Hanging around the Central district of Saigon – District 1

District 1 - the economic, political, entertainment and cultural centre of Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) -  is a must-visit destination for anyone that comes to the city. The approximately 8 square metre district is home to numerous administrative offices, commercial banks, business headquarters, bunches of hotels, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls and entertainment hubs. With its strategic and convenient location, District 1 is often referred to as the "heart" of the city. 

Although the land itself had a presence for nearly 4 centuries, the District 1 was officially established only in 1976. And the 10 wards, as it is right now, were created in March 1989 with alphabetical names: Da Kao, Tan Dinh, Ben Nghe, Ben Thanh, Cau Ong Lanh, Pham Ngu Lao, Nguyen Thai Binh, Nguyen Cu Trinh, Co Giang, and Cau Kho. 

The hotels within Silverland Hospitality hotel chains are all located respectively in Ben Thanh ward (Silverland Ben Thanh Hotel & Silverland Yen Hotel) and Ben Nghe ward (The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel, Silverland May Hotel, Silverland Jolie Hotel, Silverland Sakyo Hotel, Silverland Sil Hotel and Silverland Min Hotel).

Going through many ups and downs, the central district has become the city's key hub, playing a vital role in the economic, cultural, and social development of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a very walkable area and has a delectable list of places that you shouldn't miss. Some of the top spots can be found below:

The most attractive things you need to visit when traveling in District 1

Saigon Central Post Office

It would be a mistake to come to Ho Chi Minh City without visiting the City Post Office. Built from 1886 - 1891 and still operating as the Central Post Office to this day, the City Post Office has a typical French architectural style. From the outside, the Post Office stands out with its large window and dome system. At the same time, with its prominent yellow paint colour and the centre of the Post Office's facade, there is also a classic clock, adding to the nostalgic feel of this place.

Historical Museum of Ho Chi Minh City

A pleasing, pagoda-style roof crowns the city’s History Museum, next to the Botanical Gardens. Ho Chi Minh City History Museum was first established in 1929, during the colonial era of French Indochina, is actually the very first museum in Ho Chi Minh City and in the south of Vietnam. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and expansions yet still preserved its essence.

Ho Chi Minh CIty Fine Art Museum

The Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum stands as a renowned cultural destination in Vietnam, captivating visitors with its unique architecture and a rich collection of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese paintings and sculptures. Established in 1987 and officially opened in 1989, the museum has become one of the country's largest art centres, housing diverse works by famous artists throughout Vietnam's art history.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral was designed and constructed in the period of 1877 - 1880, is a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City where visitors to the city all come to visit at least once. The special feature of the project is that all construction materials were imported from France, in which all unplastered orange-red bricks still retain their original colour to the present. The two sharp peaks on the bell tower were added in 1984, once the highest place in the city at that time, tourists consider it a landmark to recognize Saigon from afar.

Jade Emperor Pagoda 

Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Hai Tu Pagoda, is a temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor. Built in the early 20th century, the temple has a strong Chinese architectural style. The temple has gone through many historical events, creating an ancient beauty and a layer of time. The pagoda has a yin-yang tiled roof and retains its ancient features. Many valuable works of art, including parallel sentences and horizontal lacquered boards can be found within the pagoda. The temple has a large interior space and houses statues of Buddha and gods.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Noone leaves Saigon without walking along the windy Nguyen Hue walking street. Many restaurants and cafes lie along both sides of the street. Coffee, as known, is not just another drink for Vietnamese people, but has become the country’s culture. Thus, it’s not difficult to find hundreds of coffee shops on both sides of the streets, from the very high ended to the street vendors, each would offer cafe sữa đá by their very own style. 

Nguyen Hue walking street is also the destination for each and every public event of the city and the country. Come to the street during any soccer competition where the Vietnam national team plays, or during the public holidays like Independence Day, National Day, New Year… you can really feel and amaze by the locals’ vibrance. 

Ben Thanh Market

This centuries-old market is located in the city centre with the clock tower at its main gate (South gate) used to be the symbol of the city since its establishment. This is also a typical market for the trading culture of Saigon and Southern people. The market has about 3,000 stalls selling fresh food, seasonal fruits and cuisine from many regions. The most prominent are still Southern dishes and Saigon style sweet soup. The Ben Thanh market is also very lively thanks to more than 100 stalls selling souvenirs, dried food, coffee, tea, and fashion clothes. 

Bui Vien Walking Street 

The one and only Bui Vien area (including Bui Vien street and some surrounding streets and lanes) is a convenient place to find cheap accommodation, food, and fun-loving locals. It is also known for a large number of tour agencies, clothing shops, tailors, and street hagglers that cater to budget tourists. It is a buzzing, chaotic, sensory overload for enjoying life. In Saigon, we are really excited for anyone we meet on the streets. Unlimited friendly-bar for lady night, old-school American-styled, rooftop bar, LGBTQI+ folks, gay-friendly bars, live and acoustic lounge, and so on that are countless yet affordable with vibrant craft beer scene or some of the fancier liquors. 

Diamond Plaza department store

Occupied a great location in District 1 surrounded by the city's main attractions, Diamond Plaza is the oldest commercial centre in town but still considered as a local preferable stop since it continually upgrades itself following the latest trend. The department store is known for famous architectural works with youth and modern features. The selling products here are not limited to any specific world-class, the building caters to many popular brand names from men’s and women’s wear, accessories to electronic products. Additionally, families should consider spending a fulfilling day due to the multiple indoor activities and diverse food options inside the building and the hidden open air playground on the 5th floor of the building.