1. Where is Go Vap District on Ho Chi Minh City’s map?

Go Vap District is an inner-city district in Ho Chi Minh City with a natural area of 19.2 square kilometers. It borders Tan Binh District, Phu Nhuan District, Binh Thanh District, Hoc Mon District, and District 12. Go Vap is a vital gateway connecting the city center with nearby provinces such as Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Tay Ninh. It also offers convenient access to Tan Son Nhat International Airport and the North-South railway line.

Holding a strategic location, Go Vap also boasts significant cultural and historical values and rich tourism potential. With a history spanning more than 300 years, Go Vap has always been closely linked with the formation and development of Saigon-Gia Dinh. Moreover, this area witnessed important events during the war against the American empire and the former Saigon regime.

The district currently has 11 sites recognized as national or city-level historical and architectural relics. In addition, Go Vap District is home to traditional markets, handicraft villages, and numerous intangible cultural heritages that reflect the generous and elegant spirit of the local people. Modern commercial centers add to the district’s appeal, promising diverse and memorable travel experiences.

>>> Explore: Ho Chi Minh City district map & notable tourist attractions

2. Guide to get to Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

From District 1, travelers can easily and quickly reach Go Vap. The distance is just over 9 kilometers and takes about 30 minutes via the following route:

Le Loi Street – Cong Truong Lam Son – Hai Ba Trung Street – Kieu Bridge – Phan Dinh Phung Street – Nguyen Kiem Street – Nguyen Thai Son Street – Nguyen Oanh Street – Phan Van Tri Street.

Visitors can choose from various transportation options to get to Go Vap District, like a motorbike for adventure, a taxi for comfort and ease, or a local bus for a more authentic experience. Buses that pass through Go Vap include routes 146, 36, 03, and 59. In Ho Chi Minh City, booking taxis or motorbike rides through ride-hailing apps is convenient. Among them, Xanh SM is a popular choice for electric taxi services, known for its reasonable prices, environmentally friendly vehicles, experienced drivers, and dedicated 24/7 customer support.

3. Things to do on your visit to Go Vap District, Saigon

Go Vap District offers a local slice of Saigon that many travelers overlook. But if you're curious enough to venture north of the city center, you'll find a neighborhood full of stories, flavors, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

3.1. Explore cultural attractions

Go Vap may be modernizing fast, but it hasn’t lost touch with its roots. Step into this side of the district to find temples, pagodas, and heritage sites that quietly preserve the local traditions and spiritual life of the community.

3.1.1. Phu Chau Floating Temple

Among the spiritual places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Chau Floating Temple is a must-see, built in the late 18th to early 19th century. Standing out on an islet in the middle of the Vam Thuat River, this temple is not only a famous pilgrimage site but also attracts visitors with its grand yet ancient Vietnamese-Chinese architectural style.

Inside the temple grounds, there is an ancient banyan tree that is hundreds of years old. The temple’s architecture is richly decorated with traditional yin-yang glazed tiles and ceramic porcelain inlays forming dragons and other intricate folk motifs. The walls are adorned with ceramic fragments illustrating traditional beliefs, creating a space full of artistic and spiritual value.

3.1.2. Hanh Thong Tay Cathedral

Another spiritual destination in Go Vap District, Vietnam, is Hanh Thong Tay Cathedral. Originally built in 1861, it was later reconstructed in 1921 on a 2-hectare plot. Its architectural style follows the Byzantine influence of Europe, modeled after the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.

The church is 40 meters long, 14 meters wide, and 16 meters high, with a bell tower reaching 30 meters. It features a main dome with two smaller domes. The church’s architecture and antique interior are well preserved, promising a deep insight into the spiritual life of people in Go Vap District.

3.1.3. Thong Tay Hoi Communal House

Thong Tay Hoi is one of the oldest communal houses in the area, built around 1698. It covers 761 square meters and consists of the performance area, front hall, middle hall, main hall, and rear house. The main hall has two buildings in the four-pillar style, topped with a ceramic sculpture of “two dragons flanking a pearl.”

The house preserves 37 valuable artifacts, such as engraved panels, horizontal boards, and parallel sentences dating from 1881 to 1906. These items retain their original design and gold-lacquered colors, making them culturally and artistically significant.

3.1.4. Sac Tu Truong Tho Pagoda

Visitors to Go Vap District cannot miss Sac Tu Truong Tho Pagoda to gain insight into the development of Buddhism in old Gia Dinh. Having witnessed many historical events, the pagoda still preserves many valuable antiques from the 18th century, including two royal decree plaques from Emperor Gia Long and Emperor Tu Duc and a great bronze bell cast in 1808.

You can also admire various unique statues created over 200 years ago, such as a jackfruit wood statue of Amitabha Buddha, the Di Da Tam Ton trio (three of the oldest wooden statues in the pagoda), and a set of terracotta Arhat statues covered with paint.

3.1.5. An Hoi Incense Burners

An interesting place to visit in Go Vap District, Vietnam, is the traditional bronze incense burner craft village of An Hoi. Historical records note that the bronze casting profession appeared in Saigon as early as the 18th century. Today, five households in An Hoi still maintain the traditional methods of bronze casting.

Visitors can observe each intricate step of the incense burner-making process, from metalworking to alloy mixing and engraving. Travelers also have the chance to chat with artisans to better understand this unique cultural craft and witness the local atmosphere that defines the area.

3.2. Take a shopping tour

Go Vap’s markets and malls offer a fun mix of shopping, food, and people-watching, whether you’re on a spree, on a budget, or just browsing.

3.2.1. Hanh Thong Tay Market

Hanh Thong Tay Market is a top shopping destination in Go Vap District where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Spanning 2,358 square meters with over 400 stalls, the market operates day and night.

The day market focuses on household goods, vegetables, and food, while the night market sells clothing, handmade accessories, and an array of local street food. It is especially vibrant at night, with crowds of locals and tourists. As you wander through the stalls, you will find popular street food such as broken rice, mixed rice paper, and fresh spring rolls.

3.2.2. Emart

If you are shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss Emart – Korea’s leading retail supermarket chain. Go Vap District is home to two Emart locations: one at 366 Phan Van Tri Street and another at 385 Phan Huy Ich Street. Both are over 10,000 square meters, offering spacious shopping areas, diverse products, reasonable prices, and exciting promotions.

Emart carries everything from daily necessities to fashion and food. It is also a popular check-in spot for young people, thanks to its vintage-inspired walls and modern decor. The supermarkets also include kids' play zones, restaurants, wellness services, and other amenities.

3.2.3. Lotte Mart

Another major shopping and entertainment venue on the Go Vap District map is Lotte Mart. With a total area of 26,651 square meters, it houses a supermarket and an upscale shopping area with many famous Korean products.

Lotte Mart was the first to introduce an advanced retail model in Vietnam, with functional zoning and state-of-the-art equipment, enhancing the shopping experience. It also includes an entertainment zone, food courts, cafes, restaurants, and cinemas to meet all your entertainment needs.

3.3. Unwind at hangout spots

Beyond its cultural depth, Go Vap is also a place to relax and recharge. The district’s parks and public spaces offer fresh air, family-friendly activities, and weekend entertainment that’s perfect for locals and tourists alike.

3.3.1. Hoa Binh Water Music Square

With an area of 15,000 square meters, Hoa Binh Water Music Square is one of Go Vap District’s top entertainment areas. The main attractions here are the water music show, recreation areas, and green walkways.

It is a weekend hotspot where locals and visitors come for strolls, exercise, and live water performances. The square also hosts cultural and social events during major holidays, offering meaningful activities and opportunities to engage with local life and culture.

3.3.2. Gia Dinh Park

Located on the border of Ward 3, Go Vap District, and Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, Gia Dinh Park is considered the "green lung" of the city. It covers 32 hectares and is home to over 1,000 large, old trees.

With its convenient location, locals and visitors can stop by to relax, take walks, or exercise in the fresh, clean air—far from the city’s noise and pollution. The park also has a separate, exciting playground for children and vast lawns totaling 63,000 square meters, perfect for picnics, parties, and gatherings.

3.3.3. Go Vap Cultural Park

Among many parks in Saigon, Go Vap Cultural Park stands out with its massive 37-hectare space. Entering the park feels like stepping into a peaceful countryside village, surrounded by nature. Flower-lined paths lead to a lotus pond, tall grass fields, and wooded areas that are perfect for photo shoots.

The park offers ample space for walking, exercising, and taking photos amidst nature while relaxing and observing the rhythms of local life.

3.4. Visit the house of People's Artist Duc Dau

In Go Vap District, music and culture lovers should not miss the house of People’s Artist Duc Dau, who has been collecting traditional musical instruments for over 30 years. Here, you can admire a collection of around 2,000 musical instruments and artifacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups—some of which are centuries old, like the 300-year-old H’gơr drums from the Central Highlands.

Visitors can also enjoy live performances by the artist, featuring traditional melodies played on instruments like the Hmong flute, lipless horns, and lithophones. Each performance is accompanied by fascinating stories about his journey of collecting and sharing the spirit of Vietnamese folk music.

3.5. Enjoy local foods

Go Vap District is a culinary hotspot in Ho Chi Minh City, drawing both locals and visitors with its wide range of flavorful dishes and eateries. Some recommended places include:

Friends Restaurant: 14 Phan Van Tri Street, Ward 7
Com Nieu Panda: 645 Quang Trung Street, Ward 11
Hai San Oc Ngon Hai Dung: 145 Nguyen Van Luong Street, Ward 10
Lo Thien Quan: 222 Nguyen Oanh Street, Ward 17
Ba Gac Vietnamese Grill & Beer Garden: 1 Quang Trung Street, Ward 10

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4. Best tours to experience Go Vap District, HCMC

To fully explore the charm of Go Vap, consider joining the tour “Around Go Vap: Ancient Beauty and Hidden Gems,” organized by the city. The tour will take visitors through top attractions like Phu Chau Floating Temple, Thong Tay Hoi Communal House, Hanh Thong Tay Cathedral, and the centuries-old bronze casting village. Additional experiences include golfing, enjoying coffee with views of airplanes flying overhead, exploring Duc Dau's music collection, and attending unique circus performances.

Recently, Go Vap District launched a “Cultural Guide & Digital Transformation Route” at Alley 730 Le Duc Tho. The area is decorated with murals covering nearly 600 square meters, featuring the district’s cultural and architectural heritage. Visitors can also scan a QR code to access detailed information about Go Vap’s top attractions and plan their visit more conveniently.

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Go Vap District, Vietnam, is a captivating destination that combines cultural depth, historical landmarks, and vibrant local life. Whether you are exploring ancient temples, shopping at bustling markets, or enjoying modern entertainment, Go Vap offers something for every traveler. With its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location, it is a must-visit stop on any Ho Chi Minh City itinerary.

After discovering the vibrant charm of Go Vap District, travelers can head over to Thu Duc City to continue the fun at Grand Park. This world-class amusement destination offers everything from exciting water slides and adrenaline-pumping rides to peaceful kayaking, beachside walks, shopping, and diverse dining options.

Book tickets to Grand Park

Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is home to a wealth of breathtaking travel spots like Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long. For those seeking a premium getaway, Vinpearl hotels and resorts are ideal choices. Set in harmony with the natural surroundings, Vinpearl properties feature five-star amenities, including serene spas, large swimming pools, high-end conference facilities, panoramic golf courses, and more.

To add even more excitement to your trip, don’t miss VinWonders—an exhilarating chain of entertainment parks packed with thrilling attractions and spectacular live shows.