Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

As the commercial centre of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City takes the nation’s ceaseless energy and amplifies it tenfold!

Surging along the streets – and the footpaths – are millions of scooters entwined together like bees swarming around every section. It’s colourful, loud, and sometimes in your face. 

With an incredible mix of culture, history (both ancient and recent), green spaces, and towering skyscrapers, Vietnam’s largest urban centre is full of things to do – and neighbourhoods with good accommodation.

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, I’ve got good news or bad news (depending on how you look at it) – you’re never going to be able to escape the frenetic pace of the city!

What you can do, though, is choose between the crazy vibrancy of the city centre or some of the more local and leisurely neighbourhoods a bit further out.

Although there are 24 districts in Ho Chi Minh City, most visitors will focus on just the half a dozen right in the centre. In fact, most people will probably end up staying just in District 1.

That’s because this is where you’ll find many of the country’s important landmarks and cultural institutions amongst the maze of traffic, with locals joining you on the busy streets in the evening for food and drink.

But keep in mind that the best accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City for your trip may be one the slightly less central neighbourhoods.

They each have their own strengths and personality, and these are the ones that I’m going to recommend:

• City centre: The main part of District 1 is the heart of the city and an excellent place to stay, close to main sights and with a huge range of accommodation.
• Riverside: Still within District 1, you’ll have many of the same benefits as the city centre but in a slightly quieter area with gorgeous water views.
• Pham Ngu Lao: Known as a nightlife district, there is lots of cheap accommodation here so is popular with backpackers.
• District 3: Although it’s still close to the centre, the streets are a bit quieter and the hotels are a bit cheaper.
• Chinatown: A bit off the tourist trail, this is a vibrant neighbourhood with fantastic food and fun streets to explore.
• Hang Xanh: A more local neighbourhood with pockets of trendy cafes and bars, this is a great option for longer or more authentic stays.

Before I go into more detail about the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, have a look on the map and you’ll see where they’re all located.

Walking around the city is fun, with daily life offering a constantly changing tableau of colourful sights. But it can get really hot, so you may not want to go too far on foot.

With that in mind, think about whether you’re going to be focusing your sightseeing in any particular area, or if you’re going to be doing a few day trips (most offer free pickup in District 1).

Ultimately, though, taxis and rideshares are really cheap so it’s not too much of a hassle if you’re a little further out.

Let me now give you a bit more detail about each of the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City and a few tips for good accommodation in each of them.

City centre

Numero uno, the city centre, aka District 1. This is the piece that links the whole of Ho Chi Minh City together. For first-time visitors and those looking to be on the go for most of the stay, I think this is the best place to stay. 

The bulk of HCMC’s best sights are in or within reach of the city centre. Popular attractions like the Saigon Central Post Office, the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the Independence Palace are all reachable on foot.

Shady parks help take the edge off the midday sun, while the Museum of Vietnamese History and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum are perfect for escaping it entirely.

But as well as being a convenient area to stay for Ho Chi Minh City’s sights, it’ll also leave you well placed for whatever you want to do at night.

Once the sun has set, the city centre is the hub for food and nightlife, whether that’s buzzing clubs or walking streets like Dong Khoi and Bui Vien.

There’s a high range of accommodation in the city centre, so you’ll find whatever you’re looking for right here.

• Toi’s Travel Home Central: Simple and cozy in a quiet neighbourhood, the social areas are friendly but not too crowded, and breakfast is included.
• The Like Hostel & Cafe: The front desk is open 24 hours, there are a couple of free walking tours each week, plus a rooftop with free beer!

• Hải Nam Hotel: Right near Ben Than Market, all the plants give the hotel a relaxing vibe, as do the balcony and garden.
• Acnos Hotel: For a good price, you’ll get a clean room, a shower with great water pressure, breakfast included, and lots of help at the front desk if you need it.

• Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel: Beautifully furnished from the lobby to rooms, it’s has a fun art collection, great views, and a focus on sustainability.
• The Odys Boutique Hotel: As well as the spacious light-filled rooms, there’s a roof terrace where you can have breakfast or dinner, while there’s also a complimentary afternoon tea.

• Rex Hotel: Featuring modern Vietnamese décor, the rooms have balconies with garden or city views, plus there is a rooftop pool and a tennis court.
• Park Hyatt Saigon: The French colonial-style hotel overlooks the Opera House on Lam Son Square and offers an outdoor pool, gym and spa. 

Riverside

Although it’s still part of District 1, and could even be considered as part of the city centre, I want to recommend Riverside as a separate area because it has a very different atmosphere.

The stretch of District 1 along the river is much quieter, partly because the parklands along the water create a natural calm, and partly because there just aren’t as many things to do here.

The traffic can still be busy but it’s passing through, not stopping. Of course, there’s plenty of places to eat, but it’s not as hectic as a few blocks further in.

Although there is a wide range of accommodation, this is also a popular area for luxury hotels, with some large buildings offering beautiful views across the river. Stepping inside, you’ll find a sense of calm that contrasts with the scene outside.

Of course, you’re still in District 1, so everything is close. That means you can probably still walk to the main sights and the tour companies will offer free pick-ups.

• AULE 4K Hostel: A new modern hostel with a good city view and a location that makes it great value for money.
• Saigon City Center Hostel: The rooms have plenty if space to relax, there’s a good view of the city, and there’s also a convenient cafe on site.

• Roseland Sweet Hotel & Spa: Despite the central location, it’s nice and quiet, with a city view, rooftop area, pool, and a buffet breakfast included.
• Nicecy Saigon Hotel: You’ll get a large room and good bathroom, with furniture that has an old charm and gives a more homey vibe.

• Icon Saigon: Full of artwork, the boutique hotel has a relaxing rooftop pool and bar with spectacular views, plus a great selection at the buffet breakfast.

• The Reverie Saigon: The beautiful interior is almost palace-like, while the rooms have great views, and the facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness centre and sauna facility.
• Hotel Majestic: The colonial-era landmark from 1920 overlooks the Saigon River and is decorated with traditional furniture and features, offering a sense of Old Saigon.

Pham Ngu Lao

Another section of District 1, Pham Ngu Lao also gets a special mention because it has a very particular reputation.

The focus of Pham Ngu Lao is the Bui Vien Walking Street, a stretch full of restaurants and nightlife.

This vibrant, neon-soaked street is an enticing blend of youthful locals and travellers. Happening bars line this thin strip – although the best places to drink are sometimes not even bars, but small shops like laundromats with a fridge and a couple of plastic chairs.

For backpackers and night owls, this is the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Catering for this demographic, Pham Ngu Lao has a large collection of budget accommodations. I wouldn’t recommend it for families or luxury travellers.

Aside from the nightlife, you’ll find other things to do in the neighbourhood, including Ben Thanh Market, the Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum all within walking distance.

• SaiGon Gạo Hostel: There’s a welcoming atmosphere with cozy common areas and relaxing dorm rooms (but be warned there is no elevator up to the rooms on the 5th floor).
• Bui Vien Street Hostel: Another good option that even has a little wardrobe area in the bunk, along with a free beer ticket each night for the rooftop bar.

• Cosmo Homestay: Good value right near the nightlife, there are big bright rooms with comfortable beds, as well as a garden and terrace.
• Phan Anh Hotel – Bui Vien Walking Street: Located down a quiet alley but close to bars and cafes, the rooms are clean and bright rooms, and breakfast is included.

• Jasmine Hotel: There’s a fresh and friendly vibe, with bright and airy rooms, along with a relaxed terrace to hang out.
• Ailen Boutique Hotel: The rooms are minimalistic with splashes of colour, but you’ll get excellent value at this fun little hotel close to the action.

• Park View Luxury Hotel: Filled with indoor plants, there’s a relaxed vibe with bright and spacious rooms.

District 3

If you’re looking for an option to escape some of the chaos of District 1 without being too far away from it all, then District 3 is a great answer. Less hectic, you’ll find some peace from the syncopated traffic noise.

With that in mind, there’s still lots happening in District 3 and it’s certainly not sleepy. It’s still quite well-connected with the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, and you can reach some popular parts of District 1 with a 30-minute walk.

District 3 also feels more authentically Vietnamese. Street food is the main attraction, alongside the district’s eye-catching colonial architecture. Here, you’ll also find several museums, shopping at Saigon Square, and the iconic pink Tan Dinh Church.

The accommodation prices are also a little cheaper here, which means you can get better value, whether that’s for a backpacker hostel or a luxury stay.

• Maison Royale: Along with a sun terrace and city views, there are comfortable rooms, a nice interior design, and a 24-hour front desk.
• M Village Kỳ Đồng: The rooms have modern minimalist designs, with a spacious lounge, sun-drenched windows and balconies.

• Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection: The views from the stylish rooms are stunning, while on site there are two restaurants, a bar, a gym, and a rooftop pool.
• Celine Living – Central: The brick walls and unique lighting fixtures give the design a rustic elegant vibe, while you’ll also find a rooftop pool, garden, terrace, and spa.

Chinatown

Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, known as Cho Lon, is a significant neighbourhood for history and culture, stacking up with the best Chinatowns around the world.

Compared to District 1 or 3, it gives you a different experience where you’re no longer exploring just Vietnam, but a blend of two cultures that dates back centuries.

Cho Lon translates to Big Market. Beyond the cultural mix, this is a happening trade and commercial area for locals epitomised by Bing Tay Market. With the change in cuisines, culture and sometimes languages, District 5 is off the beaten path for most travellers.

I probably wouldn’t recommend this for first-time visitors who want to focus on the main sights, but it’s an interesting area for something different if you’ve visited before.

There’s cheap street food and authentic cuisines, plus temples and pagodas showcase the rich spiritual and architectural past. Of course, staying in Chinatown leaves you outside the city centre, but only about 15 minutes away on a scooter.

• Natural House Hostel: More of a homestay than a hostel, this is quite basic accommodation but the lovely family that runs it is very friendly.

• Fortune Hotel 1127: The beds are comfortable, some rooms have city views, and there is a 24-hour front desk, spa, lift and laundry.
• Nam Hy 1 Hotel: In a quiet spot away from the tourist area, you’ll get clean and spacious rooms with access to a nice rooftop terrace.

• Windsor Plaza Hotel: Featuring a majestic lobby and a rooftop swimming pool, the rooms have large windows with sweeping views of the city, while you’ll also find a gym, spa, and tour desk.
• Zazz Urban Ho Chi Minh: The relaxing atmosphere has a boutique feel, with amenities like an impressive infinity pool, a fitness centre, and a terrace.

Hang Xanh

Perhaps the most fascinating of Ho Chi Minh City’s many districts, Hang Xanh features an electric atmosphere, with trendy hipster restaurants blending seamlessly with traditional local fare.

Separated from District 1 by a narrow waterway, this is a much more local neighbourhood where travellers can get lost in the maze of alleyways. There’s a fair amount of modernisation taking place, but it’s not aimed specifically at tourists.

Whether it’s the eclectic mix of dining and nightlife, the relaxing parks, or the busy street markets, there’s lots to see here and it’s become my favourite area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City on recent visits.

You’re still really close to the centre so it’s not overly inconvenient for sightseeing. But it’s a more comfortable and affordable option for longer stays or if you’re looking for apartment-style accommodation.

Landmark 81 and Van Thanh Park may become your local spots for reading a book under the shade. For sunsets, head to Thủ Thiêm Bridge for uninhibited views of HCMC as the sun goes down. 

• Mott Haven Apart: A great apartment for a longer stay, there is an infinity pool, children’s playground, and views of the city and garden.
• Phuc Khang Apartment: The nice thing about this neighbourhood is that you’ll get spacious suites like these for a cheaper price, with easy access to transport.

• Oakwood Hotel & Apartments: A bit further from District 1, but these large and modern rooms are really comfortable for longer stays.

• Vinhomes Landmark Condotel Suite: There are also lots of apartments in Landmark 81, and this company has a range of luxurious options available from one bedroom to four bedrooms.