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 recommend some of the best hotels in Saigon for all budgets.
I am Vietnamese who have traveled around the country extensively and visited Ho Chi Minh City many times. 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.
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 The City Center – 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.
The city center 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 district 1 (the most popular area for first-timers):
- Luxury: Park Hyatt Saigon (one of the top 5-star hotel in central HCMC)
- Luxury: Caravelle Saigon (historic 5-star hotel in prime location of District 1)
- Mid-range: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (a good 4-star hotel along Saigon River)
Best hotels in district 3 (second most popular area in HCMC):
- Luxury: La Vela Saigon Hotel (I stayed here, good local standard 5-star hotel with an impressive rooftop terrace, infinity pool, and wide selection of dishes for buffet breakfast)
- Mid-range: Orchids Saigon Hotel ( I stayed here, good quality 4-star hotel in a relatively central and quiet area)
- Budget: Hoang Lan Hotel (I stayed here, cozy family-run hotel, good for budget traveler who want a private and clean room)
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 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, Au Lac Legend, Eden Star, and Liberty Central Riverside.
For backpacker hostels and budget-friendly guest houses, you will find plenty of backpacker hostels in the Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao of district 1.
Here are the 4 main best areas to stay in HCMC:
4 Best districts & areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
1. The City Center – District 1, best area for first-timers
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 free pick up and drop off in the central districts. So, it is convenient for taking a day tour such as to Cu Chi tunnels and Mekong Delta. Otherwise, you will need to organise transport to travel to the tour’s pickup location.
Saigon, in my opinion, is a very busy and noisy city, so if you want a quiet stay, I recommend staying away from the busiest section of the city, avoid staying right on the Bui Vien Walking Street.
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 the city centre – district 1:
1.1. 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.
Staying in the Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area means you’ll be stepping away from everything. You’ll have a wide selection of food to eat from fast food, traditional Vietnamese, and international cuisine.
All major attractions of the city such as the Big Church, the Central Post Office, the Riverside, the War Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, and Bui Vien Walking Street are all within a short distance from Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area.
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.
For shopping, you can visit shopping malls and luxury shops in the Vincom Dong Khoi or Union Square. When I explore on foot, I enjoy pop in Vincom Dong Khoi to take a break from the heat and enjoy the cool indoor atmosphere from its air conditioning.
Popular places to see in the Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area are Ho Chi Minh City’s People Committee, the Opera House, and Ho Chi Minh Statue, and Café Apartment Building.
Another place to consider to visit near Nguyen Hue street is the 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.
Most luxury hotels of HCMC are located in the Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area. Many of them are high-rise buildings with a nice rooftop area, sky bars, infinity pool, and stunning views of the city and Saigon River.
Some of the hotels in the Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area are historic hotels that date back to the French colonial period. Some French-colonial architecture style hotels in this area include the Caravelle, InterContinental, Renaissance, Majestic, and Rex Hotel.
This is a posh and trendy part of Ho Chi Minh City, so be prepared for higher prices. There are also many mid-range hotels and serviced apartments in this area.
Prices for food, drink, and hotels are generally higher here than other parts of the city, but it’s well worth staying for its central location, safety, and wide range of tourist amenities.
Here are some of the best hotels in The Nguyen Hue/ Dong Khoi area:
Luxury ($$$): The Reverie Saigon.
The Reverie Saigon is one of the best 5-star hotels in Saigon, located in a prime location on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, D1. It is very close to Union Square Mall, the City Hall and Opera House. It is a beautiful hotel with spacious guest rooms, a great bathroom, amazing views, and top-notch services. They have a beautiful pool and excellent gym facilities.
Luxury ($$$): Caravelle Saigon
Caravelle Saigon is a historic 5-star hotel in a very central location of HCMC. It’s in the middle of Dong Khoi street, right next to the Opera House, and just a block away from Nguyen Hue Walking street and the City Hall.
The hotel has both a historic building and modern buildings. It’s one of the first luxury hotels in HCMC and has hosted many famous political people and celebrities. The rooftop terrace is one of the highlights of the hotel where you see breathtaking views of the city.
Mid-range ($$): Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
Liberty Central Riverside 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.
1.2. Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao, best area in HCMC 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 similar to Khao San Road in Bangkok and Bangla Road in Phuket in some ways. It’s a must-see place at night for cheap beers on the street side setting bars and watching the hot dancers. It is a busy area so be mindful of pickpocketing.
Pham Ngu Lao street, running parallel with Bui Vien, has many guest houses, small hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and bus companies. Bus to Cambodia and many other parts of Vietnam starts from Pham Nguyen Lao st.
There are many tiny alleyways connecting Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao, so it’s worth checking out these small alleys for an experience. Locals lived here along with tourist families such as massage shops, spas, restaurants.
Next to Pham Ngu Lao Street is the huge September 23rd Park, which is a great place to rest and observe local life. Lots of people come to the park to exercise, dance, 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.
The area is also home to the Central Market, which is a Ben Thanh alternative with air conditioning and nicer products and vendors.
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.
The hotels around Bui Vien area are mainly backpacker hostels and small guest houses and serviced apartments. There are couples of hotels right next to the Walking street, which can be very noisy at night due to loud music from the bars.
You can find some small guest houses in the alleyways for a quieter atmosphere. Take note that there are almost no big hotels in this area, so expect small rooms and bathrooms.
The hotels here are usually cheaper than other central parts of district 1 such as the Ben Thanh or Nguyen Hue street area. Food and drinks also have reasonable prices due to its wide range of options.
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 ($$): Louis Hotel, This is a great small family-run hotel according to many guests. It is located on Pham Ngu Lao Street, quiet but just steps away from Bui Vien walking street and mall.
Budget ($): City Backpackers Hostel. This is a great hostel for backpackers and solo travelers who want to be in the heart of the city, with easy access to the Bui Vien nightlife area. This accommodation for dorm rooms with a shared kitchen and laundry services.
1.3. Ben Thanh area, bustling area in central District 1 of Saigon
The area around Ben Thanh market is a bustling area, home to a wide range of hotels for all budgets. It has good selection of mid-range and budget options. Lots of hotels are concentrated on Ly Tu Trong and Le Thanh Ton Street.
Ben Thanh Market is a nice place to shop for almost everything, from clothes to food and traditional Vietnamese souvenirs. Just be sure to bargain as you do in any market in Vietnam. If you don’t buy anything, just go and have a look around to see how the local markets in Vietnam look like.
Another note is, I found it very hectic when shopping at Ben Thanh market (even though I’m Vietnamese and I have some bargain skills). You can check out the Central Market, which I found cheaper than Ben Thanh. The vendors don’t put prices too high. We bought T-shirts and shorts for 100,000 VND each.
Staying here, you’ll be surrounded by many restaurants, shops, cafes, and massage shops. You can find gold shops for good money exchange here.
Additionally, you’ll be within walking distance from the War museum, Independence Palace, Ben Nghe Street food market, and Tao Dan park.
Here are recommended hotels in the Ben Thanh Market area:
Mid-range ($$): 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 ($$): Sedona Suites. This is a nice accommodation located above the Saigon Centre Mall, on Le Loi Street only 5 minute walk from Ben Thanh Market. It has stunning views of the city’s skyscrapers.
Budget ($): Vy Da Central Market Hostel, this is a great place for budget travelers and backpackers. It is a clean and nice hostel in a prime location near Ben Thanh market and Tao Dan Park.
Family-friendly apartment: Sherwood Residence. this place has rooms that can accommodate a big group of people. Centrally located in district 3, but borders district 1, so you’ll have easy access to major tourist sights like the War museum, Tao Dan Park, and Independence Palace.
1.4. Saigon Riverside
There is a good selection of 4-star and 5-star hotels along the 1km long riverside Ton Duc Thang street, between Ba Son Bridge and Khanh Hoi Bridge. These hotels here both offer modern hotels and historic French colonial style hotels.
The Saigon Riverside in district 1 has a relatively central location, a short walking distance from Nguyen Hue Walking street, Dong Khoi area, and Saigon Japantown.
Other major sights like the Ben Thanh Market, Post Office, Big Church, or Bui Vien Walking street are within 1-2km radius from the hotel along the river.
Hotels along the river often offer stunning views of the river and the city’s skyline through their rooftop terraces and rooms. It offers easy access to both the city center and the riverside.
You can take a nice walk along the riverside park, which has views of the modern urban area with its high-rise buildings, the river, and the Thu Thiem 2 Bridge. You can take a dinner cruise along the river, or take the speed boat to Vung Tau for beaches.
Best hotels along Saigon River:
Luxury ($$$): Hilton Saigon
Hilton Saigon is a 5-star modern hotel located near the Saigon River and the Statue of General Tran Hung Dao. It has a great location, easy walking distance to a range of shops and restaurants in Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue street, and the Saigon River.
The hotel has spacious rooms with comfortable beds. It has a nice swimming pool overlooking the river, fitness center, and quality breakfast. I recommend choosing the high floor for the view.
Luxury ($$$): Hotel Majestic Saigon
Hotel Majestic Saigon is a 5-star historic hotel conveniently located in front of Saigon River and Bach Dang Wharf park. The hotel has beautiful French colonial architecture and comfortable bed rooms.
The location of Majestic is very central for sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife. You can walk to many shops, restaurants, and bars nearby. Staying here is basically in the heart of the city with the touch of history, atmosphere and modern amenities.
Luxury ($$$): Lotte Hotel Saigon
Lotte Hotel Saigon is a five-star riverside hotel with a large swimming pool, in a pretty good location, within walking distance to Japantown where you can find tons of Korean and Japanese restaurants and bars. The hotel has multiple restaurants, a gym, and affordable spa services.
1.5. Tan Dinh ward, a more local area in district 1 Ho Chi Minh City
Tan Dinh ward, as its name suggests, is the area around the iconic pink church, Tan Dinh church. This church was built in the French Colonial Period and became a tourist attraction in the city due to its beautiful architecture style.
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.
Other popular attractions near Tan Dinh ward are the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, the Vietnam History Museum, and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum.
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.
District 3 has a posh atmosphere but is quieter and less touristy than the Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area. This area has many nice high-end and mid-range restaurants and beautiful garden cafes.
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 hotels. 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.
When I stayed at a hotel on Tu Xuong street, I was able to walk to the city’s iconic sights such as The War Museum and the Independence Palace. there are also easy walk to Vo Van Tan street for wider choices of restaurants.
Many local attractions are located in district 3 such as Vinh Nghiem Temple, Xa Loi temple, The Venerable Thich Quảng Đức Monument, and the Secret Weapon Cellar.
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 HCMC 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.
The only downside of district 3 is that it’s not as central as district 1, but it has a quieter, more residential atmosphere. It also doesn’t have plenty of choices for restraints for all budgets but still easily accessible by long walk or short Grab Bike.
Here are my recommended hotels in District 3 Saigon:
Luxury ($$$): La Vela Saigon Hotel
When my partner and I had a quick visit to Ho Chi Minh City, we stayed for 2 nights at the La Vela Saigon Hotel in district 3. This hotel is very popular with local people.
In my opinion, La Vela Saigon is an affordable 5-star hotel (a good 4-star hotel) in a quite central location. We booked the Cu Chi tunnel tour and the Army Jeep city tour, and all travel agencies picked up us here for free.
We took Grab to almost everywhere during our stay, which is cheap and easy to book. It was only 140k VND Grab taxi ride from HCM international airport to the hotel. The ride to Bui Vien Street costs only 50k VND.
We stayed in a Luxury Deluxe Double room, which is very spacious with a nice bathtub and comfort bed. The mini bar is quite expensive and it will take time to pay at check out, so I recommend avoiding it and buying drinks from nearby minimarts.
La Vela also has a stunning rooftop area with a sky bar and infinite pool with sweeping views of the city. The buffet breakfast on the 25th floor has a huge selection of food for all tastes and a very nice setting.
Luxury ($$$): 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 ($$): Orchids Saigon Hotel.
Another great mid-range 4-star hotel that I stayed in Saigon is the Orchids Saigon Hotel. It is located in a quiet and a relatively central location in district 3, close to district 1. I walked to many popular sights such as the Independence Palace, Ben Nghe street food market, and Ben Thanh market. It was also 20,000 VNB grab bike ride to Bui Vien area and Central market.
I stayed at 2 different rooms in Orchids. Both rooms were clean, quiet, and comfortable, and the breakfast buffet was nice with a wide range of options. The pool area is small but good enough.
I also stayed in district 5 at the 3-star Golda Hotel just because I wanted to be close to Cho Ray hospital. I wouldn’t recommend staying in district 5 for first-timers who want to be in the heart of the city. There are not many good hotels there. You can visit this district during your stay.
Mid-range ($$): Au Lac Legend Hotel
Au Lac Legend 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 heat of Saigon.
See more: Is it better to stay in District 1 or 3, Saigon?
3. Chinatown (District 5), great area 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. Thao Dien (District 2), 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:
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.
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.
This is brilliant for is as first timers. So informative and described excellently. Thank you.