Thao Dien, District 2 is one of the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s not for everyone. It’s a trendy district located on the banks of Saigon River, on the opposite side of District 1.
This district is a popular area for expats, long term travelers, and rich Vietnamese. It might not be a good place to stay in the city for first-timers and short time visitors who want an easy walking distance to the city’s most iconic sights and nightlife areas.
In this travel guide about Thao Dien district 2 of Ho Chi Minh City, I will share with you some information about the location of Thao Dien, things to do in Thao Dien, how to get there, and some good places to stay in Thao Dien, district 2 to visitors.
Where is Thao Dien Ho Chi Minh City?
Thao Dien is part of Thu Duc City (formerly known as District 2), is located on the eastern side of Saigon River, around 15-20 drive from Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi area in central district 1.
Thao Dien covers an area around 1.5km width and 2km long. It is bordered by the Saigon River on three sides, with the Hanoi Highway and Ba Do canal on the other.
Thao Dien was once a poor area of Ho Chi Minh City, but it has developed into an affluent neighborhood in recent years. It is now packed with high-end villas, apartments, international schools, western restaurants, co-working spaces, and trendy cafes.
Is Thao Dien, District 2 a good area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes and No. Thao Dien is popular in Ho Chi Minh city for expats, long-term travelers, and affluent local Vietnamese. The city has all amenities for a comfortable living such as luxury apartments, international schools, artistic places, and restaurants serving foreign cuisines.
If you are first-timers to Ho Chi Minh and staying in the city for a short time (1-3 days), it’s best to stay in the more central area such as district 1 and district 3 than Thao Dien district 2.
Most of the city’s iconic attractions such as Central Post Office, Nguyen Hue Walking street, Bui Vien Walking street, Independence Palace, and the War remnant museum are located within 15-20 minutes drive from Thao Dien.
You can easily take an affordable Grab taxi or motorbike from Thao Dien to popular attractions, but it’s not the most convenient area for sightseeing. Additionally, transportation costs can add up quickly if you travel back and forth many times.
If you have a bit longer time in the city, you can split your visit between two areas, district 1/ 3 and Thao Dien – District 2. You can also stay in district 1 & 3 then take a trip to Thao Dien for a visit.
Here are some of the benefits of staying/ living in Thao Dien:
Restaurants serving international dishes
Thao Dien is packed with restaurants serving both Vietnamese and international cuisines. Most restaurants are mid-range and high-end, but you can still find street food stalls and local restaurants with reasonably priced meals.
Some popular streets like Xuan Thuy, Quoc Huong, Thao Dien, or Nguyen Van Huong are home to many Korean BBQ restaurants, Japanese restaurants, French, Thai, German, and Italian food. If you’re craving for international food, you must check out Thao Dien.
The riverside restaurants, The Boat House and The Deck Saigon, are popular spots for sunset dinners and special occasions. L’Usine Thao Dien is also worth checking out as a good café/brunch place with international breakfast, salads, and casual meals.
Baba’s Kitchen Indian Restaurant is also a spacious spot with an indoor and garden‑style outdoor setting. You can try a variety of Indian dishes including North Indian, South Indian, Sri Lankan, and even some Thai influences.
Stylish bars
Thao Dien also has many stylish and intimate bars, riverside lounges, beer gardens, and live-music venues. There are many bars on Xuan Thuy street and Thao Dien Street.
The nightlife is expat‑friendly and relaxed, and is often quieter than District 1. Many bars offer happy hours in late afternoon early evening with discounted prices.
There are numerous bars on Xuan Thuy such as 86 Proof Whiskey Bar, MAD Wine Bar & Eatery, Dram Bar, or Flow Bar. On Thao Dien street, you can check out the popular Maltose bar, or Budda Bar.
Trendy cafes
Thao Dien has many beautiful outdoor setting cafes, popular with expats and digital artists. On Xuan Thuy street, you can find The Vietnamese-army style Cong Cafe, Ollin Cafe, or Hue Cafe Roastery where you can try Hue’s specialty coffee.
Luxury apartments and gated communities
Thao Dien is one of the wealthiest parts of Ho Chi Minh, it’s packed with high-end apartments, riverside villas, and gated communities. It has many good choices for long-term rental and some smaller options for short-termers.
These places are known for their high level of security with guards, security gates, and cameras in the complex, so you can feel safe living in the area.
Shopping malls and supermarkets
Thao Dien has a good range of modern shopping malls, supermarkets, and convenience stores with imported products. Additionally, there are many small beautiful boutiques shops among the tree-lined streets of Xuan Thuy or Tran Ngoc Dien street.
Three major malls in the areas, Estella Place, Vincom Mega Mall, Pearl Center – Thao Dien Pearl, and MM Mega Market An Phu are located very close to each other along Hanoi Highway. You can find luxury products and international brands in these malls.
There are also smaller supermarkets such as Tops Market, An Phu Market, Annam Gourmet, or Nam An Market, where you can find western groceries.
Best hotels in Thao Dien, District 2:
Downsides of staying in Thao Dien, District 2
High cost of living
This is one of the richest areas of Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s often more expensive than other areas. You will have to pay more for accommodations, food, and drinks compared to other areas.
Flooding
Due to its low-lying terrain next to Saigon River, Thao Dien can experience flooding during the west season from May to October after intense rainfall.
Distance from district 1
As I mentioned before, district 2 does not have a central location as district 1, which is not convenient for first-timer visitors who do not want to go sightseeing, and explore the popular points of interests of Ho Chi Minh City.
Best areas to stay in Thao Dien, District 2
Thao Dien Peninsula covers an area of around 1.5km width and 2km long. The main streets in Thao Dien and Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, and Nguyen Van Huong street. These streets are connected together by dozens of other smaller streets and alleyways.
If you want central areas within easy walking distance to dozens shops, bars, restaurants and cages, you can choose to stay around Xuan Thuy street. It’s also home to Thao Dien Night Market where you can try local street food and try Vietnamese herbal massages.
There are also many other apartments and small hotels for visitors scattering around the neighborhood. You can easily get around by Grab taxi or Grab ride at an affordable price.
Best places to stay in Thao Dien, District 2
Common Inn Thao Dien
I enjoyed my stay at Common Inn Thao Dien. It’s a good value for money hotel. located on the leafy street, steps away from the popular Xuan Thuy street.
The room is clean, bright, and airy, with plenty of natural light. There is a lift, so it was easy to carry luggage up and down from the room.
They have a nice common area on the top floor with a kitchen and shared utilities and free tea and coffee. I can walk to Thao Dien Night Market, and tons of restaurants, bars, and cafes in the surrounding area. The riverside with stunning views of Landmark 81 also within walking distance from Common Inn.
Amanaki Thao Dien
Amanaki has a prime location in a quiet area in the Thao Dien area, just 3 blocks away from Xuan Thuy street and the action.
It is also a short walk from Thao Dien metro station and Vincom Mega Mall – Thao Dien. You can easily get to district 1 within a short train ride without worrying about the traffic.
Notre Maison 5 Saigon
This excellent accommodation is located on Nguyen Cu street close to Xuan Thuy and the riverside Nguyen Van Huong street. It has a nice rooftop area with views of Saigon river and the city’s skyline.
The apartment is spacious, airy, with lots of natural light and windows. It’s a good value for money accommodation in the heart of the middle class and expat-friendly Thao Dien.
Harbor Point Thao Dien
This is a good apartment-style accommodation in a quiet alley in Thao Dien near Saigon River. You can easily walk to shops and places to eat. It has spacious rooms and are where you can cook. You can book a room with a balcony for the best experience.
Homey Apartment
This accommodation is located in the northern area of Thao Dien near Quang Anh museum. The apartment has a clean comfortable room and good air conditioning. It is in a quiet area, so you can sleep well.
Mecozy Apartel
This hotel is located in the central area of Thao Dien on Xuan Thuy street, so you’ll be a stone’s throw away from all trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants. The hotel has comfortable rooms for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Kim Apartment
This is clean and safe accommodation near popular points of interest in Thao Dien such as Xuan Thuy street, Thao Dien metro station, and Vincom Mall. It has good-sized rooms and a well-equipped gym and laundry services.
How to get to Thao Dien?
My favorite way to get to Thao Dien is using a Grab taxi or Grab Bike. It’s cheap and private. The journey is around 20 minutes depending on your location.
You can take public buses between District 1 and Thao Dien, but it can be a bit complicated, since you have to get to the bus stops and the wait can be long. You can get a train at the Ben Thanh station, Opera House station, or Ba Son Station.
They have frequent trains every 5-10 minutes and the tickets are from 7000 to 20000 vnd. You get off at Thao Dien Station which is very close to Vincom Mega Mall and major areas to Thao Dien such as Xuan Thuy street.
See more:
- Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- 2 to 3 Days in Saigon Itinerary
- Is Ho Chi Minh City safe to visit?
Thao Dien reminds me a bit of the Nimman area in Chiang Mai, which is also full of trendy restaurants, cafes, and boutiques popular with foreigners.
So, you have it, a short introduction to distinct 2, the trendy district of Ho Chi Minh city that is popular with expats, and affluent locals. If you are not staying in this area, you can always pay a visit by taking a short Grab taxi ride from District 1.