Safest Districts in Ho Chi Minh City for First-Time Visitors

Before delving into what is the safest district in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time travelers, let me first provide some general information about the city. Ho Chi Minh City comprises 24 districts, with 12 numbered from 1 to 12 and the remainder named. However, since the beginning of 2021, Thu Duc District has merged with Districts 2 and 9 to form Thu Duc City, as part of the city's industrialization strategy. Therefore, as of today, the city consists of 21 districts and one large sub-city. Out of all these districts, I will recommend four that you should consider staying when visiting Saigon, and why.

Furthermore, District 1 offers a diverse range of accommodations, from low-cost Airbnb to luxury hotels, catering to a variety of your preferences and budgets. Its well-developed infrastructure and efficient transportation links make it a great place to start checking out other parts of the city. District 1's lively environment, cultural attractions, and convenient services make it an interesting and pleasant experience for visitors exploring Saigon.

District 3 is extremely well-connected, providing convenient access to the rest of Ho Chi Minh City. It has a diverse selection of accommodation alternatives, from low-cost guesthouses to boutique hotels, guaranteeing a comfortable stay for travelers.

Binh Tay Market, located in District 5, is a renowned shopping location. It is a lively wholesale market with a wide variety of products, including textiles, spices, handicrafts, and traditional Chinese merchandise. Exploring the market may be an interesting experience for individuals who enjoy local shopping and the lively ambiance of a traditional market. Binh Tay Market also becomes a popular hangout location for residents at night, with lights surrounding the façade, food trucks all over, bumper cars for youngsters, and occasional live music out in the open air, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for those who visit. 

While the best districts for first-time travelers to stay are around the central area of Saigon, there are also some areas that are a little bit more tricky for tourists to stay in compared to the residents, including the below:

The answer is yes, Ho Chi Minh City is safe to walk around at night, however just like any major city, it's important to exercise caution and stay alert. Stay in well-lit, busy locations and keep your belongings protected. Furthermore, try to be mindful of your surroundings, particularly after pubs, clubs, and businesses have closed. And if you need to go somewhere far away, choose reliable modes of transportation such as licensed taxis or ride-hailing applications. Trust your instincts and seek help if necessary. By taking these steps, you may have a safe and fun night out in Ho Chi Minh City.

Yes, it is safe to walk around Ho Chi Minh City. However, a lot of first-time travelers might be scared and shocked to see how many motorbikes there are in Ho Chi Minh City. The traffic is chaotic with crowded intersections as the drivers often maneuver quickly and closely. The most important thing you need to remember is to remain alert and constantly check the road for incoming transportation, especially when crossing. Please remain focused and avoid distractions like using your phone or chatting with your friends and family. 

Yes, of course. But just like any major city, we still have taxi scams where they overcharge or go a longer route for more money. So here are some tips to prevent taxi scams in Ho Chi Minh City. Firstly, use reputable companies such as Mailinh or Vinasun, make sure the meter works, and ask for an expected charge. Next, keep note of important information such as the license plate, driver's identification, and firm name. Another easy way to get a taxi is through ride-hailing applications like Grab, Gojek, Be, or Xanh SM to make payments more secure, track where you are, and see all the necessary information about the drivers.