Living in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest urban centre and one of the country’s main destinations for international professionals, businesses and expatriate families. Often still referred to as Saigon, the city combines a fast-moving business environment with a wide range of residential neighbourhoods, international schools, healthcare services, restaurants and everyday amenities.
Since July 2025, Ho Chi Minh City has adopted a new administrative structure in which the former district-level administrative units are no longer used. The city is now organised into wards, communes and a special administrative zone. For residents and newcomers, however, familiar area names such as District 1, Thao Dien, Binh Thanh and Phu My Hung remain useful geographic references when choosing where to live.
For newcomers, choosing where to live involves more than finding an attractive property. The location should also work with your workplace, children's schools, daily travel requirements and lifestyle.
Choosing Where to Live
Ho Chi Minh City has neighbourhoods suited to different lifestyles and budgets. Areas commonly considered by international residents include the central city, Thao Dien and Thu Thiem, Binh Thanh, District 3 areas, Phu Nhuan, Tan Binh and Phu My Hung.
When choosing an area, several practical factors should be considered:
- Workplace location.
- School location.
- Housing budget.
- Property size and type.
- Daily commuting time.
- Lifestyle preferences.
- Access to essential services.
- Transportation options.
There is no single best neighbourhood for everyone. The right choice is the area that provides the best balance between work, family, budget and everyday life.
Central Ho Chi Minh City
The central area of Ho Chi Minh City remains one of the most convenient locations for professionals who work in the city's business centre.
The former District 1 area is now covered by several wards, including Sai Gon, Ben Thanh, Tan Dinh and Cau Ong Lanh. These areas include major office buildings, hotels, restaurants, retail destinations, shopping centres and entertainment venues.
Living in the centre can be practical for professionals who prioritise convenience and shorter commuting times.
However, housing costs are generally higher, and some parts of the centre can be busier than residential areas further away.
Thao Dien, Thu Thiem and An Khanh
Thao Dien and Thu Thiem are among the most recognisable residential areas for international residents in eastern Ho Chi Minh City.
Under the new administrative structure, the former Thao Dien, Thu Thiem, An Loi Dong, An Khanh and part of An Phu have been combined into the new An Khanh Ward.
The area offers a wide selection of modern apartments, international schools, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, retail outlets and lifestyle services.
Thao Dien is particularly established among the international community, while Thu Thiem offers newer developments, modern infrastructure and proximity to the city's emerging financial and business centre.
The area is also connected to Metro Line 1, providing an additional transport option between eastern Ho Chi Minh City and the central area.
Binh Thanh Area
The area traditionally known as Binh Thanh is located close to the city centre and offers a broad range of residential options.
Following the 2025 administrative restructuring, the former Binh Thanh district area was reorganised into several wards, including Binh Thanh, Gia Dinh, Binh Loi Trung, Thanh My Tay and Binh Quoi.
The area combines modern high-rise developments with established local neighbourhoods.
For international residents, it can provide a useful balance between proximity to the city centre, housing choice and access to the eastern part of Ho Chi Minh City.
Banh Co, Xuan Hoa and Nhieu Loc Areas
The areas traditionally associated with District 3 remain popular among residents who want to stay close to the city centre while preferring a more established residential environment.
The former District 3 area is now organised into Banh Co, Xuan Hoa and Nhieu Loc wards.
These neighbourhoods are known for tree-lined streets, local restaurants, cafés, schools and everyday services.
They can be suitable for professionals and families who value central access but prefer a neighbourhood atmosphere rather than a purely commercial environment.
Phu Nhuan and Tan Binh Areas
Phu Nhuan and Tan Binh are located between the central areas and Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
The former Phu Nhuan district area is now represented by new wards including Phu Nhuan and Cau Kieu. The former Tan Binh district area has also been reorganised into several wards, including Tan Son Hoa, Tan Son Nhat, Tan Hoa, Bay Hien, Tan Binh, Tan Son, Tay Thanh and Tan Son Nhi.
These areas can be suitable for people who travel frequently, need regular airport access or prefer a more local residential environment.
They also offer a wide range of housing options, restaurants, shops and everyday services.
Phu My Hung and the Southern City
Phu My Hung remains one of the most established planned residential communities for international families in Ho Chi Minh City.
The former District 7 area is now divided into new wards, including Tan My, Tan Hung, Tan Thuan and Phu Thuan. Phu My Hung is primarily associated with Tan My Ward under the new administrative structure.
The area offers apartments, houses, schools, restaurants, shopping centres, parks and community facilities.
It can be particularly suitable for families looking for larger homes, established infrastructure and a relatively quieter residential environment.
One consideration is commuting time to the central city, particularly for people who regularly work in central business areas.
Finding a Home
Finding suitable accommodation is one of the most important decisions when moving to or living in Ho Chi Minh City.
The residential market offers a wide range of choices, from serviced apartments and furnished apartments to townhouses, villas and premium condominiums.
When searching for a home, it is important to assess not only the property itself but also the building and surrounding neighbourhood.
Several practical factors are worth checking:
- Property condition.
- Furniture and appliances.
- Building management.
- Swimming pool, gym and other facilities.
- Parking.
- Security.
- Noise levels.
- Natural light and ventilation.
- Internet.
- Maintenance arrangements.
- Lease terms.
- Deposit and payment requirements.
An attractive apartment may not be the right choice if it creates an unnecessarily long commute to work or school.
Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
Transportation should be considered from the beginning of the home-search process.
Ho Chi Minh City has buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, private vehicles and Metro Line 1. Road transport remains an important part of daily travel for many residents.
Rather than looking only at the distance on a map, newcomers should consider actual travel times during peak hours.
Important factors include:
- Daily commuting time.
- School drop-off and pick-up.
- Access to major roads.
- Distance to metro stations.
- Parking availability.
- Airport access.
- Taxi and ride-hailing availability.
A home that appears close to work on a map may still involve a significantly longer journey during peak traffic.
Schools and Education
For international families, schools are often one of the main factors influencing where they choose to live.
International and bilingual schools are concentrated in particular areas, meaning school location can have a significant impact on the home-search process.
In addition to curriculum and tuition fees, families should consider commuting time, school transportation, extracurricular activities and the surrounding environment.
Living within a practical distance of the right school can significantly reduce daily travel time for the whole family.
Healthcare
Ho Chi Minh City has a broad network of hospitals, clinics, specialist medical centres and pharmacies across different areas.
New residents should identify healthcare facilities that are easily accessible from their home, particularly families with children or people who require regular medical care.
It is useful to understand the location of:
- Hospitals.
- International clinics.
- Emergency services.
- Paediatric services.
- Specialist medical services.
- Pharmacies.
- Healthcare and insurance services.
Access to suitable healthcare should be considered alongside housing, schools and transportation when choosing where to live.
Food, Shopping and Everyday Life
One of the advantages of living in Ho Chi Minh City is the wide range of services available for everyday life.
Residents can access traditional markets, Vietnamese and international restaurants, supermarkets, cafés, shopping centres, fitness facilities and many other services.
Each neighbourhood has its own character.
The central city and An Khanh area offer extensive international dining and lifestyle options, while other neighbourhoods may provide a more local experience and potentially lower everyday costs.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City varies considerably depending on location and lifestyle.
For international residents, housing is often one of the largest monthly expenses, particularly when choosing larger apartments, villas or properties in areas with established international communities.
A typical household budget may include:
- Rent.
- Electricity and water.
- Internet and mobile services.
- Food.
- Transportation.
- Education.
- Healthcare.
- Entertainment.
- Travel.
Rather than relying on a single average figure, individuals and families should build their budget around their actual needs, housing preferences and chosen area.
Expat Life in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has a diverse international community that includes professionals, entrepreneurs, families, students and long-term residents.
International residents can access international schools, professional networks, social activities, restaurants, sports facilities and a wide range of services designed for an international lifestyle.
At the same time, living in Ho Chi Minh City provides opportunities to experience Vietnamese culture and everyday life more closely.
Learning some basic Vietnamese, understanding local customs and building relationships with Vietnamese people can make everyday life easier and more rewarding.
Settling into Life in Ho Chi Minh City
The first few months may require some adjustment to traffic, weather, housing, administrative procedures and everyday communication.
The city's new administrative structure may also mean that newcomers encounter different ward names when dealing with addresses, contracts, registrations and local services.
Over time, most residents develop their own routines and discover the neighbourhoods, services and transportation options that work best for them.
Settling into a new city is about more than finding a home. It is also about building a daily routine that works for your career, family and personal needs.
Living Well in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is dynamic, diverse and constantly evolving. For newcomers, this creates both opportunities and challenges.
The city now has a new administrative structure, but its neighbourhoods continue to retain their own identities and characteristics. Understanding both the new ward system and the familiar names used by residents and the international community can make it easier to navigate the city and choose where to live.
With the right preparation and a suitable choice of location, residents can build a more convenient and comfortable lifestyle that fits their individual needs.
Jardeon Group supports individuals and families through Global Mobility, while also connecting their needs with Corporate & Compliance and Real Estate Consultancy services.
From home search, relocation and settling-in support to real estate-related requirements, Jardeon helps clients understand their options and make informed decisions.
Looking for a place to live in Ho Chi Minh City? Explore the topics below or contact Jardeon Group to discuss your requirements