Top Things To See and Do in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
![Typical street scene in District 3](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1280px-do_thanh_resident_phng_4_district_3_ho_chi_minh_vietnam_-_panoramio.webp)
District 3 is right in the heart of the city, home to many expats and Vietnamese professionals who find District 1 overcrowded, along with families who’ve lived in their narrow homes for generations. Although there are several bleak government buildings, most of the area has an interesting vibe, and the side streets are jam-packed with shops and restaurants. Check out District 3 to see a different side of the city.
1. Visit the War Remnants Museum
Museum
![Military hardware outside the War Remnants Museum](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1280px-war_remnants_museum_saigon_vietnam_jan_2012_6875904288.webp)
This is a humbling experience, one that probably won’t help you feel much better about humanity and our proclivity for violence. Even though it’s been over four decades since the conflict ended, the pain in the images is still just as visceral as the day they were taken. There are guns, cameras, uniforms and even large hardware like an American Huey helicopter and a fighter jet on display. This museum is an absolute must if you’re a history buff.
2. Check out some live music at Yoko Cafe
Bar, Cafe, Contemporary
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/images/default_location.webp)
Live music is getting harder to find these days. It seems that the tide of playlists and DJs in bikinis will never recede. Thankfully, there are still places like Yoko Cafe where great musicians get their chance to strut their stuff onstage. Check them out on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Join in with the hip crowd of music enthusiasts. Yoko Cafe is popular with both locals and expats alike, but not too many tourists stray this far from District 1.