District 1

District 1 is the central administrative area of Ho Chi Minh City, containing major business centers, government offices, and headquarters of international companies. The district is organized into multiple administrative wards and forms the commercial heart of the city.

French colonial rule left lasting architectural marks from the 1800s, visible in structures such as Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. These buildings continue to shape the district's appearance today and stand as reminders of the colonial period.

Ben Thanh Market serves as a central gathering place where visitors can experience Vietnamese trading customs, local food specialties, and handcrafted goods. The market draws locals and travelers daily, reflecting how commerce and community life blend together in this district.

The district offers multiple transportation options including buses and taxis that serve the area well. Good connectivity to the airport and well-developed transit infrastructure make getting around relatively straightforward for visitors.

Ben Thanh Market originated in the 1700s and has remained a trading hub despite the city transforming around it over centuries. Visitors find a surprisingly unchanged shopping experience tucked within a modern urban landscape of towers and offices.