You are planning to visit the ancient city of Saigon and you are wondering which are the dangerous neighborhoods and areas to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City.

And even if Vietnam is a country where tourists travel safely, to make your stay a success, it is still preferable to find out about the areas to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City.

Indeed, just as for another large city, when organizing a stay in Ho Chi Minh City, we ask ourselves questions about the security of the city:

• Is Ho Chi Minh City safe in 2024?
• Are there dangerous neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City?
• What are the areas to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City?
• What are the best areas to stay in Saigon?

Here is a guide to the neighborhoods of Ho Chi Minh City with Google Maps to better identify the neighborhoods to avoid and the best areas to stay.

This article was written by synthesizing various information published in 2024 on tourist safety in Ho Chi Minh City (forums, newspaper articles, rankings and statistics). It is therefore a factual article which does not contain any judgment or discriminatory remarks.

Is Ho Chi Minh City a safe city?

To determine whether Ho Chi Minh City is a safe city, I consulted global statistics of major cities ranked by their safety index (worldpopulationreview ou world atlas).

And, we see in these rankings of the safest cities in the world that Ho Chi Minh City is in 45th and 47th position. In terms of security, this Vietnamese city is more or less on the same level as Jakarta ou Bangkok. This means that Ho Chi Minh City is not one of the safest cities in Asia unlike Tokyo, Hong Kong ou Singapore.

In fact, if we compare the crime indices on Numbeo.com, Ho Chi Minh City comes out more criminal than Panama City, Istanbul, , Barcelona, Dallas ou New York.

Regardless, it should be noted that while there are some areas with a higher crime risk (see list below), most of Ho Chi Minh City is safe for residents like for visitors.

Is it safe to visit Saigon in 2024?

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam, which explains, like any other large city, that it is not sheltered from crime.

But, fortunately, violent crimes and physical attacks do not generally target tourists. Indeed, one of the most common crimes in Ho Chi Minh City is theft. Due to the high population density and large number of tourists, pickpocketing and bag snatching are quite common. Tourists are often targeted in busy places such as markets, train stations and public transport.

This is confirmed by the recommendations of the French Government on France Diplomacy : “The level of common crime remains low in most regions. However, we observe a trend towards the development of petty crime in Hanoi and more markedly in Ho Chi Minh City as well as in tourist regions. This targeted delinquency targets foreigners and more specifically tourists. It mainly involves snatching (often carried out on motorbikes), theft by pickpockets, and even scams. »

Drug-related crimes are also a concern in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam has strict laws against drug trafficking and possession, and those caught engaging in such activities face severe penalties, including the death penalty. However, despite these strict measures, drug-related crimes still exist in the city. Law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to combat drug trafficking and apprehend those involved.

Map of Saigon neighborhoods

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon is divided into 24 districts which are themselves divided into small neighborhoods.

I will not describe them all to you, but I will simply indicate below the main districts of central Saigon:

• District 1 is the business district but also the commercial heart of Saigon with shopping centers, boutiques, markets, bars and restaurants.
• District 2, residential area located on the other side of the river.
• District 3 which resembles district 1 but with a mix of traditional local life.
• District 4 which was managed by the mafia, currently in flux.
• District 5 which is the very lively and very populated Chinese district.
• District 7 where many expatriates live.
• Binh Thanh district a little far from the center but well connected to district 2.
• Phu Nuan District: Area rich in architectural and cultural heritage (temples, pagodas, markets and street vendors).

To better locate the areas to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City, here is a map indicating the main districts that we will discuss below. You will also be able to identify the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City (see detailed list below):

Dangerous neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City

As we saw above, regarding crime in Ho Chi Minh City, tourists are not exposed to violent crime, kidnapping, rape or physical assault. There is therefore no area where a visitor could feel unsafe in Saigon. However, there are still some areas to avoid, particularly at night.

Red Light District in Ho Chi Minh City

Among the few areas to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City, one of them is the red light district which is located around the Bui Vien Street. See location of this neighborhood

This area is known for its nightlife and adult entertainment establishments, making it a place to avoid for families or people looking for a quieter, more conservative atmosphere.

For the same reasons, here is another red light district to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City: The alleys of Saigon Japan Town.

Areas to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City

By cross-checking the numerous information published on traveler and expatriate forums, in newspaper articles or on blogs, here are the main neighborhoods and areas to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City:

• The first area to avoid is the district 4 where the port of Saigon is located. This area is known for its nightlife, but it is also notorious for petty thefts and scams against tourists. It is advisable to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone late at night in this area.
• Another area to be wary of is the Binh Thanh district, which has seen an increase in crime rates in recent years. Although this district has many attractions such as the tourist village of Binh Quelle or Vinhomes Central Park, it is recommended to be vigilant at night and avoid isolated areas.
• The backpacker district of Pham Ngu Lao is an area where tourists and locals should also exercise caution at night.
• Another area to approach with caution is the district 5, also known as Chinatown. This neighborhood has a high population density and can sometimes be crowded and chaotic, making it a potential target for pickpockets and scammers.
• Finally, among the areas to avoid, traveler and expatriate forums also indicate the Go Vap district.

Click on the links of the neighborhoods to avoid to have their locations on Google maps.

Are the slums of Saigon dangerous areas?

The slums of Saigon which are located along the river and that of Ma Lang in the central district (district 1) are not dangerous (see article on e.vnexpress.net). However, tourists should avoid going there at night, particularly so as not to get lost inside.

The 2 best neighborhoods to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, it is important to choose the right neighborhood to make the most of your trip. Many neighborhoods are very safe and interesting for tourists and I can't introduce them all to you.

But I can tell you which are the 2 favorite districts of tourists who visit the city: Districts 1 and 3

Downtown Saigon: Best Place to Stay

One of the best tourist areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City is District 1. This district is considered the city center of Saigon. See location of this neighborhood

Apart from Bui Vien Street which is best avoided, the whole of District 1 is safe for tourists.

It is the best area to stay in Saigon as it is home to iconic monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square, Fine Arts Museum and the Reunification Palace. It is also known for its bustling streets filled with shops, restaurants and markets.

Staying in District 1, visitors can easily explore Ho Chi Minh City on foot. And this district also allows you to enjoy many bars and restaurants.

If you are looking for a nice place to stay in downtown Saigon, then I recommend the hotel La Siesta Premium Sai Gon. Indeed, its location is ideal for visiting Ho Chi Minh City and its rooftop is magnificent!

District 3 of Saigon for a more authentic stay

Le District 3 is another well-located area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Just west of District 1, District 3 offers a more relaxed and residential atmosphere while still being close to downtown. See location of this neighborhood

This remote neighborhood from the areas to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City is known for its tree-lined streets, French colonial architecture and local markets. This is a great choice for those who want to experience a more authentic side of Saigon.

District 3 is home to attractions such as the War Remnants Museum and Jade Emperor Pagoda, as well as many local restaurants serving delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

Staying in District 3 allows tourists to enjoy a quieter, more local experience, while still being close to the city's main attractions.

Here is a very nice hotel well located in this area (700 meters from Tan Dinh market) and with an incredible view of Ho Chi Minh City: La Vela Saigon Hotel