Things to do in District 12

Activities, attractions and tours

A city skyline at dusk with a river in the foreground.
A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and a river with boats.
A harbor with large cargo ships and cranes, surrounded by modern skyscrapers.
A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and a calm river reflecting the buildings.
A modern skyscraper with a curved design, a street lamp, and a green metal bridge railing.

Things to do

Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

P1,560
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours
Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket

Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket

P624
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket
Luxury-Group Full-Day Mekong Delta Cruise

Ho Chi Minh : Authentic Mekong Delta Full Day Tour

P1,684
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh : Authentic Mekong Delta Full Day Tour
Picture 8 for Activity Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour

Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour

P438
per adult
Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour
Vung Tau Beach Landmarks Full Day Tour from HCMC Cultural Scenic

Vung Tau Beach Landmarks Full Day Tour from HCMC Cultural Scenic

P3,619
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Vung Tau Beach Landmarks Full Day Tour from HCMC Cultural Scenic
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Small-Group Day Tour

Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day

P1,681
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day
Tan Son Nhat Airport - Ho Chi Minh City - Fast Track Service

Ho Chi Minh city: Arrival Fast track at Tan Son Nhat Inlt. Airport

P1,965
per traveler
76% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh city: Arrival Fast track at Tan Son Nhat Inlt. Airport
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Tour

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Tour

P2,068
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Tour
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

P1,566
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours
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Top places to visit

1. Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.
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An aerial view of a city with a large building with a clock tower, surrounded by roads and vehicles.

2. Dong Khoi Street

Spend a day on busy Dong Khoi Street and hunt for luxury items in grand department stores, eat in classy cafés and marvel at beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture.
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A well-lit hotel with a sign reading "HOTEL CONTINENTAL SA".

3. Pham Ngu Lao Street

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be.
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A busy street with neon signs, motorcycles, and people walking.

4. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Whether you are a cultural enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, the Saigon Opera House is a sight not to be missed. Also known as The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, this gleaming white landmark is a visual reminder that Saigon was the capital of French Indochina at the turn of the 20th century.
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A grand building with ornate architecture and a blue roof, surrounded by trees and modern buildings.

5. Saigon River

See the iconic houses on stilts on the banks of the Saigon River and enjoy views of some of the city’s most famous buildings from a boat cruise. Explore the villages and canals of the Mekong Delta where migratory birds live among the thick mangroves.
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A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and a river with boats.

What to do in District 12

Stay near popular District 12 attractions

Quang Trung Software City

After visiting Quang Trung Software City, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Ho Chi Minh Municipality.
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A brightly lit urban scene with a historic building, modern high-rises, and a busy street at night.

Ho Chi Minh City

A cityscape with two prominent skyscrapers, a river, and a dense urban environment.

Ho Chi Minh Municipality

Frequently asked questions

Is District 12 worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in District 12 is visit Cao Dai Temple. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of this area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in District 12?
Kick your day off with a visit to Cao Dai Temple. Then, check out other areas of District 12 for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in District 12?
Cao Dai Temple is rated the top tourist attraction near District 12, so don't go home without checking it out.
Is three days enough to stay in District 12?
If you just want to check out the most popular sights, three days will be more than enough time for a vacation in District 12. Book for a week or longer for the chance to truly experience the local vibe, tour nearby highlights and explore off the beaten path.
Is District 12 a walkable neighborhood?
With the center of District 12 as your starting point, several attractions like Cao Dai Temple are within walking distance. If you'd like to keep moving, the neighborhood of Go Vap is 5 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in District 12 with kids?
If you are after sights and tours for all the family, we've got some awesome ideas for what to do in District 12 with kids.

What to do in District 12 for adults?
Adults of all ages will find plenty of things to do in District 12. Whether you're into traditional cuisine, adventure or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in District 12?
One of the most popular free things to do in District 12 is check out Cao Dai Temple. You can also walk around nearby neighborhoods and spend time in parks and other green spaces in the area. If you're looking for more ideas, just chat with a local tour guide.