7 Best Things to Do in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Not as full of French architecture as District 1, nor as intensely cultural as Chinatown, Binh Thanh District has a quiet charm all its own. It’s where the pulse of everyday Saigon beats strongest — in early-morning markets, hidden coffee alleys, and riverside trails shaded by coconut trees. Far from polished tourist paths, this district offers the most genuine experience of the city: a place where old traditions, street food aromas, and modern life mingle effortlessly. 

Here are 7 of the best less-touristy things to do in Binh Thanh

1. Visit the Le Van Duyet Mausoleum

The Le Van Duyet Mausoleum honors one of southern Vietnam’s most respected generals, whose leadership helped defend Saigon in the early 19th century. Tucked away in Binh Thanh, this sacred complex stands as both a historical monument and an active spiritual site where locals still come to pray for good fortune.

• Address: 1 Vu Tung, Binh Thanh
• Opening hour: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Architecturally, it’s a fascinating blend of Vietnamese and Chinese influences — from curved roofs adorned with dragons to stone guardian statues and intricate calligraphy panels. Despite the city’s rapid modern growth, the calm atmosphere here feels timeless, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and sense a deeper connection to Saigon’s past.

Tourists at the Le Van Duyet Mausoleum

To hear the stories behind this monument and other hidden gems, consider booking our Historical Saigon Morning Tour.

2. Explore the Bustling Ba Chieu Market

Ba Chieu Market offers a more local and less touristy experience than Ben Thanh or Binh Tay. Built in 1942, it remains a living part of Binh Thanh’s daily rhythm — where tradition and modern life meet in every bustling aisle. Here, you won’t find souvenir stalls or English menus, but the genuine sounds of Saigon: vendors calling out prices, shoppers haggling over fresh produce, and the aroma of street food filling the air. It’s a candid snapshot of the city’s authentic food culture, untouched by the gloss of tourism.

• Address: 39 Dien Hong, Binh Thanh District
• Opening hour: All day

Explore the Old-School Market of Ba Chieu

Recommended tour: Saigon Morning Bike Tour

3. Join a Coffee Workshop at Talk Barista Saigon

Nestled in a quiet alley, Talk Barista Saigon is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. It’s where you can learn about hand-brewing techniques and even brew your own cup using single-origin beans from Vietnam’s highlands. Guided by passionate baristas, the experience goes beyond tasting — it’s about understanding the craft and culture behind every pour.

• Address: Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh District
• Opening hour: 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Recommended tour: Saigon Morning Bike Tour

4. Cycle Through Binh Quoi Oasis — the “Little Mekong” of Saigon

Escape downtown traffic and discover Binh Quoi Peninsula, a peaceful green oasis where Saigon slows down. Here, time moves gently. You can cycle through quiet villages, follow shaded canals, and stop by a lotus pond shimmering under the morning sun. Locals go about their day — mending nets, selling fruits, chatting over coffee — offering an authentic glimpse into the rural life that still exists within the city.

• Address: 1147, Binh Quoi, Binh Thanh District

   

Cycle through Binh Quoi’s riverside trails and lotus ponds

This is where you can feel the Mekong Delta sensation right inside Saigon, without leaving its borders. For an even richer experience, join a guided Binh Quoi cycling tour to explore hidden trails and return by river on the Saigon Waterbus — watching the skyline rise again as the city reappears on the horizon.

5. Unwind at Chang Vang Rooftop 

Perched above the bustling streets of Binh Thanh District, Chang Vang Rooftop is one of the district’s favorite sunset spots. With its laid-back atmosphere, fairy lights, and open-air view of the Saigon skyline, it’s the perfect place to end your day after exploring markets and riverside trails.

• Address: 72/6 Bach Dang, Binh Thanh
• Opening hour: 4:30 PM - 12:30 AM

6. Visit Landmark 81 — Vietnam’s Tallest Skyscraper

Standing proudly on the banks of the Saigon River, Landmark 81 is Vietnam’s tallest skyscraper and a symbol of modern Ho Chi Minh City. Rising 461 meters into the sky, it’s home to luxury apartments, restaurants, a cinema, and the Vincom Center Landmark 81 mall, filled with local and international brands.

• Address: 720A Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District
• Opening hour: 8:30 AM - 11:30 PM

Landmark 81 skyscraper

Take the high-speed elevator up to the Landmark 81 SkyView observatory for a panoramic view stretching across the city — from the winding Saigon River to the distant suburbs shimmering in the haze. The view is especially breathtaking at sunset, when the skyline glows gold before giving way to a sea of twinkling lights.

7. Wander Hidden Alleys & Try Local Food

Binh Thanh’s narrow alleys are where the true rhythm of Saigon comes alive. Winding between old houses and blooming bougainvillea, they reveal hidden temples, colorful murals, and cozy family-run eateries where the scent of street food fills the air.

Want to taste the best of Saigon’s street food and craft beer scene?

Join our Saigon Walking Street Food & Craft Beer Tour to explore hidden alleys, local eateries, and cozy taprooms where the city’s culinary creativity comes alive.

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