1. Things to know about District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

District 10 is one of the central districts of Ho Chi Minh City, playing a crucial role in the city's economic, cultural, and social development. It has a rich historical background, marked by heroic struggles for national independence under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Today, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, continues to thrive as a bustling urban area.

Covering a total area of 571.81 hectares, District 10 is located to the southwest of Ho Chi Minh City's center. It shares borders with Tan Binh District to the north, District 5 to the south, District 3 to the east, and District 11 to the west.

Following the reunification of Vietnam on April 30, 1975, District 10 was restructured into 15 wards. Over time, it has contributed significantly to the city's economic growth and urban expansion, with historic neighborhoods such as Nga Bay, Khu Vuon Lai, Khu Hoa Hung, and Chi Hoa becoming integral parts of the district's identity.

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2. Unmissable experiences in District 10, Saigon

District 10 might not be as famous as District 1, but it’s packed with hidden gems. From historic sites to mouthwatering street food, this area offers an authentic slice of Saigon life that’s too good to miss.

2.1. Visit historical sites

History buffs will love District 10’s collection of meaningful landmarks. These sites offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s revolutionary past and honor the resilience of those who fought for the country’s freedom.

2.1.1. Secret Weapon Bunker

Located at 183/4 3 Thang 2 Street, Ward 11, District 10, this site was a strategic hideout used by the Saigon Special Forces during the Vietnam War. Built in 1965 by Nguyen Van Tri and Ngo Thanh Van (Ba Den), the underground bunker stored weapons and provided a hidden base for revolutionary fighters. The bunker’s covert design and its role in the 1968 Tet Offensive make it an essential historical landmark.

Today, visitors can explore the secret hideout, learn about its historical significance, and pay tribute to the bravery of those who fought for Vietnam’s independence. The site was officially recognized as a national heritage site in 1988.

2.1.2. Memorial Site of General Secretary Tran Phu

This memorial, located in Le Thi Rieng Cultural Park, honors Tran Phu, the first General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The site features a granite relief of Tran Phu with his famous words, "Hay giu vung chi khi chien dau" ("Keep the fighting spirit strong"). Built with a budget of over 2 billion VND, the monument serves as a place for visitors to learn about Vietnam’s revolutionary history and pay respects to fallen heroes.

2.2. Explore cultural places

Beyond its wartime history, District 10 also shines with spiritual and cultural richness. Temples, pagodas, and communal houses weave a vibrant tapestry of local traditions and beliefs.

2.2.1. Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple

A significant religious site in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple (Viet Nam Quoc Tu) is a tranquil pagoda with stunning architecture. The temple complex features a seven-story tower, various Buddha statues, and a serene courtyard with ancient trees.

Visitors can explore the intricately designed prayer halls, admire the Buddhist relics, and join prayer sessions. The temple also hosts annual ceremonies, attracting large numbers of worshippers.

2.2.2. Giac Ngo Pagoda

Located at Ward 3, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Giac Ngo Pagoda is a renowned Buddhist temple under the leadership of Venerable Thich Nhat Tu. It follows the Vipassana meditation tradition and serves as a center for Buddhist teachings, charity work, and spiritual retreats.

The pagoda stands out for its modern Buddhist philosophy, integrating traditional teachings with contemporary social practices. It has become a popular destination for meditation enthusiasts and those seeking inner peace through Buddhist principles.

2.2.3. An Quang Pagoda

An Quang Pagoda, located in Ward 9, District 10 of Ho Chi Minh City, may not be ancient, but it holds an important place in the history of Vietnamese Buddhism. Over the decades, it has been closely tied to the development of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and played a pivotal role in rallying international support from peace-loving communities during the country’s fight against foreign influence.

Under the leadership of Most Venerable Thich Thien Hoa for more than 50 years, An Quang Pagoda evolved into a major Buddhist educational center in southern Vietnam. Today, it remains a significant spiritual and cultural landmark, continuing its vital role in the life of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

2.2.4. Chi Hoa Communal House

Chi Hoa Communal House has uncertain origins but is believed to date back to 1698 after General Nguyen Huu Canh’s southern expedition. Initially a simple wooden structure, it was recognized by Emperor Tu Duc in 1852 and later renovated.

Once spanning over a hectare, urban encroachment reduced its size, and its ancient banyan tree was cut down in 1980. Despite these changes, it remains one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest communal houses and was designated a National Historic and Cultural Heritage Site in 1996.

2.3. Experience local cuisine

Ready to eat like a local? District 10’s buzzing food streets promise everything from classic Vietnamese flavors to creative fusion dishes - all served up with unbeatable energy and authenticity.

2.3.1. Ho Thi Ky Food Street

A visit to District 10 Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene wouldn’t be complete without exploring Ho Thi Ky Food Street. This vibrant street is home to an exciting night market, offering a variety of dishes from across Vietnam and beyond. Though only about 100 meters long, it boasts over 100 food stalls that light up the evening, serving an array of Asian and Western delights. Fried and grilled snacks are a highlight here, with vendors selling everything from fish balls, shrimp balls, and squid balls to skewered meats and crispy wontons.

2.3.2. Nguyen Tri Phuong Street

As night falls, Nguyen Tri Phuong Street comes alive with a bustling food scene. It is a go-to spot for sweet treats like Thai desserts and bubble tea, as well as Vietnamese favorites such as fresh spring rolls, hu tieu (noodle soup), grilled meat dishes, and hotpot skewers. With a variety of affordable eateries, this street is perfect for weekend gatherings with friends.

2.3.3. To Hien Thanh Street

For those craving Ho Chi Minh City street food in a casual setting, To Hien Thanh Street offers an authentic experience. One of its must-try specialties is the fruit bowl, available for around 25,000 VND. In addition to fruit-based desserts, visitors can enjoy a variety of savory dishes, including butter avocado smoothies, sweet soups (che), snails, beef stew, and grilled pork noodles.

2.3.4. Su Van Hanh Street

Su Van Hanh Street is not only a commercial hub but also a culinary hotspot in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. This street caters to all tastes, offering diverse cuisines from casual street food to upscale dining experiences. In addition to restaurants, the area is dotted with trendy cafes and bubble tea shops, attracting a young crowd eager to explore new flavors.

2.3.5. Ba Hat Street

Despite its modest size, Ba Hat Street is a hidden gem in District 10’s food scene. The street is lined with small eateries serving delicious local favorites, such as crab noodle soup, Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, and grilled pork vermicelli. If you're keen on exploring Ho Chi Minh City's diverse street food culture, Ba Hat Street is worth a visit.

2.4. Tour Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine

Hidden in the bustling heart of Saigon, the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (Fito) is Vietnam’s first museum dedicated to ancient healing practices. Founded by pharmacist Le Khac Tam in 2007, it houses over 3,000 artifacts, some dating back 2,500 years.

Visitors can admire intricately carved interiors, wooden altars honoring Tue Tinh and Hai Thuong Lan Ong, and exhibitions showcasing ancient tools, herbal medicine, and traditional apothecaries. Notably, the museum features a Guinness-recognized mother-of-pearl inlay painting depicting traditional medicine’s role in Vietnamese life.

Fito Museum in District 10 Ho Chi Minh City

2.5. Go shopping at Van Hanh Mall

Located in the heart of District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Van Hanh Mall is a premier shopping destination with over 200 stores spread across seven floors. Covering 55,000m² of retail space, the mall offers fashion, cosmetics, homeware, dining, and entertainment. Its architectural highlight is an iconic dome inspired by Eastern motifs. If you are looking for a place for shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, Van Hanh Mall is the go-to destination!

2.6. Relax at Le Thi Rieng Park

Spanning 8 hectares with 80% green space, Le Thi Rieng Park is an oasis in the city. Shaded paths, a serene lake, and lush gardens provide a peaceful retreat here. The park offers a variety of recreational activities for all ages, including tai chi, jogging, badminton, tennis, and football. Visitors can also explore the orchid and bird clubs, swimming pool, water games, and a lively children’s play area.

What makes Le Thi Rieng Park even more popular among other parks in Saigon is the White Rabbit Amusement Area within the park. This amusement park features thrilling attractions like 6D movies, spinning discs, roller coasters, and the unique Fly Away ride—one of only four in the world.

2.7. Enjoy shows at Hoa Binh Theater

Situated on 3/2 Street, Hoa Binh Theater is a renowned venue for professional performances and large-scale events. With state-of-the-art facilities and a seating capacity of over 2,000, it is an ideal setting for artistic productions and grand occasions.

Since its inauguration in 1985, Hoa Binh Theater has been a cultural icon of Ho Chi Minh City and a source of pride for District 10 residents. Designed by Vietnamese architect Huynh Tan Phat, the theater was built through the contributions and aspirations of the local community. Over the past 30 years, it has continued to evolve, ensuring a high-quality artistic experience for audiences.

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3. Essential information for tourists to District 10, HCMC

Before diving into District 10’s colorful streets, it helps to know the basics. Here’s everything you need - from the best time to visit to how to get around like a pro.

3.1. When to visit?

Saigon weather is affected by the tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures year-round. The rainy season lasts from May to November, while the dry season spans December to April. Average temperatures hover around 27°C, with peaks exceeding 40°C. However, the heat is generally moderate, with lower humidity and cooler evenings. Visitors can explore the city anytime, but carrying an umbrella during the rainy season is advisable.

3.2. How to get there?

From District 1, getting to District 10 is quick and convenient. Travelers can take Le Loi Street, Le Lai Street, and Cong Quynh Street to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in Pham Ngu Lao, which takes about 9 minutes over a distance of 2.4 kilometers. From there, continuing on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and driving through Ly Thai To Street to Ward 10 takes another six minutes (2 kilometers). The final stretch, leading to Alley 436B Ba Thang Hai Street in Ward 12, District 10, takes approximately two more minutes (450 meters).

For public transportation, several bus routes pass through District 10, including routes 13, 30, 65, 07, and 156. For a sustainable and comfortable ride, visitors can opt for Xanh SM electric taxis. This eco-friendly transport service offers clean energy vehicles with professional drivers and convenient app-based booking, making it a great choice to explore the city.

3.3. What is the best tour?

For an immersive experience, consider a guided tour highlighting the district’s rich history and vibrant culture. A typical tour exploring District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, often involves the following attractions:

Memorial Stele of General Secretary Tran Phu
Printing Facility of the National Salvation Support Association
National Historic Site: Secret Weapon Storage Bunker
Saigon Special Forces Historic Site at Citroen Garage Duong Van Duc D'Indochine
Tan Hung Long Buddhist Temple (Nuoc Lanh Temple)
Museum of Traditional Medicine
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Experience making rice paintings of the Vietnamese national flag
Savor street food at Ho Thi Ky Night Market and Ky Dai Quang Trung

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District 10 Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic district that beautifully blends historical significance with cultural vibrancy. From exploring hidden war bunkers to immersing yourself in the tranquility of ancient temples, there is no shortage of things to do in this fascinating district.

After exploring District 10, consider other exciting destinations. Head to VinWonders Grand Park in Thu Duc City for a thrilling entertainment experience with world-class attractions. For those looking to explore other parts of Vietnam, destinations like Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long offer incredible cultural and natural experiences.

For the ultimate getaway, relax and unwind at the luxurious Vinpearl resorts and hotels. With premium accommodations, world-class dining, and top-notch amenities, Vinpearl properties provide the perfect retreat for travelers seeking comfort and relaxation. Additionally, the VinWonders entertainment complexes across Vietnam promise unforgettable adventures, featuring exhilarating rides, interactive attractions, and family-friendly experiences.