When coming to District 12, you can see the contrast between the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, like District 1 and District 3, and a peaceful area. Unlike the other destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, this area mainly attracts tourists thanks to its outdoor activities, which can be hard to find in other crowded districts.
Map of District 12’s Attractions:
District 12 Overview
Located in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, District 12 shares borders with Hoc Mon, Thu Duc, Tan Binh, Go Vap, Binh Thanh, and Binh Tan District. This area of 53 square kilometers with 395,790 residents concentrates on software development as an economic incentive system to gear up the growth of the software industry in Vietnam.
Quang Trung Software Park
How to Get to District 12
If you are making your way to District 12 from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, it is approximately 15 km to the northwest. When using a bus going to District 12, you can catch Route 18 or 36 with the fare fee of VND 5,000 from Ben Thanh Station to Thoi An Station. Instead of the bus, a taxi is another option that would cost about VND 200,000 – 250,000.
If you wish to travel on a motorbike, read our guide on 5 motorbike riding tips for first-time passengers.
Attractions in District 12
| Name | Entrance Fee | Address | Category |
| Ben Xua Tourist Area | Free entrance, different charge for services like restaurant | 39A Ha Huy Giap, Thanh Loc Ward | Eco-tourism attraction |
| Tam Nong Farm | VND 50,000/person | To 33 (Group 33), Khu Pho 2, Thanh Xuan Ward | Eco-tourism attraction |
| Tri Rau Fishing Area | VND 50,000 – 70,000/person/3 hours | 2647 – 2712/2B Vuon Lai, An Phu Dong Ward | Recreational site |
| Tri Long Paintball Area | VND 200,000/person (including the clothes and bullet rental fees for 2 matches) | 15 Hiep Thanh 2, Khu Pho 6, Hiep Thanh Ward | Recreational site |
| The Kite Flying Field | Free | The intersection of Quoc Lo 1 (Highway 1) and Quoc Lo 22, near An Suong Apartment | Recreational site |
| Khanh An Monastery | Free | 1055/3D Quoc Lo 1A, An Phu Dong Ward | Religious site |
| Cay Queo Pagoda | Free | Khu Pho 2, Trung My Tay Ward | Religious site |
| Thien Van Pagoda | Free | 1/135 Nguyen Van Qua, Dong Hung Thuan Ward | Religious site |
| Vuon Cau Do Monument | Free | 12, Thanh Xuan 52, Thanh Xuan Ward | Historical site |
Ben Xua Tourist Area
Tri Rau Fishing Area
Tri Long Paintball Area
Tam Nong Farm
Cay Queo Pagoda
Vuon Cau Do Monument
The Kite Flying
| To have fun trips in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our authentic motorbike tours with professional local guides! |
Eating in District 12
Besides recreational or eco-tourism sites, District 12 also has a reputation for its cuisine. Your stomach could be treated to a feast with various kinds of foods in District 12 listed below and the prices are reasonable.
| Category | Location |
| Vietnamese Cuisines | Hotpot Quynh Restaurant – 106/6 Tan Thoi Hiep 22, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward, District 12 Vermicelli soup Ba Mi Restaurant – 81 Phan Van Hon, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward Seafood Cay Me 361 Restaurant – 361 Nguyen Anh Thu, Hiep Thanh Ward, District 12 Crocodile meat Hoa Ca Crocodile Restaurant – 464 Ha Huy Giap, Thanh Loc Ward Family Meals Vuon Cau – Ben Xua Restaurant – 39A Ha Huy Giap, Thanh Loc Ward Street Foods Lac Quang Market – Truong Chinh, Tan Thoi Nhat, District 12 |
| Snacks and Drinks | Coc 8888 Eating House – 41/4/2 Tan Thoi Nhat, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward, District 12 Ann’s House Eating House – 225 Alley, Truong Chinh, Khu Pho 2, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward Sky 17 cafe – 27 Truong Chinh, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward Ben Ben Eating House – A32 To Ky, Khu Pho 2, Dong Hung Thuan Ward |
Shopping in District 12
Although there are not many shopping malls as the central districts, such as District 1 and District 3, the groceries of produces in District 12 are still diverse and sufficient.
| Category | Address | What to Buy |
| Local Market | Lac Quang Market – Truong Chinh, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward Tan Chanh Hiep Market – To Ky, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward Thoi An Market – Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi An Ward Trung My Tay Night Market – 479 Trung My Tay 13 Street, Trung My Tay Ward | Raw meat and processed foods, dried foods, fruits, and drinks Clothes, jewelry, and shoes |
| Supermarkets | Co. Opmart Hiep Thanh – 276 Nguyen Anh Thu, Hiep Thanh Ward Co. Opmart Nguyen Anh Thu – 167/2 Nguyen Anh Thu, Trung My Tay Ward Metro Hiep Phu – Tan Thoi Hiep, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward | Foods, clothes and daily necessities |
Trung My Tay Night Market
Nightlife in District 12
Most of District 12’s residents like shopping at night when the weather cools down; therefore, the area can get really busy, especially at Trung My Tay Night Market. Despite being an open market, the public order of this popular market is well maintained. If you like a quiet space to enjoy the panoramic view of the city at night, a rooftop café is a great choice.
View of the city from the rooftop café Sky 17
Summary of District 12 in Ho Chi Minh City
If you prefer recreational or eco-tourism sites, District 12 is the place to be.
For more information on other districts of the city, refer to our guide on Ho Chi Minh City districts overview.