Where to go in Binh Thanh District, Saigon?

Built in 1942, the old Ba Chieu Market (Chợ Bà Chiểu) still remains virtually the same as before in what is today’s Binh Thanh District. The name “Ba Chieu” (a woman called Chieu) relates to a long and complicated historical story, which has yet to be verified by any official documentations. Upon your arrival, you will for definite feel a sense of charming nostalgia as well as the significant “market culture” of the Vietnamese, always bustling and teeming. Nearly anything seems to be on sale here, from raw ingredients, fruits, flowers, food and beverages to clothing and household appliances at reasonable prices. It is also worth noticing that the market operates until very late night, enabling you to experience one of the night markets in Saigon. In brief, Ba Chieu Market is just an ideal place if you want to spend a day wandering around, looking for a few bargains and getting to know an essential part of Vietnamese lifestyle. Last but not least, if you want to get the freshest products, it is best to visit in the morning, the earlier the better.

Address: Bach Dang St., Ward 1, Bình Thạnh District, HCMC.

Van Thanh is a green space in the middle of the city, or Binh Thanh District in particular. The park is a popular place for family or friend gathering and relaxing, especially on weekends when buffet dinners are available at price of 250,000VND/adult and 140,000VND/child. Visitors to the venue can not only soak up the fresh atmosphere of such an open space but enjoy delicious and well-served Vietnamese cuisines as well. To gain a better experience, you can make a reservation for a table by the lake. Do not forget to bring your camera to take photos of beautiful green backgrounds and decorations in Vietnamese-village style.

Address: #48/10 Điện Biên Phủ St., Ward 12, Binh Thanh District, HCMC.
Opening time: 6:00 – 22:00
Telephone: (08) 3512 3026
Email: vanthanh.resort@gmail.com

Also known as Newport Bridge (Cầu Tân Cảng) before 1975, Saigon Bridge (Cầu Sài Gòn) crosses the Saigon River, connecting Binh Thanh District and District 2. The bridge is one of the main gateways to the central city from Central and Northern Vietnam. With a length of 1,000 km, you can definitely cycle across the bridge instead of sitting on motorbikes or cars. The landmark is also a perfect place for a general view of Saigon, especially at night. In addition to sight-seeing, you can enjoy a variety of restaurants under the bridge, one of which is the Newport restaurant, particularly appropriate for those who are fond of having buffets in an open space while listening to fascinating instrumental music.

Dieu Phap Pagoda (Chùa Diệu Pháp) was built in 1964. However, due to the widespread destruction of the war at that time, the pagoda was completely ruined by heavy bombardment in 1968. It was not until 1972 that the venue was fully restored for the first time by priests with their great ardor. As stepping into the main yard, you will be immediately surrounded by a peacefully stunning space, with lines of green trees and a spectacular view of the faraway Saigon River. It seems to be a simulation of Vietnamese old village, consisting of not only bountiful types of plant such as bamboos, Bodhi tree, banyans but also simple but nostalgically ancient areas. Furthermore, besides being a sacred religious place, Dieu Phap Pagoda is also famous for their round-the-year charity activities and even has a nursing home of their own.

Address: #188 Nơ Trang Long St., Ward 13, Binh Thanh Dist., HCMC
Website: http://chuadieuphap.com.vn/content/home.php