To locals, District 1 and District 7 are for fancy entertainment and activities, while areas like District 2 used to be a place with little to do. However, things are changing, and many people, both locals and foreign nationals are moving to the district looking for luxurious foods and entertainment.
Map of District 2’s Attractions:
District 2 Overview
From January 2021, District 2 is part of Thu Duc City, located in the northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The area has been under urbanization to be a new financial center in 2020 since 1998. District 2 shares borders with Districts 1, 4, 7, 9, Binh Thanh, and Thu Duc District. It also meets with Dong Nai Province in the south.
Although there are still many projects under construction, many find the place fascinating and intriguing, because the modern and westernization are what District 2 is aiming for.
District 2 is gradually becoming more attractive in the eyes of locals and ex-pats
When you first come to District 2 you will be surprised by how fast-developing this place is. It is a decent place to enjoy your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, have some fun, and even a settle-down place for expats in Ho Chi Minh City. That’s why District 2 is well known to expats, besides District 1 and District 7. And because the area is large, all of the places for entertainment and attractions are not in one spot but all spread out. With many bars, luxurious villas, and malls, it could be an ideal place for anyone who loves peace and stillness but still wants to have some fun.
How to Get to District 2
The distance between District 2 and Tan San Nhat International Airport is around 16 kilometers, so our suggestion is to take a cab for convenience and safety on the long road. And you should know where your stop before coming to District 2 is because the distance between places can be quite far apart.
Read more on Getting around Ho Chi Minh City by Taxi and Bach Dang River Bus
Attractions in District 2
District 2 is where arts and modernization come alive and waltz you to a peaceful and civilized world but still keeps traditional values as the center of everything.
| Name | Entrance Fee | Address | Category |
| Thu Thiem Park | Free | Above Thu Thiem Tunnel connecting District 1 and District 2 | Park |
| Diamond Island | Free | Number 9 Street, Binh Trung Tay Ward | Islet |
| Family Garden | Free for adult VND 80,000/child | 28 Thao Dien, Thao Dien Ward | Ecotourism destination |
| Minh Dang Quang Pagoda | Free | 505 Xa Lo Ha Noi, An Phu Ward | Religious site |
| Dieu Giac Pagoda | Free | 177 Tran Nao, Binh An Ward | Religious site |
| Hue Nghiem Pagoda | Free | 299B Luong Dinh Cua, An Phu Ward | Religious site |
| Thien Tinh Pagoda | Free | 17 Bac Nam, An Phu Ward | Religious site |
| The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre | VND 35,000 | 15 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien Ward | Museum |
Eating in District 2
From fine dining to street food, District 2 has all the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, and all around the world, these locations down here will satisfy anyone.
| Category | Location |
| Bistro | Kokois Bistro: 24 Thao Dien, Thao Dien Ward Villa Song Saigon: 197/2 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien Ward Spice Bistro: 32 11 street, Thao Dien Ward Palm Bistro: 36 Thao Dien, Thao Dien Ward |
| Street Eats | Thu Thiem Park – above Thu Thiem Tunnels (evening hours) |
| Cafe Shops | Kokois Bistro Cafe & Store: 24 Thao Dien, Thao Dien Ward LaMay Cafe: 280A1 Luong Dinh Cua, An Phu Ward The Snap Cafe: 32 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien Ward Ciao Cafe: 167 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien Ward Chez Nous Coffee and Waffle: 120 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward Villa Royale Antique and Tea Room: 3 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien Ward Dolphy Cafe: 31 Thao Dien, Thao Dien Ward |
| Fine Dining Restaurants | La Villa French Restaurant: 14 Ngo Quang Huy, Thao Dien Ward La Bettola: 82 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward La Plancha: 25 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien Ward MAD House: 6/1/2 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien Ward The Deck Saigon, 38 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien Ward |
Shopping in District 2
Alongside a luxury lifestyle, there are many malls and stores in District 2 selling very artistic stuff for tourists to buy as souvenirs. And you should visit local markets to experience another side, the traditional aspect, of this district.
| Category | Address | What to Buy |
| Stores | Lang Art (Art Village): 38 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward Inpages: 4 Le Van Mien, Thao Dien Ward Sadec: 63 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward | Art crafts |
| Shopping Malls | Vincom Mega Mall: 159 Xa Lo Ha Noi, Thao Dien Ward Parkson Cantavil: 1 Song Hanh, An Phu Ward Estella Place: 22 Song Hanh, An Phu Ward | Clothes, Accessories |
| Local Markets | Thao Dien Market: Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward Binh Khanh Market: 9B Luong Dinh Cua, Binh Khanh Ward | Clothes, Accessories, Dried Foods, and Fruits |
Nightlife in District 2
The best thing when visiting District 2 is because of its nightlife, which is quite different from District 1 or any other. At a place like Saigon Outcast (188/1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien Ward), you can find good foods, interesting fairs, and places for networking and enjoying creative modern arts, with music and dancing. However, everything is decent at its best, with no loud music or any impolite actions.
Summary of District 2 in Ho Chi Minh City
Because of its modernization and interesting attractions, many expats favor District 2 as a place to enjoy a fun lifestyle, work, or even settle and live in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit District 2 and you will see another side of Ho Chi Minh City.
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Ho Chi Minh City Districts Overview
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