Binh Thanh District
The Up-and-Comer
"Young, creative, and full of potential. Binh Thanh is that friend who's about to blow up—still authentic and affordable, but with a creative energy that's attracting artists, musicians, and anyone who wants to be part of something new. This is Saigon's Brooklyn, its Kreuzberg, its coolest secret."
Time Out Magazine declared Binh Thanh one of the '40 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World,' specifically calling out Pham Viet Chanh Street and Ward 19 as the epicenter. And they're right—something special is happening here.
This is the Brooklyn of Saigon, where art galleries sit next to generation-old pho stalls. Where you can grab a $2 banh mi from a street vendor who's been on the same corner for 30 years, then walk next door to a craft cocktail bar serving Vietnamese-inspired mixology. The energy is electric but not overwhelming, authentic but evolving.
Pham Viet Chanh Street is the heart of it all. Cafe Tartine serves French pastries alongside Vietnamese coffee. Captain Phook brings creative Vietnamese fusion. Toa Tau offers workshops and cultural events. Meanwhile, HCMC's Fine Arts University ensures a steady stream of creative energy—students spill out of studios, carrying paintings, debating art movements, bringing youth and vibrancy to the streets.
Landmark 81, Southeast Asia's tallest building, towers over the district—a symbol of Binh Thanh's rapid transformation. But for now, the district retains its soul: tree-lined streets, Van Thanh Park's morning tai chi, traditional temples, and neighbors who still chat on stoops.
Come now, before the secret is fully out.
Neighborhoods
Pham Viet Chanh (Ward 19)
The coolest street—art, cafes, and creative energy
Hip, Creative, Energetic
Van Thanh Tourist Area
Parks and riverside relaxation
Green, Peaceful, Local
Xo Viet Nghe Tinh
Commercial corridor with local markets
Busy, Local, Authentic
Famous For
- •Pham Viet Chanh Street
- •Landmark 81 tower
- •HCMC Fine Arts University
- •Van Thanh Park
- •Emerging arts scene
- •Affordable authentic food
Hidden Gems
Toa Tau cultural space
Workshops, exhibitions, and community events
💡 Check their schedule for evening events and artist talks
Traditional pho stalls on Xo Viet Nghe Tinh
Family recipes that predate the hipster invasion
💡 Ask for 'pho dac biet'—the special with everything
Street art alleys off Pham Viet Chanh
Murals and installations by local artists
💡 Wander with no destination—that's when you find magic
Van Thanh Park at sunrise
Locals practicing tai chi and traditional music
💡 6 AM is peak activity time
When to Visit
Evenings (6-10 PM) when Pham Viet Chanh comes alive with cafes and bars. Weekends for the creative crowd. Early mornings (5-8 AM) for traditional Saigon scenes at markets and parks.
Getting There
Just across the bridge from District 1, easily accessible by Grab. Riding a motorbike here takes about 10 minutes from central District 1. The district stretches along the Saigon River.
Local Saying
Bình Thạnh - Nơi cũ và mới hòa quyện
Bin Tan - Noy coo vah moy hwah kwen
"Binh Thanh - where old and new blend"
The district's evolving identity
Did You Know?
Time Out called Binh Thanh one of the 40 coolest neighborhoods globally
Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Southeast Asia at 461 meters
Pham Viet Chanh was a quiet residential street just 5 years ago
The district name means 'Peaceful' or 'Peace' in Vietnamese
Van Thanh Park hosts free outdoor concerts on weekends