District 1 is right at the heart of the city and is the most popular place for tourists to stay. Yes, it might be called the “financial district” but it’s just as much about play as it is work – think the CBD in Sydney. It’s packed with French colonial architecture, bars, restaurants, and buzzes with an authentic HCMC experience day and night. It puts you in walking distance of many of the top attractions in the city, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, and Ho Chi Minh Square. The shopping is decent too with Ben Tanh Market on your doorstep. You can stay in a high-end hotel in this part of town, but if you’re travelling on a budget and want a good backpacker option head to Pham Ngu Lao Street. The bustling, noisy, and vibrant spot is lined with hostels, and it’s a great place to grab a Saigon beer, sit on a colourful plastic chair, and watch the world whizz by. You can party till very late too.

Across the river, you’ll find District 2. And believe it or not, this was once one of the poorest areas of HCMC as the river cut off residents from the centre of the city. It’s now one of the most exclusive districts of Ho Chi Minh. Stroll down wide footpaths and enjoy more space and a slightly quieter atmosphere than District 1. You’ll find high-end shopping, international restaurants, and expats due to the many international schools in the area. It’s not packed with tourist attractions and it’s not as lively, but there are some bars and music venues.

Bordering District 1, a stay in District 3 offers a slice of authentic Vietnamese life away from the tourist madness. The streets are scattered with colonial villas, there are no skyscrapers and lots of locals live here. You get a more traditional feel of the day to day lives of the locals, and the restaurants and cafes are slightly cheaper away from the main tourist hubs. There are many pagodas dotted around and the War Remnants Museum is must-visit attraction. Accommodation is affordable, but it doesn’t have the backpacker vibe of District 1.

Rumour has it that District 4 was a former mafia haven, but don’t let that put you off – it’s changed a lot today. A stay here will have your tastebuds tingling and your belly will never be rumbling. So, let’s talk about the street food. District 4 is the place for authentic HCMC street food. Everywhere you go here, you’ll see locals lining the streets at the many restaurants and vendors – a real sign you’re getting proper local flavours. Make a beeline for Ɖ Vinh Khanh and its selection of sensational seafood restaurants and vendors or test your mettle with some snails at Lo J KTT alley. It’s the smallest district, so sightseeing is limited, but you’re just over the river from District 1. Expect decent hotels with swimming pools to cool off in.

Hustle, bustle, and history around every corner. District 5 gives District 1 a run for its money when it comes to atmosphere. Also referred to as Chinatown or Cholon, the influx of Chinese immigrants that headed to the city in the 19th and 20th centuries settled here. It’s home to the biggest market in Vietnam, Bin Thay Market, as well as An Dong Market and plenty of pagodas. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy Chinese food and traditional tea houses. As you’d expect Chinese New Year is wild.

Step into District 7 and you’ll feel like you’ve hit a completely different city. The streets are wide and clean, the air feels fresh, and the noise simply drifts into the background. A stay in this district will leave you well away from HCMC’s vibrant nightlife, but in amongst some of its top luxury shopping. The Crescent Mall in the super exclusive area of Phu My Hung is the spot for high-end retailers and international brands. You might even catch a concert, art show or exhibition here too. For a touch of romance, join the young couples of the city and stroll to the man-made Crescent Lake complete with waterfall and Starlight Bridge. Take in the cool air, lounge on the grass, and enjoy your peace away from the craziness before laying your head in a luxury or boutique hotel.