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District 4 Ho Chi Minh City Tours: Dining & Things to Do

Nestled on the side of Saigon’s stunning skyline, just across the water, District 4 Ho Chi Minh City a vibrant and lively riverside district where daily life buzzes with vitality, flavor, and charm. Positioned between bustling District 1 and ultra-modern District 7, District 4 Ho Chi Minh City provides a raw, unforgettable experience, a long way from the tourist path. From the Nha Rong Wharf, full of history, to the sizzling stalls of Vinh Khanh Food Street, each street tells stories of old Saigon and a lively present. Whether you’re looking for history, flavors, or hidden gems, District 4 Ho Chi Minh City, offers it all. Interested in other cool neighborhoods? Be sure not to miss our indispensable guide to not to miss events in Ho Chi Minh City – your local compass to discovery.

Tour in Details

Where is District 4 on the Map?

District 4 Ho Chi Minh City is a District with a small size but a large personality!! It occupies just 4.2 square kilometers, meaning that it is one of the smallest districts in Ho Chi Minh, but also one of the most dynamic.

It’s surrounded by water, almost like an island:

  • To the northeast: It shares a boundary with Thu Duc City and the Saigon River.
  • To the northwest: It borders District 5 over Ben Nghe Canal
  • To the south: It borders District 7 along the Te Canal.

District 4 Ho Chi Minh City has something special: riverside vibes, chaotic streets, and a more local feel you won’t get in the other parts of Ho Chi Minh City.

Top Things to Do in District 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Historical Attractions

Nha Rong Wharf (Ho Chi Minh Museum – HCMC Branch)

  • 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street
  • Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND (~1.20 USD)

This is the flagship of District 4 Ho Chi Minh City. It is from here that detained President Ho Chi Minh embarked on a ship in 1911, starting the course for Vietnam’s independence. Today, the building serves as a museum of his life, displayed over nine exhibition rooms that house rare documents, photographs, and personal belongings.

Don’t Miss: The sunset view of the Saigon River from the front steps is breathtaking.

Nha Rong Wharf in District 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Nha Rong Wharf (Source: lilystravelagency)

House No. 236 Ben Van Don

  •  236 Ben Van Don Street
  •  Free entrance

Now, the District 4 Cultural Center, this stunningly intact French colonial home, is pretty enough to take your breath away. Inside, there are displays on the revolutionary efforts of local people, and documents showing how District 4 Ho Chi Minh, has developed at various times in history. It’s quiet, contemplative, and genuinely eye-opening.

Lien Thanh Fish Sauce Headquarters

  • 243 Ben Van Don Street
  • Free entrance; fish sauce for sale on site

This is not simply a building; this is a piece of industrial and patriotic history. Founded in the early 1900s, the firm clandestinely funded President Ho Chi Minh’s activities abroad. Visitors are given insights into traditional fish sauce production, the company’s involvement in Vietnam’s struggle for independence, and a bottle of real, local fish sauce to take home.

Lien Thanh Fish Sauce Headquarters in District 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Lien Thanh Fish Sauce Headquarters (Source: lienthanh1906)

Cultural Gems

Khanh Hoi Communal House

  • 71-73 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street
  • Free entrance

A colorful, classic temple from Southern Vietnam, adorned with red, yellow, and green, etched wood and patterned roof tiles. Here, it stored an edict by King Tu Duc (1853). In addition, it is the site of the local Ky Yen Festival (from the 15th to the 17th of the 2nd lunar month ), when citizens come and pray for rain or less rain in the coming year.

Khanh Hoi Communal House in District 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Khanh Hoi Communal House (Source: thesaigontimes)

Vinh Hoi Communal House

  • 360 Ben Van Don Street
  • Free entrance

Another gem of traditional architecture, noted for its dragon carvings, wooden beams, and holy relics, including incense burners and ceremonial objects. Like Khanh Hoi, the house is also the home of the Ky Yen Festival – a good opportunity to experience local beliefs and cultural pride in vibrant light.

Vinh Hoi Communal House - District 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Vinh Hoi Communal House (Source: chonthieng)

Shoemaking Streets: Doan Van Bo & Hoang Dieu

  •  Doan Van Bo Street, Hoang Dieu Street
  • Free to walk and explore; shoes range from 300,000 – 1,000,000 VND (12-40 USD)

These streets are the traditional heart of District 4 Ho Chi Minh’s skilled trade heritage. Since 1947, talented craftsmen have formed stylish leather shoes in front of your very eyes. Some shops still hand-stitch every pair, which is just right if you are looking for something personal and real. You can also order custom sizes or designs up there.

Shoemaking Streets: Doan Van Bo

Shoemaking Streets: Doan Van Bo (Source: thanhnien)

Scenic Spots

Mong Bridge

  • Spanning Ben Nghe Canal, connecting District 1 and District 4
  • Free access

Mong Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge and the extent of the massed bicycles is due to the bridge’s own distinctive features and of course, its views, built over 120 years ago by the French and with jade-green steel arched bridges. Visit at sunset to take a romantic, calming walk, or take some of the best pictures of your life with the city reflecting off the canal lights.

Mong Bridge

Mong Bridge (Source: vinwonders)

Khanh Hoi Park

  • Located near Khanh Hoi Bridge, facing the Saigon River
  • Free entrance

A popular hangout spot for Tokyo families, this riverside park includes an expansive plaza, tree-lined walking paths, a kids’ playground, and – the pièce de résistance – a musical water fountain show each evening. The atmosphere here is quiet and nice, especially after a busy day discovering the highlights of District 4 Ho Chi Minh City.

Khanh Hoi Park

Khanh Hoi Park (Source: xanhsm)

Where to Eat: Local Dining in District 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Street Food Heaven

Vinh Khanh Food Street

  • Vinh Khanh Street, Ward 8, District 4
  • Open from 4:00 PM until midnight
  • Dishes range from 30,000 – 150,000 VND (1.2 – 6 USD)

This is the pièce de résistance of street food in District 4 of Ho Chi Minh City. Imagine rows of open-air restaurants cooking fresh seafood on the sidewalk, shrimp, crab, scallops, snails, all the bits of spiky, stinky ocean steaming open and erupting with flavor. Must-tries are the grilled oysters with cheese, stir-fried clams with lemongrass, and garlic butter escargots. The atmosphere? Boisterous, chaotic, and it’s the real Ho Chi Minh City spirit.

Top Picks:

  • Oc Thao (231 Vinh Khanh) – Popular for stir-fried snails and tamarind crab.
  • Suon Nuong Muoi Ot (No. 200) – Charcoal-grilled pork ribs, spicy and smoky.
  • Alo Quan – Get ready to get wet and enjoy some cheap seafood hotpot and cold Saigon beer
Oc Thao (231 Vinh Khanh)

Oc Thao (231 Vinh Khanh) (Source: ThảoốcQuận4)

Xom Chieu Market

  • Bac Dang Street, Ward 15, District 4
  • Open daily, best between 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Most snacks under 25,000 VND (~1 USD)

Welcome to one of the best budget-friendly and yummy restaurants in District 4 Ho Chi Minh! This traditional wet market becomes a buzzing food street in the afternoons, and is lined with local vendors selling many famous street snacks such as:

  • Pha lau (braised pork offal in coconut sauce)
  • Banh trang tron (rice paper salad)
  • Caramelized banana, clam soup, and sweet tofu.

It is where students, workers, and families go to eat real food – fast, affordable, and unimaginably delicious.

Xom Chieu Market

Xom Chieu Market (Source: jackfruitadventure)

Hidden Food Corners by Street

Hoang Dieu Street (Runs parallel to Nguyen Tat Thanh)

 Here you’ll find small eateries and cafés serving:

  • Bun dau mam tom (noodles with tofu and fermented shrimp paste) – get it at Dau Homemade.
  • Korean-style noodles, kimbap, and spicy rice cakes at Mi Cay Seoul – delicious for a light yet spicy dinner. 
  •  Prices: 40,000 – 90,000 VND (1.6 – 3.6 USD)
Bun dau mam tom in Hoang Dieu Street

Bun dau mam tom in Hoang Dieu Street (Source: cookingwithcheftuan)

Ton Dan Street (Near Xom Chieu Market)

  • Be sure not to miss Pha Lau Di Nui (No. 243 Ton Dan) – a local legend. Sauce that’s rich and creamy. And bread that’s crispy, for dipping.
  • Thien Tan Quan – Korean-Chinese fusion featuring fried dumplings and jajangmyeon.
  • Most dishes around 25,000 – 70,000 VND (1 – 3 USD)
Pha Lau Di Nui (No. 243 Ton Dan)

Pha Lau Di Nui (No. 243 Ton Dan) (Source: PhálấuDìNủi)

Khanh Hoi & Nguyen Tat Thanh Streets

  • Craving vegetarian? Go to Quan Chay Thanh Lac for a taste of Vietnamese plant-based dishes.
  • Try Bot chien Bao Lam (fried rice cakes with egg, crunchy outside, chewy within).
  • Want something French? Steak-frites and European-style sweets are served in an intimate space at Dan’s Kitchen.
  • Dishes range from 30,000 VND street eats to 200,000+ VND in bistros (1.2 – 8 USD)
Quan Chay Thanh Lac

Quan Chay Thanh Lac (Source: QuánChayThanhLạc)

When & How to Visit District 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Best Time to Visit

District 4 Ho Chi Minh City, has the same tropical monsoon climate as the rest of Ho Chi Minh City. There are two main seasons:

  • Dry Season (December – April): The most popular time to visit! Look forward to clear skies, sunshine and warm weather – just the right climate for magical strolls, photography on Mong Bridge and a warm night at Vinh Khanh Food Street
  • Rainy Season (May – November): It rains most afternoons, but it’s generally not heavy enough to ruin your fun! The rain doesn’t tend to last very long, either, and it’s overcast and cooler. Just pack an umbrella or lightweight raincoat and soak up the chilled-out vibe by the Saigon River.

Pro Tip: The best time to explore is early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00-6:30 PM). Midday heat should also be avoided, particularly in dry environments.

How to Get to District 4 Ho Chi Minh City

From District 1, you’re just a 10-15 minute ride away. Here are your best options:

  • Motorbike or Walking: If you’re staying within a few hundred meters, hire a motorbike or take a stroll over Khanh Hoi Bridge or Mong Bridge to take in the stunning cityscape.
  • Public Bus: Budget-friendly and efficient! You can take buses #03, 20, 31, and 34 – all routes to or through District 4 Ho Chi Minh. Tickets are VND 7,000 (~0.30 USD).
  • Xanh SM Taxi or Grab: Both of these options are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and in-app orders make it convenient. Fares should be between 30,000-80,000 VND (1.2-3.2 USD) depending on where you embark.
  • River Bus: It’s a scenic way to get around on the Saigon Waterbus. Though it doesn’t stop directly in District 4 Ho Chi Minh City, it is a short ride or walk away; the bus drops off in District 1.

Local Tips & What to Expect in District 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Connect with Locals – The Heart of the Experience

One of the best parts of staying in District 4 Ho Chi Minh City, is the locals you’ll meet. This district is not for luxury; it’s for life, raw and real.

  • These are the morning marketsXom Chieu among them – where locals come to buy fresh ingredients and have breakfast before going on with their day. Arrive early (6:00-8:00 AM) for a bowl of hot noodles or a plate of sticky rice with a smile from a street vendor.
  • From 12:00-1:30 PM or so, many small stores and cafes close for a few hours – a local version of siesta where people take a break, nap, or enjoy a slow lunch. Kudos to all who came before us and made it possible for us to experience this quaint tradition, a quiet reflection of the rhythms of daily life in District 4 Ho Chi Minh.

Avoiding Tourist Traps

District 4 Ho Chi Minh City, may be off the beaten tourist track, but that does not mean you should let your guard down. A few tips:

  • Go for the food stands where you see local people eating – that’s your green light for good food and a fair price.
  • Stay away from the motorbike taxis without meters or booking through an app. Just don’t get ripped off – use Grab or Xanh SM to avoid getting scammed.
  • When you shop, haggle politely at markets as long as you smile – it goes a long way in Vietnam.

Respect Local Etiquette

The locals of District 4 Ho Chi Minh City, have very good hospitality, but also show respect in cultural and religious places.

  • Always ask first before taking people’s pictures, especially in communal homes like Khanh Hoi or Vinh Hoi, or at local markets, where vendors may not want to be documented.
  • You are to take off your boots if you enter a temple space.
  • Dress modestly when sightseeing in historical or religious sites – no sleeveless tops or short shorts.

Conclusion

District 4 Ho Chi Minh City may be small, but it has a big, memorable taste of local life from river views and revolutionary landmarks to the greatest street food you’ll ever eat. Whether you’re rambling through a pagoda-stacked park or shooting the breeze with vendors at a morning market, this lively pocket of Ho Chi Minh City offers real stories, real flavors, and real connections. Ready to keep exploring? Check out the highlights Ho Chi Minh City, all while exploring what the other districts in Ho Chi Minh have to offer!

FAQ 

What is District 4 famous for?

District 4 Ho Chi Minh City, is known for its history-rich revolution, bustling street food corners, and riverside tranquility. Nha Rong Wharf, Vinh Khanh Food Street, and traditional shoemaking streets are all within easy reach. It’s a colorful neighborhood that captures the everyday essence of Ho Chi Minh City.

How many wards are there in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City?

District 4 Ho Chi Minh City, is divided into 15 wards, which are numbered: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. The district is small, yet it is one of the most populous and traditional parts of Ho Chi Minh City.

Where is District 4 near?

District 4 Ho Chi Minh City, lies to the south of District 1 and the north of District 7, bound by the Saigon River and Ben Nghe Canal, and Te Canal. Its central location ensures easy access to other districts such as District 5 and Thu Duc City.

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