1. About District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

1.1. Location

District 2 was a former district of Ho Chi Minh City, located in the eastern part of the city. It was merged with Thu Duc District and District 9 to become the new Thu Duc City.

1.2. History

Historically, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam was formed from five communes that were once part of Thu Duc District: An Phu, An Khanh, Thu Thiem, Binh Trung, and Thanh My Loi. These communes were then divided into 11 wards: An Phu, Thao Dien, An Khanh, Binh Khanh, Binh An, Thu Thiem, An Loi Dong, Binh Trung Tay, Binh Trung Dong, Cat Lai, and Thanh My Loi.

In 2021, District 2, District 9, and Thu Duc District were merged to create Thu Duc City, which is part of Ho Chi Minh City. Despite being newly established, Thu Duc City has great potential to become a prominent tourist destination for the southern region of Vietnam.

>>> Read more: Ho Chi Minh City district map & notable tourist attractions!

Saigon’s District 2 was incorporated into Thu Duc City

2. What to do in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City?

2.1. Hang out at Bloq Saigon

Bloq Saigon in District 2, HCMC is a three-floor complex featuring a central courtyard that can host up to 300 guests. Constructed using large shipping containers, its striking design complements its collection of eateries, cafés, fashion boutiques, bars, beauty salons, and nail spas. Each corner here has its own distinctive style, offering numerous Instagram-worthy spots for visitors. The dining options cover a wide variety of cuisines, including Korean, Indian, Mexican, and Vietnamese, all at affordable prices. All of these make Bloq Saigon a popular hangout for the younger crowd.

2.2. Relax at Thu Thiem Riverside Park

For a peaceful retreat and a taste of local life in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Thiem Riverside Park is a must-visit. Covering almost 20 hectares, this park offers a range of attractions including sunflower fields, communal areas, walking bridges, and fountains. Visitors can take leisurely walks beneath the trees, enjoy the sunset over the river, and admire the city skyline lit up at night. The park also features historical sites like Thu Thiem Church and An Khanh Temple, which have stood for centuries.

Thu Thiem Riverside Park offers serene outdoor experiences

2.3. Experience winter activities in Snow Town

Snow Town is a one-of-a-kind attraction in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, designed to resemble a charming Japanese winter village. Spanning over 4,000 square meters, this snowy wonderland features picturesque snow-covered houses, hanging bridges, and glimmering lights that create an enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can walk on the soft snow, capture stunning photos amidst the wintery scenery, and enjoy the beauty of falling snowflakes. Snow Town also offers exciting activities like skiing, building snowmen, and having snowball fights. To complete the experience, you can unwind at the on-site restaurants, cafés, or outdoor play areas.

2.4. Enjoy Japanese vibes at Oishi Town

Another notable attraction in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City is Oishi Town, where stunning visuals, a distinct atmosphere, and top-tier dining come together. As you enter this enchanting area, you will be transported to a "miniature Japan" with rows of wooden homes, fabric curtains, lanterns, and vibrant greenery creating a serene backdrop. Oishi Town offers a delightful mix of Japanese cuisine and trendy spots like stylish cafés, soothing spas, and fashionable boutiques. Whether you prefer enjoying a meal, shopping, or leisurely walking through picturesque streets, Oishi Town ensures a memorable visit.

2.5. Immerse yourself in nature at Family Garden

Spanning more than 5,000 square meters, Family Garden provides a peaceful sanctuary amidst the lively atmosphere of District 2 in Vietnam. This tranquil space is adorned with tall trees, vegetable plots, ponds, and fish pools, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature as they walk along shaded trails. Families can enjoy a variety of countryside-inspired activities including fishing, planting, harvesting, gardening, and hosting outdoor barbecues. It is a perfect spot for those looking to relax and experience the joys of nature.

2.6. Discover creativity at Saigon Concept

Located just a short distance from Bloq Saigon, Saigon Concept is a vibrant hub situated in a picturesque villa. This space features 13 unique shops offering a range of products, including coffee, ice cream, ceramics, handmade crafts, perfumes, and clothes. A standout feature here is the central courtyard surrounded by lush greenery, providing a perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy casual conversations. Browsing through the quaint shops that showcase beautiful Vietnamese handicrafts, you will gain both cultural insight and lasting souvenirs for your visit.

Saigon Concept is situated in a picturesque villa

2.7. Explore Thao Dien Night Street

If you are a fan of food and nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City, come to Thao Dien Night Street. Open from 7 PM to 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, this bustling spot offers a wide array of dining options, ranging from street food vendors to high-end eateries. Here, you can enjoy an impressive selection of dishes and beverages, including Asian favorites like takoyaki and classic Vietnamese treats such as sweet soup and grilled rice paper, with prices starting at just VND 7,000. In addition to culinary delights, visitors can immerse themselves in the energetic atmosphere here and experience a slice of local culture.

>>> Explore our list of unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!

3. Where to shop in District 2, Saigon?

3.1. Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien

Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien is a contemporary and upscale shopping mall in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City. Boasting five above-ground floors and three basement levels, the mall offers a wide range of attractions, including fashion stores, a vibrant food court, supermarkets, a cinema, an ice-skating rink, and play areas for children.

At Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien, shoppers can find renowned fashion names like H&M, Levi’s, Mango, and ECCO, along with stylish accessory brands such as Pandora, Charles & Keith, and Samsonite. For footwear enthusiasts, there are Nike, Converse, Skechers, and Crocs, while beauty lovers can find CLUB CLIO, Yves Rocher, and THEFACESHOP. With its wide selection of stores, the mall delivers an unmatched shopping experience.

Vincom Mega Mall in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

3.2. Thiso Mall

Since its opening in 2022, Thiso Mall has rapidly become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Spanning five floors and covering more than 65,000 square meters, the mall offers a comprehensive experience with a wide range of services including shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Shoppers can explore a supermarket and over 200 retail stores featuring renowned brands like Zara, H&M, Levi's, and Nike. There are stores that offer quality electronics from Samsung and LG, along with furniture and kitchenware. The mall also boasts a variety of food and beverage outlets, from bubble tea and coffee to sweets and fresh produce. For book lovers and stationery shoppers, stores like Fahasa and Phuong Nam provide a wide selection of books and office supplies.

3.3. Estella Place

Estella Place in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City serves as the retail podium for the two 34-story residential towers of the Estella Heights project. Spanning 26,000 square meters of leasable space across five floors and a basement, this shopping mall offers a wide array of experiences. Visitors can enjoy outdoor dining areas, tiered lobbies, a sky bridge, outdoor entertainment areas, an indoor climbing wall, and playgrounds.

Estella Place is home to a variety of renowned culinary brands such as Chang Kang Kung, Gong Cha, Manwah, etc. Designed as an ideal urban destination for family fun, the mall houses prestigious brands and aims to set new shopping standards, catering to all consumer needs. Visitors can indulge in a culinary journey, shop for fashion items and daily essentials, and relax with wellness services in a comfortable space.

Estella Place offers premium dining in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

>>> Experience the best of shopping in Ho Chi Minh City!

4. District 2, Saigon reviews about foods & drinks

4.1. Restaurants

District 2, Ho Chi Minh City is a culinary hotspot, especially in Thao Dien Ward. The area is home to some of the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City that have made it to the Michelin Selected list. These establishments offer a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisines, ensuring a memorable gastronomic experience.

Here are some Michelin Selected restaurants in Thao Dien Ward:

Du Yen: No. 26B, Street 10
MaSa French Eatery by Hervé: No. 204/20, Nguyen Van Huong Street
Little Bear: No. 36, Nguyen Ba Huan Street
Tre Dining: No. 35, Xuan Thuy Street
La Villa: No. 14, Ngo Quang Huy Street
An’s Saigon: No. 5A, Tong Huu Dinh Street
Olivia: No. 31A, Le Van Mien Street
La Fontaine: Floor 2, River Garden, No. 170, Nguyen Van Huong Street
3G Trois Gourmands: No. 39, Tran Ngoc Dien Street
Madame Lam: No. 10, Tran Ngoc Dien Street
Lua: No. 2, Street 11

*Note: These details are for informational purposes only and may change over time. It is recommended that you contact these restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City before your visit.

4.2. Cafes

If you are a coffee lover, Ho Chi Minh City’s District 2 is the place to be. It is home to a variety of cafes, each offering a unique ambiance and a wide selection of drinks. These cafes provide more than just good coffee - they offer spaces to relax, work, or simply enjoy the vibrant coffee culture of District 2, Ho Chi Minh City.

Here are some must-visit cafes:

Chill Corner: No. 34, Street 11, Thao Dien Ward
Bonjour Cafe The Art: No. 42, Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward
King Koi Coffee District 2: No. 108, Le Van Thinh Street, Binh Trung Tay Ward
OKKIO: No. 110, Xuan Thuy Street, Thao Dien Ward
Baraen Coffee: No. 12, Street 19, An Phu Ward

Thao Dien Ward is a coffee lover’s paradise

>>> Discover: Saigon cafes: 14 places with good drinks and instagrammable spaces

5. Guide to getting to Ho Chi Minh City’s District 2

District 2, Saigon is located about 15 kilometers away from the airport in Ho Chi Minh City. To go from the airport to District 2, there are several transportation options available.

Private vehicles: If you have rented a motorbike or car, follow this route: Truong Son Street → Hoang Van Thu Street → Nguyen Van Troi Street → Truong Sa Street → Dien Bien Phu Street → Hanoi Highway → Mai Chi Tho Street.
Buses: For a budget-friendly, local experience, you can take bus 72-1 followed by bus 43, or bus 152/109 followed by bus 88/D4/99, or bus 103 followed by bus 55.
Taxis and ride-hailing services: Taxis and ride-hailing services are ideal for those unfamiliar with the area. For an eco-friendly and professional option, Xanh SM, Vietnam’s first electric taxi service, is a great choice. Their taxis can be booked via the Xanh SM mobile app.

>>> Enjoy the best of your journey with these Ho Chi Minh City travel tips!

District 2, Ho Chi Minh City is an essential stop for those looking to experience a mix of contemporary life and cultural richness. Featuring lively cafes, bustling shopping malls, and various recreational venues, it has something for all interests. Whether you prefer discovering chic areas or savoring exquisite foods, District 2 guarantees a memorable adventure.

After exploring District 2, you can take the time to visit Grand Park, a new entertainment complex also located in Thu Duc City. Covering 36 hectares, it boasts the Tropical Island water park, the Dream Garden amusement park, and year-round events. With a wide array of activities, Grand Park promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Book Grand Park ticket now

Once you have explored Ho Chi Minh City, consider extending your journey to other remarkable destinations in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long. For a luxurious stay in these destinations, you can choose the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, which offer top-tier accommodations with outstanding amenities. Don't forget to visit the exciting entertainment complexes of VinWonders to elevate your adventure even further.