Best Tips for Visiting District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
When planning a trip to Saigon, many people want to know the best places to go, the best places to eat, and more. Everybody wants to see or do everything the area has to offer. If you are visiting what we call the center of the city, there is more to visiting than just knowing what to see and where to eat.
Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind when visiting District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Navigation
One thing that you will quickly discover is that District 1, Ho Chi Minh City is rather large. The entire city is made up of ten different neighborhoods. Some of the top attractions in District 1 border District 3, so it can be quite challenging to figure your way around. The main neighborhoods must visitors focus on are Da Kao, Ben Nghe, and Ben Thanh. Backpackers also find Pham Ngu Lao a good place to visit.
Getting Around the City
When it comes to getting around the neighborhood, one of the easiest ways is to walk everywhere from the Saigon Hotel in District 1 (known as khách sạn sài gòn quận 1 in Vietnamese). The only thing to watch for is the numerous motorbikes zooming by around you. Another great way to get around District 1 is by bike, especially if you prefer to get to places faster.
Personal Safety
One thing to know about District 1 is where most of the main sightseeing is located for all tourists, both wealthy and budget-minded ones. It is one of the richer neighborhoods in Saigon and is perfectly safe to explore. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t pickpockets around, so just be mindful of your valuables. It’s no different than how you are back home.
One thing that catches people off guard is the way the motorbikes drive around. At times, it’s a bit overwhelming, and you may be worried that they will crash into each other or you.
To make crossing the street easier, it’s best to always use a crosswalk marked with a crossing sign. The people on motorbikes are rather skilled at navigating around the people walking, even if it seems as if they aren’t. Just walk in a straight line and keep a steady rhythm.
Plan a Visit to Nguyen Hue
While you might want to start your sightseeing tour off with a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, you want to finish it up with some people watching along with Nguyen Hue. As one of the main streets in District 1, Nguyen Hue runs from Le Thanh Ton Street down to the river.
It is filled with souvenir shops, popular stores, numerous buildings, and plenty of restaurants. During the Lunar New Year, the street is filled with decorations and flowers.