The city is divided into 24 districts. If you look at a map of Ho Chi Minh City with hotels, you can see that the bulk of hotels are concentrated in the center, in District 1. Here you'll find most of the sights, stores, the famous Ben Thanh Market and many national cuisine restaurants.
For those who want to experience local life and Eastern customs and culture, look for the Chinatown (or Cholon) district on a map of Ho Chi Minh City. It is home to Vietnam's largest Chinese diaspora.
Each of the city's neighborhoods has its own charm. If you're a first-time visitor and don't plan to spend much time here, stay in the districts in the center of Ho Chi Minh City - #1 or #3. Here are the main attractions, nightclubs and shopping malls.