Thu Duc District is a gateway situated in the northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The district is mostly known for its college town, and it is often associated with the dynamic area of universities and the ideal environment for students. There are many special things about this suburban district making it a new developmental growth of the city.
Map of Thu Duc District’s Attractions:
Thu Duc District Overview
Thu Duc District from January 2021 has become part of Thu Duc City, along with Districts 2 and 9.
Thu Duc used to be the name of an extramural town of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), but it was divided into District 2, District 9 and Thu Duc District in 1997. It covers an area of about 47.76 square kilometers, and the population is approximately 250,000 people according to the latest statistics. At the moment, there are 12 wards in the district, namely Linh Dong, Linh Tay, Linh Chieu, Linh Trung, Linh Xuan, Tam Phu, Hiep Binh Phuoc, Hiep Binh Chanh, Tam Binh, Binh Tho, Binh Chieu and Truong Tho.
Regarding the geographical feature, Thu Duc District shares its border with District 12, District 9, District 2, Binh Thanh District, and Di An District, Thuan An District of Binh Duong Province. Its waterway is also developing as the two big rivers, the Saigon River and Dong Nai River, running along half of its border length.
How to Get to Thu Duc District
Thu Duc District is about 15 kilometers away from the center of District 1, and there are many bus routes connecting them, most of which will take you to the schools in the college town. Routes 19, 30, and 52 are the most popular routes taking you from Ben Thanh Market or other bus stations in District 1 like An Suong Station, the station near Notre Dame Cathedral, and the station at Le Van Tam Park.
A new mean of transportation, the Bach Dang river bus running along Saigon River, could be a choice when you want to take the boat to have a view of Ho Chi Minh City.
Find bus tickets online to travel to Thu Duc:
Attractions in Thu Duc District
Thu Duc District is not a district packed with high-end malls or many modern attractions, but you can find it a quiet, natural, and cozy place to hang around. There are many famous pagodas that you should pay a visit and some cool places to get exposed to nature.
| Name | Entrance fee | Address | Category |
| Van Duc Pagoda | Free | 502 To Ngoc Van, Tam Phu Ward | Religious site |
| One-pillar Pagoda | Free | 100 Dang Van Bi, Binh Tho Ward | Religious site |
| Stone Lake | Free | The area of Vietnam National University, Linh Trung Ward | Natural lake |
| Thu Duc Cathedral | Free | 51 Vo Van Ngan, Linh Chieu Ward | Religious site |
| Hue Nghiem Pagoda | Free | 204 Dang Van Bi, Binh Tho Ward | Religious site |
The one-pillar pagoda in Thu Duc District
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Eating in Thu Duc District
There are some local markets to buy produces at low prices and discover the local’s cuisine there. Also, restaurants offering seafood, from affordable to expensive dishes, are available.
| Category | Location |
| Street Eats | Binh Phuoc Market, Binh Trieu Market, Linh Xuan Market, Thu Duc Market, Linh Trung Market, Farming Market |
| Restaurants | Giang Ghe 2 Seafood Market – 40 Dang Van Bi, Binh Tho Ward |
| Café | Coffee House – 114 Vo Van Ngan, Binh Tho Ward Coffee House – 201 Dang Van Bi, Binh Tho Ward Green Garden Coffee – 439 Kha Van Can, Hiep Binh Chanh Ward Royaltea Vietnam – 156 Vo Van Ngan, Binh Tho Ward Suoi Reo Coffee – 5B Hoa Binh, Binh Tho Ward |
A popular cafe on Chuong Duong Street in Thu Duc District
Shopping in Thu Duc District
Besides the local markets, the Vincom shopping mall is a highlight of Thu Duc District for its convenience.
| Category | Address | What to Buy |
| Shopping Malls | Vincom – 216 Vo Van Ngan, Binh Tho Ward Giga Mall – 242 Pham Van Dong, Hiep Binh Chanh Ward | Food, drinks, clothes, and cosmetics |
| Local Markets | Binh Phuoc Market – Quoc Lo 13, Hiep Binh Phuoc Ward Binh Trieu Market – Quoc Lo 13, Hiep Binh Chanh Ward Linh Xuan Market – Quoc Lo 1K, Linh Xuan Ward Thu Duc Market – Vo Van Ngan, Linh Tay Ward Linh Trung Night Market – Linh Trung, Linh Trung Ward Farming Market – Quoc Lo 1A, Tam Binh Ward | Food, drink, clothes, cosmetics, fruit, and garment |
Thu Duc Market from the outside
The biggest shopping center of Vincom in Thu Duc
Nightlife in Thu Duc District
It is ideal to have a walk or come to a cafe for enjoying the night in Thu Duc District because the cool atmosphere will make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Besides, many people choose the Vincom mall for window-shopping, playing games or eating. The center of Thu Duc District, Binh Tho Ward is really dynamic and beautiful at night with the lights of small and big restaurants, shops and a large number of people. The night markets like the one in Agriculture and Forestry University in Linh Trung Ward, which are shopping paradise for locals and students, will bring you a new breath. You can taste different kinds of Vietnamese snacks and purchase things at reasonable prices there.
The night market on the campus of the Agriculture and Forestry University
Summary on Thu Duc District in Ho Chi Minh City
As a newer district of Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Duc District is an essential part of the city and the full potential of the area is getting the district on the way to gain better development. The local markets, the pagodas, the eating places, and universities have brought a special and interesting feel to the district. You will fall in love with the natural beauty and the good scenery of places here.
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