Thao Dien District 2
Thao Dien is Ho Chi Minh City's chic expat enclave, famed for its international dining, trendy cafes, and upscale lifestyle.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dine and drink with fewer crowds
Thao Dien District 2
Best Time
Dine and drink with fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Thao Dien is Ho Chi Minh City's chic expat enclave, famed for its international dining, trendy cafes, and upscale lifestyle.
"Thao Dien is the place to go for good foreign food in the city, with a bougie vibe."
🚗 Embrace the Local Vibe
Thao Dien is known for its bougie, expat-friendly atmosphere and great foreign food options .
☔ Beware of Rainy Roads
Roads can turn into a swamp during heavy rain, so plan your transport accordingly .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Culinary Delights on Xuan Thuy
Xuan Thuy Street
A vibrant street packed with international restaurants, cafes, and bars, perfect for foodies seeking diverse flavors.
Oishi Town's Japanese Charm
28 Thao Dien Street
A unique alleyway offering a taste of Japan with cafes, eateries, and entertainment, including a standout matcha spot .

Masteri Thao Dien Views
Masteri Thao Dien
Experience the 'super rich' vibe with stunning city views from this upscale residential and commercial complex .

Afterglow Sky Bar Ambiance
Rooftop, 43A - 43B, Xuan Thuy
Sip cocktails with a breathtaking 'billion-dollar' city view at this popular rooftop bar .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vibe: Thao Dien's Chic Charm
Navigating Thao Dien's Streets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Embrace the Local Vibe
Thao Dien is known for its bougie, expat-friendly atmosphere and great foreign food options.
☔ Beware of Rainy Roads
Roads can turn into a swamp during heavy rain, so plan your transport accordingly.
🍵 Matcha Lover's Paradise
Don't miss the potent matcha at Oishi Town's 'Mot Phu' cafe.
🍕 Pizza & Pasta Perfection
Chico's Pizza Bar offers delicious pizzas and pastas in a relaxing garden setting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Embrace the Local Vibe
Thao Dien is known for its bougie, expat-friendly atmosphere and great foreign food options.
☔ Beware of Rainy Roads
Roads can turn into a swamp during heavy rain, so plan your transport accordingly.
🍵 Matcha Lover's Paradise
Don't miss the potent matcha at Oishi Town's 'Mot Phu' cafe.
🍕 Pizza & Pasta Perfection
Chico's Pizza Bar offers delicious pizzas and pastas in a relaxing garden setting.
🍜 Authentic Pho Experience
Pho Bui Gia serves up high-quality pho with a great view.
🍸 Latin Nights at Mamacita
Enjoy Latin bites and cocktails at Mamacita, open late.
✈️ Train to Tan Cang
A convenient way to travel from District 1, taking about an hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Thao Dien is celebrated for its vibrant international dining scene, upscale atmosphere, and trendy lifestyle, making it a popular hub for expats and visitors seeking diverse culinary experiences and a relaxed yet sophisticated environment. However, some visitors note the higher cost of living and challenging road conditions, particularly during heavy rain.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service, which typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, the train to Tan Cang station offers a scenic route that takes about an hour.
While there isn't a direct metro line within Thao Dien itself, the Tan Cang station is nearby and accessible. Buses also serve the area, but ride-sharing apps are very popular and convenient for navigating within the district.
Ride-sharing apps like Grab are highly recommended for getting around Thao Dien. Taxis are also readily available. For shorter distances, consider renting a bicycle or simply walking, especially in areas with pedestrian-friendly zones.
Be aware that road conditions can be poor, especially after rain, so factor this into your travel time. Some areas are best explored on foot to truly appreciate the atmosphere.
Yes, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Thao Dien. The journey typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Thao Dien is a district, not a specific attraction, so there are no tickets required to enter. You can explore its streets, cafes, and shops freely.
While general entry to the district is free, individual restaurants, cafes, bars, spas, and shops will have their own pricing for their services and products.
Operating hours vary widely. Cafes often open early (around 7 AM),
while restaurants and bars typically open in the afternoon and stay open late into the night.For popular restaurants, especially on weekends or for dinner, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure a table.
Exploring the vibrant streets, window shopping, and enjoying the general ambiance are free. Many cafes offer a pleasant atmosphere to relax without a high minimum spend.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Thao Dien is renowned for its diverse international cuisine, including Korean BBQ,
Japanese food, Italian pizza and pasta, Latin bites, and excellent vegetarian options.While known for international fare, you can find authentic Vietnamese dishes like Pho at Pho Bui Gia
and Bun Rieu at various local eateries.Absolutely! Thao Dien has a thriving cafe scene, with places like Lost & Sought offering fresh baked goods
and others serving delicious breakfast bowls.Afterglow Sky Bar offers stunning city views with cocktails,
while Mamacita provides a lively Latin-inspired bar experience.Yes, Thao Dien has excellent vegetarian options, including Du Yến Vegetarian, a Michelin Guide recommended restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the 'super rich' vibe at Masteri Thao Dien,
enjoy the city skyline from Afterglow Sky Bar, and find charming street scenes along Xuan Thuy Street.The Japanese-inspired Oishi Town offers a distinct aesthetic,
and the tree-lined streets can provide beautiful backdrops for portraits.Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light for capturing the district's ambiance. Evening shots from rooftop bars are also spectacular.
Drone photography regulations can be strict in urban areas. It's advisable to check local laws and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone, especially near residential complexes like Masteri Thao Dien.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for street photography and capturing diverse scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for architectural shots and expansive views from rooftops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🥂 Couples & Nightlife Enthusiasts
✈️ Day-Trippers from District 1
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Landscape of Thao Dien
Beyond the international offerings, Thao Dien also provides authentic Vietnamese culinary experiences. Pho Bui Gia is a highly-regarded spot for traditional pho, offering a quality meal with a pleasant view. The district also boasts Michelin Guide-recognized vegetarian dining at Du Yến Vegetarian, showcasing the evolving and inclusive food scene. Whether you're looking for a casual brunch or a sophisticated dinner, Thao Dien's diverse food landscape promises a delightful experience for every palate.
When exploring Thao Dien's dining scene, it's worth noting that many establishments are located along Xuan Thuy Street and its surrounding alleys. The atmosphere ranges from lively cocktail bars like Mamacita to serene garden settings. For those seeking panoramic views, Afterglow Sky Bar provides a stunning backdrop for evening drinks. It's advisable to check opening hours and consider reservations for popular spots, especially during peak times.
Thao Dien: An Expat Haven and Upscale Lifestyle
The 'super rich' vibe is palpable, particularly around areas like Masteri Thao Dien, which offers impressive city views and modern living spaces. This upscale nature extends to its services, with high-end spas like The Spa Bar offering a luxurious escape and beauty salons catering to a discerning clientele. The district has even been recognized globally, with Time Out naming it one of the world's coolest suburbs.
While Thao Dien offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle for expatriates, it's important to be aware of the higher cost of living. However, for those seeking a familiar environment with access to a wide range of international amenities and a vibrant social scene, Thao Dien remains a top choice in Ho Chi Minh City. The district's continuous development ensures it remains a dynamic and attractive area for both residents and visitors.
Navigating Thao Dien: Transport and Infrastructure
For those looking to escape the hustle of District 1, the train to Tan Cang station offers a viable and scenic alternative, with the journey taking approximately one hour. This option provides a different perspective on the city and can be a more relaxed way to reach Thao Dien. Within Thao Dien itself, while cars and motorbikes are common, exploring certain areas on foot or by bicycle can offer a more intimate experience of the neighborhood's charm, especially in areas with pedestrian-friendly zones.
Despite the potential road challenges, Thao Dien's accessibility is a key part of its appeal. Its proximity to other parts of Ho Chi Minh City, coupled with the availability of various transport options, makes it a well-connected district. However, visitors are advised to plan their journeys with flexibility, keeping in mind the local traffic patterns and the impact of weather on road conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit