How Many Districts Are There in Sai Gon? 2025 Updated

A quick answer to the question - How many districts are there in Saigon: The city, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is divided into 22 districts combining: 16 urban districts, 1 city under central authority and 5 rural districts. Each area offers a unique charm, contributing to the city’s dynamic and diverse character. This article will provide detailed information about each district and rural area to help you navigate and fully explore this bustling city.

1. How Many Districts Are There in Saigon?

Answer: Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, has a total of 22 districts. It comprises 16 urban districts, 1 centrally governed city, and 5 rural districts, listed as follows:

• 1 City under Central Authority: Thu Duc City (including Districts 2, 9 and the old District 12)

• 16 Urband Districts: District 1, District 3, District 4, District 5, District 6, District 7, District 8, District 10, District 11, District 12, Tan Binh, Binh Tan, Binh Thanh, Tan Phu, Go Vap and Phu Nhuan

• 5 Rural Districts: Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, Can Gio, Cu Chi and Nha Be

Map of districts and cities of Saigon. - Photo source: Law Library

2. Explore Thu Duc City - The City under Central Authority of Saigon

Thu Duc City, a new urban area in Ho Chi Minh City, was formed by merging the former Districts 2, 9 and Thu Duc. It is now recognized as a high-tech hub and a modern center, featuring numerous universities, industrial zones, and significant urban development projects.

Location: Located in the east of Ho Chi Minh City, bordering District 7, District 4, District 1, Binh Thanh District to the West.

Area: 211,56 km²

Thu Duc City is the only city of Ho Chi Minh City with the merger of Thu Duc District, District 9, District 2 (old) - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest: 

• Suoi Tien Cultural Tourist Park

• Song Long Ecotourism Area

• Historical and Cultural Park

• Buu Long Pagoda

• Ao Dai Museum

• Vincom Mega Mall Grand Park

• Giga Mall Shopping Center

• Vinhomes Grand Park Light Park

3. Discover 16 Districts in Saigon

Let’s take a closer look at the details of the 16 districts in Ho Chi Minh City:

3.1. District 1 - Ho Chi Minh City

District 1 is the central hub of Ho Chi Minh City - the busiest and most vibrant area. It hosts numerous skyscrapers, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, bars, and important cultural and historical sites.

Location: Located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, bordering District 3, District 4, District 5, Binh Thanh District and Phu Nhuan District.

Area: About 7.71 km²

District 1 is the central area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City with many entertainment venues and high-rise buildings - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• City Theater

• Independence Palace

• Ben Thanh Market

• Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum

• Bach Dang Wharf

• Notre-Dame Cathedral

• Saigon Central Post Office

• Nguyen Hue Walking Street

• Bui Vien Walking Street

• Saigon Garden

• Vincom Dong Khoi

3.2. District 3 - Ho Chi Minh City

District 3, located centrally near the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is famous for its colonial-era architecture, tree-lined streets, and a more peaceful ambiance compared to District 1. It offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, fashion shops, and entertainment spots.

Location: Located in the city center, bordering District 1, District 10, Phu Nhuan District, Tan Binh District.

Area: 4,92 km² 

District 3 owns many French colonial architectural works and historical museums. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Turtle Lake

• Tan Dinh Church

• War Remnants Museum

• Southern Women's Museum

• Le Thi Rieng Park

• Phap Hoa Pagoda

• Poc Poc Beer Garden

3.3. District 4 - Ho Chi Minh City

District 4, the smallest district in Ho Chi Minh City, features a distinctive charm as it sits on a small island surrounded by the Te Canal. Unlike the bustling city center, District 4 offers a quieter atmosphere, closer to the daily lives of the local people.

Location: located south of Ho Chi Minh City, bordering District 1 via Ben Nghe canal, District 7 via Kenh Te bridge and Thu Duc City via Thu Thiem bridge.

Area: 4,18 km²

District 4 is where Vietnam's long-standing historical and cultural values ​​are preserved. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Nha Rong Wharf

• Ho Chi Minh Museum

• Saigon Port

• Khanh Hoi Park

• Bich Hoa Street

• Mong Bridge

• Xom Chieu Parish Church

• Xom Chieu Market

3.4. District 5 - Ho Chi Minh City  

Known as "Cholon" (Chinatown) of Saigon, District 5 is the cultural and commercial center of the Chinese community. Visitors can experience the vibrant culture here, from temple architecture to a variety of street food and the bustling business environment.

Location: located southwest of Ho Chi Minh City center, bordering District 1, District 6, District 8, District 10 and District 11.

Area: 4,27 km²

District 5 is one of the inner city districts with the longest history, with a large concentration of Chinese people. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Chinatown - ChinaTown

• Ba Thien Hau Pagoda

• Luong Nhu Hoc lantern street

• An Dong Market

• Hung Vuong Plaza

3.5. District 6 - Ho Chi Minh City

District 6, adjacent to District 5, offers a calmer atmosphere in contrast to the bustling Cholon. The district preserves traditional cultural aspects, especially its unique Chinese cuisine and culture, while also gradually evolving with new residential zones and modern shopping malls.

Location: located in the southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, bordering District 5, District 8, Binh Tan District, Tan Phu District and District 11.

Area: 7,14 km²

District 6 is home to the Chinese and Vietnamese communities. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Binh Tay Market

• Chinatown

• Tuyen Lam ancient pagoda

• Tinh Xa Loc Uyen

• Phu Lam Residential Food Street

• Phu Lam Park

• Galaxy Kinh Duong Vuong

3.6. District 7 - Ho Chi Minh City

District 7 is considered one of the most developing urban areas in Ho Chi Minh City. With modern urban planning, complete infrastructure, upscale residential areas, and bustling commercial centers, District 7 creates an ideal living and working environment.

Location: located south of Ho Chi Minh City, bordering Thu Duc City, District 4, District 8, Nha Be District and Binh Chanh District.

Area: 35,69 km²

District 7 possesses a strategic position in exploiting water and land transportation, and is the southern gateway of Ho Chi Minh City. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Phu My Hung urban area

• Starlight Bridge

• Crescent Lake

• Wonderland amusement park

• Crescent Mall

• SC Vivocity shopping center

• Artinus 3D painting museum

3.7. District 8 - Ho Chi Minh City

District 8 is surrounded by a network of canals, offering a unique riverine landscape. Though not as lively as central districts, the district has its own appeal with its simplicity, local community atmosphere, and diverse street food. If you're curious what river runs through Saigon Vietnam, it's the Saigon River, which plays a vital role in the city's landscape and daily life.

Location: located in the southwest of the City, bordering District 5, District 6, District 7, Binh Tan District and Binh Chanh district.

Area: 19,11 km²

District 8 has an area stretching in the Northeast - Southwest direction, divided by an intricate system of canals. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Binh Dien wholesale market

• Binh Dong wharf

• Long Hoa Pagoda

• An Phu Pagoda

• Lotte Mart Central Premium Plaza

• The Pegasuite

3.8. District 10 - Ho Chi Minh City

District 10 is an urban area in Ho Chi Minh City, home to its large hospitals, vibrant shopping centers, and bustling markets. It combines a dynamic city pace with a mix of modernity and tradition.

Location: located towards the city center, bordering District 1, District 3, District 5, District 11 and Tan Binh District.

Area: 5,72 km²

With a central location, bordering busy districts such as District 1, District 3, District 5, people in District 10 have easy access to the city's amenities. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Museum of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine

• Vietnam National Tu

• Hoa Binh Theater

• Le Thi Rieng Park

• White Rabbit Park

• Vietnamese wax statue display area

• Van Hanh Mall

• Ho Thi Ky Market

• Nhat Tao second-hand market

3.9. District 11 - Ho Chi Minh City

District 11 stands out as a densely populated area with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Though less touristy than District 1, it’s a central location with plenty of shops, markets, and public areas.

Location: located west of the city center, bordering District 5, District 6, District 10, Tan Binh District and Tan Phu District.

Area: 5,14 km²

District 11 has a long history, associated with the development of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Dam Sen Cultural Park

• Phu Tho Gymnasium

• Lotte Mart

• Tin Market

• Giac Vien Pagoda

• Phung Son Pagoda

3.10. District 12 - Ho Chi Minh City

District 12 is a developing suburban district of Ho Chi Minh City, renowned for its more spacious living environment with many new residential areas, industrial zones, and traditional craft villages.

Location: located in the Northwest of the City, bordering Go Vap District, Binh Thanh District, Tan Binh District, Tan Phu District, Binh Tan District, Hoc Mon District and Thu Duc City.

Area: 52,74 km²

District 12 is an important transportation gateway, helping to connect Ho Chi Minh City center with the Southeast provinces of Vietnam. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Ben Xua tourist area

• Khanh An Monastery

• Crocodile village

• Red Areca Garden Memorial Area

• Tam Nong Farm

• Tri Rau fishing lake

3.11. Binh Thanh District - Ho Chi Minh City

Binh Thanh District is located in the inner city, with a prime location by the Saigon River. It offers the vibrancy of the city center while maintaining a tranquil ambiance with tree-lined streets and riverside residential areas.

Location: located in the Northeast of the City, bordering District 1, Thu Duc City, District 3, Phu Nhuan District, Go Vap District and District 12.

Area:  20,78 km²

Binh Thanh District has a boundary adjacent to the Saigon River, possessing many large and small canals, creating convenience for trade activities by waterway. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Landmark 81

• Vinhomes Central Park

• Binh Quoi tourist area

• Van Thanh tourist area 

• Thanh Da embankment

• Lang Ong

• Ba Chieu Market

• Incubating Art Hub

3.12. Binh Tan District - Ho Chi Minh City

Formerly an agricultural area, Binh Tan is now a rapidly developing suburban district in the western part of Ho Chi Minh City with many industrial zones, new residential areas, and shopping centers, creating a modern urban landscape.

Location: located in the west of the City, bordering District 6, District 8, Tan Phu District, District 12, Binh Chanh district and Hoc Mon district.

Area: 52,02 km²

Binh Tan District is the second largest district in Ho Chi Minh City and also the most populous district in the city. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• AEON MALL Binh Tan

• Gia Phu Park

• Hue Nghiem Pagoda

• Ut Phuong fishing lake

• King Koi Coffee

• Tu Hanh Pagoda

• Paul's Church

• An Lac Market

3.13. Tan Phu District - Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Phu District, a western inner-city district of Ho Chi Minh City, combines shopping, entertainment, and modern living spaces, offering a lively and convenient experience.

Location: located in the west of the City, bordering District 11, District 6, Tan Binh District, Binh Tan District and District 12.

Area: 15,97 km²

Tan Phu District is one of the districts with the largest population in Ho Chi Minh City today. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• AEON MALL Tan Phu Celadon

• Pandora City

• Ice Coffee

• Stone Castle - De Lima

3.14. Tan Binh District - Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Binh District is the aviation gateway of Ho Chi Minh City, a dynamic district with Tan Son Nhat International Airport. If you're wondering how to get from Tan Son Nhat airport to city, there are several options, including taxis, ride-hailing services, and airport buses. The development of aviation-related services along with hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls provides convenience for both tourists and residents.

Location: located in the North of the City, bordering Phu Nhuan District, District 3, District 10, District 12, Go Vap District, Tan Phu District and District 11.

Area: 22,38 km²

Tan Binh District possesses a prime location near the center of Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most vibrant and developed areas of the city. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Hoang Van Thu Park

• Vien Giac Pagoda

• Pho Quang Pagoda

• Southern Air Force Museum

• Museum of the Armed Forces of the Southeast region

• Vincom Plaza Cong Hoa

3.15. Phu Nhuan District - Ho Chi Minh City

Phu Nhuan District, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is known for its peaceful living spaces, green parks and bustling traditional markets.

Location: located in the Northeast of the City, bordering District 1, District 3, Binh Thanh District, Go Vap District and Tan Binh District.

Area: 4,86 km²

Phu Nhuan District is one of the smallest urban districts in Ho Chi Minh City, ranked only behind District 4 and District 5. Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Gia Dinh Park

• Military Zone 7 Gymnasium

• Phan Xich Long culinary area

• Phan Dang Luu street

3.16. Go Vap District - Ho Chi Minh City

Go Vap District is one of the fast developing districts in Ho Chi Minh City. With a high population density and vibrant commercial activities, it offers a modern and dynamic lifestyle.

Location: located in the North of the City, bordering District 12, Binh Thanh District, Phu Nhuan District, Tan Binh District.

Area: 19,73 km²

Go Vap District is an area with a high urbanization rate of Ho Chi Minh City. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest: 

• Gia Dinh park amusement park

• Emart Supermarket

• Go Vap flower village

• Hoa Binh Water Music Square

• Go Vap Floating Temple

• Hanh Thong Tay Church

• Hanh Thong Tay Market

4. Traverse 5 Rural Districts in Ho Chi Minh City

Alongside the vibrant city center, Ho Chi Minh City also boasts serene suburban areas with peaceful beauty. Here are 5 suburban districts where you can experience a closer connection to nature and explore the local culture and history.

4.1. Can Gio District

Can Gio is a coastal district situated far from the city center, famous for the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, the "green lung" of the city. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature, explore the diverse ecosystem, and enjoy fresh seafood.

Location: located in the Southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, bordering Nha Be district.

Area: 704,45 km²

Can Gio district is the only district bordering the sea of ​​Ho Chi Minh City. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Can Gio mangrove biosphere reserve

• Can Gio Beach

• Rung Sac revolutionary base area

• Monkey Island

• Thanh An Island

• Mausoleum of Ong Thuy Tuong

• Vam Sat ecotourism area

• Can Gio seafood market

4.2. With Chi District

Many visitors come to Cu Chi for its historical tunnel system, a symbol of the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people during the American War. There, you will experience the historical space and learn about the lives of soldiers and civilians during the war.

Location: located in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, bordering Hoc Mon district.

Area: 434,77 km²

Cu Chi district possesses many historical relics that attract a large number of tourists to visit when coming to Ho Chi Minh City. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Cu Chi Tunnels historical relic site

• Joy Farm (Rice Flower Farm)

• Fosaco ecological village

• Lien Tri Pagoda

• Ben Duoc Memorial Temple

• Trung An fruit garden

• A glimpse of Vietnam tourist area

• An Nhon Tay Cu Chi Water Park

4.3. Binh Chanh District

Binh Chanh is a suburban district located in the southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Though it is undergoing rapid urbanization, it still retains many characteristics of the rural Southern region with fruit gardens and winding canals.

Location: located in the southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, bordering District 7, District 8, Binh Tan District, Hoc Mon District and Nha Be District.

Area: 252,56 km²

Binh Chanh district has an increasingly high urbanization rate, is densely populated, and possesses many famous tourist attractions that attract tourists. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Lang Le Bau Co relic site

• Bat Buu Buddha Dai - Thanh Tam Pagoda/Lonely Buddha Temple

• Phap Tang Pagoda

• Binh Xuyen Ecological Cuisine Village

• Xuan Huong Eco-Fishing and Recreational Fishing Area

• Springfield Cottage/Flower Field Homestay

• Ngo Garden

• Happy Farm - Happy Farm

4.4. Hoc Mon District

Located at the northwest gateway of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoc Mon District has a well-developed road system, including national highways, belt roads, provincial roads and rural roads.

Location: located in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, bordering Cu Chi district, Binh Chanh district, District 12, Binh Tan district.

Area: 109,17 km²

Hoc Mon district is located on National Highway 22 - a transition area and traffic connection between the Southeast and Southwest regions. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Nga Ba Giong relic site

• Hoc Mon District Palace Relics (Hoc Mon District Museum)

• Nhi Binh flower field

• Betel Garden Village

• Hoang Phap Pagoda

• Phap Buu Pagoda

• Sunshine Hoc Mon Ecotourism Amusement Park

• RinRin Park Koi Fish Park

• Villa H2O tourist area

4.5. Nha Be District

Nha Be District is located to the south of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a suburban district that is rapidly growing with the development of infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.

Location: located south of Ho Chi Minh City, bordering District 7, Binh Chanh district and Can Gio district.

Area: 100,43 km²

Nha Be district is located on the vital waterway from the East Sea to the inner city of Ho Chi Minh City. - Photo source: Google Maps

Places of interest:

• Ivory Tower ecological cuisine area

• Phap Vo Co Tu

• Nha Be Garden

• Lavila Lake Park

• Thien Thanh Water Park

5. 3+ Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the districts in Ho Chi Minh City, giving you a better understanding of the characteristics of each area.

5.1. Which district in Saigon is the most fun?

There is no absolute answer to this question, as "fun" depends on personal preferences.

However, if you love lively atmosphere and nightlife activities, District 1 is often considered the top choice. As the city center, this district boasts many famous entertainment spots such as Nguyen Hue walking street, vibrant bars and clubs, luxury shopping malls, restaurants, diverse coffee shops, and more.

Meanwhile, for those seeking modern shopping and entertainment space, let’s head to District 7 where there are many modern entertainment and shopping areas like Crescent Mall and SC VivoCity.

5.2. Which district in Saigon is the most liveable?

"Livable" is also a relative concept, depending on factors such as budget, lifestyle, and individual tastes. For visitors, several districts are highly rated for quality of life, including:

• District 1: Recommended for its central location, diverse amenities, and vibrant living environment, nonetheless, the cost of living here is quite high.

• Thao Dien (formerly part of District 2, now part of Thu Duc City): Known for its large expat community, green and peaceful living space, and many luxury villas and apartments.

• District 7: A newly developed urban area with modern planning, abundant green spaces, international schools, and a cultured community. The cost of living here is also relatively high.

Depending on personal factors, you can choose a living area that suits you. - Photo source: Joytime

5.3. Which district in Saigon features the best local culture?

District 3, a bustling area in Ho Chi Minh City, is the ideal place to experience local culture. With its rich history and vibrant pace of life, this district provides visitors with an authentic view of Saigon's lifestyle in particular and Vietnam's culture in general.

We hope the article already provides you with information for how many districts in Saigon - in a brief, the 16 districts, 1 city, and 5 rural districts in Ho Chi Minh City. To experience this dynamic city fully and easily, let Joytime accompany you! Joytime offers a variety of tours to explore Saigon, with flexible itineraries, professional tour guides, and high-quality services. Contact Joytime today for consultation and to book your personalized Saigon tour!