An Overview of Ho Chi Minh City’s Districts
The city is divided into 24 districts consisting of 19 inner city districts and five suburban areas, some numbered and others named. Districts one and three are considered the modern heart of the city. Each district, in turn, is broken down into even smaller sections called wards. This is a simple way to manage and organize addresses and specific locations, especially within districts that cover large amounts of land, like triangular Tan Binh that reaches downwards from the airport or the diamond-shaped expanse of District 9.
Take note that these are not districts but smaller neighborhoods. They get a mention here due to their eclectic international creative communities and abundance of cool pop-up bars, cafes, and stores.
Da Kao
Home to most of Saigon’s consulates and several elegant buildings dating from the French-colonial period, Da Kao’s historic streets also contain a bewilderingly high concentration of great restaurants and bars. From music and art events to craft beer and edgy restaurants such as Noir. Dining in the Dark, Da Kao has continued developing into one of the hottest places in town. Da Kao is on the north side of District 1, between Binh Thanh and District 3.
Thao Dien
What used to be one of our poorest areas due to its over-the-river location, Thao Dien has undergone a complete metamorphosis from a dirt road in the swamp to one of the most developed wards in the entire city. The streets of Xuan Thuy and Thao Dien make for two of the most international strips, chock full of bars, restaurants, galleries, schools, and spas. Thao Dien is synonymous with District 2, its best-known ward, and just a step off the Hanoi Highway.
Phu My Hung
Often referred to as ‘Little Seoul’ because of its large Korean population, Phu My Hung is home to many Korean and Japanese restaurants, upscale cafes, famous chain restaurants, and bars. The area now boasts world-class shopping malls like SC Vivo City and Crescent Mall.
Nguyen Thai Binh Ward
Just a few years ago, this area was primarily industrial, and it still feels like the location for a movie set in pre-1975 Saigon. Home to Yersin market, where hardware materials are sold, the nearby streets took on a similar persona. However, the recent development of Nguyen Thai Binh Ward has brought forth a series of trendy food and beverage establishments, giving these streets a lively underground atmosphere.