Finding a home in Ho Chi Minh City is a challenging decision due to its vast size, which comprises 1 city, 16 inner districts, and 5 suburban districts. However, each district has its unique charm and reasons for being a desirable place to live. Read the article below to understand each district and make the most suitable choice.
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Ho Chi Minh City, well-known by the name Saigon, is a special metropolitan city in Vietnam. As the economic hub of the country, its GRDP reached $655 billion in 2023, accounting for 15.5% of the national GDP.
Despite being the second largest city by area, it leads in population with approximately 9.4 million people in 2024. The city is home to numerous businesses and highly qualified personnel, making it not only an economic center but also an entertainment hub with modern, bustling entertainment venues. Known as the “City That Never Sleeps,” it attracts many tourists from both within and outside the country.
In recent years, Ho Chi Minh City’s real estate market has grown significantly. With a wide range of properties from affordable to high-end, it has become a popular choice for investors. In 2023, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, the city attracted $873 million in real estate investments, nearly four times the $230 million from 2022.
Ho Chi Minh City currently has 16 districts, 1 city, and 5 suburban districts. Each district boasts its own unique real estate charm. Let’s dive into some of the most renowned areas and discover what makes them stand out.
District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, covering 7.72 km². It borders Districts 3, 4, 5, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, and Thu Duc City. As the political, economic, and social center, it hosts many government agencies, consulates, and major financial companies like Masan, Techcom Bank, and Prudential. Notable landmarks include Bitexco, Times Square, and many central business districts (CBD).
District 1 is also known as the “Entertainment Mecca” of Saigon, attracting numerous foreign tourists. It houses sites like Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Independence Palace. Modern venues include Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Bui Vien Street. Real estate here is highly desirable, especially in the high-end market. This showcases the wealth and status of its owners. Notable luxury apartment projects for foreign investors include Vinhomes Dong Khoi and Vinhomes Bason.
Thu Duc city (New)
Since January 1st, 2023, the three districts—District 2, District 9, and Thu Duc District—have amalgamated to form Thu Duc City
District 2, once one of the poorest districts in Ho Chi Minh City due to its isolated position separated by rivers and poor infrastructure, has transformed remarkably. Rapid urbanization and investment in infrastructure, including the Thu Thiem Tunnel connecting both sides of the river, have turned District 2 into one of the most developed areas in HCMC. It is now famous for the Thao Dien area, home to the super-rich, many expatriates, professionals, and businesspeople.
Covering nearly 50 km2, District 2 used to have plenty of clean, large, and well-located vacant land. This led to the development of many well-planned urban areas with excellent connectivity. District 2, known as the “Eastern Gateway,” connects Thu Duc and District 9. It also links nearby provinces like Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Vung Tau to central HCMC.
District 2 offers modern living with high-end amenities, green spaces, international schools, and shopping centers. Real estate here is among the city’s most expensive, including Emart and Thiso Mall. Property prices increase by 20-80% annually and attract considerable interest from foreign investors. Notable luxury apartment complexes in District 2 include Sala, D’Edge and Q2 Thao Dien.
District 9, with an area of 114 km2, is the largest district in Ho Chi Minh City. Similar to District 2, District 9 was once considered a remote area of the city. Despite its humble beginnings, District 9 has grown due to strategic location and infrastructure. It’s now a promising district, drawing foreign investors’ interest
Several key infrastructure projects, including its high-tech park which attracts many foreign engineers, have made District 9 renowned. That’s why District 9 is also known as the Silicon Valley of Vietnam. Moreover, the district hosts prestigious educational institutions such as the National University, Fulbright University, and FPT University. Its tranquil environment, away from the city center, makes District 9 increasingly attractive as an ideal living destination for high-income individuals.
District 9 offers more affordable real estate compared to District 2 and central areas. Its merger into Thu Duc City and the upcoming Metro Line 1 are expected to boost property values. Some notable residential projects in District 9 include Vinhomes Grand Park, the Stellar 9, and Masteri Centre Point.
Binh Thanh District is known for Landmark 81, Vietnam’s tallest building. Despite not being downtown, it’s lively and densely populated. Covering 20.8 km2, it borders District 1 and Phu Nhuan District, making commuting convenient to both central and suburban areas like District 2 and Go Vap District.
Binh Thanh District is bustling with vibrant streets that are popular among young people. It offers diverse dining, cafes, and shopping. From street food stalls to upscale European restaurants, Binh Thanh has entertainment options for all.
Binh Thanh District balances density with green spaces like Thanh Da Park and Vinhomes Central Park. It features popular entertainment centers such as Tan Cang Amusement Park and Landmark 81. Its convenient location and amenities make it a preferred residential choice. Real estate prices are moderate compared to Districts 1, 3, or 2, yet higher than suburban districts like District 6 or Binh Chanh, presenting an attractive investment opportunity.
Binh Thanh District hosts several upscale apartment complexes suitable for foreign investors, such as Saigon Pearl, City Garden, Vinhomes Central Park, and Sunwah Pearl, among others.
Being one of the central districts, District 3 is a hub of economic and cultural activities in Ho Chi Minh City. Covering a natural area of 4.92 km2, District 3 enjoys a prime location adjacent to District 1, District 10, District 5, and Phu Nhuan District. The district is vibrant yet less chaotic.
District 3 is home to many important government offices, large companies, universities, and hospitals, as well as major city roads. However, District 3 retains a distinctive and nostalgic charm in its architecture. District 3 is a district that perfectly combines modern development with the rustic charm of old Saigon. It features tree-lined streets and parks, providing a peaceful atmosphere amidst the bustling city.
Moreover, a variety of Western-style restaurants, bars, and beautiful coffee shops in District 3 earned it a spot in Time Out magazine’s ‘Best Neighborhoods in the World’ in 2018.
With its long history and proximity to District 1 as well as its role as an economic and urban center, real estate in District 3 is among the most expensive in Ho Chi Minh City. It attracts significant foreign investment, especially in luxury apartments, townhouses, and villas.
For real estate investment here, investors can consider renowned projects such as Serenity Sky Villas, New Pearl Residence, Saigon Pavillon, Léman Luxury Apartment, Intresco Plaza, and Green Star.
District 4 covers an area of approximately 4 km2, making it one of the smallest inner-city districts in the city. Known as a triangle-shaped “island” surrounded by rivers and canals, District 4 has evolved from an isolated land into a vibrant economic and entertainment hub.
While not as central as District 1 or District 3, District 4 has been well-planned in recent years and shows considerable development potential. It is renowned for its diverse street food scene, offering affordable yet enticing culinary experiences. District 4 has its unique charm with a plethora of dining and entertainment options along its waterfront.
District 4 is close to District 1 and remains an attractive investment destination, albeit generally offering more affordable prices compared to Districts 1, 3, and 7. Notable luxury apartment complexes in District 4 include Sunshine Horizon, De La Sol, Lancaster Lincoln, Millennium Masteri, Saigon Royal, The Tresor, and The Gold View.
When mentioning District 5, many people think of streets with Chinese cultural influences in the heart of Saigon—formerly known together with District 6 as Cho lon – one of the largest commercial centers for the Chinese community in particular and Saigon in general, often referred to as “Chinatown”. With an area of 4.27 km2 located in the southwest of the city, District 5 borders central districts such as District 1, District 4, and District 10, and outlying districts like District 6, District 8, and District 11.
In addition to being home to numerous major hospitals and renowned universities, District 5 also boasts a section of the vital arterial road Vo Van Kiet. Moreover, District 5 is a crucial commercial hub with some of the largest wholesale and retail markets in the country, facilitating trade across the region.
Benefiting from its proximity to District 1 and District 7, excellent connectivity, and access to upscale amenities in the central area, real estate in District 5 is highly sought after in Ho Chi Minh City. Consequently, the district hosts various luxury apartment projects catering to a diverse range of needs from mid-range to high-end. Notable upscale apartment complexes for foreign visitors include Tam Duc Plaza, Charmington Dragonic, Ventosa Luxury, Hung Vuong Plaza, The EverRich Infinity, Ngoc Khanh Tower, and more.
When talking about District 7, people often think of the most modern and upscale urban area – Phu My Hung. Therefore, District 7 is also known as the “wealthy district” due to its abundance of modern urban developments, with an area four times that of District 4, spanning 35.76 km2, District 7 borders well-known districts such as District 2, District 4, and District 8. Thanks to its well-established transportation infrastructure, commuting from District 7 to the city center is extremely convenient and fast.
District 7 is also a hub for many international schools, hospitals, and high-quality clinics, as well as numerous shopping malls, entertainment venues, and golf courses. It concentrates a significant number of modern high-end residential areas aimed at an international urban setting, featuring ample open spaces and greenery.
As a center for economic, commercial, educational, healthcare, and entertainment activities, and with a concentration of high-standard international urban areas, life in District 7 offers a unique rhythm compared to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City – somewhat slower-paced yet rich with recreational opportunities. Therefore, District 7 attracts many foreigners and Vietnamese people to live here.
With these characteristics, the real estate market in District 7 is one of the most dynamic in Ho Chi Minh City, comparable to Districts 1, 4, and Thu Duc City. It was the first district to successfully integrate large-scale integrated urban areas with Phu My Hung as its flagship, boasting the advantages of riverside locations, canals, excellent infrastructure, and abundant green spaces. District 7 also features many attractive urban areas for foreigners such as Sunrise City, Luxcity, Him Lam Riverside, M-one – Be Van Cam, KDC Cityland Riverside, and more.
As one of the inner districts of Ho Chi Minh City, District 10 offers favorable conditions for economic, cultural, and social exchanges with both central and suburban districts. Covering an area of approximately 5.7 km2, District 10 borders central districts such as District 3, and District 5, and suburban districts like District 11 and Tan Binh. Therefore, commuting from District 10 to other central districts is very convenient.
District 10 is also home to many large hospitals, renowned universities, and attractive shopping and entertainment centers such as Van Hanh Mall, where cultural exchanges through cuisine from Asian, European, Korean, and Japanese dishes are showcased in elegant and clean environments, though at higher costs.
With a convenient transportation network, vibrant lifestyle, numerous exciting entertainment venues, bustling commercial activities, and services, District 10’s real estate market is currently one of the most sought-after by homebuyers.
In District 10, there are upscale residential projects such as Ha Do Centrosa Garden, Xi Grand Court, Charmington La Pointe, Kingdom 101, Sunshine Continental, and more, making it a hub of interest in the real estate sector.
Phu Nhuan District is relatively small, covering an area of just 4.88 km2. It enjoys a highly convenient location, bordering central districts such as District 1, District 3, and Tan Binh District. This makes commuting from Phu Nhuan District to the city center or connecting to the airport very easy. Despite being densely populated, Phu Nhuan maintains a peaceful atmosphere amidst urban life, with lush green streets and shady trees, blending harmoniously with modern urban architecture.
Therefore, Phu Nhuan is known for its friendly living environment, attracting many residents who appreciate its serene atmosphere amidst the bustling urban landscape. It offers a vibrant scene with attractive dining and entertainment options that appeal to visitors seeking to experience the district’s lively atmosphere.
With its prime location and pleasant living conditions coupled with modern amenities, Phu Nhuan is an appealing choice for residential real estate and a promising investment opportunity due to its property market potential. Phu Nhuan hosts various condominiums suitable for foreign investors, such as Newton Residence, Orchard ParkView, Kingston Residence, The Prince Residence, Satra Eximland Plaza, and more.
