District 3 is the second most popular district to stay in Ho Chi Minh city for first-timers and short-time visitors. This area is a great base for those who want a bit of a local and quieter atmosphere compared to district 1 but still within easy distance to major sites.
Local Vietnamese like to live in district 3 due to its central location, affordability, and wide range of cafes, restaurants, shops, and tree-lined streets. Visitors enjoy staying in district 3 due to its authentic local atmosphere and location.
In this article, I will show you everything related to district 3 of Ho Chi Minh City, including its location, things to do, pros & cons of staying here, and some of the best places to stay in this area.
Where is district 3 Ho Chi Minh City?
District 3 is one of the two central districts in Ho Chi Minh City, bordering with district 1, district 10, Phu Nhuan district and Tan Binh district. It covers an area of approximately 5 km².
Major attractions in district 3 is the War Remnants Museum, but it is located right next to district 1, so you will be close to many other iconic sites like the Independence Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Book Street, and Tan Dinh church.
Major roads in district 3 are the Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, connecting the city with Tan Son Nhat airport; Dien Bien Phu street, connecting to National Highway 1A; and the Cach Mang Thang 8 Road connecting to Highway 22 to Cambodia.
Is District 3 a good area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
In my opinion, District 3 is good for visitors, especially for those who want more local atmosphere, affordable accommodations, and close proximity to major tourist attractions.’
Part of District 3, around the War Museum next to the central area of District 1, has a relatively prime location within walking distance of many iconic attractions. As you move farther from the border with District 1, the area becomes more local and less central for tourists.
Here are some of the reason for choosing districts 3 as your base during your visit Saigon:
Convenient location
District 3 has a relatively central location, between Tan Son Nhat airport and District 1, so you can easily get to/ from the airport and explore the city.
Depending on your location in district 3, most important attractions, shopping malls, and nightlife areas are located within a 3km radius from district 3. You can easily walk or use a short Grab ride for under 15 minutes to get to your destinations in district 1.
I stayed at La Vela Saigon Hotel located at the further end of district 3, and I used a Grab taxi to get to the Bui Vien Walking street for a 15 minutes ride.
Of course, you can always choose to stay closer to district 1 for easier access on foot. When I stayed at Orchids Saigon Hotel, I walked to many major sights such as Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Big Church, or the Central Post Office.
More affordable than district 1
Accommodations in some areas in district 1, like in Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area, can be very expensive. District 3 generally has cheaper cost for accommodations, food, and drink than district 1. So a slightly lower cost of living is your choice, district 3 is a good option.
Local atmosphere
District 3 offers the best of both worlds: it’s in a relatively central location of Ho Chi Minh City yet maintains a charming local atmosphere. This is a more residential area with many cafés, boutique shops, street food stalls, and markets without feeling too touristy.
There are many local restaurants and cafes along the small streets and alleys as well as along Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal. Places like Turtle Lake are popular spots for young locals to hang out and eat cheap street food.
Historical and Cultural attractions
In addition to close proximity to major sights in district 1, you can see some cultural attractions in district 3. The War Remnants Museum is a must-see in district 3 where you can learn more about the Vietnam-American war.
There are numerous French colonial villas along Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Tan Dinh street. The 19th French-built Tan Dinh Church, also known as Pink Church, is the highlight near district 3 with beautiful architecture.
Additionally, district 3 has many local temples and museums such as the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Xa Loi Pagoda, or the Southern Women’s Museum.
District 3 has dozens of hotels for all budgets and preferences. Hotels tend to be more expensive in the area bordering District 1 and cheaper farther away toward the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe canal.
Here are my recommendations for the best hotels in District 3:
- Luxury: Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection
- Luxury: La Vela Saigon Hotel
- Mid-range: Orchids Saigon Hotel
- Budget: Hoang Lan Hotel
The downsides of staying in District 3 Saigon
Not as Central as the heart of district 1
District 3 has a relatively central location, but still can’t beat district 1. If you want to be in the heart of the city, district 1 is a better choice.
Quiet nightlife
District 3 has a quieter nightlife scene than district 1, which is ideal for those who don’t mind a bit away from the nightlife. If you want vibrant nightlife with many bars and night club options, you need to take a short Grab ride to Bui Vien, Nguyen Hue, or Japan Town area.
See more: Should you stay in District 1 or 3, HCMC?
Best areas to stay in District 3 Ho Chi Minh City
I will divide District 3 into three areas related to the major sites in each area, so you (as a visitor) can remember them more easily. These are the area around the War Remnants Museum, the area near Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal, and Ban Co Ward.
The area around the War Remnants Museum is the most popular to stay in district 3 for visitors. It’s conveniently located right next to the central area of district 1, so you can easily walk to famous attractions. This area has a cluster of luxury and mid-range hotels.
The Nhieu Loc Ward and Ban Co Ward are a bit further away from major sights from compared to The area around War Remnants Museum, but still within a short Grab taxi or Bike ride to major sights. There are more affordable guest houses and apartments in these areas.
Ban Co Ward has a high concentration of local restaurants and street food stalls, making it a great location for foodies. You should check out Nguyen Thuong Hien Street Food, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, and the Ben Nghe Street Food night market nearby.
Where to stay in District 3 Ho Chi Minh City
1. The area around the War Remnants Museum
From my experience, I believe that the War Remnants Museum area is the most popular area to stay in district 3 due to its location next to the central area district 1 and many major tourist sites. It’s part of Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly Vo Thi Sau ward).
This part of district 3 is a nice quiet area with a wide range of luxury and good quality mid-range hotels. I recommend booking a place in the area bounded by Vo Thi Sau Street, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, and Hai Ba Trung Street.
This highlight of Xuan Hoa Ward of district 3 is the War Remnants Museum. This is a must-see attraction for history buffs where you can learn about the American war through photographs, stories, and military equipment such as helicopters, and guns.
Additionally, you can easily walk to many famous attractions like Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Ben Nghe Street Food, Nguyen Hue Walking street, the Big Cathedral, Central Post Office, or Saigon Japan Town.
Best Hotels near War Remnants Museum in District 3:
Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection (luxury)
This 5-star luxury hotel is located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street of district 3, very close to posh area of district 1. It’s just a short walk away from Nguyen Hue walking street, Central Post Office, or Vincom Dong Khoi mall.
The hotel has a nice rooftop area with an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar/ restaurant. The rooms at the Hotel Des Arts are spacious and come with bathtubs. If you want luxury, quality and a central location, this hotel is a good choice.
Mai House Saigon Hotel (luxury)
This 5-star upscale hotel is located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, in the central area of district 3. It’s just a couple of blocks away from the War Museum and Independence Palace.
Like many other high-end hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, Mai House has a nice rooftop area with an onsite restaurant/bar, a swimming pool, fitness center, and comfortable rooms.
Sherwood Suites (luxury)
This is a good hotel in the central area of Ho Chi Minh city. It has well equipped rooms for families, couples, and solo travelers. It’s close to major sights in district 1. The Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum are around 10-15 minutes walk away.
President Maison Signature By M Village (luxury)
This is a good option for those who want a tranquil location in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Saigon. It’s a good place to relax while still being close to major sights in district 1.
Orchids Saigon Hotel (mid-range)
I stayed at this hotel for a few nights and would recommend it for those who want a good 4-star mid-range hotel in a quiet area, and easy distance to major sights.
The hotel has clean, good-size rooms with good quality beds and furniture. From the hotel, I can walk to Independence Palace, War Museum, and Ben Nghe street food complex (good spot for meals). Other major sights are also within a short Grab ride from the hotel.
Hoang Lan Hotel (budget)
If you’re on a budget, Hoang Lan Hotel is a good choice. I stayed at this hotel for one night and would stay again if I had a tight budget and wanted a private room.
It’s a small family-run hotel with clean airy rooms with balconies and all necessary. The hotel also serves a breakfast buffet with several dishes but delicious.
2. The area near Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal
The area between Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal and Vo Thi Sau street has a more local atmosphere and cheaper accommodation options. This is because of its location a bit further away from major sites in district 1 compared to the area around the War museum.
This area is home to local temples and attractions like the Southern Women’s Museum, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Xa Loi Pagoda, or Phap Hoa pagoda. It’s close to major sights in Tan Dinh ward such as Tan Dinh church and Jade Emperor Pagoda.
Staying in this part of District 3 means you need to use Grab taxi or Bike to get to the more central area of district 1 for nightlife, shops, and cultural attractions. THe journey is around 10-15 minutes and the taxi cost is really cheap.
The Nhieu Loc ward is home to the popular La Vela Saigon Hotel. Other than that, the majority of accommodation here are small mid-range and budget hotels and apartments.
Best Hotels near Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal in District 3:
La Vela Saigon Hotel (luxury)
We enjoyed our two-night stays at this hotel. The hotel is located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, an easy taxi ride from the airport and to the downtown area of district 1. It has a huge rooftop area with an infinity pool and a nice sky bar.
You can view the entire city from its rooftop, which is most beautiful at sunset and at night when the lights are on. The breakfast buffet area is also massive with Vietnamese, Japanese, and western dishes for all tastes.
Mao Homestay (mid-range)
This is a good value for money family-run hotel in the local area of district 3. They have clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The hotel is also close to a range of restaurants and shops.
Good base for those on a budget and want private rooms. It’s also convenient to explore both district 1 and to get to the airport. You can find a local bus on the main road that takes you to both popular directions in Saigon.
căn hộ Lý Chính Thắng (budget)
This is a good value for money apartment-style accommodation located on Ly Chinh Thang street of district 3. It has clean, good sized rooms in a quiet area. Good option for budget travelers and backpackers.
3. Ban Co Ward
Ban Co Ward is an area that is centered around Nguyen Dinh Chieu street. It’s bounded by Dien Bien Phu, Cach Mang Thang Tam street, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, and Ly Thai To street.
This is also a relatively central area of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s just within 500m to 1.5km radius distance to other popular areas in district 1 such as Bui Vien Walking Street.
It’s close to some big green areas such as September 23rd Park and Tao Dan Park. Popular shopping areas such as Central Market and Ben Thanh market are also within a short ride away.
This area is a good place to go for street food. There are many local restaurants along Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nguyen Thuong Hien, and Vo Van Tan street. It’s also close to Ho Thi Ky Food Street, where you can find a variety of affordable Vietnamese street food.
There are no luxury accommodations in Ban Co Ward, but you can find some small and budget hotels and apartments. Good area for budget travelers and those who want more local atmosphere.
Best Hotels in Ban Co Ward in District 3:
Cola’s Homestay (budget)
This is a small family-run accommodation in a local area of District 1, within a short walk to a range of restaurants and local cafes. It’s just a 10-15 minutes walk to popular Tao Dan Park, September 23rd Park, and Bui Vien walking street.
Overall a good choice for a budget traveler. They have a common area such as a kitchen and you can use the washing machine and dryer for free.
Kim’s studio (budget)
This is good value for money accommodation on Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, which is a good area to experience local life. All major attractions within a 10 minute Grab ride away.
Hello SaiGon Homestay (budget)
This small family-run hotel is located in the local area of district 3, short distance to major sights and is a good option for budget travelers. It’s just a short walk away to local markets, cafes, and convenience stores.
See more:
- 2 to 3 Days in Saigon Itinerary
- Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Is Ho Chi Minh City safe to visit?
So, you have it, my introduction to district 3 of Ho Chi Minh city about the locations, pros and cons of staying in the area, and some of the best hotels in district 3. It’s overall good base in the city for affordable accommodations, relatively central location to major sights and the airport.