District 12 in Ho Chi Minh City

When coming to District 12, you can see the contrast between the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, like District 1 and District 3, and a peaceful area. Unlike the other destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, this area mainly attracts tourists thanks to its outdoor activities, which can be hard to find in other crowded districts. 

Map of District 12's Attractions:

District 12 Overview

Located in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, District 12 shares borders with Hoc Mon, Thu Duc, Tan Binh, Go Vap, Binh Thanh, and Binh Tan District. This area of 53 square kilometers with 395,790 residents concentrates on software development as an economic incentive system to gear up the growth of the software industry in Vietnam.

Quang Trung Software Park

How to Get to District 12

If you are making your way to District 12 from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, it is approximately 15 km to the northwest. When using a bus going to District 12, you can catch Route 18 or 36 with the fare fee of VND 5,000 from Ben Thanh Station to Thoi An Station. Instead of the bus, a taxi is another option that would cost about VND 200,000 – 250,000.

If you wish to travel on a motorbike, read our guide on 5 motorbike riding tips for first-time passengers.

Attractions in District 12

Name	Entrance Fee	Address	Category
Ben Xua Tourist Area	Free entrance, different charge for services like restaurant	39A Ha Huy Giap, Thanh Loc Ward	Eco-tourism attraction
Tam Nong Farm	VND 50,000/person	To 33 (Group 33), Khu Pho 2, Thanh Xuan Ward	Eco-tourism attraction
Tri Rau Fishing Area	VND 50,000 – 70,000/person/3 hours	2647 - 2712/2B Vuon Lai, An Phu Dong Ward	Recreational site
Tri Long Paintball Area	VND 200,000/person (including the clothes and bullet rental fees for 2 matches)	15 Hiep Thanh 2, Khu Pho 6, Hiep Thanh Ward	Recreational site
The Kite Flying Field	Free	The intersection of Quoc Lo 1 (Highway 1) and Quoc Lo 22, near An Suong Apartment	Recreational site
Khanh An Monastery	Free	1055/3D Quoc Lo 1A, An Phu Dong Ward	Religious site
Cay Queo Pagoda	Free	Khu Pho 2, Trung My Tay Ward	Religious site
Thien Van Pagoda	Free	1/135 Nguyen Van Qua, Dong Hung Thuan Ward	Religious site
Vuon Cau Do Monument	Free	12, Thanh Xuan 52, Thanh Xuan Ward	Historical site

 

Ben Xua Tourist Area

Tri Rau Fishing Area

Tri Long Paintball Area

Tam Nong Farm

Cay Queo Pagoda

Vuon Cau Do Monument

The Kite Flying

To have fun trips in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our authentic motorbike tours with professional local guides!

 

Eating in District 12

Besides recreational or eco-tourism sites, District 12 also has a reputation for its cuisine. Your stomach could be treated to a feast with various kinds of foods in District 12 listed below and the prices are reasonable.

Category	Location
Vietnamese Cuisines	Hotpot Quynh Restaurant - 106/6 Tan Thoi Hiep 22, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward, District 12 Lau Ga Da Restaurant – 58A/15 Tan Chanh Hiep 02, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward Lau De Duc Thang Restaurant – 471 Tan Thoi Hiep 21, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward Lau De Duc Duong 2 Restaurant – 837 Nguyen Anh Thu, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward Vermicelli soup Ba Mi Restaurant – 81 Phan Van Hon, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward Bun Cha Dam Trang Restaurant – 27 Tan Chanh Hiep 10, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward Seafood Cay Me 361 Restaurant – 361 Nguyen Anh Thu, Hiep Thanh Ward, District 12 Crocodile meat Hoa Ca Crocodile Restaurant - 464 Ha Huy Giap, Thanh Loc Ward Family Meals Vuon Cau – Ben Xua Restaurant – 39A Ha Huy Giap, Thanh Loc Ward Vuon Que Restaurant – B463 Nguyen Van Qua, Dong Hung Thuan Ward Street Foods Lac Quang Market – Truong Chinh, Tan Thoi Nhat, District 12 Tan Chanh Hiep Market – To Ky, Tan Chanh Hiep Thoi An Market – 1 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi An
Snacks and Drinks	Coc 8888 Eating House – 41/4/2 Tan Thoi Nhat, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward, District 12 Ann’s House Eating House – 225 Alley, Truong Chinh, Khu Pho 2, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward Sky 17 cafe – 27 Truong Chinh, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward  Ben Ben Eating House – A32 To Ky, Khu Pho 2, Dong Hung Thuan Ward

 

Shopping in District 12

Although there are not many shopping malls as the central districts, such as District 1 and District 3, the groceries of produces in District 12 are still diverse and sufficient. 

Category	Address	What to Buy
Local Market	Lac Quang Market – Truong Chinh, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward Tan Chanh Hiep Market – To Ky, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward Thoi An Market – Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi An Ward Trung My Tay Night Market - 479 Trung My Tay 13 Street, Trung My Tay Ward	Raw meat and processed foods, dried foods, fruits, and drinks Clothes, jewelry, and shoes
Supermarkets	Co. Opmart Hiep Thanh - 276 Nguyen Anh Thu, Hiep Thanh Ward Co. Opmart Nguyen Anh Thu – 167/2 Nguyen Anh Thu, Trung My Tay Ward Metro Hiep Phu - Tan Thoi Hiep, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward	Foods, clothes and daily necessities

 

Trung My Tay Night Market

Nightlife in District 12

Most of District 12's residents like shopping at night when the weather cools down; therefore, the area can get really busy, especially at Trung My Tay Night Market. Despite being an open market, the public order of this popular market is well maintained. If you like a quiet space to enjoy the panoramic view of the city at night, a rooftop café is a great choice.

View of the city from the rooftop café Sky 17

Summary of District 12 in Ho Chi Minh City

If you prefer recreational or eco-tourism sites, District 12 is the place to be.

For more information on other districts of the city, refer to our guide on Ho Chi Minh City districts overview.