1. Where is District 6? How to get there?
District 6, Ho Chi Minh City is located to the west of the city center, bordered by District 5, District 8, District 11, Binh Tan District, and Tan Phu District. Divided into 14 wards, District 6 bridges the gap between the urban area of Saigon and the Mekong Delta region while being home to plenty of historical sites, markets, and eateries.
Thanks to its close vicinity, you can easily reach District 6 from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Starting from District 1, make your way to Dong Khoi Street and head to Vo Van Kiet Street. Stay on it for 7 kilometers until you reach Pham Van Chi Street in District 6.
Other than driving yourself, you can catch one of the city’s buses, such as no. 139, 14, 145, 148, and 09. Alternatively, the ride-hailing service of Xanh SM ensures a quick and comfortable journey with environmentally friendly vehicles.
>>> Check out the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City!
2. Where to go in District 6, Saigon?
2.1. Cultural attractions
2.1.1. Binh Tien Communal House
Tucked away in District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Tien Communal House is a treasure trove of Vietnamese culture. Its layout features a welcoming gate, a shrine dedicated to the five elements, shrines dedicated to local deities, and interconnected halls. This communal house serves as a spiritual hub for the local community, reflecting and upholding folk beliefs. Here, you can immerse yourself in the serene ambiance, observe time-honored rituals, and appreciate the intricate artistry that adorns the communal house.
2.1.2. Giac Hai Pagoda
Giac Hai Pagoda is another spiritual site in District 6, Ho Chi Minh City. Established in 1887, this pagoda has undergone significant transformations over the years but still retains its traditional traits. As one of the oldest pagodas in the city, its architecture features a main hall, lecture hall, and ancestral hall, each adorned with intricate carvings and statues that reflect Vietnam's Buddhist heritage. Beyond the intricate details, Giac Hai Pagoda is a serene haven where you can escape from the bustle and enjoy a peaceful ambiance.
2.1.3. Thao Duong Buddhist Temple
Thao Duong Buddhist Temple is a remarkable achievement of both architecture and cultural preservation in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 6. This temple harmoniously blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with Vietnamese influences, featuring ornate statues of Buddha and deities, beautifully decorated altars, and many tranquil areas to relax. On major occasions like the Lunar New Year, Thao Duong Buddhist Temple welcomes local Buddhists as they host traditional rituals and pay respects to Buddha and the deities.
2.2. Historical sites
2.2.1. Secret Printing Tunnel
District 6, Ho Chi Minh City had witnessed many events in the Second Indochina War. Hidden within the bustling streets of the district lies an unassuming house that doubled as the Secret Printing Tunnel. It once concealed three basements dedicated to printing revolutionary materials during the resistance. Nowadays, it is a living embodiment of the undying spirit of Vietnamese founding fathers.
Designed beneath a wooden house with a thatched roof, the Secret Printing Tunnel showcases the people and equipment that played a considerable role in the war. You can still see the living quarters and working areas, which will give you an idea of the hardships that the resistance had to endure to contribute to the country’s resistance efforts.
2.2.2. Secret base of the Saigon - Gia Dinh Party Committee
The secret base of the Saigon - Gia Dinh Party Committee is another historic spot in District 6, Saigon. Reflecting the pivotal role of the local Chinese community in the war, this house once concealed equipment, weapons, tunnels, and comms systems, all designed to protect revolutionary soldiers. In recognition of its significance, the secret base was designated a city-level historical site in 2008. Today, visitors can explore the base and have a look at the equipment of the heroic individuals whose resourcefulness and resilience survived a tumultuous era.
2.2.3. Tomb and Temple of Mr. Pham Van Chi
On the topic of Vietnamese resistance, Mr. Pham Van Chi is among the most significant individuals. Originally a village official from Cho Lon, he ultimately sacrificed himself in the First Indochina War. In recognition of his valor, his tomb and temple was designated a municipal-level historical site. This sacred attraction is a good place for visitors to learn more about the life of a revered figure and reflect on the indomitable spirit of Vietnamese people during their struggle for independence.
2.3. Local markets and food streets
2.3.1. Binh Tay Market
The heart and soul of District 6 Ho Chi Minh City can be many destinations, and Binh Tay Market is among them. Established in 1930, this market is a product of its time, seamlessly marrying Eastern architectural elegance with Western construction techniques. Covering a whopping 25,000 square meters, it has 12 entrances, all welcoming you into a vibrant hub of about 2,400 stalls that offer anything from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs. As night falls, food trucks gather at the front courtyard, where you can choose a random plastic table, order a bunch of street food, and chat the night away with your friends.
2.3.2. Phu Lam Food Street
Established in 2016, Phu Lam Food Street is one of the first of its kind in the city. With over 140 vendors, you can enjoy a delightful array of Ho Chi Minh City street food and regional specialties, from national favorites like pho and bun bo Hue to foreign dishes like dimsum and sushi. Beyond the food, Phu Lam Food Street also features various entertainment, shopping, and relaxation services, so you can always find something to do here.
2.3.3. Hau Giang Food Street
Hau Giang Food Street has always been a hotspot for all things food and beverages, thanks to more than 100 vendors offering a wide range of dishes like offal stew, dimsum, bun bo Hue, bun rieu, banh mi, and pho. On weekends and holidays, especially the week leading up to Tet, this street gets really bustling, as the vendors gather to sell anything from fruits to decorations. Whenever you need a simple night out, this is your go-to spot.
2.4. Traditional craft hamlets
2.4.1. Statue-casting hamlet
Near Giac Hai Pagoda, there is a hamlet renowned for its nearly century-old tradition of crafting Buddha statues. The locals here work on a wide array of figures in Buddhism and real life, with great attention to detail. They employ time-honored techniques passed down through generations, ensuring each piece embodies both spiritual significance and artistic excellence. Visitors are free to observe the intricate process of statue crafting and can even play a part in preserving this tradition.
2.4.2. Broom-making hamlet
On Pham Van Chi Street, District 6 Ho Chi Minh City, there is a hamlet renowned for broom-making. This humble household staple is still very commonly used in Vietnam, and this is one of the few hamlets in the city still producing it the classic handmade way. Due to the presence of mass-produced brooms, the production of handmade brooms has unfortunately been waning. Despite that, the hamlet is still nourishing this traditional craft and distributing their products across the country.
>>> Read more: Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City: 10+ EPIC places for your bucket list
3. Best tour to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s District 6
If this is your first time in District 6, HCMC, it is best to go on a tour. The tour “Chuyen nho trong long Cho Lon” (Stories in Cho Lon) is a notable one, which include these experiences:
- Shopping at Binh Tay Market
- Visiting Giac Hai Pagoda
- Conversing with the artisans at the statue-casting and broom-making hamlets
- Visiting the secret base of the Saigon - Gia Dinh Party Committee
- Exploring Chinatown
- Visiting Hung Minh Tu Buddhist Temple and Thao Duong Buddhist Temple
- Listening to stories about the establishment of Binh Tay Market
- Strolling around Binh Tay Food Court and enjoying signature dishes of District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
>>> Check out some Ho Chi Minh City travel tips for your trip!
District 6, Ho Chi Minh City takes you to some of the best attractions the city has to offer, from the bustling Binh Tay Market to the beautiful Thao Duong Buddhist Temple. The diversity in activities alone is what makes many travelers come back for more. So, when you are in search of an authentic slice of local lifestyle, head to District 6.
In addition to District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, there are many other places to check out in the city, and one of them is Grand Park in Thu Duc City. This new entertainment complex includes a water park to cool off from the heat and an amusement park to fill your day with a ton of fun.
Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, HHanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Ha Long, and other cities are also worth exploring in Vietnam. For a luxurious retreat, consider staying at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, which are renowned for their exceptional services, as well as the thrilling entertainment complexes of VinWonders across the country.
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