What to do in District 3, Saigon?

Travelling to a place means opening an opportunity to delve into its history and culture. The more you go, the more you fall in love with the Vietnamese soul in District 3.

Turtle Lake
Although this site is officially called Công Trường Quốc Tế, Saigoneses are more familiar with the name Turtle Lake (Hồ Con Rùa). Above the lake, there are four walking paths which lead to the center tower and a statue of a turtle carrying a stele. In 1976, an explosion destroyed the statue; however, people prefer the name Turtle Lake till now. This place is rated as one of the perfect spots to have a date or gather friends. Just relax beside beloved ones, eat snacks sold around (bánh tráng trộn, súp cua, bắp xào, trà đào, etc), enjoy the wind and find fun with the colorful crowded city at night. More amazingly, Turtle Lake is very near the center of district 1 so it is not a problem for you to walk to Youth Cultural House (Nhà Văn hóa Thanh niên), Diamond Plaza, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (Nhà thờ Đức Bà) and so on.

Address: At the intersection of three streets: Vo Van Tan, Tran Cao Van and Pham Ngoc Thach
War Remnants Museum
Famous for the devastating war against the US army, Vietnam attracts international tourists to War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh city. There is a guide who shows you around, shares unbelievable historical stories and gives you a closer look at the present life of dioxin victims in Vietnam. Moreover, war vehicles, model jails and real photos of war crimes will absolutely make visitors get goose bumps. This is a highly recommended museum for you when paying a visit to Ho Chi Minh city.

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 12:00 pm; 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm (From Monday to Sunday)
Admission prices: 15 000 vnd
Website: http://www.baotangchungtichchientranh.vn/ (Vietnamese, English, Chinese)
Address: #28 Vo Van Tan street, ward 6, district 3, HCMC
Telephone: (+84)839305587; (+84)839306664
Southern Women’s Museum
Southern Women’s Museum proudly illustrates the portrait of Vietnamese women in the south in terms of culture, fighting in wars and developing the new society. A wide range of traditional costumes, daily items, rare pictures and lively photos helps you imagine the spirit of Vietnamese ladies. Until now, the museum has attracted more than 1500 tours of international visitors.

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 11:30 am; 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm (From Monday to Sunday)
Admission prices: Free
Website: http://www.baotangphunu.com/ (Vietnamese)
Address: #202 Vo Thi Sau street, ward 7, district 3, HCMC
Telephone: (+84)839320322; (+84)839325690
Tan Dinh Church
Built in 1876, the 140-year-old church amazes people with the color pink outside and the magnificent Roman architecture. This is also the second largest church in Ho Chi Minh city, after Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (Nhà thờ Đức Bà) in district 1. Tan Dinh Church is definitely worth visiting.

Website: http://giaohattandinh.com/ (Vietnamese)
Address: #289 Hai Ba Trung street, ward 8, district 3, HCMC
Telephone: (+84)838290093
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
In 2015, David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, paid a visit to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. Not only is the pagoda well known for its stone tower, the highest stone structure in Vietnam, but it also provides you with peace in the soul. That is why your trip to Ho Chi Minh city should never miss such a holy place.

Website: http://vinhnghiemvn.com/ (Vietnamese, English, Chinese)
Address: #339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, ward 7, district 3, HCMC
Telephone: (+84)838966798
Saigon Railway Station
Citizens of the city also call this place Hoa Hung Railway Station (Ga Hòa Hưng). Constructed in 1885, it is the largest railway station in the south of Vietnam and plays a vital role in rail transport of the country. If you come here a month before Tet (Vietnamese New Year), you will witness long queues of people waiting to book tickets to return home and have a reunion besides relatives.
Website: http://www.gasaigon.com.vn/ (Vietnamese)
Address: #1 Nguyen Thong street, ward 9, district 3, HCMC
Telephone: (+84)839318952

All photos on this post taken by Nguyen Vu

1 thought on “What to do in District 3, Saigon?

  1. I pass Tan Dinh Church every day on my way back home and I’m really impressed by its unique appearance. It’s pink and looks so outstanding. And now I’ve found that it’s also the second largest church in Hochiminh City. Thanks for your article.

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