Binh Thanh sits just north of District 1, across the Thi Nghe Canal, and has changed shape quickly over the past decade. It's home to Landmark 81, currently Vietnam's tallest building, along with a fast-expanding cluster of bars, live music venues and riverside cafés, particularly along Nguyen Huu Canh and the streets feeding into it.
What's changed
What was once a mostly residential, slightly overlooked district has become one of the city's more talked-about nightlife and lifestyle areas, helped along by the Landmark 81 complex (which includes a shopping mall, observation deck and several high-end dining options) and a wave of independent bars opening in converted houses nearby.
Who it suits
Visitors who've spent a few days in District 1 already and want a change of pace, or anyone specifically chasing the Landmark 81 views and the newer bar scene. It's a reasonable, if less central, alternative base for longer stays at generally lower prices than District 1.
What's driving the change
Binh Thanh's transformation has largely followed the money and attention that Landmark 81 brought to the area since its completion — independent bars, cafes and restaurants have opened in its shadow, often in repurposed houses along the river-facing streets, chasing the same crowd drawn in by the tower's dining and shopping options. It's a useful district to watch if you're curious about where the city's nightlife and lifestyle scene is heading next, rather than where it has traditionally been (District 1's Dong Khoi and Bui Vien).
| Known for | Landmark 81, riverside bars, fast redevelopment |
|---|---|
| Best for | Nightlife, skyline views, a change of pace from D1 |
| Distance to D1 | Roughly 10–20 minutes by taxi, depending on area |