What to do in District 12

Activities, attractions and tours

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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.
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District 12 Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that District 12 has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

District 12 is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in District 12 to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

District 12 Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of District 12.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to District 12 attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

CA $35
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

CA $14
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket
Cu Chi Tunnels: Morning or Afternoon Guided Small-Group Tour

Cu Chi Tunnels Morning or Afternoon Tour from HCM City

CA $20
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Cu Chi Tunnels Morning or Afternoon Tour from HCM City
Tan Son Nhat Airport - Ho Chi Minh City - Fast Track Service

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

CA $44
per traveller
76% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh city: Arrival Fast track at Tan Son Nhat Inlt. Airport
Ho Chi Minh: Water Puppet Show Ticket

Ho Chi Minh: Water Puppet Show Ticket

CA $24
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh: Water Puppet Show Ticket
Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day

Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day

CA $38
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day
Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat

Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat (SGN) International Airport Fast Track Service

CA $31
per adult
Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat (SGN) International Airport Fast Track Service
Vung Tau Beach Landmarks Full Day Tour from HCMC Cultural Scenic

Vung Tau Beach Landmarks Full Day Tour from HCMC Cultural Scenic

CA $81
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Vung Tau Beach Landmarks Full Day Tour from HCMC Cultural Scenic
Picture 3 for Activity Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Line On Arrival

Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Queue On Arrival

CA $32
per adult
Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Queue On Arrival
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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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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. 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.

5. 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.

Recommended things to do in District 12

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

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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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from District 12

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 City

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 neighbourhood?
With the centre 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 neighbourhood of Go Vap is 5 kilometres 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 neighbourhoods 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.