Introduction to The Ho Chi Minh City Map
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), also commonly known as Saigon, is the largest and most dynamic city in Vietnam. Alongside Hanoi, it serves as one of the country’s two most important economic, cultural, and educational hubs. As a centrally governed municipality, HCMC holds special urban status, reflecting its key role in Vietnam’s development. >>> Read More: 15+ Unusual Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh: A Local’s Perspective The city boasts a rich history, blending French colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers, bustling markets, and vibrant street life. It is also the financial and commercial heart of Vietnam, attracting millions of tourists and investors annually. With a population of over 9 million people, Ho Chi Minh City is a melting pot of cultures, offering diverse culinary experiences, entertainment, and historical landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, and Cu Chi Tunnels.
Similar to the Map of District in other places, the Ho Chi Minh City Map shows the locations of the districts in Ho Chi Minh City. Administratively, the Ho Chi Minh City Map includes the following major urban areas:
- First of all, the central area of Saigon includes the districts: District 1, District 3, District 4, District 5, District 6, District 8, District 10, District 11, Tan Phu District, Tan Binh District, Phu Nhuan, Go Vap, and Binh Thanh.
- Next is the East area, including the districts: District 9, District 2, and Thu Duc District.
- The South area includes the districts: Nha Be District, Binh Chanh District, Can Gio District, and District 7.
- The West area in Saigon includes the districts: Binh Tan District and part of Binh Chanh District.
- The North area in Saigon also includes districts such as District 12, Hoc Mon, and Cu Chi districts.
Discovering the Districts in Ho Chi Minh City
District 1: The Heart of the City
District 1 is the central urban districts of Ho Chi Minh City. It is the commercial center and the busiest area of the city. District 1 is also the financial center of Vietnam, housing the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange and headquarters for international banks.
The area preserves much of its French colonial heritage with broad tree-lined boulevards and historic buildings like the Central Post Office and People’s Committee Hall. Modern additions like the Bitexco Financial Tower have created a striking skyline contrast. At night, the districts in Ho Chi Minh City come alive with the pedestrian-only Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the famous backpacker area around Bui Vien Street.District 3: A Blend of History and Modernity
District 3 is known for its colonial architecture and eclectic mix of modern and traditional establishments. It offers a more peaceful charm compared to the bustling District 1. The area contains some of the city’s most beautiful French colonial villas, many converted into charming cafes and boutique shops.
Key cultural attractions include the War Remnants Museum with its sobering exhibits about the Vietnam War and the striking pink Tan Dinh Church. Turtle Lake (Ho Con Rua) serves as a popular gathering spot for local youth in the evenings. Compared to other districts in Ho Chi Minh, District 3 has maintained more of its residential character while offering excellent dining options along streets like Le Van Sy and Tran Quoc Thao.District 4: The Island District
District 4 is like an “emerald island” in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Nha Rong Wharf is a world-renowned attraction here. Other notable sites include Vinh Hoi Pagoda and Khanh Hoi Park. Tourists can easily travel to District 4 from its bordering districts via bridges across the Saigon River. Today, District 4 is becoming known for its exciting food scene, particularly along Vinh Khanh Street, which comes alive at night with seafood restaurants and beer clubs. New high-rise developments along the riverbanks are changing the face of this traditionally working-class district. District 5: The Cultural Melting Pot
District 5 is closely associated with the Chinese community and offers a plethora of culinary delights along with historically and culturally rich sites. Prominent destinations include Thien Hau Pagoda, Ong Bon Temple, Quan Am Pagoda, An Dong Market, Chinatown, and Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street.
Food lovers will find some of the best Chinese-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in the city here, from dim sum to roasted duck. Unlike other districts in Ho Chi Minh, District 5 maintains strong Chinese cultural traditions while being thoroughly Vietnamese in its energy and pace of life.District 6: The Gateway to the Mekong Delta
District 6 is home to Binh Tay Market, Binh Tien Temple, Giac Hai Pagoda, Statue Casting Village, and Binh Phu Park. This district acts as a bridge between the city and the Mekong Delta provinces. District 7: The Modern Urban Area
Developed as a new urban area among districts in Ho Chi Minh, District 7 represents the city’s modern face with wide boulevards and planned communities. The Phu My Hung area in particular has become popular with expatriates and wealthy locals, featuring international schools, golf courses, and the upscale Crescent Mall shopping center. The Starlight Bridge in the Crescent Plaza area offers a colorful light show after dark. While lacking the historic charm of central districts in Ho Chi Minh, District 7 provides excellent infrastructure, green spaces, and a more suburban living environment just 15 minutes from downtown.District 8: The Historical District
District 8 stands out for its deep-rooted history and development over the past 300 years in Saigon. One unique feature is the spring flower market on boats during the Lunar New Year season. Other attractions include Binh Dong Temple, Long Hoa Pagoda, and Binh Dien Night Market. District 10: A Blend of Culture and History
District 10 is deeply intertwined with the over 300-year history of the Saigon-Gia Dinh region. Historical landmarks include the Chi Hoa Temple, the monument of Emperor Quang Trung, and the Hoa Binh Theater. District 11: The Commercial Gateway
District 11 serves as a commercial gateway to the Mekong Delta provinces. It boasts a lively atmosphere with a mix of religious and cultural sites, along with bustling streets offering unique cuisine. Notable sites include Phung Son Pagoda, Khanh Van Nam Vien Temple, and Ha Ton Quyen Street. District 12: The Nature Lover’s District
District 12 is located in the northwest of the city. Visitors can enjoy recreational and nature-related activities, such as An Phu Dong’s revolutionary base, the Ben Xua tourist area, and the Coconut Garden. It has easy access from the bordering districts in Ho Chi Minh. Tan Binh District: The Gateway District
Tan Binh District is home to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, one of Vietnam’s largest and most modern airports. The area around the airport contains numerous hotels catering to business travelers and transit passengers. Beyond its strategic location, it boasts unique cultural, historical, and spiritual attractions such as the Southeastern Armed Forces Museum, Tan Ky Shrine, and Hoang Van Thu Park. Tan Phu District: The Lively District
Tan Phu District is among the liveliest and most diverse districts in Ho Chi Minh. It offers modern tourist spots like Aeon Mall Tan Phu, Pandora Shopping Center, Stone Castle Cafe, and Ice Coffee. Other historical relics include Phu Tho Hoa Tunnels, Phu Thach Communal House, and Phap Van Pagoda. Binh Thanh District: A Blend of Culture and Modernity
Binh Thanh District is characterized by its harmonious blend of culture, history, modernization, tranquility, and vibrancy. The area along the river has seen explosive development of luxury condominiums, while inland areas retain traditional wet markets and local neighborhoods.
Landmark 81, a symbol of the city’s development, attracts many tourists. Other attractions include the tomb of General Le Van Duyet, Binh Thanh District Historical Tradition House, and Hai Ba Trung Temple. This district perfectly illustrates how different districts in Ho Chi Minh balance modernization with preserving local character. Phu Nhuan District: The Vibrant District
Strategically located between the airport and downtown, Phu Nhuan offers convenient access to all districts in Ho Chi Minh. The area is particularly famous for Phan Xich Long Street, known as “Food Street” for its concentration of excellent local restaurants and cafes. Unlike more touristy districts in Ho Chi Minh, Phu Nhuan provides an authentic look at middle-class Saigon life with its mix of apartment buildings, local markets, and neighborhood shops. The central location makes it ideal for those who want easy access to both the city center and outlying areas.Go Vap District: The Cultural Heritage District
Go Vap District serves as a gateway connecting western districts to the city center. Tourists can explore traditional trades like ornamental flowers and traditional bronze casting crafts. Other attractions include Thong Tay Hoi Communal House and Phu Chau Temple. While not typically on tourist itineraries, Go Vap provides an authentic look at local life away from the modern developments transforming other districts in Ho Chi Minh.Thu Duc City: The New Urban Center
Created in 2020 by merging Districts 2, 9, and Thu Duc, this new administrative area represents the future of districts in Ho Chi Minh. The Thao Dien neighborhood has become the epicenter of the city’s expat community, with trendy cafes, international restaurants, and luxury villas along the Saigon River. Huge new developments like Vinhomes Grand Park and the upcoming Thu Thiem financial district are transforming the area. The Saigon High-Tech Park in the eastern sector drives Vietnam’s growing tech industry. Among all districts in Ho Chi Minh, Thu Duc City offers the most potential for future growth and investment opportunities.Exploring Ho Chi Minh City with YESD Tours
To fully experience the diverse districts in Ho Chi Minh, consider joining a guided tour with YESD Travel. YESD Responsible Tours offers responsible and authentic tours that connect travelers with local communities and cultures. Our Ho Chi Minh tour includes visits to historical landmarks, cultural sites, and local markets, providing an in-depth understanding of the city’s districts. By exploring the Ho Chi Minh attractions with us, you’ll gain insights into the city’s history, development, and daily life. Our knowledgeable guides and community-focused approach ensure a meaningful travel experience.