What to do in District 1

Activities, attractions and tours

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.
A variety of colorful beaded necklaces.

District 1 Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that District 1 has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

District 1 is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in District 1 to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

District 1 Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of District 1.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to District 1 attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Line On Arrival

Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Line On Arrival

CA $32
per adult
Vietnam Airports Fast Track: Skip The Line On Arrival
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

CA $35
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours
Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket

Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket

CA $14
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket
Cu Chi Tunnels: Morning or Afternoon Guided Small-Group Tour

Cu Chi Tunnels Morning or Afternoon Tour from HCM City

CA $19
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Cu Chi Tunnels Morning or Afternoon Tour from HCM City
Tan Son Nhat Airport - Ho Chi Minh City - Fast Track Service

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

CA $44
per traveller
74% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh city: Arrival Fast track at Tan Son Nhat Inlt. Airport
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Small-Group Day Tour

Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day

CA $37
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Discover Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day
Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat

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

CA $30
per adult
Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat (SGN) International Airport Fast Track Service
Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

CA $43
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta VIP Tour by Limousine

Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta VIP Tour by Limousine

CA $66
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta VIP Tour by Limousine
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Top places to visit

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. 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.

5. 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.

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. Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Stand back and admire the superb façade of the Ho Chi Minh City Hall with its high clock tower, arched windows and stylish engravings. Wander around the pretty gardens and get a photo beside the statue of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary leader.
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A grand building with a central tower, red roofs, and a flag on top.

Recommended things to do in District 1

Number of things to do
1349
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
HCM: Egg Coffee Class with local Instructor & Snack: CA $0
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in District 1

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations 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

A cityscape with two prominent skyscrapers, a river, and a dense urban environment.

Ho Chi Minh Municipality

Frequently asked questions

Is District 1 worth visiting?
Renowned for its cafes and shopping, discovering awesome things to do in District 1 is a breeze. Remember to add Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in District 1?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden. Then, tour other areas of District 1 for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in District 1?
The top tourist attraction near District 1 is Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in District 1?
You'll have ample time to experience Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, Independence Palace and other top attractions around the area when you plan a three-day escape to District 1.
Is District 1 a walkable neighbourhood?
That all comes down to the things you'd like to do in and around District 1. Several popular sights, like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace are easily reachable on foot. Up for a stroll through some other nearby neighbourhoods? Ben Nghe is 0.64 kilometres from District 1, while Dong Khoi is 0.32 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in District 1 with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in District 1 with kids.

What to do in District 1 for adults?
Bui Vien Walking Street is one of the best things to do in District 1. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in District 1?
One of the most popular free things to do in District 1 is check out HCMC Museum. You can also walk around nearby neighbourhoods and explore parks and other green spaces in the area. If you need more suggestions, just talk with a local tour guide.