District 1 vs District 3 in Ho Chi Minh City: Which Is Better for Japanese Residents?

District 1 or District 3: Which Should You Choose?

When Japanese residents look for a home in Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 and District 3 are consistently among the most popular options. Both are centrally located and highly convenient, but each has a distinct character. This article compares the two districts from a practical expat perspective.

Area Overview

District 1
The commercial heart of Ho Chi Minh City, packed with high-rises, hotels, shopping centres, and international restaurants. Le Thanh Ton Street is known as the Japanese quarter, with a concentration of Japanese restaurants, grocery stores, and Japanese-language services.

District 3
Immediately adjacent to District 1, District 3 offers easy access to the centre while feeling noticeably calmer. French colonial architecture lines many streets, and stylish cafes and local eateries are scattered throughout. New condominium developments have been added in recent years.

Living Environment Comparison

Factor	District 1	District 3
Atmosphere	Urban, bustling	Calm, residential
Japanese restaurants	Very many	Fewer, but District 1 is close
Japanese grocery stores	Several near Le Thanh Ton	Few, but close to District 1
Cafes and dining	Plentiful, good international options	Many stylish local cafes
Traffic and noise	High (especially on main roads)	Lower than District 1
Green space	Tao Dan Park nearby	Fewer parks but quiet lanes
Safety	Generally good (watch for pickpockets)	Generally good

Rent and Property Trends

District 1 properties
Many serviced apartments available on both short and long-term leases. New high-rise condominiums with strong facilities are also available. The Le Thanh Ton area is competitive due to Japanese demand. Rents vary by location but rise closer to the centre.

District 3 properties
It is sometimes possible to find a larger floor plan at a similar price to District 1. Townhouses and houses down alleyways (hem) are an option. New condominium supply is growing. The district suits those who prioritise a quieter setting.

Commuting

Living in District 1
Those working within District 1 may be able to walk or ride a motorbike. Commuting to District 7 or Thu Duc City requires a car or Grab due to distance. Morning and evening rush hours bring heavy traffic.

Living in District 3
A commute to District 1 takes around 10 to 20 minutes by motorbike or Grab. District 3 sits between District 1 and District 2 (Thu Duc City), making it a balanced base. A Metro Line 1 station is planned for District 3, which will further improve connectivity.

Food and Shopping

District 1
Japanese dining is centred on Le Thanh Ton Street: izakayas, ramen shops, sushi restaurants, and set-meal spots. Japanese grocery stores and supermarkets are also concentrated here. Convenience stores such as FamilyMart and Ministop are plentiful for everyday needs.

District 3
Affordable local Vietnamese restaurants and cafes are abundant. Fewer Japanese restaurants, though some are found near the District 1 border. Local wet markets offer fresh vegetables and fruit.

Wherever you live, the Farmi app makes it easy to order Japanese groceries to your door: rice, condiments, meat, frozen food, and much more.

Healthcare and Education Access

District 1 has several clinics and hospitals with Japanese-language support, accessible from District 3 in about 10 minutes by Grab. The Japanese school is in District 7, so children from both districts travel by school bus. International schools are concentrated in Districts 1 and 2 (Thu Duc City), reachable from District 3.

Who Is Each District Best For?

District 1 suits you if: your workplace is in District 1, you want to walk to Japanese restaurants and services, you enjoy an urban and lively environment, or you are on a single posting.

District 3 suits you if: you value a quieter residential feel, want more space for a similar budget, enjoy a local atmosphere, or you are relocating with your family.

Farmi Delivers to Both Districts

Both District 1 and District 3 are within the Farmi delivery zone. Download the Farmi app and receive Japanese groceries at home, wherever you choose to live. Pick the neighbourhood that fits your lifestyle - and let Farmi handle the shopping.