District 1 is bright, touristy, and loud. District 3 has wider tree-lined streets, hidden cafes, and a slower local pace.
Stay in District 1 for first-timer convenience (Ben Thanh, Notre Dame, Saigon Opera all walkable). District 3 for a quieter neighborhood feel.
District 4 (across the canal) has the best cheap seafood; District 7 (Phu My Hung) is the expat suburb with malls and parks.