Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Dinh named among world’s coolest neighborhoods in 2026

The London-based travel and culture magazine released its annual ranking on Wednesday, with Jongno 3-ga in Seoul, South Korea taking the top spot.

Jongno 3-ga, known for its street food, nightlife, and independent businesses, previously ranked third on the same list in 2021.

Grace Beard, travel editor at Time Out, told CNN that the neighborhood had risen to number one thanks in part to the growth of outdoor evening dining and a strong presence of independent shops and businesses.

Its appeal also comes from the blend of old and new, with traditional culture and food existing alongside more modern forms of entertainment and commerce.

L’Ocean District in Rabat, Morocco ranked second. The coastal neighborhood is home to the luxury Four Seasons Hotel but has retained many independent businesses and elements of local culture.

Neos Kosmos in Athens, Greece came third and was highlighted for its lively arts scene.

Chinatown in Los Angeles ranked fourth, making it the highest-placed U.S. neighborhood on the 2026 list. Time Out described the area as a place that respects its history while continuing to reinvent itself.

Govanhill in Glasgow, Scotland rounded out the top five.

The next five places went to Kitakagaya in Osaka, Japan; Chapinero Alto in Bogotá, Colombia; Koenji in Tokyo, Japan; downtown St. Catharines in Ontario, Canada; and Esquilino in Rome, Italy.

Tan Dinh came in at No. 12, just behind Russafa in Valencia, Spain.

Located in central Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Dinh lies in an area that formerly bordered Districts 1 and 3 and is now part of Tan Dinh Ward following the city’s administrative restructuring.

The neighborhood is centered around bustling Hai Ba Trung Street and is best known for Tan Dinh Market and Tan Dinh Church.

Tan Dinh Market, one of the city’s long-established traditional markets, is known for its food, fabrics, clothing, and household goods.

Nearby Tan Dinh Church, officially the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most recognizable landmarks.

Its striking pink exterior has earned it the nickname the “pink church,” making it a popular photo spot for both local residents and international tourists.

The surrounding area also offers a mix of old houses, local eateries, cafés, shops, religious sites, and busy streets, giving visitors a glimpse of everyday urban life in central Ho Chi Minh City.