Things to do in Da Kao

Activities, attractions and tours

A person lighting candles at a table with a vase of flowers and incense smoke.
An ornate temple interior with red walls, golden statues, and Chinese inscriptions.
A detailed metal sculpture with inscriptions.
A temple interior with ornate decorations, statues, and religious paintings.
A traditional temple structure with intricate roof design, surrounded by greenery and urban buildings.

Things to do

Cu Chi Tunnels: Morning or Afternoon Guided Small-Group Tour

Cu Chi Tunnels Morning or Afternoon Tour from HCM City

€12
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Cu Chi Tunnels Morning or Afternoon Tour from HCM City
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

€22
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

€9
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket
Picture 8 for Activity Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour

Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour

€6
per adult
Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour
Ho Chi Minh City Saigon Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

€19
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Tan Son Nhat Airport - Ho Chi Minh City - Fast Track Service

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

€31
per traveller
74% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh city: Arrival Fast track at Tan Son Nhat Inlt. Airport
Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day

Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day

€24
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day
Ho Chi Minh City: Vung Tau Beach Full-Day Trip with Lunch

Ho Chi Minh City: Vung Tau Beach Full-Day Trip with Lunch

€41
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh City: Vung Tau Beach Full-Day Trip with Lunch
Vung Tau Beach Landmarks Full Day Tour from HCMC Cultural Scenic

Vung Tau Beach Landmarks Full Day Tour from HCMC Cultural Scenic

€52
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Vung Tau Beach Landmarks Full Day Tour from HCMC Cultural Scenic
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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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A well-lit hotel with a sign reading "HOTEL CONTINENTAL SA".

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. Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is most well-known for its floor-to-ceiling woodcarvings and its tortoise population, giving rise to its alternative name, the Tortoise Pagoda. It was built around the turn of the 20th century for Cantonese migrants. It is still a functioning temple today and a site for both Taoist and Buddhist worshippers.
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A traditional Chinese architectural structure with a curved roof, a stone pillar, and a signboard with Chinese characters.

What to do in Da Kao

Stay near popular Da Kao attractions

Jade Emperor Pagoda

8.2/10 (77 reviews)
This structure offers some of the most impressive woodcarvings, figurines and art in all of Vietnam.
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A brightly lit urban scene with a historic building, modern high-rises, and a busy street at night.

Ho Chi Minh City

Frequently asked questions

Is Da Kao worth visiting?
Providing a blend of cafes and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in Da Kao. While you're here, head to Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Da Kao?
Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden is a great place to kick-start your adventures. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in Da Kao while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Da Kao?
Spend the day at Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and see why it's ranked as the top tourist attraction near Da Kao.
Is three days enough to stay in Da Kao?
You'll have ample time to check out Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, Independence Palace and other major attractions in the area when you book a three-day getaway to Da Kao.
Is Da Kao a walkable neighbourhood?
Strolling around Da Kao is easy, with key attractions like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace both within walking distance. Popular neighbourhoods like District 1 and Ben Nghe are also located only 2 kilometres and 0.97 kilometres from the centre of Da Kao, so you can add a few more adventures to your day — no car needed.
What are some activities to do in Da Kao with kids?
Deciding what to do in Da Kao with kids has never been easier. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in Da Kao for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Da Kao, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Bui Vien Walking Street.
Are there free things to do in Da Kao?
It's easy to find free things to do in Da Kao. Just ask a local tour guide and they'll have suggestions for places you can visit for nothing. An excellent free option to check out is HCMC Museum.