Things to do in District 1

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Visit District 1

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District 1 Travel Guide

A street food vendor grilling food on a street at night.

A narrow street lined with various shops and motorcycles parked along the sides.

A close-up of a painting with a blue and yellow color scheme.

A wall with graffiti, a motorcycle, and a metal gate.

District 1 Attractions

Discover the sights of District 1 with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of { fun activities in District 1 fun activities in District 1}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and focus on planning an unforgettable vacation.

Things to do

Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Line On Arrival

$26

per adult

Cu Chi Tunnels: Morning or Afternoon Guided Small-Group Tour

Cu Chi Tunnels Morning or Afternoon Tour from HCM City

$14

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket

$10

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat (SGN) International Airport Fast Track Service

$22

per adult

Tan Son Nhat Airport - Ho Chi Minh City - Fast Track Service

Ho Chi Minh city: Arrival Fast track at Tan Son Nhat Inlt. Airport

$32

per traveler

74% of travellers recommend

Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Small-Group Day Tour

Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day

$27

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour

per adult

Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

$31

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Ho Chi Minh City: Vung Tau Beach Full-Day Trip with Lunch

$28

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

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District 1 must see attractions

1. Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.

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A building with the sign "CUA-TAY" above the entrance.

2. Dong Khoi Street

Spend a day on busy Dong Khoi Street and hunt for luxury items in grand department stores, eat in classy cafés and marvel at beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture.

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A well-lit hotel with a sign reading "HOTEL CONTINENTAL SA".

3. Pham Ngu Lao Street

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be.

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A busy street at night with a prominent building labeled "ALLEZ BOU".

4. Vincom Center Shopping Mall

Shop in the flagship stores of brands such as Ralph Lauren, Armani and Hugo Boss at the Vincom Center Shopping Mall. Select a meal from the superb international cuisine offered at the large food court or taste delicious bread straight from the oven at the on-site bakery.

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A modern building with the sign "VINCOM CENTER" and "EXIMBANK" on its facade.

5. Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is Vietnam’s largest zoo and one of the oldest zoos in the world. The park is home to more than a hundred species of plants and animals. Visit the creatures that call this place home or enjoy a peaceful walk through the fragrant gardens.

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A pathway with a large fountain, greenhouses, and red flowers.

6. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Whether you are a cultural enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, the Saigon Opera House is a sight not to be missed. Also known as The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, this gleaming white landmark is a visual reminder that Saigon was the capital of French Indochina at the turn of the 20th century.

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A grand building with ornate architecture and a blue roof, surrounded by trees and modern buildings.

7. Saigon Central Post Office

Even in a city with such a great wealth of colonial architecture, the superb Saigon Central Post Office is a notable highlight. Step inside to marvel at the sublime barrel-shaped hall with its cream tiled floor and to admire intricate hand-painted maps on the walls.

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A row of doors with clocks indicating Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, and Pretoria.

8. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

See the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica’s majestic statue of the Virgin Mary and imposing bell towers and then step inside to discover a light and peaceful space far removed from the bustling streets outside. Take a tour to find out more about the building’s history and be sure to explore the lush gardens around the cathedral.

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A large brick church with a tall spire and multiple arched windows.

Recommended things to do in District 1

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	:
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in District 1

Free Things to Do in District 1

A vacation in District 1 doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You can leave your wallet at home if you go to:

HCMC Museum - Loaded with thought-provoking displays and objects, this place is a wonderland for curious minds.

Australian Consulate General - Look up your guidebook and learn why this place is worth adding to your to-do list.

Saigon Central Mosque - Connect with your spiritual side or just enjoy the peaceful ambiance at this site of worship.

30-4 Park - If you love digging around the garden, this place will appeal to your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in District 1 with Kids

There's fun for the entire family wherever you wander in District 1. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can do together that are sure to make your getaway memorable:

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in District 1? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Stay near popular District 1 attractions

Ben Thanh Market

7.8/10 (6,130 reviews)

No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring this bustling market where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish or purchase souvenirs.

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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Popular day trips from District 1

A brightly lit urban scene with a historic building, modern high-rises, and a busy street at night.

Ho Chi Minh City

Frequently asked questions

Is District 1 worth visiting?

One of the most popular things to do in District 1 is visit Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden. Tick this top attraction off your list, then discover more of the area's cafes and shopping.

How do I spend a day in District 1?

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden. Then, tour different areas of District 1 for local dining and some shopping.

What is the top tourist attraction in District 1?

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden is rated the top tourist attraction near District 1, so don't go home without paying it a visit.

Is three days enough to stay in District 1?

With a three-day escape to District 1, you can comfortably visit the area's many awesome attractions, including Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace.

Is District 1 a walkable neighborhood?

Getting around District 1 on foot is a breeze, with must-visit sights like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace both within walking distance. Popular neighborhoods like Ben Nghe and Dong Khoi are also located only 0.4 miles and 0.2 miles from the center of District 1, so you can easily extend your adventure — no car required.

What are some activities to do in District 1 with kids?

Deciding what to do in District 1 with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in District 1 for adults?

Bui Vien Walking Street is one of the top things to do in District 1. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.

Are there free things to do in District 1?

One of the top free things to do in District 1 is visit HCMC Museum. You can also walk around nearby neighborhoods and spend time in parks and other green spaces in the area. If you need more suggestions, just talk with a local tour guide.