This guide shares an overview of the districts and best area to stay in HCMC to help you decide where to book your home base during your visit to Vietnam’s largest city.
Are you headed to Vietnam and curious about where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City? I feel you. It’s a massive city that’s divided up by 24 districts or neighborhoods, so deciding which area is the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh is a difficult decision. It took me ages to choose a place to stay when I first moved to Saigon as a solo female traveler in Asia.
How to choose from the long list of Ho Chi Minh districts depends a lot on what kind of traveler you are, how long you’re planning on staying, and what you’re hoping to do while visiting. There are so many amazing things to do in Saigon, but they’re super spread out all over the city. Making a priority list may help you determine where to stay.
It also really depends on your travel budget. Are you looking for the best hotel in Ho Chi Minh, or are you a budget backpacker looking for a cheap hostel? It’s a lot to think about!
In this guide, I provide a summary of the best districts in Saigon and some hotel and hostel recommendations. Let’s get into the city’s neighborhoods and where the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City is based on your travel style and needs.
Read More: A Ho Chi Minh Bucket List
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!
Map of Ho Chi Minh City Districts
Here’s a very helpful map of Ho Chi Minh’s districts drawn up by Codie Maps. He’s clearly outlined all of the districts in Ho Chi Minh City.
District 1 and District 3 are considered the city center, with 1 being the very heart of downtown. Thao Dien/District 2 is the expat hub of HCMC but is located a bit far from the city center. District 5 is home to Chinatown and a few of the best attractions in the city.
Read More: 26 Essential Vietnam Travel Tips
How to Get from the Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the City
First things first, you’re probably wondering how to get to Ho Chi Minh City from the airport! That’s usually my very first question when arriving in a new place. At the moment, the most convenient and quickest way to get to the city from the airport is via taxi.
A taxi ride may run you anywhere from 150,000 – 300,000 ($7-$15) depending on traffic, and your ride can take up to 45 minutes or more. They have private taxi stands at the airport and I recommend Vinasun and Mai Linh taxi services to avoid scams and stay safe. You can also come with the Grab App, the ‘Uber’ of SouthEast Asia, downloaded on your phone, and book a ride that way.
If you’re cheap and on a budget, like I eternally am, there are also a few bus options you can choose from to get to the city center from Ho Chi Minh Airport. You can take the city bus #152, which is a green bus, or the yellow airport buses #109 or #49. They all have varying rates but range from 20,000 – 40,000 VND ($1 – $2). They have slightly different routes, but most take passengers to District 1.
Read More: How to Spend One Day in Hanoi
What is the best area to stay in HCMC?
Overall, I feel that District 1 is the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for short term visitors. Specifically, I recommend staying near Benh Tanh Market or Bui Vien Walking Street. From here, you should be able to easily see the best things to do in Saigon.
However, other places worth staying in Ho Chi Minh will be either District 3, or District 5 as they’ll put you closest to the city center and near all the action. District 2 (Thao Dien) isn’t a terrible option either because there’s a great art and expat scene there, but it is a bit outside the center.
Read More: 17 Best Places to See in Vietnam
Where to Stay in Saigon: The Best Districts in Ho Chi Minh City
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each of the best districts to stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
District 1 – Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
Who it’s for: Most tourists and backpackers
Top attractions: Ben Tanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Bui Vien Walking (Party) Street, Cafe Apartments, Bitexco Tower and Observation Deck, Independence Palace
Things to note:
- It’s a central location where most tourists and backpackers stay, so there are many accommodation options
- A lively party scene at night and lots of crowds
- The district that’s closest to most of the best things to do in Saigon
- My top recommendation for where to stay in HCMC
Places to Stay in Ho Chi Minh District 1
Trendy and super popular: The Hideout
The Hideout is an insanely popular hostel in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s for those looking to meet fellow travelers and take part in the party scene. Guests enjoy a free beer each day of their stay and the staff is known to be super helpful and knowledge.
Basic budget but clean hostel: City Backpackers Hostel
The City Backpackers Hostel is a basic but well located hostel not far from the city’s top attractions like the Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral. Their rates can’t be beat either nd fall around $10/night.
Mid-range hotel with an excellent rooftop pool: Silverland Yen Hotel
Silverland Yen Hotel is a great option for those seeking utmost comfort in a reasonably priced hotel. Plus, you can’t beat that rooftop pool and epic city views. It’s located a short walk from Benh Than Market.
District 2 – Thao Dien, Expat Central
Who it’s for: luxury travelers, digital nomads, or those seeking an artsy expat scene
Top attractions: Vinhomes Central Park, Landmark 81, cute boutique shops, high-end cafes and restaurants, fun night scene and bars, expat events and performances
Things to note:
- Far from the city center, about a 20-minute scooter taxi from downtown Saigon
- Not many tourist attractions in this neck of the woods, but a possible option for long term travelers or digital nomads
- Not my top recommendation for short-term visitors
- No hostels in this part of the city
Best Places to Stay in Ho Chi Minh District 2
The best budget stay in D2: A in Hotel Glamour
Inspired by glam, this budget hotel in Thao Dien is an excellent hotel option that only runs about $10 per night. While the location isn’t the greatest for seeing the top tourist attractions in the city, it is a solid option for travelers sold on staying in District 2.
Flashpacker Vibes: Sen Boutique House
For flashpackers looking for a little peace, quiet and privacy, the Sen Boutique House makes for wonderful escapes from the bustle of the city. Privates range in price from $30 – $50 making it a comfy place to stay for couples visiting Saigon.
A Luxury Stay: Villa Song Saigon
If you’re seeking some luxury during your visit to Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Villa Song Saigon. This place is absolutely gorgeous and situated right on the Saigon River in District 2. Guests enjoy the onsite pool, incredible architecture, and the free two-way river shuttle that takes guests from the hotel to the city center.
District 3 – Near the City Center, Closer to the Locals
Who it’s for: Travelers looking to escape the main tourist area without going too far
Top attractions: Thi Nghe Canal, War Remnants Museum, Tanh Dinh Church (Pink Church), genuine Vietnamese neighborhoods
Things to note:
- About a 25+ minute walk to the city center of District 1
- A bustling and lively area that feels very authentically Vietnamese
- Away from the central tourist hub of Bui Vien walking street
- A variety of local street food carts
- I stayed in District 3 and loved it! But for short-term visitors, it does require some effort to get around compared to D1
Best Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City District 3
For flashpackers looking for a private room: Leaf Signature Hotel
Leaf Signature Hotel is a super cute place to stay offering photogenic boho vibes and private rooms for couples or pairs of travelers. It’s located in a quiet area of the city about a 15-minute walk from the famous old post office and the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh. Prices range from around $35+ per night.
Best Affordable Hotel in D3: Orchids Saigon Hotel
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel in Ho Chi Minh, Orchids Saigon is a great option. The price runs from about $88 per night. This rate usually includes breakfast and access to the onsite swimming pool (which is beautiful btw) and fitness center. Reviewers mention that it’s not too far of a walk to popular attractions like Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum.
District 5 – Chinatown
Who it’s for: Off-the-beaten-path budget backpackers
Top attractions: Thien Hau Temple, Binh Tay Market, Hoi Quan Ha Chuong Temple, Cha Tam Church
Things to note:
- Aways from D1 / the heart of the city. About a 10-15 min scooter ride
- Great place for local and super cheap street food
- Chinese influences, culture and historical architecture
- A better place to stay than District 2 in my opinion but third to D1 and D3
The Best Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City District 5
Budget hostel: Natural House Hostel
Rocking a solid 8.9 rating on booking.com, Natural House Hostel is another budget option where travelers can grab a bed from as low as $6 per night. They have a 24-hour check-in desk, for people arriving late at night and are located in the heart of Chinatown.
The Best Hotel in District 5: Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re someone who prefers staying in a hotel and on the hunt for a good option in District 5, Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh is a good option. They have an onsite swimming pool and a buffet breakfast you can purchase if you wish. I must say it’s not the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh, but possibly the best hotel in D5.
Best Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City Overall
Sifting through the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City can be a chore, so I went ahead and did it for you :p Check out the top-rated and best options for hotels in Saigon.
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint: A modern 4-star in the heart of the city
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint is located in District 1 within walking distance of Saigon Square and offers a fantastic rooftop pool with DJ performances that have some of the best views in the city. It’s considered one of the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, not only for its excellent amenities but also its semi-affordable rate.
Silverland Yen Hotel: A 4-star with a beautiful rooftop pool
Silverland Yen Hotel in District 1 is a beautiful hotel with decor that takes inspiration from nature. Their rooms are all pristine and clean, and guests love the swimming pool and spa at the hotel. It’s one of the highest-reviewed places in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Reverie Saigon: A 5-star hotel that oozes glamor
If you’re looking for sophistication and luxury, the Reverie Saigon should be your top choice. This five-star hotel located in D1 is the definition of elegance. The decor is reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance and is such a delight to experience. I didn’t experience this hotel myself, but the reviews and photos speak for themselves.
Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City Overall
Hostels are my jam, and I’ve had a lot of experience pouring over the best hostels in Ho Chi Minh when deciding where I was going to stay when I first arrived in HCMC and right before I left a couple of months later. Here are some of the best in the city.
Long Hostel: Best Budget Hostel
Long Hostel is well-reviewed and touted as a friendly, clean, and very affordable hostel. The location is also fabulous and places visitors within walking distance from Saigon’s main attractions. Dorms start at just $7/night, including breakfast!
The Hideout: Best social hostel
I went into detail about The Hideout above, but it’s so popular and highly rated that it’s a worthy competitor in the run for the best hostel in Hanoi. It’s ideal for solos and those looking to party it up on Sasigon.
The Like Hostel & Cafe: Best stylish hostel
The Like Hostel & Cafe is a modern and stylish hostel in the heart of District 1. Each bed features a privacy curtain (a hostel must) and a rooftop bar. The vibrant Bui Vien Backpacker street is a short walk away.
Read More: Hostel Etiquette: 15 Unspoken Hostel Rules Everyone Should Know
There you have it! My guide to the districts of Ho Chi Minh City and the best places to stay in Saigon! Questions? Comments? Share below!
Merci beaucoup.
Votre site est très utile pour ne pas se tromper, pour ne pas perdre du temps à chercher, il suffit de vous lire 👍😀