To locals, District 1 and District 7 are for fancy entertainment and activities, while areas like District 2 used to have little to do. However, things are changing, and many 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 will be part of Thu Duc City, located northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Since 1998, the area has been under urbanization to become a new financial center in 2020. 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 many projects are still under construction, many find the place fascinating because District 2 aims for modernization and westernization.
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, besides District 1 and District 7, is well known to expats. And because the area is large, all places for entertainment and attractions are not in one spot but all spread out. With many bars, luxurious villas, and malls, it could be ideal for anyone who loves peace and stillness but wants to have some fun.
How to Get to District 2
The distance between District 2 and Tan Son Nhat International Airport is around 16 kilometers, so we suggest taking a cab for convenience and safety on the long road. You should also know where your stop is before coming to District 2 because the distance between places can be quite far apart.
Attractions in District 2
District 2 is where the arts and modernization come alive. It waltzes you to a peaceful and civilized world, but traditional values remain 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 the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, and these locations around the world 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 souvenirs. 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 |
Find hotels around the District 2 area:
Nightlife in District 2
The best thing about visiting District 2 is 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 food, exciting fairs, and places for networking and enjoying creative modern arts, with music and dancing. However, everything is decent, with no loud music or impolite actions.
Check out more fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:
Klook.comSummary of District 2 in Ho Chi Minh City
Because of its modernization and exciting 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 to see another side of Ho Chi Minh City.
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