Stretching along both banks of the Kenh Doi canal, District 8 elongates west from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. While it has been a largely residential area in the past, in recent years District 8 has experienced a business boom due to the rapid development taking place in nearby District 7.
Things to do in District 8
District 8 is a great base for visiting the Vietopia Theme Park, a huge indoor playground packed with interactive and educational activities for children. It’s designed like a miniature city and entered through a replica airport where kids are issued a boarding pass and a cheque to cash at the bank.
Once inside Vietopia, children can find a “job” to earn money, then spend their hard earned cash on entertainment activities. They can opt from a whole range of professions, such as being firemen or electrical engineers, as well as learn about recycling and how to undertake daily tasks like grinding coffee beans.
If you’re visiting at the height of summer, cool off at the Dai The Gioi Water Park. There are a variety of pools to splash around in, as well as water slides, lazy rivers and a designated sandcastle building area.
Want to see one of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest churches? Then be sure to visit the Cho Quan Church that lies on a busy intersection in neighbouring Cholon. Originally built by Father Nicolas Ham in 1720, it now houses his remains under the foundations.
Getting around District 8
District 8 is well connected to Ho Chi Minh City’s surrounding districts by public buses. Moto taxis and regular taxis are a convenient means of accessing the sights, while a public ferry boat crosses the Kenh Doi canal in the far west of District 8.