Sprawling in the far east of Ho Chi Minh City, District 9 is a largely agricultural region that hugs the Dong Nai River as it flows into the Song Soai Rap River. The picturesque rice fields are crisscrossed by canals and waterways, with bamboo bridges and towering coconut palms.
Things to do in District 9
District 9 is home to Vietnam’s Ao Dai Museum that honours the country’s national dress. It was founded by renowned fashion designer Sy Hoang in his Long Thuan home, which is designed in a traditional wooden style and surrounded by charming gardens.
The Ao Dai Museum boasts an impressive collection of dresses from different periods in Vietnam’s history, some of which were owned by royal family members and famous artists and actresses. Each dress comes with its own story, while videos and artwork inspired by the national costumes are also displayed.
Want to experience Vietnam’s answer to Disneyland? Then take the kids to Suoi Tien Theme Park, which is set across areas dedicated to history, spiritual culture and entertainment. It is home to Vietnam’s first man-made beach that has the face of the ancient King Lac Long Quan sculpted into it.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most impressive Buddhist pagodas at Buu Long, which fuses Theravada architectural styles from Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty. Climb up to the top of the Gotama Cetiya Tower, the tallest of its kind in Vietnam, for impressive views of the Dong Nai River.
Getting there
While District 9 is connected by public buses to Ho Chi Minh City’s centre, having your own vehicle is a more convenient option. However, there are numerous moto taxis available to take you from one exciting attraction to the next.