ~2.4-3.2 km, depending on entry point
Suggested Route:
These are the easiest, most comfortable options for visitors, particularly if you’re new to Vietnam or if you’d like to travel worry-free.
1. Grab
2. Xanh SM Taxi – Vietnam’s Green Taxi Fleet
3. Mai Linh Taxi
Budget-conscious or prefer going local? Buses in HCMC are improving and surprisingly efficient.
|
Route |
Origin – Destination |
Key Stops in District 10 |
Frequency |
|
13 |
Ben Thanh – An Suong |
Ly Thai To, Su Van Hanh, 3 Thang 2 |
Every 15-20 min |
|
30 |
Cho Lon – National University |
Nguyen Chi Thanh, Su Van Hanh, Ba Hat |
Every 20 min |
|
65 |
District 8 Bus Station – An Suong |
Cach Mang Thang Tam, Le Thi Rieng Park |
Every 30 min |
|
156 |
Ben Thanh – Tan Phu |
Hoa Binh Theater, Van Hanh Mall, Nguyen Tri Phuong |
Every 25 min |
With hidden bunkers to steaming street food, tranquil pagodas to bustling markets, life in District 10 Ho Chi Minh City, epitomizes the spirit of Saigon. A stone’s throw from the history-steeped alleys of District 5 Ho Chi Minh City, this underdog opens up for you to take a deep breath, peer further, and savour a little longer. Whether you’re on the hunt for new flavors, cultural values, or just to find something new to do with visiting friends who already have the greatest highlights Ho Chi Minh City covered, District 10 is waiting, and it’s not, er, normal.
Plenty! District 10 Ho Chi Minh City, is rife with local flavour and real experiences. You can:
The residents of District 10 Ho Chi Minh City, have a loud, community-centric lifestyle. The district is a hub for:
It depends on your travel style:
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