where to stay in ho chi minh

Vietnam is a land of striking natural landscapes and boom cities lượt thích Ho Chi Minh, offering travelers plenty to tát bởi and experience.

So, if you are planning to tát visit and wondering where to tát stay in Ho Chi Minh City, you have come to tát the right place!

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In this guide, we will look at some of the best places to tát stay in Ho Chi Minh City as well as answer questions that can benefit your travel plans. 

The Best Districts in Ho Chi Minh City

Once the capital of the country, Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is the largest thành phố in Vietnam and trang chủ to tát over 9 million people.

Located on Vietnam’s southern tip, this vibrant thành phố is the country’s economic engine room with many cultural attractions and historical landmarks for travellers to tát explore. 

ho chi minh city

Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its warm hospitality, French colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, jasmine-scented temples, chic rooftop bars, botanic gardens, beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It is a thành phố that is always humming, day and night, and those that visit can feel the energy pulsating throughout its many districts and neighbourhoods. 

In total, there are 24 Ho Chi Minh districts. 19 of them are thành phố districts, while the remaining 5 are the city’s suburban or rural districts.

The thành phố is further divided into two halves by the majestic Saigon River. The city's western half comprises 21 smaller districts, while the eastern half comprises three large districts, including Districts 2, 9, and Thu Duc.

It is important to tát note that certain districts are referred to tát by just a number while others are referred to tát by names. Each district offers its own personality, character, attractions, and accommodation options, but the best neighbourhoods in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists are found in Districts 1, 2, 3, and 5.

District 1

Considered the main central district and is both the economic and tourist hub of the thành phố – trang chủ to tát many cultural and historic attractions. 

District 2

The largest in Saigon by land mass and is now part of Thu Duc City – a modern municipal thành phố that has become the go-to place for accommodation options for ex-pats and wealthy Vietnamese. 

District 3

Also considered part of Ho Chi Minh's thành phố center, District 3 is known for its famous street food and museums.   

District 5

Famous for being Vietnam's largest Chinatown, District 5 is all about experiencing Chinese culture and food.

Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh For The First Time & Sightseeing: District 1

best places to tát stay ho chi minh city

I believe the best location to tát stay in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time travelers and sightseeing is District 1, also referred to tát as downtown Saigon.

The business and commercial core of the thành phố is renowned for its iconic tourist destinations, colonial buildings, and buzzing late-night clubs such as Piu Piu and the Lighthouse.

Things to tát see and bởi in District 1

District 1 offers tourists plenty of sightseeing opportunities with top attractions such as the Independence Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Jade Emperor Pagoda, all within walking distance or a short xe taxi ride away from each other. 

The famous Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Dong Khoi Street are also located in District 1. Packed full of attractions, Dong Khoi Street and Nguyen Hue Street are best traversed by foot to tát get a sense of the city’s ancient heritage, graceful architecture, and bustling streets.

Historical and cultural attractions include the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Vietnamese History. The Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden is also a must-visit attraction for those wanting to tát reconnect with nature.

Other popular tourist attractions include Bach Dang Wharf, Hung Kings’ Temple, and the Saigon River Tunnel. 

District 1 is also trang chủ to tát Ho Chi Minh City’s best shopping districts, including the famous Ben Thanh Market, the Tập Đoàn Bitexco Financial Tower, and Takashimaya.

These local markets contain all types of products imaginable, as well as fragrant and flavorful Vietnamese street food vendors. Just be sure to tát bargain to tát get the best deals!

District 1 is the best area for:

  • First-time visitors to tát the city

  • Those wanting close proximity to tát most sights

  • Foodies looking for the best eats

Best Hotels To Stay in Ho Chi Minh District 1

Let’s look at the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City District 1 based on your travel style and budget.

($$$) Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City

When it comes to tát staying in 5-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh, nothing beats the luxurious and centrally located Sedona Suites. With lavish modern rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and all the luxury amenities you would expect from the best khách sạn in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Sedona Suites is perfect for those wanting to tát live in style, comfort, and luxury. Many of Saigon's top attractions are also just walking distance away, including Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City Museum, and Ly Tu Trong Park. 

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sedona suites ho chi minh city

($$) M Hotel Saigon

The modern M Hotel Saigon is a superb mid-range khách sạn for those seeking practicality and luxury. Its central location, spacious and clean rooms, tons of amenities, friendly staff, and an all-inclusive Búp Phê breakfast are just some of the reasons to tát stay here. Nearby attractions include Ben Thanh Market, Union Square, and Ho Chi Minh Museum, all within walking distance.  

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($) Little Saigon Boutique Hotel

Little Saigon is the ideal “value-for-money” accommodation option for couples and first-time visitors. Helpful and friendly staff, beautifully designed rooms with balconies, and plenty of amenities make for a comfortable and memorable stay without emptying your wallet. It is also located in the heart of the thành phố center and just a short walk away from top attractions such as the Saigon Opera House, War Remnants Museum, and the Saigon Notre Dame Basilica.

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Where To Stay in Ho Chi Minh City For Nightlife & Backpackers: Pham Ngu Lao & Bui Vien

The neighborhood of Pham Ngu Lao, also part of District 1, is centered around the most famous walking street in Ho Chi Minh City, Bui Vien Walking Street. 

Things to tát see and bởi in Pham Ngu Lao & Bui Vien

Referred to tát as the backpacker district, this neighborhood is renowned for its backpacker-friendly budget accommodations and irresistible Vietnamese street food. It is also famed for its lively nightlife scene, with plenty of back-alley bars, pubs, dance clubs, and sidewalk beer cafes found around every corner. Most of them open until dawn! 

For backpackers and solo travelers on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien are the best places to tát stay in Ho Chi Minh for nightlife.

Its central location is also perfect for visiting some of the city’s top attractions, including the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

ho chi minh where to tát stay

Pham Ngu Lao is the best area for:

  • Backpackers and budget travelers

  • Those wanting to tát live close to tát the city's top attractions

  • Young solo travelers seeking the best nightlife experience

Best Hotels To Stay For Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh

Let’s look at where to tát stay in Ho Chi Minh if you're on a budget and seeking nightlife. 

($$$) Pullman Saigon Centre

Those seeking to tát enjoy Ho Saigon's nightlife in exemplary luxury and comfort will love spending a night or two at the Pullman Saigon Centre. This luxury khách sạn offers modern luxury rooms with world-class facilities such as a swimming pool and fitness center. A rooftop restaurant and bar also offer the perfect spot to tát enjoy thành phố views while dining on a wide selection of Eastern and Western cuisines and beverages. 

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($$) Elios Hotel

Located on Pham Ngu Lao Street, this budget accommodation also comes with a rooftop restaurant and bar that offers scenic views of 23/9 Park and serves a variety of delicious Vietnamese and Western cuisines. The khách sạn also offers luxury amenities such as a spa chăm sóc sức khỏe và làm đẹp and fitness center and spacious rooms that are clean and elegantly furnished. Its excellent location, friendly staff, and superb facilities make Elios Hotel great value for money.

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elios khách sạn ho chi minh city

($) Ngoc Minh Hotel

Pham Ngu Lao is renowned for its budget khách sạn options, and the Ngoc Minh Hotel doesn’t disappoint. This gem of a place offers clean and quiet air-conditioned rooms and a terrace restaurant and rooftop bar. It is also just a 2-min walk from Bui Vien’s vibrant nightlife scene and 3 minutes from Thai Binh Market. 

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Where To Stay in Ho Chi Minh With Family & Luxury & Expats/Digital nomads: District 2/Thao Dien

Across the Saigon River, on the eastern side of Ho Chi Minh City, lies District 2, which was once the city's poorest and least developed area.

However, recent developments have transformed District 2 and made it the wealthiest and most exclusive district in the thành phố, filled with mansions, villas, high-rise residential buildings, luxury accommodations and fine-dining riverside restaurants.

District 2 is also one of the most popular areas to tát live in for expats, digital nomads, and wealthy families. The air here is better, there is less traffic, and it's quiet and clean.

Things to tát see and bởi in District 2

While this neighbourhood is a little quieter and residential, top attractions in District 2 include the Hue Nghiem Pagoda, nearby Kim Cuong or Diamond Island, and The Minh Dang Quang Buddhism Institute.

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District 2 is the best area for:

  • Families, expats, and digital nomads

  • Those wanting to tát get away from the more touristy and crowded areas of the city

  • Foodies that are craving authentic Western and Eastern cuisines

Best Hotels To Stay in Ho Chi Minh District 2

Let's look at some unique places to tát stay in Ho Chi Minh City's District 2.

($$$) Villa Song Saigon

This beautiful riverside khách sạn is arguably the best boutique khách sạn in Ho Chi Minh City and one of the most sought-after places to tát stay in District 2. The Villa Song Saigon offers its guests elegantly designed rooms with premium bedding, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a luxurious spa chăm sóc sức khỏe và làm đẹp to tát truly make them feel pampered and loved.

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villa tuy nhiên saigon ho chi minh city

($$) Amanaki Thao Dien

Featuring an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, and plenty of useful amenities, the Amanaki Thao Dien is situated in a great location away from all the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Although from the city's main tourist attractions, it offers guests a chance to tát get away from the chaos and noise of the central business district and unwind in comfort and serenity.

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($) Mecozy Apartel

Budget travelers wanting to tát stay in District 2 will find the Mecozy Apartel to tát be the best value for money. This budget khách sạn offers clean and well-equipped air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom, không lấy phí Wifi, and daily housekeeping. The service is excellent and the location is not bad either.

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Where To Stay in Ho Chi Minh Without The Crowds: District 3

District 3 has always been one of the best places to tát stay in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a less touristy area that is trang chủ to tát some of the oldest neighborhoods in the thành phố.

Even though it is less busy than thở District 1, it is still very close to tát the thành phố center and many of the city's main tourist attractions.

best places to tát stay in ho chi minh city

Things to tát see and bởi in District 3

This district has many of the oldest buildings in the thành phố, built during the French colonial period, unique coffee shops, and the best live music venues.

Travelers that stay here will find local life present around every corner and some of the best choices for accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City.

Top attractions in District 3 include the War Remant Museum, The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument, Tan Dinh Church, Vin Ngheim Pagoda, Xa Loi Pagoda, and the Southern Vietnam Women Museum.

Turtle Lake and Saigon Square are also popular areas for shopping and entertainment.

District 3 is the best area for:

  • Those wanting to tát get away from the crowds

  • History buffs

  • Art and music lovers

Best Hotels To Stay in Ho Chi Minh District 3

Here are three of the best places to tát stay in District 3.

($$$) Mai House Saigon Hotel

This five-star khách sạn is located just minutes away from some of the city's top attractions, such as the Independence Palace and Diamond Plaza. It features plenty of luxury amenities, including two swimming pools, a sun terrace, a spa chăm sóc sức khỏe và làm đẹp and wellness center, and an in-house restaurant and bar.

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mai house saigon khách sạn ho chi minh city

($$) Le Vela Saigon Hotel

Arguably the best khách sạn in Ho Chi Minh, Le Vela Saigon Hotel features a rooftop infinity pool, a terrace, a fitness center, and không lấy phí breakfast for private room bookings. The khách sạn also has an amazing staff, lavish rooms, and the best rooftop pool in the city!  

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($) M Village The Boutique

This boutique khách sạn offers guests something hard to tát come by in Ho Chi Minh City – outdoor space. At the M Village The Boutique, guests can enjoy strolling or relaxing in the hotel's garden and sun terrace area that comes equipped with a BBQ and outdoor fireplace. Each room also comes with its own private bathroom and comfortable bedding for a thoroughly relaxing stay.

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Where To Stay in Ho Chi Minh on A Budget: District 5 (Cholon/Chinatown)

ho chi minh thành phố district 5

Those wanting to tát stay in a place off the beaten path will find Ho Chi Minh City's very own Chinatown to tát be a perfect fit for their travel style.

District 5, or “Cho Lon” as it is locally called, literally translates to tát “Big Market” and is the city's main wholesale and trading district.

Things to tát see and bởi in District 5

Home to tát a large Chinese population, this district has a lot of temples, pagodas, and a popular shopping destination. Other Chinese attractions for tourists to tát explore include the Thien Hau Pagoda and Quan Am Pagoda.

District 5 is the best area for:

  • Those wanting to tát stay in a place that is off the beaten path

  • People that speak Cantonese or Mandarin

  • Fans of Chinese culture and food

Best Hotels To Stay in Ho Chi Minh District 5

Here are three of the best hotels to tát stay in Cholon.

($$$) Zazz Urban Ho Chi Minh

This luxury khách sạn offers guests amenities such as an outdoor pool, an open terrace area, a fitness center, and an in-house restaurant and bar. The rooms come well-equipped with premium bedding, luxury toiletries, and không lấy phí Wifi.

Check availability & best rates

zazz urban ho chi minh city

($$) Lam Kinh Hotel

The Lam Kinh Hotel, whilst away from the thành phố center, has plenty of facilities to tát make for a comfortable and memorable stay. The khách sạn features an in-house bar and restaurant, comfortable beds, a private bathroom for each room, and a shared lounge and kitchen space for guests.

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($) Luxurious Chinatown Hideaway

The Luxurious Chinatown Hideaway is a great place for solo or budget travelers. This small boutique khách sạn features a well-designed room with a balcony offering thành phố views and a spa chăm sóc sức khỏe và làm đẹp and wellness center to tát destress and relax.

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Where To Stay in Ho Chi Minh – Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best district to tát stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

If this is your first time traveling to tát Ho Chi Minh City, I highly recommend you stay in District 1. The beating heart of the thành phố, District 1 has some of the best hotels in Saigon and is trang chủ to tát many of its most famous attractions.

Is the thành phố called Ho Chi Minh or Saigon?

Ho Chi Minh City, the largest thành phố in Vietnam, was formerly known as Saigon. It was renamed in 1975 after the unification of North and South Vietnam. Despite the official name change, many locals and tourists still refer to tát the thành phố as Saigon.

Is Ho Chi Minh safe?

Yes, for the most part, Ho Chi Minh City is a safe destination for tourists. While petty criminals such as pickpockets and snatch thieves exist, violent crimes against foreigners are rare and mostly unheard of.

Where bởi I find the best nightlife in Vietnam? 

The best nightlife in Vietnam can be experienced in two of Vietnam’s largest cities: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. In Ho Chi Minh, the best nightlife areas are the neighborhoods of Pham Ngu Lao & Bui Vien, in District 1, which are packed with upscale rooftop bars and underground rave clubs that are open until dawn. In Hanoi, head to tát Old Quarter and Train Street for a các buổi tiệc nhỏ.

How to tát get around Ho Chi Minh? Is the thành phố walkable?

Walking in Ho Chi Minh can seem lượt thích an intimidating task. The chaotic traffic, lack of traffic regulations, and narrow streets don’t paint a pretty picture for pedestrians. However, once you get used to tát the chaos, Ho Chi Minh City is definitely walkable and a great way for tourists to tát explore different attractions and landmarks.

Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi better to tát visit?

Choosing between the two cities comes down to tát personal preference. Think of it this way. Hanoi is much lượt thích Washington D.C. It is the capital of Vietnam and a thành phố full of historic attractions that offer visitors a more traditional and cultural experience. Ho Chi Minh City, on the other hand, is much lượt thích Thành Phố New York City, in the sense that it never sleeps. 

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Where To Stay in Ho Chi Minh – Final Words

When considering where to tát stay in Ho Chi Minh, luckily, as a tourist, you are spoilt for choice.

While Districts 1, 2, 3, and 5 are the most popular places in the thành phố for tourists and ex-pats to tát stay in, Ho Chi Minh has plenty of other districts to tát explore for the more adventurous traveler and many hidden gems to tát discover.

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