District 1 is the most popular area to stay in Ho Chi Minh city for first-timers and short-time travelers. Most visitors choose to stay in this area due to its central locations, wide range of tourist amenities, and close proximity to famous cultural and historical attractions.
District 1 has a unique mix of old and new, making it the perfect introduction to the city. You’ll see many skyscrapers among French colonial-style buildings and cultural landmarks.
In this article, I will give you the detailed guide about district 1, including the exact location, pros and cons of staying in this neighborhood, as well as some of the best areas to stay in district 1.
Where is district 1 Ho Chi Minh City?
District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, located on the left bank of Saigon River, and is next to other popular areas such as District 3.
District 1 covers an area of around 8 square kilometers and is divided into 10 smaller wards. The main areas that tourists know in district 1 are the area around Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi street, the area around Ben Thanh Market, and the area around Bui Vien Walking Street.
District 1 is home to iconic attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, Bui Vien Walking Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Bitexco Tower, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Central Post Office.
Is District 1 a good area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
I personally believe that District 1 is a good and safe area to stay in Ho Chi Minh, especially for first-time visitors and those who have a few nights in the city.
I stayed in District 1 for most of my visit to the city. It has a convenient location, within easy distance (just a short walk or short Grab Bike) to everything including attractions, bars, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Here are my recommendations for the best hotels in District 1:
- Luxury: Caravelle Saigon (Nguyen Hue & Dong Khoi area)
- Mid-range: Silverland Yen Hotel (Ben Thanh area)
- Budget: Calista Sai Gon Hotel (Ben Thanh area)
Stay in district 1 has its pros and cons, and here are some of the reasons why you should choose to stay in district 1:
1. Central location
District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh, so staying here means you’ll be close to everything. You’ll spend less on transportation to get to major attractions compared to staying in another district.
It also has a central location to explore the Saigon River, as well as other districts. From here, it’s easy to reach District 2 across the Saigon River and just a short drive to District 3, District 5 (Chinatown), and Landmark 81 in Binh Thanh District.
District 1 is also relatively close to the airport, making it easy to reach by a short taxi or Grab ride to the city center. There are also airport buses connecting the airport with district 1 for those who are on a budget.
2. Good base for sightseeing with many cultural and historical attractions
Most important attractions of Ho Chi Minh City are located in and around district 1, so you can easily get to these sites on foot or a short Grab ride.
There are many historical attractions related to the French colonial period from 1859-1954 and the Vietnam-American War era from 1954-1975 after French withdrawal.
You can explore French colonial architecture at famous attractions in district 1 such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Opera House, and the City Hall.
The French-built wide boulevards during the colonial period such as Dong Khoi Street (formerly known as Rue Catinat) are now lined with high-end shops, bars, restaurants, and French colonial hotels such as The Grand, The Continental next to the Opera House, and The Majestic along the bank of Saigon River.
Then there are plenty of historical attractions related to the American War. You can visit the
The War Remnants Museum to learn more about its history or the Reunification Palace, which is the former Presidential Palace. These attractions are located within a short walk apart.
3. Lively nightlife with both backpacker and high-end bars and nightclubs
District 1 has a lively and wide variety of nightlife scenes for all preferences. If you want a backpacker vibe with street-side beer bars, loud music, dances, and cheap drinks, you can check out Bui Vien Walking street.
If you want a high-end sophisticated experience, you can find many upscale bars, rooftop bars, and nightclubs around the Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi streets, and Saigon Riverside area.
If you want to experience browning Japanese izakayas, restaurants, and bars in small alleyways, you must check out Saigon Japan town around Thai Van Lung street. This area also has many massage parlors, and girl bars.
If you’re not into bars and nightlife, don’t worry, you can still find plenty of quiet spots to enjoy at night in district 1.
4. Lots of modern shopping malls and traditional markets
Most major tourist markets and shopping malls in Ho Chi Minh are located in district 1, making it the best location to do shopping in the city.
Famous shopping malls in district 1 are the Takashimaya/ Saigon Centre on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street and Vincom Center Dong Khoi on Dong Khoi Street. You can find luxury international brands in these malls.
For traditional markets, you must check out Ben Thanh market. It’s a fun place to find bargaining local products, clothes, accessories, food, and almost everything you need. The smaller scale Central Market near Bui Vien Walking street is also a trendy place for souvenirs and clothing.
5. Luxury and high-rise hotels with rooftop terraces
In addition to budget and mid-range hotels, District 1 is packed with luxury 5-star hotels, so if you’re after a luxury stay, district 1 is the place to book your accommodation.
The area has several historic and boutique hotels, where you can enjoy the colonial-style architecture and the feeling of the past. The Rex hotel, Caravelle, The Grand, Continental, and Majestic are one of those.
6. Green parks to hang out and experience local life
District 1 is home to several beautiful parks with big trees in the middle of Saigon’s chaos. These places are where you can take a rest from the heat or experience local life. Locals often come to these parks to hang out, walk, and do exercise, Tai Chi, or aerobics.
Popular parks in district 1 are the Tao Dan Park next to Independence Palace, September 23rd Park next to Bui Vien Walking street, and Le Van Tam Park near Tan Dinh Cathedral.
6. It’s a safe area in Saigon
District 1 is generally a safe area to stay in Saigon. It’s often packed with tourists and locals, creating a safer atmosphere. Although, like in any place, you need to practice common sense, taking care of your belongings, and being aware of pickpocking and bag snagging.
The main safety concern is probably around the nightlife area at late night. We often hangout late in the nightlife area such as Bui Vien Walking street, Nguyen Hue Walking street, and Japan Town, but always feel safe.
If you are a solo man, you might get approached by street sex workers, but if you politely decline, you shouldn’t have any problems. If you’re a solo woman, I recommend avoiding going out late at night alone.
The downsides of staying in District 1 Saigon
Besides many advantages, staying in district 1 also has several disadvantages. In my opinion, these are expensive, overwhelming crowds, and tourist scams such as overcharging.
High cost of accommodations, food, and drink
District 1 is usually more expensive compared to other districts in Ho Chi Minh due to its central location and close proximity to major attractions. However, you can save money on transportation because most of the city’s famous sights are located in district 1.
Not ideal for expats or long term travelers
District 1 is the tourist hub of the city, ideal for first-timers but not a good choice for long-time visitors and expats due to its high cost of living, hectic pace, and noisy environment.
If you’re looking for an area for a long term stay, have a look at Thao Dien – district 2, Binh Thanh District, or Phu My Hung – district .
See more: Should you stay in District 1 or 3, HCMC?
Crowded and Tourist scams
District 1 is often packed with tourists and locals, especially in the area around major attractions. There are also many tourist-focus scams to be aware of such as the shoe shine scam, overcharging at the restaurants, street vendors, or bars.
These things can happen anywhere, so use common sense to avoid scams.
Best areas to stay in District 1 Ho Chi Minh City
District 1 has high concentrations of hotels for all budgets and preferences. There are hundreds of hotels within the 8 square kilometers area.
The three most popular areas to stay in district 1 are the Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi area, Ben Thanh market area, and Bui Vien Walking street area.
Additionally, you can find riverside hotels along the left bank of the Saigon River, and more budget options around the Tan Dinh church area.
Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi area is the posh area of Ho Chi Minh, packed with high-end hotels, restaurants, and bars. Eating and drinking in this area also are more expensive than other parts of the city.
For those looking for mid-range and budget hotels, you can have many options around Ben Thanh Market and Bui Vien Walking street. For a quieter atmosphere and good night sleep, I recommend avoiding staying right on Bui Vien street.
When it comes to luxury accommodations, Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi top the list, with the Ben Thanh area coming second and Bui Vien Walking Street third.
Whether you choose to stay, make sure to book well in advance. You’ll have many options and may find good deals if you book a few months in advance.
Where to stay in District 1 Ho Chi Minh City
1. The Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi street area
This is the most luxurious and safest area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. This area is the posh area of the city that is home to wide boulevards, French-colonial hotels, as well as upscale hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Dong Khoi street is a 1km long street running from Nguyen Du street to Saigon River. It was originally named Rue Catinat, built by the French during the colonial era in the 19th and 20th century. It’s home to French colonial buildings like the Opera House, and Continental Hotel.
The street also houses the Vincom Center Dong Khoi, and Union Square with lots of flagship luxury stores. such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Ralph Lauren, and Hugo Boss.
Nguyen Hue is 750 m street running parallel with Dong Khoi street. It stretches from the City Hall to Bach Dang Speed Ferry Terminal on the Saigon River. Similar to Dong Khoi, this street is home to many upscale hotels, cafes, restaurants, and bars.
The street is often the location of big events in the city such as Tet Flower Festival, New Year Countdown, foot balls,… The area around the Statue of Ho Chi Minh and the city Hall are great places to take photos.
One of the highlights on Nguyen Hue Walking street is the Cafe Apartment Building at number 42. It is a nine-story building converted from an old building packed with trendy cafes and shops with beautiful settings.
In addition to luxury stay and shopping, this area also has trendy night clubs and rooftop terraces where you can enjoy drinks and the city’s skyline. The Japan Town nearby also adds a unique nightlife atmosphere to the area.
I recommend checking out Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower near Nguyen Hue street. You can buy a ticket at the counter on the 1st floor, take the elevator to the 49th floor for a 60-degree view of the city and the Saigon river.
The Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area have excellent locations to explore the city. It’s a short walk to other famous sites like Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Central Post office, War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and Ho Chi Minh City Book Street.
Best hotels in Nguyen Hue & Dong Khoi area:
Caravelle Saigon (luxury)
This historic hotel is centrally located on Lam Son Square, right next to the Opera House, on Dong Khoi street of district 1. It has a prime location, close to everything, including shopping malls, nightlife areas, tourist attractions, and Saigon River.
The hotel has spacious rooms for both families, couples, and solo travelers. It has all other facilities such as outdoor pool, fitness center, and spa facilities. The rooftop bar has stunning views of the city and Saigon River.
Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel (luxury)
This luxury 5-star hotel is located in a prime location on Dong Khoi Street, making it a great base to enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife. The hotel has comfortable rooms and beds. For beautiful views, you can consider booking the higher floors.
Park Hyatt Saigon (luxury)
This 5-star luxury hotel is set in the heart of District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s an ideal base for those who have a good budget to spend. It’s just a short walk from modern malls, bars, and attractions.
The hotel has a nice outdoor pool area with sunbeds, as well as beautiful lobby areas and well-decorated rooms. They also offer great breakfast with lots of choices.
The Myst Dong Khoi (luxury)
This 5-star hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city offers a central location and spacious rooms for a comfortable stay. The hotel has quirky decor and rustic feel. It has a lovely bar, gym, and a pool on the 14th floor on the rooftop.
The Reverie Saigon (luxury)
This 5-star high-rise hotel is located in a prime area of Nguyen Hue street, an ideal location to explore the city. Like many other hotels in the city, I recommend choosing the high floor if you want a view. The hotel offers well-sized rooms with beautiful decoration and luxury touch.
They have all facilities for a stay such as pool, bar, spa, lift, and fitness center. Some bookings include the airport pick up and drop off in Mercedes.
Rex Hotel (luxury)
This luxury historic hotel is set in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City’s district 1. It’s right in front of the iconic City Hall and the statue of Ho Chi Minh.
The hotel has a beautiful design with lots of greenery and a fantastic breakfast buffet. It has a well-equipped fitness center, pool, and rooftop area.
2. The Ben Thanh Market area
If you can find adorable hotels in the Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue area, you can consider staying in the Ben Thanh market area. It has a wider range of mid-range and budget options with some luxury hotels, but still within easy distance from the posh Nguyen Hue & Dong Khoi.
This area also offers a central location, close to everything. Shops, food, and drink here are more affordable than the Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi area. In my personal experience, this area has a more chaotic atmosphere, but it’s part of the experience in Vietnam anyway.
You can shop for bargain souvenirs at the traditional Ben Thanh market as well as the well-maintained Takashimaya shopping malls with premium international brand stores. The two famous shopping destinations are located on Le Loi street, 5 minutes walking distance apart.
Being located between two other popular areas, the post Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi and the backpacker Bui Vien Walking street, the Ben Thanh area has the best of both sides.
Iconic places such as Tao Dan park, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Central Post Office are all within walking distance from Ben Thanh market area.
Best hotels in Ben Thanh area of district 1:
La Siesta Premium Saigon (luxury)
This 5-star hotel is located on Ly Tu Trong street, in the central area of district 1, a short walk away from Ben Thanh market, Ben Thanh metro station, and all other iconic sites of the city.
The hotel has connecting rooms for families, a beautiful rooftop area, and excellent breakfast with wide choices of Asiand and western dishes.
Fusion Original Saigon Centre (luxury)
This 5-star hotel is located on Le Loi street in central location, between Nguyen Hue Walking street and Ben Thanh market area. It’s close to everything, making it an excellent base to explore the city.
Rooms are spacious and come with bathtubs with high quality amenities. It has an amazing rooftop pool and great buffet breakfast.
Silverland Yen Hotel (mid-range)
This is a popular 4-star mid-range hotel in Ho Chi Minh city. It has a quite central location, close to Ben Thanh market, and major sights in the city. It has beautiful decor, comfortable bedrooms, and a nice rooftop pool and bar.
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint (mid-range)
This 4-star hotel is located on Pastour street of District 1, close to everything such as Ben Thanh market, Saigon center, and Bui Vien Walking street. You can easily walk or use Grab to get the major points of interest. Ideal base for mid-range travelers.
Calista Sai Gon Hotel (budget)
This 3-star budget-friendly hotel is located in the central location of district 1 of Saigon, in the Ben Thanh ward. The hotel has everything you would need for a comfortable stay to explore the city on a budget.
3. The Bui Vien Walking street area
The Bui Vien Walking street area is part of Pham Ngu Lao ward, right next to Ben Thanh ward. This area has higher options for budget backpacker hotels and mid-range hotels with a couple of luxury hotels.
The highlights of this area are Bui Vien Walking street, September 23rd Park, and the Central Market. The 650m long Bui Vien becomes pedestrian-only in the evenings and is the most famous nightlife street in the city with high energy, crowds, and backpacker vibe.
It’s packed with bars, clubs, hostels, street food, and shops. The nightlife often comes with loud music, cheap drinks, and food.
Running parallel with Bui Vien street is Pham Ngu Lao street. This street is packed with tour agencies, shops, and restaurants. It is home to the huge park and the central market.
For quieter sleep, I recommend staying somewhere a bit farther away from Bui Vien street. There are good hotels and apartments on nearby streets such as Cong Quynh, Pham Ngu Lao, Le Lai, or Nguyen Trai street.
Best hotels in and around Bui Vien Walking street area:
Pullman Saigon Centre (luxury)
This 5-star luxury hotel is located in district 1 of Saigon on Tran Hung Dao street, a short distance from Bui Vien Walking street. It’s a large hotel with rooftop bars, spacious rooms, and outdoor pool. The rooms have lots of sunlight and comfortable beds.
Eden Star Saigon Hotel (mid-range)
This 4-star mid-range hotel is located on Bui Thi Xuan street, a couple of blocks away from Bui Vien Walking street. It’s close to famous parks Tao Dan park and September 23rd Park. The major attractions and markets, and malls in Ben Thanh ward are also very close to Eden.
Good location, delicious Breakfast, nice rooftop pool, and clean room, what else you need for a mid-range hotel in the center of Saigon.
Skycure Serviced Apartments (budget)
This is modern and well-equipped apartment style accommodations in central Saigon, near Bui Vien walking street. It has comfortable beds, clean rooms, beautiful decorations, and all necessary amenities.
4. The Saigon River area
The district is located on the left bank of the Saigon River. There are several 4-star and 5-star hotels located on Ton Duc Thang street, which is running parallel with the river. This hotel has a central location and stunning views of the river.
Along the riverfront in district 1, you can find Bach Dang pier and the riverside Bach Dang Park. You can take a nice walk along the riverside park and enjoy the views of the skyscrapers and the river. You can take a river cruise from this pier.
Best hotels in Saigon River area in district 1 of HCMC:
Hotel Majestic Saigon (luxury)
This is a historic 5-star hotel located on the posh area of Dong Khoi street, overlooking Saigon river. The hotel has a pool, gym, and well appointed rooms with a balcony and views of the river. They have a nice bar on the 8th floor with views.
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (mid-range)
This 4-star hotel is located on the riverside street, Ton Duc Thang, close to everything. You can easily walk or use a short Grab bike everywhere in the city. The hotel has a nice small pool and rooftop bar on the 25th floor overlooking the Saigon River. Good option for those who want a mid-range hotel in the heart of the city.
Le Meridien Saigon (luxury)
This 5-star hotel is located at one end of Ton Duc Thang street, along the river, at the foot of Ba Son bridge. You’ll be close to a metro station, Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and numerous iconic attractions like Saigon Opera House or Central Post office.
It is a short walk from a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes. For the best experience, you can choose a room with river views and club lounge access.
5. The Tan Dinh & Da Kao ward
These areas, particularly Tan Dinh ward, are located a bit outside of the central area of district 1 but still a good area to stay in Ho Chi Minh city. It offers a more local atmosphere compared to the more central areas such as Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, or Ben Thanh.
The highlights of this area are Tan Dinh Catholic Church, Le Van Tam Park, and Jade Emperor Pagoda. Tan Dinh Catholic Church was built in the 19th century during the French colonial time, and has beautiful Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
Jade Emperor Pagoda is worship for Buddhists, Taoists, and Confucianists. It’s a peaceful place to visit with beautiful architecture. The US President Barack Obama visited the temple in 2016.
This area has a good range of small mid-range and budget hotels and serviced apartments in these areas. There are some luxury hotels on Hai Ba Trung and Nguyen Thi Minh Khao street in Da Kao ward that are located close to Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi.
Best hotels in The Tan Dinh & Da Kao ward of district 1:
See more:
- Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- 2 to 3 Days in Saigon Itinerary
- Is Ho Chi Minh City safe to visit?
I hope you’ve found this information helpful and have a better idea of whether District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is a good place for you to stay. I personally believe that it’s an excellent base for first-timers to the city who want to be close to everything, including major tourist attractions, shopping malls, local markets, and nightlife areas.