A Guide for Business Travelers to Ho Chi Minh City: District 1
January 25, 2016.
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is zoned into 24 districts.
District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh and is the prime destination for most business travelers. It has the largest volume of international visitors and the most business activity annually. District 1 is also known as the trendiest of all districts.
Modern skyscrapers, restaurants offering global cuisine, high-end shops such as Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs line Dong Khoi Street and Nguyen Hue. There are also historic sites, tourist attractions, museums, local restaurants, bars and a vibrant nightlife. You will also find upscale international hotels and resorts.
District 1 is the busiest district and traffic gets heavy during morning and afternoon rush hours. Cost for a taxi ride is about 130,000 dong ($6.00 USD) from the HCMC airport.
Juxtaposed with the glamour of the city, District 1 also caters to budget travelers and backpackers in the areas of Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien. Budget-friendly hostels or guesthouse accommodations can be found in these areas, along with the potential to rent houses tucked away down side streets.
There is something for everyone in District 1.