Best Places to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: Top Areas & Accommodation
Looking for one of the best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
As one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City, a.k.a. Saigon, has many different areas to stay. Options range from staying right in the city center to being in a quiet area closer to locals.
One of my favorite parts about Ho Chi Minh City is that you can stay in stunning boutique hotels for a fraction of what they cost in other countries. Despite the cheaper costs, all the hotels in Saigon still have all the amenities you need to enjoy Vietnam.
Whether you’re looking for a 5-star hotel or a hostel in Ho Chi Minh City, this guide has all of the best choices!
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Best Places to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City—Quick Guide
If you’re searching for where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, check out this quick guide to the top three hotels in the area.
Budget—Venice Hotel: For a cheap stay in the city, this is one of the best hotels just outside the city center. The rooms are basic, but the beds are comfortable, and all areas of the hotel have free Wi-Fi. Since there are not many amenities, this hotel is best for those who plan to eat most of their meals outside the hotel and spend more time exploring compared to lounging in the hotel.
Mid-range—Park Hyatt Saigon: This hotel is arguably the best hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and a great value. The rooms are clean and comfortable. There are also more amenities than you could need, including mini iPads to order room service, a soaking tub, and a private butler.
Luxury—The Reverie Saigon: For one of the best stays in Ho Chi Minh City, book a few nights at this fantastic luxury hotel. It’s right in the middle of the city, and the staff and service are impeccable. All the rooms have sitting areas and great views of the river. They also have an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
District 1
If it’s your first time staying in Ho Chi Minh City, I recommend booking a hotel in District 1. Most of the main tourist attractions are here, so you’ll find it easy to get around to all of the best sites.
If you’re a backpacker, there are many hostels in this area where you can meet other solo travelers. This is such a great way to meet people to hang out with.
The only downside to District 1 is that many areas are loud at night because of the popular nightclubs and bars. If you want to enjoy the nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City, this shouldn’t be a problem. Just make sure to choose clubs and bars wisely, as some areas can be hot spots for sex trafficking.
Budget—The Hammock Hotel Ben Thanh: This is one of the cheapest hotels in Ho Chi Minh City in the District 1 area. All the rooms have beautiful hammocks perfect for relaxing or sleeping in! All the rooms also have spacious double beds. It has tons of free amenities, including a washer/dryer, free unlimited beer, and free snacks on the rooftop.
Mid-Range—Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel: For a great hotel in District 1 Ho Chi Minh, look no further than Amanaki Saigon. It’s within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market and the Reunification Palace. It’s also right next to Pham Ngu Lao Street, where some of the best bars are located. All the rooms have kitchenettes, and you get a free hot breakfast every morning.
Luxury—Hotel Continental Saigon: This beautiful French colonial hotel has elegant rooms with minibars and free Wi-Fi. There are two restaurants onsite, a coffee bar, and a cocktail lounge. If you want a splurge, try to get a suite as they have nice balconies overlooking the city.
District 4 (Vinh Kanh Street)
There are many areas of District 4 worth staying in, but the best spot here is around Vinh Kanh Street. If you’re a foodie, this is the neighborhood for you!
Vinh Kanh Street is the area of the city with the most authentic and inexpensive Vietnamese food. There’s a bridge that directly connects District 1 and District 4, so you can still easily walk to all the tourist attractions.
Budget—Liberty Saigon CityPoint: This hotel is loaded with amenities, including a rooftop bar, fitness center, and a beauty salon. There are several restaurants onsite where you can get Western and local food. Make sure to take a bath in the elegant tubs and then put on the complementary slippers and robes!
Mid-range—Lotte Hotel Saigon: This hotel is highly rated, with elegant rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Almost all of the rooms have a beautiful view of the Saigon River. They have inclusive room packages if you want to dine at the hotel frequently. The outdoor pool is also amazing!
Luxury—Au Lac Charner Hotel: This hotel is centrally located for almost everything. You can get to the airport, District 1, and Vinh Kanh Street in less than 20 minutes. The elegant architecture resembles the tea houses from the French Colonial area. They have a restaurant on-site and free Wi-Fi.
Phu Nhuan District
Right between the airport and District 1, Phu Nhuan District is a typical neighborhood for ex-pats and tourists. Many young Vietnamese locals also live here. It’s quieter than the neighborhood of District 1, but it’s still lively.
The area is full of little cafes. If you’re a digital nomad and need to work a bit while in Saigon, this is a perfect place to stay. There’s also a massive park to the north of the district where you can enjoy a quiet respite from city noise.
Budget—Cactusland Apartment: If you want more of an apartment stay in Saigon instead of a hotel, this is a nice choice. All the rooms have balconies and fully equipped kitchens. The War Remnant Museum and the Reunification Palace are less than three miles away.
Mid-range—The Alcove Library Hotel: If you love being surrounded by books, you’ll love this little hotel. All of the main rooms are libraries designed with a huge collection of books from all over the world. The rooms are modern, with air conditioning and rain showers. The hotel is only 20 minutes from the Ben Thanh market.
Luxury—Manh Thanh Luxury Saigon Hotel: For a little luxury in this neighborhood, stay at Manh Thanh. They also have a free airport shuttle! Check out the complimentary breakfast with an American and Asian buffet. They also have an outdoor pool, Wi-Fi, and a beautiful garden.
Cholon (District 5)
Home to the famous Binh Tay Market, Cholon is also known as District 5 and is a great place for travelers to stay. It’s also Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown as Chinese people began living here in 1778.
One of the best things about staying in District 5 is that there are tons of options for food, including a lot of Chinese and Vietnamese fusion dishes.
Budget—Trung Mai Hotel: This simple little hotel is a great place to stay right in the heart of District 5. They have many different options, including double, twin, and triple rooms. Each room has a TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. You can add on a breakfast plan to your stay for a small fee.
Mid-range—Zazz Urban Ho Chi Minh Hotel: Just two miles from Binh Tay Market, this boutique hotel is affordable and classy. They have an amazing breakfast with both local options and international dishes. They also have many amenities, including a gym and an outdoor pool.
Luxury—Windsor Plaza Hotel: There are not many luxury hotel options in this neighborhood, but the Windsor Plaza Hotel is one of the main options. It’s within walking distance of all the best places in District 5 and has many different amenities like a sauna, steam room, and outdoor pool.
Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Now that you have a better idea of where to stay while on holiday in Ho Chi Minh City, you might wonder what to do here. When you’re ready to venture out of the hotel, check out some of the things on the list.
If you want more ideas on what to do in Ho Chi Minh City, check out my detailed Ho Chi Minh City guide here.
- War Remnants Museum: It’s no secret that the Vietnam War devasted large parts of the country and its citizens. You can learn more about the history of Vietnam and how the war affected them in this museum. You can learn about the American War, the French Colonization, and conflicts with China.
- Notre Dame Cathedral: If you’re interested in the Catholic influences on the city, check out this cathedral. You can tour the inside, where there are stunning stained glass windows. The red bricks were also important from France.
- Drink craft beer. The city has a huge craft beer scene. Heart of Darkness is the most popular place to drink pale ales and golden ales. Other popular spots include BiaCraft and Rogue Saigon.
- Central Post Office: Saigon has many places to check out the amazing architecture. The Central Post Office is one of the best places to see if you’re interested in French-era architecture. You can also go inside, with a beautiful tiled floor and hand-painted maps on the walls.
- History Museum: Head here to learn the history of Vietnam, dating back to 2000 BC. There are artifacts from many different eras. There is also a mummy of a local woman that was found after her death in 1869.
How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re arriving internationally, the best way to get to Saigon is by plane. Ho Chi Minh City has a large international airport (SGN). You can fly here from many places in Southeast Asia.
If you’re coming from outside of Asia, you will probably have a few stopovers before reaching Vietnam.
Places like Bangkok and Phnom Penh have buses that travel to Saigon. Buses are a cheaper way to get around as long as you have extra time in your schedule. Many of the buses are overnight and have reclining chairs or beds.
I recommend using this website to find the best buses. Many of their services offer cheap but luxury services.
How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has a very efficient bus system. You can also walk and bike to many places around District 1.
If you prefer private transport, you can take a taxi, although this is always the most expensive choice. Motorbikes are also a great way to get around, but can be risky.
If you hop on the back of a motorbike, you might want to get a helmet. I recommend finding a driver you like who drives safely and always calling them when you want to go somewhere.
I always ask my hotel or hostel receptionist if they know a motorbike driver they can recommend. They’re often keen to give their responsible friends customers, so they should have someone to call for you.
When to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
To avoid rain and massive crowds of people, try to travel to Ho Chi Minh from December to April. This is also a time of low humidity, even though the weather is still warm, just like the rest of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nights do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Aim to spend a minimum of four nights in Ho Chi Minh City. This should give you enough time to see the main attractions, explore the nightlife, and go to the Mekong Delta for a day. There is always more to do and see in Saigon, so if you have time, stay as long as you can!
window.fd(‘form’, { formId: ‘5f654c78bf43d8ae8bbfa457’, containerEl: ‘#fd-form-5f654c78bf43d8ae8bbfa457’ });What is the best district to stay in in Saigon?
District 1 is the best place for tourists and first-time visitors to stay in the city. You can walk to most attractions, find amazing cafes and restaurants, and stay in affordable accommodations in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Ho Chi Minh walkable?
Depending on where you are, you can walk to some places in Ho Chi Minh City. District 1 is the most walkable area. If you’re coming from other districts, taking the bus or a motorbike is easier.
Some people find it intimidating to walk around the city as there are not many sidewalks and motorbikes, and cyclists tend to drive a little crazy.
Is it better to go to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?
If you have time, try to go to both! Ho Chi Minh is more Westernized and has more popular tourist attractions. The weather is warm all year round compared to Hanoi, where winter can get pretty chilly.
Ho Chi Minh City is better for those looking to party. Hanoi might be the better choice for seeing a more authentic version of Vietnamese life, as the city has more of a local vibe.
What’s the best area to stay in Vietnam?
Ho Chi Minh City is a must for all travelers to Vietnam as it’s the country’s capital and has a rich history and culture. If you want to travel to more places in Vietnam, check out Hanoi, Danang, and Halong Bay.
Book One of the Best Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City Now!
Ready to plan your trip to Vietnam? Book one of the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City for an enjoyable stay.
Saigon is one of the best places for accommodation because there is a large range of places to stay. With boutique hotels, hostels, and 5-star accommodations, you can find whatever you want in Ho Chi Minh.
If you’re booking a stay in Saigon, which one of these places will you choose?
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