Exploring the Districts of Ho Chi Minh City: A Tapestry of History, Culture, and Daily Life

Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon, is a vibrant, chaotic, and colorful megacity that continues to reinvent itself while holding tightly to its rich heritage. With 22 districts making up this southern economic powerhouse, each one has a story to tell. There’s a saying in Vietnamese which literally translated into “eat in district 5, sleep in district 3, party in district 1 and get mugged in district 4”. In this article, we explore eight of the most iconic districts: Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (Chinatown), and 7, highlighting their historical roots, modern-day characteristics, and the unique flavor of daily life in each.

Venturing through many districts in Saigon on a Vintage Vespa is a one of a kind experience

District 1: The Beating Heart of Saigon

History & Characteristics:

District 1 is the historical and commercial core of Ho Chi Minh City. Under French colonial rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the administrative center of Cochinchina and was designed to resemble a miniature Paris with wide boulevards, stately buildings, and grand architecture. Iconic sites like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Saigon Opera House still reflect this colonial past.

Inside the Opera House is a magical place where wonderful shows like À Ố take place

Today, District 1 is the financial and entertainment hub of the city. Modern skyscrapers like the Bitexco Financial Tower, rub shoulders with preserved colonial buildings, creating a striking architectural contrast. It’s also home to major banks, corporate offices, luxury retail stores, embassies, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Daily Life:

District 1 pulses with life 24/7. Mornings begin with office workers grabbing coffee on the go or enjoying breakfast on small red plastic stools at street food stalls. Tourists flock to Bến Thành Market and Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street, and stroll along tree-lined streets like Đồng Khởi and Lê Lợi, while the locals rush to work on their motorbikes. At night, the city lights glow as rooftop bars come to life and live music echoes from lounge bars and bistros. For many, District 1 is where Saigon's high energy, elegance, and multiculturalism meet.

District 2 (Thủ Đức City): The Expat Enclave and Modern Retreat

History & Characteristics:

Once considered remote and underdeveloped, District 2 has undergone a dramatic transformation since the 2000s. Previously separated from the main city by the Saigon River, improved infrastructure, such as the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel and the new Ba Son bridge, has made it a prime area for urban development.

Yes, not Hong Kong, not Singapore, not Japan, this is Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) - Vietnam

Now part of the larger Thủ Đức City, District 2, particularly Thảo Điền Ward, has become the city's most popular neighborhood for expatriates. Modern apartment complexes, international schools, yoga studios, gourmet supermarkets, and Western-style cafes have flourished in the area. Thủ Thiêm and Sala New Urban Areas are quickly developing into a futuristic financial and cultural center, poised to become the next District 1 while being only a bridge away from the center.

Daily Life:

Life in District 2 is relaxed yet upscale. Mornings are serene, with joggers on riverside paths and international families walking their children to school. Daytime is filled with activity in co-working spaces, artisanal coffee shops, and boutique salons. By evening, the area transitions to a vibrant scene of outdoor gatherings, wine bars, and expat meetups, especially the stretch of Xuan Thuy street, where a lot of good bars and restaurants are located. At the weekend, Farmers' markets, brunch spots, and riverside dining create a village-like charm in Thảo Điền. It offers a sanctuary for those looking for modern living with a touch of international flavor.

District 3: Charm, Culture, and Old Saigon Vibes

History & Characteristics:

District 3 is one of the city’s most livable areas and a well-preserved bastion of old Saigon charm, thus the saying “sleep in district 3”. Developed alongside District 1 during the colonial period, it contains many of the city’s oldest and most beautiful French villas. Tree-lined streets like Trần Quốc Thảo and Pasteur are flanked by vintage architecture, boutique cafes and eateries.

Taking an unexpected yet fulfilling adventure to the past to treasure the peace we have today

District 3 is home to significant religious landmarks, such as the Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda, Xá Lợi Pagoda where the heart of Venerable Thich Quang Duc was held, the Burning Monk monument, and the famous pastel-pink Tân Định Church. It also houses a number of government buildings, cultural centers, and museums like the War Remnants Museum, drawing both scholars and tourists.

Daily Life:

Life in District 3 moves at a different pace compared to the financial area of District 1 but still bustling. Residents enjoy breakfast from alleyway food vendors and spend afternoons in air-conditioned tea houses or co-working cafes. Students flock to Hồ Con Rùa (Turtle Lake), a favorite hangout spot known for its snacks and lively atmosphere, especially at night. District 3 is a beloved neighborhood for artists, writers, and Saigonese who appreciate history and community. It offers a perfect balance of nostalgia and sophistication.

District 4: The Island of Contrasts

History & Characteristics:

District 4, often referred to as “the island” due to its location between the Saigon River and Tẻ Canal, has a reputation as one of the city’s most storied and colorful areas. Historically, it was known as a working-class district with a gritty edge, famously home to dockworkers, small-time traders, and even legendary gangsters during the post-war years.

Want to take magnificent photos like this home? Come to the Rainbow Bridge in District 4

Over time, District 4 has begun to change, with riverside developments, modern apartment buildings, and high-end cafes emerging—especially near Bến Vân Đồn Street. Yet despite its evolution, it retains much of its authentic character and way of life.

Daily Life:

District 4 is a sensory feast. In the early morning, the smell of grilled seafood and fish sauce wafts through the alleys. Wet markets come alive with chatter and bargaining. Locals eat breakfast while sitting on sidewalks, slurping up hủ tiếu or munching on bánh cuốn. In the evening, the district transforms into one of the city's street food heaven. Vĩnh Khánh Street is especially famous for BBQ skewers and seafood, and bustling beer joints. Life in District 4 is close-knit, honest, and always lively—offering an unfiltered slice of Saigon street culture.

District 5 & 6: The Historical Heart of Chinatown

History & Characteristics:

Chợ Lớn, Saigon’s historic Chinatown, founded in the late 17th century by Chinese migrants, primarily from Guangdong and Fujian. These settlers built temples, guild halls, and trade networks that would shape the commercial identity of southern Vietnam for generations.

It houses Bình Tây Market, one of the city's largest and most important wholesale markets, built in the 1920s with funds from a wealthy Chinese merchant. The market’s design, blending French and Chinese styles, makes it a landmark of the district.

When migrating to Vietnam, the Chinese communities not only build houses to live, but also schools to preserve the language and temples to socilize

The area is densely populated, with a strong Hoa community that has kept its customs and language alive for generations. It's a district of bustling trade and deep-rooted traditions.

Today, District 5 & 6 remains a cultural and economic hub for the Hoa (ethnic Chinese) community. The area is rich in Chinese architecture, from the Thien Hau Temple to ornate assembly halls, and continues to be a center for traditional medicine, wholesale trade, and Chinese cuisine.

Daily Life:

Chợ Lớn wakes up early. Bình Tây Market is the heartbeat of the area, opening before sunrise to supply goods to markets all over the city. The surrounding streets buzz with delivery bikes and market workers loading goods. Locals gather in temples or community halls, offer incense, and engage in morning exercises. Herbal medicine shops, tea houses, and dim sum restaurants hum with life by 8 a.m.

In the afternoon, the sounds of mahjong and Cantonese opera drift from old apartment blocks. Come evening, red lanterns light up the streets and vendors serve Chinese desserts, roast duck, dumplings and noodle soups. District 5 and 6 are where culture and commerce intersect in the most flavorful ways.

District 7: The New Urban Vision

History & Characteristics:

District 7 represents the city's future. Once a marshy area south of the city center, it has been transformed into a meticulously planned urban zone, primarily through the Phú Mỹ Hưng development, aka Korea Town0. It’s known for wide boulevards, organized zoning, upscale apartments, and a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.

If you happen to stay in district 7, check out Crescent Mall with numerous activities for your family to enjoy

This district is popular with foreign investors, professionals, and Korean and Japanese expatriate communities. Major shopping malls like Crescent Mall and SC VivoCity, international schools, hospitals, and green parks make it a top choice for families.

Daily Life:

District 7 offers a calm and orderly lifestyle. Residents enjoy morning walks around Crescent Lake, coffee in boutique cafes, and shopping in large malls. Children attend international schools while parents work remotely or commute to the city center. Evenings are quiet and clean, with dining options ranging from Korean BBQ to vegan bistros. It’s the go-to district for those looking for comfort, safety, and modernity—an ideal urban oasis.

A motorbike tour that covers it all

Let us give you the best Saigon city tour experiences you might ever had

With all the districts spreading out like that, one could wonder how they’d see all the different sides of Saigon and its hidden gems? Fret not! Our city tour will help you cover all the main grounds of District 1, 3, 10, 5, 6 and 4. You’ll not only see the different sides of the city but also visit non-touristy spots and listen to stories about daily life, culture, beliefs, history even the locals are not aware of sometimes. In addition, our food tour will take you on a culinary experience that is not just about eating and drinking, but also represents the city’s identity, culture and people.

A City of Contrasts and Continuity

Ho Chi Minh City’s districts are like distinct brushstrokes in a sprawling canvas, each contributing color, texture, and movement to the city's ever-evolving identity. From the colonial charm of District 1 and the cultural heritage of Chợ Lớn to the modern serenity of District 7 and the streetwise energy of District 4, the city is a captivating blend of old and new.

To truly understand Saigon, one must dive into its districts—not as mere geographical divisions, but as living, breathing communities with stories etched into every street, every bowl of noodles, and every smile from a local vendor.

Travel Tips

Exploring the Districts of Ho Chi Minh City: A Tapestry of History, Culture, and Daily Life

District 1: The Beating Heart of Saigon

District 2 (Thủ Đức City): The Expat Enclave and Modern Retreat

District 3: Charm, Culture, and Old Saigon Vibes

District 4: The Island of Contrasts

District 5 & 6: The Historical Heart of Chinatown

District 7: The New Urban Vision

A motorbike tour that covers it all

A City of Contrasts and Continuity

Other tips