In this guide, I will show you where to stay and the best districts to stay in Ho Chi Minh city for both first-timers and returning travelers. They include district 1, district 3, district 2, and distric 5. I’ll also share a couple of hotels that I stayed with during my visit.
Additionally, I will give you some personal tips and an informative video that I think will be useful for your holiday in Saigon, so make sure to read this post all the way to the end.
I am Vietnamese living in Australia but often travel to Ho Chi Minh City. I have stayed in many hotels across different parts of the city. I’m here to give you insights that only a local can offer.
I usually flight with Jetstar, but depending on your travel style and budget, Vietnam Airline and Vietjet are also popular options. Direct flights from Melbourne to Saigon usually take 8 hours.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City? (for first time)
The best district to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists, especially for first-timers, without a doubt, is District 1. This is because district 1 is the heart of the city where you will be located within walking distance to all tourist-friendly facilities and attractions. This area also has the highest concentrations of hotels, so you’ll have plenty of choices, regardless of your budget.
District 1 is home to Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue luxury areas, the Bui Vien backpacker and nightlife area, as well as major attractions like the Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Opera House, Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
District 3, especially the part that borders District 1 is also a popular base for first-time visitors who want a more local atmosphere.
This District 3 area is a bit further from the action compared to district 1 but has more affordable hotels, and only a short Grab Taxi ride to both district 1 and Tan Son Nhat airport.
In addition to district 1 and 3, returning visitors can consider staying in district 5 and district 2, which offer a more local vibe.
- District 5 is home to Chinatown, which is a great place for foodies to try authentic Chinese dishes and other local cuisines.
- District 2 is located further away from the city center and is known for its large expat community with lots of western restaurants, bars and shops.
Most hotels in Saigon offer laundry services, but it can be very expensive to do it at the hotel, especially if you are staying in a 4 to 5-star hotel. I recommend finding laundry shops outside for cheaper prices. You can get it back after a few hours and they usually charge per kilos, not per item like in the hotel.
My top picks hotel in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Luxury: Park Hyatt Saigon
- Mid-range: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
- Budget: Hoang Lan Hotel
I personally stayed in both hotels and apartments in district 1, 3, 2, and 5. When my partner and I had a quick visit to Ho Chi Minh City, we stayed for 2 nights at the La Vela Saigon Hotel in district 3. This hotel is very popular with local people.
In my opinion, La Vela Saigon is an affordable 5-star hotel (a good 4-star hotel) in a quite central location. We booked the Cu Chi tunnel tour and the Army Jeep city tour, and all travel agencies picked up us here for free.
We stayed in a Luxury Deluxe Double room, which is very spacious with a nice bathtub and comfort bed. The mini bar is quite expensive and it will take time to pay at check out, so I recommend avoiding it and buying drinks from nearby minimarts.
La Vela also has a stunning rooftop area with a sky bar and infinite pool with sweeping views of the city. The buffet breakfast on the 25th floor has a huge selection of food for all tastes and a very nice setting.
Another great mid-range 4-star hotel that I stayed in Saigon is the Orchids Saigon Hotel. It is located in a quiet and a relatively central location in district 3, close to district 1. I walked to many popular sights such as the Independence Palace, Ben Nghe street food market, and Ben Thanh market. It was also 20,000 VNB grab bike ride to Bui Vien area and Central market.
I stayed at 2 different rooms in Orchids. Both rooms were clean, quiet, and comfortable, and the breakfast buffet was nice with a wide range of options. The pool area is small but good enough.
I also stayed in district 5 at the 3-star Golda Hotel just because I wanted to be close to Cho Ray hospital. I wouldn’t recommend staying in district 5 for first-timers who want to be in the heart of the city. There are not many good hotels there. You can visit this district during your stay.
If you want to experience life in Thao Dien District 2 like me, you can book a night or two at Common Inn near Xuan Thuy night market.
If you are after the best 5-star luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh, I recommend staying at The Reverie, Park Hyatt, Hotel Des Arts, Caravelle, Hilton, InterContinental, or Sheraton. They are great bases for families and couples who have a good budget.
Other affordable luxury hotels include hotel chains like The Myst Dong Khoi, Renaissance, Majestic, Pullman, Sofitel, Rex Hotel, Lotte, La Siesta, Le Méridien, Mai Hotel, and Hotel Grand.
If you want a 4-star mid-range hotel, I suggest you have a look at Sherwood Suites, Fusion Suites, Silverland Yen, Orchids Saigon, Au Lac Legend, Eden Star, and Liberty Central Riverside.
For backpacker hostels and budget-friendly guest houses, you will find plenty of options in the city. Many backpacker hostels are concentrated in the Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao of district 1.
If you are traveling with family or looking for a nightlife area to stay in HCMC, you can read the section below; if not, you can skip it, and go to details of each area and hotel section.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for families with kids?
In my opinion, district 1 and district 3 are the best neighborhoods to stay in Ho Chi Minh City with kids. These districts are the most central locations of the city, so your family will have easy access to restaurants, cafes, malls, and popular attractions. Both districts also have a wide choice of family-friendly hotels for all budgets.
If your family wants to stay in a trendy and luxurious area of Saigon, I recommend staying in Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue area, district 1. There are many high end hotels and high rise apartments on Dong Khoi, Nguyen Hue, Dong Du streets, and along the bank of Saigon River.
Food and drink here are generally more expensive compared to other parts of the city, but overall I think it is a convenient, clean, and safe part of HCMC for families with kids.
Nguyen Hue walking street is bustling with activities both day and night. You’ll be close to Saigon Skydeck, Vincom Mall, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, and Japan town (not kid-friendly though).
We stayed at the mid-range Sky Gem Central Hotel in an executive and deluxe double room ( as a couple) but there are many other better options that your family can look at. Lot of big chain hotels are located in this part including The Reverie, Park Hyatt, Caravelle, Sheraton, InterContinental.
For more affordable hotels, food, and drink in District 1, you can choose to stay around the Ben Thanh Market, and Bui Vien walking street.
I stayed in the Orchids Hotel on Pasteur street at the border of district 1 and 3. I think Orchids is a good base for families who want a good mid-range 4-star hotel in a central location. It is very close to Independent Palace, Ben Thanh Market, and Ben Nghe street food complex.
There are many popular family-friendly hotels in district 3 too. I stayed at the La Vela Hotel and I think it is an excellent base in HCMC for families who are looking for a good hotel with a huge rooftop area with a large infinity pool and stunning views of the city. The buffet breakfast area on the 25th floor is also lovely. Popular places like the War museum and Independence Palace are all short Grab taxis away.
In district 3, your family can also look at Mai House, Hotel Des Arts, and many other family-friendly apartments if you are looking for apartment-style accommodations.
Best Family Hotels in Ho Chi Minh CityWhere to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for nightlife?
District 1, particularly Bui Vien street and the area around Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi, is the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh for nightlife and parties. The Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi area is a place to stay for high-end bars and nightclubs. Bui Vien has a backpacker vibe with more reasonably priced drinks.
In the Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi area, we stayed at mid-range Sky Gem Hotel on Dong Du street, the same street as the Sheraton Hotel. From here, it is easy to walk to many nightclubs and bars that open for 24 hours. Japan Town (the red light district) is also a few minutes walk away.
Most bars in Japan town have menus with prices in US dollars (before tax), extremely expensive compared to local prices for one can of beer. But you have a girl bar there to entertain you. They also charge around 5 USD for a cover seat for a person, so be sure to always check the bill before pay.
In the Bui Vien area, I stayed for a month in an apartment on Ton That Tung street. It is within walking distance to Nguyen Trai shopping area, 23/9 park, Pham Ngu Lao, and Bui Vien. You can find many backpacker hostels and budget hotels on Pham Ngu Lao street.
Bui Vien is packed with bustling bars and pubs, so alway keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets. Be careful walking alone at night, especially if you travel as a single man. I saw many street hookers in district 1. And there are things called lady drinks in bars at Japanese Town, so be aware of it.
4 Best districts & areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
1. District 1, best area in Saigon for first-time visitors
District 1 is undoubtedly the best area to stay in Saigon for the first time. This is the tourist center of the city where you can find iconic attractions like the War Museum, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien nightlife area, and Nguyen Hue walking street.
District 1 is a a great place to enjoy shopping, nightlife, and sightseeing. It is packed with traditional markets, modern shopping centers, as well as many restaurants and bars. Staying in district 1 will put you right at the heart of the action, close to everything.
Many travel agencies are located in district 1 and offer pick up in the central districts. So, it is convenient if you want to take a day trip tour, for example to Cu Chi tunnels and Mekong Delta, they will pick you up at your hotel for free. Otherwise, you will need to travel to their pickup location.
Saigon, in my opinion, is a very busy and noisy city, so if you want a bit quieter from the busiest section of the city, avoid staying near Bui Vien Walking Street. The Riverside area is quite nice to stay in.
District 1 is a central area situated between the Saigon River and District 3. The best places to stay in District 1 include the Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi area, Ben Thanh area, and Bui Vien area. You can consider staying in the Tan Dinh ward for more local atmosphere.
Here are some details of recommended areas in district 1:
Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi, luxury area in District 1 of Saigon
The area around Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi streets is one of my favorite parts of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a central, safe, trendy, and luxury part of Ho Chi Minh City. It is home to many high rise apartments, 5-star hotels, big shopping malls, and nice restaurants and bars.
This area has a great nightlife scene with many trendy bars, night clubs, and rooftop terraces. You can go bar hopping on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Nguyen Du, or Saigon Japantown.
If you love high-end shopping, you can go shopping at the many shopping malls and luxury shops in the Vincom Dong Khoi or Union Square. Prices for food and drink are generally higher here than other parts of the city.
I highly recommend checking out Saigon Skydeck. The entrance ticket is a bit expensive but you will have sweeping views of the city and Saigon River. You can learn a brief history of the city from its beginning in the 17th century.
The Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area is within short walk from Saigon River. You can have a nice walk along the riverfront park near Bach Dang Wharf, and enjoy a drink at many cafes along the river.
Other popular places to see in the Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area are Ho Chi Minh City’s People Committee, Opera House, and Ho Chi Minh Statue. For meals and drinks, have a look at Café Apartment Building and Saigon Garden.
Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area has many high-rise accommodations and many of those have a nice rooftop area with sky bars and infinity pool. It has stunning views of the city and Saigon River.
This is a posh and trendy part of Ho Chi Minh City, so be prepared for higher prices. I stayed at mid-range Sky Gem Hotel on Nguyen Du street, but you can choose many other hotels and serviced apartments in this area.
Here are some of the best hotels in The Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi area:
Luxury ($$$): The Reverie Saigon. This is one of the best 5-star hotels in Saigon, located in a prime location on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, D1. It is very close to Union Square Mall, the City Hall and Opera House. It is a beautiful hotel with spacious guest rooms, a great bathroom, amazing views, and top-notch services. They have a beautiful pool and excellent gym facilities.
Luxury ($$$): Hotel Majestic Saigon, this is a great affordable luxury hotel conveniently located in front of Saigon River and Bach Dang Wharf park. You can walk to many shops, restaurants, and bars nearby. Staying here is basically in the heart of the city.
Mid-range ($$): Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel, this is a popular mid-range option in district 1 near Saigon River. It has a nice rooftop area with a small pool and views of the river and city’s skyline. Its prime location offers easy access to all attractions by walking and Grab.
Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao, best area in Ho Chi Minh City for backpackers
The area around Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao is a backpacker-friendly area where you can find many hostels and budget-friendly guest houses and apartments. This is a place to go in the city for crazy nightlife and cheap drinks.
Bui Vien Walking Street is a must-see place at night where you can enjoy a fresh cheap beer at one of the many Vietnamese bars with street side seating and hot dancers. It is a busy area so be mindful of pickpocketing.
Pham Ngu Lao street has many guest houses, small hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and bus companies. Bus to Cambodia and many other parts of Vietnam starts from here.
This area is home to the huge September 23rd Park, which is a great place to observe local life. Lots of people come here to exercise, run, or jog. You can just sit, relax, people watch, and cool down from the heat.
If you want to do some shopping, especially for clothes and accessories, head to Nguyen Trai Street. This street is lined with many independent boutiques and shops.
During one of my visits to Saigon, I stayed for a month in an apartment on Ton That Tung street. It was within walking distance but not right in the hustle and bustle of Bui Vien street. I walked all the way to the famous Banh Mi Huynh Hoa and Co.opmart Cong Quynh supermarkets nearby.
Here are some recommended places to stay in the Bui Vien area:
Luxury ($$$): Pullman Saigon Centre. I know this is a budget-friendly area, but you can still find some luxury nearby like Pullman. This is a beautiful hotel located on Tran Hung Dao street, a short Grab ride from the Bui Vien nightlife area. You’ll be close to almost everything. They have a nice rooftop restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool.
Mid-range ($$): Louis Hotel, this is a great small family-run hotel according to many guests. It is located on Pham Ngu Lao Street, quiet but just steps away from Bui Vien walking street and mall.
Budget ($): City Backpackers Hostel. This is a great hostel for backpackers and solo travelers who want to be in the heart of the city, with easy access to the Bui Vien nightlife area. This accommodation for dorm rooms with a shared kitchen and laundry services.
Ben Thanh area, bustling area in central District 1 of Saigon
The area around Ben Thanh market is a bustling area, home to a wide range of hotels for all budgets. It has good selection of mid-range and budget options. Lots of accommodations are concentrated on Ly Tu Trong and Le Thanh Ton Street.
Ben Thanh Market is a nice place to shop for almost everything, from clothes to food and traditional Vietnamese souvenirs. Just be sure to bargain as you do in any market in Vietnam. If you don’t buy anything, just go and have a look around to see how the local markets in Vietnam look like.
Another note is, I found it very hectic when shopping at Ben Thanh market (even though I’m Vietnamese and I have some bargain skills). You can check out the Central Market, which I found cheaper than Ben Thanh. The vendors don’t put prices too high. We bought T-shirts and shorts for 100,000 VND each.
Staying here, you’ll be surrounded by many restaurants, shops, cafes, and massages. You can find gold shops for good money exchange here. Additionally, you’ll be within walking distance from the War museum, Independence Palace, Ben Nghe Street food market, and Tao Dan park.
Here are recommended hotels in the Ben Thanh Market area:
Mid-range ($$): Silverland Yen Hotel. This is a popular 4-star hotel in central district 1. They have a nice buffet breakfast, laundry services, tour desk, and an airport shuttle. It is a convenient base to explore the city, as major points of interest like Takashimaya, Ben Thanh Market and Tao Dan Park are all nearby.
Mid-range ($$): Sedona Suites. This is a nice accommodation located above the Saigon Centre Mall, on Le Loi Street only 5 minute walk from Ben Thanh Market. It has stunning views of the city’s skyscrapers.
Budget ($): Vy Da Central Market Hostel, this is a great place for budget travelers and backpackers. It is a clean and nice hostel in a prime location near Ben Thanh market and Tao Dan Park.
If you want to stay in a family-friendly apartment in district 1, you can check out Sherwood Residence. It has rooms that can accommodate a big group of people. Centrally located in district 3, but borders district 1, so you’ll have easy access to major tourist sights like the War museum, Tao Dan Park, and Independence Palace.
Tan Dinh ward, a more local area in district 1 Ho Chi Minh City
This is a good local area that is bounded by the Nhieu Loc- Thi Nhe canal, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, and Hai Ba Trung street. It’s a bit further away from the central areas and major sites in district 1, but you can find some good value accommodation here.
The area has some beautiful attractions such as Jade Emperor Pagoda (the U.S. President Barack Obama visited it in 2016), stunning pasted-pink Tan Dinh Catholic Church built in the French colonial periods in the 19th century, and the peaceful Le Van Tam Park.
There are some luxury and mid-range hotels toward the post Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi area, and more budget hotels, homestays, and apartments towards the canal and Tan Dinh Church.
Best hotels in Tan Dinh Ward in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Luxury: Somerset Chancellor Court
- Budget: Nicecy Hotel
You can view the interactive map of each area in this map.
2. District 3, local vibe & good location, next to district 1
District 3 is a great location for tourist and first-timer visitors who enjoy the local atmosphere, affordable accommodation, and proximity to the airport and the iconic sites.
This area is located right next to district 1 and provides easy access to major tourist sights either by walking or taking a short Grab ride.
As I mentioned above, I actually stay in La Vela Saigon Hotel in district 3. It was only 140,000 VND Grab taxi ride from HCM international airport. The ride to Bui Vien Street costs only 50,000 VND.
We took Grab to almost everywhere during our stay, which is cheap and easy to book. As it’s still in the central location, all of our tour agencies picked us up from the hotel for free.
The best area to stay in district 3 for tourists is the area around the War Remnants Museum, which borders the central area of district 1. Staying here means you’ll be within easy walking distance to all famous sites: the War Museum, Independence palace, Central Post Office, and the Big Church.
If you stay further away toward Nhieu Loc -Thi Nghe canal, you will have a more local atmosphere, and more affordable accommodations. You will also be a bit closer to Tan Son Nhat airport, but you need to take a short 10-15 minutes ride to the central area of District 1 for nightlife and sightseeing.
Another local and budget friendly part of district 3 is in Ban Co Ward, centering around Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Ly Thai To street. This is a street food haven of Ho Chi Minh city where you can find dozens local restaurants and cafes on Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nguyen Thuong Hien street, and the nearby Ho Thi Ky street food night market.
Other areas and streets lined with many restaurants are Turtle Lake, Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, and Cao Thang Street.
District 3 is home to many local temples and French colonial villas. It’s close to the 19th century Pink Church, or Tan Dinh Church. It has a nice Roman architectural style, making it a great place to take a photo. The Jade Pagoda Church nearby is also worth checking out.
Here are my recommended hotels in District 3 Saigon:
Luxury ($$$): Mai House Saigon Hotel. Along with La Vela Saigon Hotel, Mai House is a great affordable 5-star hotel on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, in District 3. Mai House is closer to District 1 and the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The hotel has spacious rooms and apartments as well as a great spa and the rooftop bar. There is a lovely pool and a well-equipped gym if you want to work out.
Mid-range ($$): Orchids Saigon Hotel. This is a nice 4-star hotel in central Saigon, easy access to both district 1 and district 3. They have interconnecting rooms which are great for families with kids. They have a nice pool area but it is small with limited sun loungers. Overall Orchids Hotel is a good base in central Saigon.
Mid-range ($$): Au Lac Legend Hotel. This hotel is conveniently located in the city center of HCMC, a short walking distance from Ben Thanh Market and Con Rua Pond. It is a great base for sighseeing and shopping. They have a swimming pool on the 11th floor, which is a bonus for enjoying the view and cooling down a bit from the hit of Saigon.
See more: Is it better to stay in District 1 or 3, Saigon?
3. District 5 (Chinatown), great neighborhood for foodies and local vibe
District 5 is a great neighborhood to stay in Saigon for the local atmosphere and for foodies. This area is home to Chinatown (Cho Lon), which is the largest Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City.
District 5 is located a few kms west of district 1, and easily accessible if you have a motorbike and by using Grab drivers. Chinatown is a great place to try authentic Chinese cuisines such as dumplings, wonton, duck egg noodle soup, or satay noodle soup.
There are many nice dim sum restaurants to try including Tien Phat Dim Sum Hong Kong. I ate here a couple of times, and most of the time I have to wait a bit in line to get in. My favorite dishes are steamed rice-rolls with roasted pork and wonton with fresh shrimp. They served tea for free.
The district is packed with local temples, traditional shops, markets. Popular points of interest in this area include Thien Hau Temple and An Dong market.
Being further away from the tourist center of Saigon, Cholon/District 5 has more affordable accommodation options. The downside is if you stay here, you will need additional transportation to get to the major sights.
If you decide to stay in district 5 for some reason, like me, for being close to Cho Ray hospital, here are some recommendation for where to stay in District 5 HCMC:
Luxury ($$$): Windsor Plaza Hotel. This is a great 5-star hotel in district 5 of Saigon, right next to An Dong Shopping Centre and Ngan Dinh Cantonese Restaurant. They have a nice rooftop pool and spa with good city views.
Budget ($): T Zone Hostel. T Zone is a popular and good value for money capsule hotel in district 5. The hostel has huge and comfortable beds with a big locker.
4. District 2 (Thao Dien), an expat center of Ho Chi Minh City
District 2 (Thao Dien) is a trendy area for expats and locals. It is located just across the Saigon River from Saigon city center, 30 mins away by taxi and motorbike. It is known as the Europe Town in HCMC, and is home to many international facilities and restaurants.
I stayed at Common Inn in Thao Dien for few nights after my trip to Phu Quoc island. It is conveniently located on a shaded leafy street within walking distance to Thao Dien night market (open on Friday and Saturday nights).
You’ll be close to Xuan Thuy Street which is packed with many restaurants and cafes serving both local and international food. On Friday and Saturday night, part of Xuan Thuy street hosts the pedestrian night market where you can try street food and having foot massages at herbal massage shops.
My room number was 303, a standard double room but clean and had all basic amenities that I needed for a comfortable stay. It was a small hotel with a nice rooftop and good location for a quick stop over in District 2, which is the rich area and expat hub of HCMC.
Here are some of the hotel options for staying Thao Dien District 2:
Some personal notes from me when visiting Ho Chi Minh City:
There are so many areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, but I personally prefer to stay in the area around Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi streets. In my opinion, this is a safe, central, and clean area of district 1 that has convenient access to many sights, shopping, nightlife but not as hectic as other parts of the city.
If your time in Ho Chi Minh City is limited, 2-3 days is a minimum amount of time to explore the city, enjoy shopping, nightlife, and take a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels. You can check my article here: How to Spend 2 to 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary.
My favorite things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are to explore the War Museum, Independence Palace, Chinatown, Saigon Skydeck, Bui Vien Street, and Nguyen Hue street. I also like the trip to Cu Chi Tunnels and go shopping at the Central market and Vincom Dong Khoi. If you are not sure what to do in Saigon, you can check: Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
See more about HCMC:
- Is Ho Chi Minh City safe to visit?
- Best Months to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
- Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City vs Da Nang
You can watch my youtube video about best areas in Saigon here:
These are the 4 best areas and districts to stay in Saigon for first-timer visitors and tourists. District 1 and district 3 are overall the best places for newcomers due to its central location, while district 5 and District 2 are great bases for a more local vibe and don’t mind a bit further away from city center.
So, where are you planning to stay in Ho Chi Minh City? Wherever you choose to stay, I wish you a pleasant visit to HCMC. If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below or post on my Facebook group here.