All YOU NEED TO KNOW DIFFERENT DISTRICTS AND WHERE IS THE BEST ONE TO LIVE?

Every area of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) presents a different experience in this energetic city. The districts of 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11 each have something unique to offer whether your trip is for adventure, culture, or even a possible place to live. I will introduce you to the different characteristics in districts 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11 at Saigon.

Let’s explore each district in Saigon.

1. District 5 (China Town – Cho Lon)

What is special?

Among the biggest and most energetic Chinatowns in Vietnam, Cho Lon resides in District 5. Its busy streets will reveal vibrant temples, traditional medicine stores, and markets loaded with unusual items. Combining Vietnamese and Chinese inspirations, the architecture has complex pagodas next to shophouses from the colonial era.

Cho Lon attracts many locals and tourists.

Must-visit spots

Comprising exquisite sculptures and incense coils, Thien Hau shrine is a stunning shrine devoted to the sea goddess Mazu.

Thien Hau Pagoda

Address: No. 710, Nguyen Trai Street, District 5.

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM daily.
Discover real Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine with roasted duck and wonton noodles at the local Binh Tay Market.

Binh Tay Market

Address: No. 57A, Thap Muoi Street, District 6.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.


The best cuisine street available for mouthwatering homemade noodles and dumplings is Ha Ton Quyen Street.

Sui Cao – one of the best dishes in on Ha Ton Quyen Strret, District 5.

Address: Ha Ton Quyen Street, District 5.

Opening Hours: 12:30 PM –  1:30 AM daily.

Why do tourists love it?

With its energetic street markets and historical monuments, Chinatown in District 5 presents a rich cultural experience. Travellers looking for real Chinese-Vietnamese food and a window into the city’s rich past will find it ideal.

2. District 6

What is special?

Less touristic but as intriguing, District 6 is a gold mine of local markets, particularly for visitors wishing to sample Vietnam’s explosive street food scene. Like a native, this is the perfect spot to investigate Saigon.

Must-visit spots

Phu Lam Park is a fantastic area to relax from the bust of the city and take in some vegetation.

Phu Lam Park

Address: No. 170, Kinh Duong Vuong Street, District 6.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily.


Try some of the finest banh mi, hu tieu (noodle soup), and che (Vietnamese dessert) in the city at Street Food Stalls.

Noodle soup

Here is the list of the top noodle soup in District 6:

Hủ Tiếu Giò 187: No. 187, Tan Hoa Dong Street, District 6.

Hủ Tiếu Hồ: No. 237, Cao Van Lau Street, District 6.

Hủ Tiếu Mì A Tỷ: No. 254, Hau Giang Street, District 6.

Why do tourists love it?

Those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path activities will find ideal location in District 6. Here the cuisine is more reasonably priced; the local markets provide a window into daily Saigon life.

3. District 7

What is special?

Because of its contemporary infrastructure, spotless streets, and profusion of international eateries, District 7 is sometimes known as the “expat district.” Phu My Hung is a posh metropolitan district featuring upscale homes, retail centres, and verdant parks.

District 7

Must-visit spots

One lovely place for nighttime walks with a breathtaking light display across the river is Crescent Mall & Starlight Bridge.

Crescent mall

Address: No. 101, Ton Dat Tien Street, District 7.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.

Starlight in District 7

Address: Phu My Hung Urban Area, District 7.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

A fantastic mall for entertainment and shopping is SC VivoCity.

SC Vivo City – the shopping mall for the whole family in District 7.

Address: No. 1058, Nguyen Van Linh Street, District 7.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.


Perfect for those yearning for worldwide cuisine are Korean and Japanese Food Streets.

Korean cuisine

Here is the list of the top restaurants in District 7:

Champong: No. R2 – 24, 6 Street, District 7.

Goobne: No. 99, Nguyen Thi Thap Street, District 7.

Buzza BBQ – Korean Hot Foods: 3rd floor, No. 51 – 53, Nguyen Thi Thap Street, District 7.

Why do tourists love it?

District 7 presents other side of Ho Chi Minh City, one more reminiscent of Singapore or Seoul. It’s a fantastic spot for a quiet getaway from the bust of the city.

4. District 10

What is special?

District 10 is a must-see for foodies as well. Street food sellers abound there, ranging in cuisine from grilled shellfish to Vietnamese hotpot.

District 10

Must-visit spots
Comprising the largest floral market in the city, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is vibrant in colours and smells.

Ho Thi Ky market is filled with fresh flowers.

Address: Ho Thi Ky Street, District 10.

Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily.
Prominent for street cuisine, particularly snails, BBQ, and Vietnamese pancakes, Su Van Hanh Street.

Che is one of the long-standing and prominent dishes on Su Van Hanh Street.

Che Mam Khanh Vy

Address: Ngo Gia Tu Apartment, 032 Lot H, District 10.

Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily.

Suggested places: Sa Dec noodle dish, Thang Dau beef hotpot, Khanh Vy sweet soup, Chicken Kitchen grilled chicken.

Om Nuong – BBQ with its affordable prices, attracts many locals.

Om Nuong – BBQ

Address: No. 848, Su Van Hanh Street, District 10.

Opening Hours: 4:30 PM – 11:30 PM daily.

Why do tourists love it?

Foodies who like to savour real Vietnamese cuisine at local rates will find heaven in District 10. It’s a fascinating spot to explore with the vibrant scene and night markets.

5. District 11

What is special?

Travellers who like both history and entertainment will find District 11 to be a fascinating place as it combines new attractions with old Saigon elegance.

District 11

Must-visit spots

Perfect for families and thrill-seekers, Dam Sen Water Park is among Vietnam’s top water parks.

Dam Sen Water Park

Address: No. 3, Hoa Binh Street, District 11.

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM daily.


Convenient retail and eating centre Lotte Mart with both local and international brands.

Lotte Mart with many attractive stalls and full range of food stalls.

Address: Everich Building, No. 968, Ba Thang Hai Street, District 11.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.

Why do tourists love it?

Families will find District 11 fantastic as it combines entertainment establishments with cultural landmarks. There are also several excellent neighbourhood eateries there presenting classic Vietnamese cuisine.

Here is the top list of local restaurants in District 11:

Mì gọt Tâm Đức: No. 186, Binh Thoi Street, District 11.

Quán Ăn Hoàng Oai: No. 168/82, Le Thi Bach Cat Street, District 11.

Ăn Vặt Sapinkie: No. 103/18, Thai Phien Street, District 11.

6. Which district is best for foreigners to live in?

District 7 (Phu My Hung) is the ideal option for expats seeking comfort, green areas, and foreign conveniences for contemporary, quiet living.

Districts 5 and 10 are ideal for visitors who want to sample street cuisine and really experience Saigon life.

Districts 6 and 11 provide a more reasonably priced way of life while yet being near to the city centre, therefore promoting budget-friendly living with local appeal.

7. Some travel tips for your trip

Transportation: Grab is the most practical method to move about, but like a local, buses are inexpensive and entertaining.

Learning a few simple Vietnamese words: This can enable you to more quickly negotiate marketplaces and street sellers.

November through April provides the ideal conditions for seeing the city.

Ho Chi Minh City’s several districts provide something unique for everyone, whether your trip or search for a new house in Vietnam. Every region presents a different experience; so, take your time to see them all!

Happy journey! ✈️🌏