Heading to Vietnam? Read our ultimate guide on where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City with some of the best hotels for different budgets in various neighborhoods.
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is a thriving metropolis in southern Vietnam. It was the U.S. base during the Vietnam War, and since the country’s unification, it has transformed into an innovative and modern hub.
It’s a city overflowing with historical and cultural sights. Visitors can enjoy an excellent array of food, shopping and nightlife.
The city is divided into 24 districts so deciding on where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City may seem like a challenge, but no worries! This guide will help you choose the perfect place for you to stay. We have suggestions for every budget.
Here’s a guide to help you plan your future stay in Ho Chi Minh City. The city is waiting for you!
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Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Neighborhood: District 1 (Downtown)
The District 1 is the main tourist area as well as the city’s commercial and financial center. This area is within reach of the city’s major cultural, historical and commercial attractions, including The Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market and Saigon Central Post Office.
At the center of this district is the downtown area where you can find the city’s modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, high-end restaurants and stores and classic luxury hotels.
The backpackers area is between Bui Vien Street and Pham Ngu Lao, and this is where you will find the cheapest accommodations and the backpacker nightlife (reminiscent of Bangkok’s Khao San Road). It’s a noisy and bustling area not ideal for those looking for a peaceful or more permanent stay.
Our top pick > Saigon April Homestay
Saigon April Homestay is a lovely guesthouse in close proximity to the city’s main sights.
The staff is super friendly and helpful. Breakfast and WiFi are included in your stay. The rooms are spacious, clean and feature AC and either private or shared bathrooms. Check the latest price.
The Reverie Saigon
The Reverie Saigon is perfect for a luxurious stay. It’s beautifully furnished with Italian designs and artistry. It offers amazing services ranging from the helpful staff to the swimming pool and the glamorous spa.
The rooms are elegant, spacious and equipped with AC, flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms. Guests can dine and drink in one of the four in-house restaurants and bars, which serve a variety of Asian and Western cuisines. Check the latest price.
City Backpackers Hostel
I stayed in City Backpackers Hostel for a few days, and I really enjoyed my time there. It is located very close to Bui Vien walking street and many of the district’s attractions, but it’s in a quiet alley, so it’s a nice, quick getaway from all of the chaos.
It’s a budget-friendly hostel with clean and air-conditioned dormitories and private rooms. The hostel offers very good and free WiFi and breakfast. The hosts are incredibly nice and helpful with booking tours and transportation and offering advice on what to see and do. Check the latest price.
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Neighborhood: District 2
District 2 is not too far from the city center and on the other side of the Saigon River. It’s a less crowded area with more affordable prices and a laid-back feel. You’ll be able to enjoy a variety of restaurants, bars and shops.
The north end of this district is known as Thao Dien Ward, and it’s home to many long-term expats. There are many Western-style housing options and international schools here. It will offer you a preview of the life of an expat in HCMC.
Our top pick > Common Inn
The hotel is quite new, and everything feels very fresh and modern. The staff is lovely, especially at breakfast time. The rooms are simple, very zen and bright.
What makes the Common Inn so special is its common area with its casual and work-friendly ambience. There’s a nice sofa to lounge on while playing guitar or reading one of the books from the hotels mini library. There are lots of tables with comfortable chairs.
In addition, there is a 24/7 help-yourself snack and beverages bar and a fridge to store your food in the common area. Check the latest price.
Villa Song Saigon
Villa Song Saigon is a wonderful boutique hotel located along the Saigon River and away from the hectic city center (you’ll be able to get to the city center with a two-way complimentary boat transfer).
Guests can enjoy a peaceful stay with à la carte breakfast and access to the hotel’s saltwater pool, gym, spa and on-site restaurant. Rooms are comfortable, clean and feature cable TV, AC and private bathrooms. Check the latest price.
Neighborhood: Binh Thanh
Binh Thanh is located between Districts 1 and 2, so it’s perfect for those who want to be in close proximity to both districts. It offers very affordable housing options and is popular among foreign English teachers.
Binh Thanh also has its own restaurant, cafe, nightlife and shopping scenes. All can enjoy nice walks or runs through Van Thanh Park, one of HCMC’s largest public parks.
Our top pick > Vinhomes Central Park Apartment
Vinhomes Central Park offers fully-furnished standard apartments. The property has a large outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, lake views and a beautiful park with Japanese gardens.
Each apartment unit includes free WiFi, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, AC and a kitchenette. Check the latest price.
Maison De Camille Boutique Hotel
Maison De Camille is a mid-century modern boutique hotel. It features comfortable and clean rooms, free WiFi, free breakfast and free shuttle rides to the city center. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, AC, a private bathroom and balcony view. Check the latest price.
Blue Fingers
Will you be traveling with your family or friends? If so, Blue Fingers is a great place to fit you all. It is a contemporary three-bedroom villa that can accommodate up to 13 guests. The villa includes a fully-equipped kitchen, free WiFi and private and free parking. Check the latest price.
Winston Hotel
Winston Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel with private bedrooms. The facilities are clean and modern and feature free WiFi. Guests can enjoy balcony and terrace views. Check the latest price.
Neighborhood: Phu Nhuan District
Phu Nhuan District borders Districts 1 and 3 and is near to the airport. Visitors can appreciate Vietnamese culture while avoiding expat bubbles. There’s a thriving coffee shop scene here, which offer places to rest and drink your egg coffee in peace.
Our top pick >Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon
Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon offers luxury accommodation and superior Vietnamese hospitality. The property features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a day spa and an on-site restaurant and bar.
The contemporary-styled rooms include flat-screen TVs, minibars, private bathrooms and amazing views of the city. Guests can enjoy free breakfast and free WiFi. Check the latest price.
The Alcove Library Hotel
The Alcove Library Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel conveniently located close to the city center but in a quieter area. This peaceful getaway from the hustle of the city offers comfortable rooms with AC, private bathrooms, free WIFi and flat-screen TVs.
The hotel has an extensive library with a variety books for guests to enjoy during their stay. Breakfast is included, and guests can dine in their in-house restaurant. Check the latest price.
The Moana House
The Moana House is a guesthouse featuring deluxe queen rooms at reasonable prices. The rooms are air-conditioned, spacious and comfortable. They include a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, a balcony and free WiFi. Check the latest price.
Neighborhood: District 3
District 3 offers a more local Vietnamese experience with few tourists. This district is home to French colonial villas from the early 20th century. It’s in close proximity to District 1’s main sights, but it offers a peaceful escape from them.
It features many affordable hotels, restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Attractions include Tan Xa Palace and the Secret Weapon Cellar.
Our top pick >Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery
Conveniently located in the city center, this stylish hotel features an outdoor pool, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant and bar, a garden and a terrace. It’s great for both leisure and business travelers.
Guests have access to free WiFi on the property. Rooms are air-conditioned and include a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and beautiful city views. Breakfast is included. Check the latest price.
Saigon View Hostel
Saigon View Hostel offers female and male dormitory rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned, have a shared bathroom and a seating area. Guests can enjoy a free buffet breakfast, free WiFi and access to the hostel’s shared lounge and terrace. Check the latest price.
Neighborhood: District 5 (Cholon/Chinatown)
District 5 is home to a large Chinese-Vietnamese population, hence its nicknames Chinatown and Cholon. Visitors can enjoy shopping in traditional Chinese family shops and eating in authentic Chinese restaurants.
This area boasts oriental-style architecture and many pagodas, temples and the famous Binh Tay Market, the largest market in Vietnam. This district hosts the annual celebrations for Lunar New Year and Moon Festival.
Our top pick > Windsor Plaza Hotel
Windsor Plaza Hotel is a five-star hotel with amazing facilities and services. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast and WiFi, the rooftop swimming pool, the fitness centre and spa and three on-site restaurants.
The hotel also offers shuttle bus services to the city center. Rooms are modern and feature AC, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and views of the city. Check the latest price.
The Common Room Project
The Common Room Project is a 48-bed modern boutique hostel offering private and dormitory rooms. It’s communal spaces create a very social and welcoming atmosphere.
Guests can mingle in the rooftop bar and terrace, the dining hall and the courtyard. Personal lockers, breakfast and WiFi are included. Check the latest price.
Sakura Hostel Cholon
Sakura Hostel Cholon is a clean and comfortable hostel offering air-conditioned shared and private dormitory rooms. Guests can enjoy free WiFi and access to the terrace and and shared lounge. Check the latest price.
Each of the districts offer something unique. We hope that this brief guide will help you decide where you’ll stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Safe travels!
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