Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam that captivates visitors with its vibrant culture, rich history, and bustling streets. As the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city.
Our selection of the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City 🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Reverie Saigon
- ✨ 5-Star: InterContinental Saigon
- 🏨 4-Star: Silverland Yen Hotel
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Alisa Tan Binh Hotel
- 💸 Cheap: Long Hostel
- 🏢 Apartment: Somerset Chancellor Court
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Sherwood Residence
- 🏩 For Couples: Villa Song Saigon
A quick guide to the best area in Ho Chi Minh City 📋
- 👀 For the First Time: District 1 (Downtown)
- 🏛 For Cultural Activities: District 3
- 🥡 For Authentic Cuisine: District 5 (Chinatown)
- 💰 For Luxury Stay: District 2 (Thao Dien)
- ⌚ For Modern Shopping: District 7
1. District 1 (Quận) City Center 🏙️
🌆 City Center: If you really want to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, then District 1 is the perfect choice. This central district is the heart and soul of the city, combining colonial charm with a modern way of life. Here you will find everything – from cultural heritage to nightlife and culinary delights.
🏛️ Key Attractions: Take a stroll through the bustling streets and you’ll find yourself among the main attractions. The Notre Dame Cathedral will amaze you with its stunning neo-Gothic architecture. The Central Post Office, one of the most photographed colonial buildings with its bright yellow facade. And at the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam, now houses a museum telling the country’s history.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit the Central Post Office early in the morning when there are fewer tourists. This way, you can peacefully admire its beauty and take amazing photos.
🛍️ Shopping Haven: District 1 is a shopping paradise! Be sure to visit the legendary Ben Thanh Market. In this labyrinth of stalls, you can buy everything – from clothes and souvenirs to fresh produce and street food. Take a stroll down Dong Khoi Street, where you’ll find fashionable boutiques, shopping malls, and stylish cafes.
🍸 Nightlife Hub: After sunset, District 1 transforms into a lively area with bars and clubs. At the popular club “Vũ Trụ,” there’s an outdoor dance floor and lively parties. And on Bui Vien Street, you can unwind at one of the many bars and try local beer.
🍽️ Culinary Delights: Ho Chi Minh City’s cuisine is diverse and available literally on every corner. Be sure to try “bánh mì” sandwiches with fried pork and fresh herbs. Or sample the aromatic beef pho soup – a signature dish of Vietnamese cuisine. In the evenings, many rooftop restaurants offer dishes made from the freshest seafood, with stunning views of the city.
Best Places to Stay in District 1 🏨
⭐ Best luxury hotels
- The Reverie Saigon Stunning hotel with opulent Italian-designed interiors and lavish rooms/suites. Features high-end dining and a luxurious spa.
- Park Hyatt Saigon Centrally located offering elegant modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and fine dining restaurants/bars.
- The Silverland Bến Thành A modern and centrally located hotel in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, offering stylish accommodations just steps from Ben Thanh Market, with an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, and proximity to top attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace.
🏨 Best boutique hotels
- Hotel des Arts Saigon Stylish boutique with luxurious rooms, a spa, and rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. Central location.
- Silverland Yen Hotel Centrally located boutique offering elegant rooms at affordable prices. Has a pool, spa, and restaurants.
- HANZ SEN Hotel Ben Thanh Its prime location puts you just steps away from the famous Ben Thanh Market as well as other top attractions like the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral.
💸 Best budget hotels
- Alagon Zen Hotel & Spa Quiet central hotel with modern rooms, a spa, and outdoor pool. Great value.
- Sanouva Saigon Hotel Located in a lively area near sights. Spacious clean rooms and friendly staff.
- Alisa Tan Binh Hotel Modern stylish hotel with a good location. Rooms have all amenities for a comfortable stay at an affordable price.
2. District 3: Local Charms in Ho Chi Minh City 🏙️
🏘️ Local Experience and French Colonial Charm: District 3 offers a unique blend of local culture and French colonial charm, providing visitors with a different perspective on Ho Chi Minh City. Located to the north of District 1, it boasts a more authentic atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
🏛️ Colonial Architecture: One of the highlights of District 3 is its stunning French colonial architecture. Take a leisurely stroll through the tree-lined streets and admire the elegant buildings adorned with intricate details, reminiscent of the city’s colonial past.
🍺 Craft Breweries: Beer enthusiasts will delight in the growing craft beer scene in District 3. Visit one of the local breweries to sample a variety of handcrafted beers, each offering its own unique flavors and styles. It’s the perfect way to cool off and immerse yourself in the local drinking culture.
🎶 Live Music: Experience the vibrant music scene of District 3 by checking out one of its many live music venues. From intimate jazz clubs to lively bars featuring local bands, there’s something for every music lover here. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the soulful tunes while sipping on your favorite drink.
🍽️ Culinary Gems: District 3 is home to some of the city’s best eateries, serving up delicious Vietnamese cuisine and international fare. Whether you’re craving traditional pho noodles or seeking out trendy cafes offering fusion dishes, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. Be sure to explore the local markets and street food stalls for an authentic culinary experience.
💡 Insider Tip: Don’t miss the chance to explore the quiet alleyways and hidden gems scattered throughout District 3. You never know what hidden treasures you might stumble upon while wandering off the beaten path. Take your time to soak in the local atmosphere and discover the true essence of this charming neighborhood.
Recommendations for Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City 🏨
⭐ Best boutique hotels
- Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection A stylish boutique hotel with luxurious rooms, a spa, and a rooftop restaurant with city views. Ideally located in the center of the district near attractions.
- Villa Song Saigon A luxurious colonial-style boutique hotel with elegant rooms and apartments. Outdoor pool, spa, restaurants and bars. Excellent location on a quiet lane.
- Le Duy Grand Hotel This stylish boutique hotel is located right in the heart of District 3. Rooms are designed in a modern minimalist style with all amenities. Features an outdoor pool, fitness center and restaurant.
🏨 Best mid-range hotels
- Sanouva Saigon Hotel Located in a lively area near attractions. Spacious clean rooms, friendly staff. Good value for its central convenient location.
- Alisa Tan Binh Hotel A modern, stylish hotel with a good location. Rooms are well-equipped with all amenities for a comfortable stay at an affordable price. Has an outdoor pool and restaurant.
- Bloom Saigon Hotel A cozy hotel with clean, spacious rooms located on a quiet alley but close to main sights. Offers great service and value.
🛏️ Best hostels
- Le Duy Grand Hostel A modern hostel with clean dorm rooms and facilities including a shared kitchen, lounge and free WiFi. Conveniently located in central District 3.
- Hostel Bui Vien Backpackers Popular hostel in a lively area with bars and restaurants. Offers dorms, shared kitchen and lounge area. Friendly atmosphere.
- Long Hostel Budget hostel with clean dorm rooms and facilities including a shared kitchen and terrace. Located on a quiet alley in District 3.
3. District 5 Stay in Ho Chi Minh: Discovering District 5 – Chinatown Charm 🏮
🏡 Vibrant Neighborhood: District 5, also known as Chinatown or Cholon, is one of the most colorful and authentic neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Chinese-Vietnamese culture and see many interesting sights.
🛕 Historic Temple: The Thien Hau Pagoda is the oldest and one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in the city, built in the early 19th century. Here you can admire the magnificent architecture and light incense.
🏪 Bustling Market: The Binh Tay Market is a huge indoor market where they sell everything: from fresh produce and spices to clothing, souvenirs, and antiques. An excellent place to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and go shopping.
🚶♀️ Main Street: Cho Lon Street is the main commercial artery of the district with numerous shops, restaurants, and historic buildings in the Chinese style. A stroll along this street will allow you to feel the spirit of Chinatown.
🙏 Ornate Temple: The Ngoc Hoang Temple is a beautiful Taoist temple dedicated to the goddess-protector of sailors. Inside, you can see magnificent carved wooden altars.
🏛️ Cultural Museum: The Vietnamese Chinese Museum is a small but interesting museum that tells the history and culture of ethnic Chinese in Vietnam.
🚦 Safety Note: Safety in Chinatown is generally good, but as in any tourist place, you should be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid dark alleys at night. Overall, the area is considered safe for walking during the day and evening.
Top Hotel and Accommodation Picks in Ho Chi Minh City 🏨
🏨 Best boutique hotels
- TAN DA COUNT APARMENT Stylish apartment with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and living area. Offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and laundry services.
- The Everich Infinity A modern boutique hotel with elegant rooms and apartments. There is an outdoor pool, fitness center and restaurant on site.
- Bonita Grand Hotel This cozy boutique hotel is located in a quiet side street in District 5. It offers stylish rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a minibar.
🏨 Best mid-range hotels
- ADV Fortune Hotel – A hotel with spacious rooms and basic amenities at affordable prices. Located in the center of District 5 close to markets and attractions.
- Tan Hoang Long Hotel – Modern hotel with clean and comfortable rooms. Offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and laundry services. A good option for the price in District 5.
- Wah Fu Hotel – Budget hotel with basic amenities but clean rooms. Located in a lively area close to markets and restaurants. A good option for budget travelers.
🏢 Best apartments
- Cozrum Homes - Retro House White Penthouse Luxury penthouse with 3 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and private rooftop pool. Offers stunning city views and upscale amenities.
- Penthouse 86 - Pool Private Modern penthouse with 2 bedrooms, living area and private pool. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City overlooking the city. Ideal for families or groups.
- 1127 Tran Hung Dao, Q5 - by Bay Luxury Spacious apartments with 1-2 bedrooms, a living area and a fully equipped kitchen. Offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and laundry services.
4. District 2: Thao Dien – District 2’s Ultimate Hotel Haven 🌟🏨
🌳 Peaceful Oasis: District 2 (Thao Dien) in Ho Chi Minh City is a modern oasis for expats and affluent Vietnamese. This rapidly developing enclave offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a high standard of living, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
🏞️ Green Spaces: Unlike the densely built-up central districts, Thao Dien can boast spacious green areas and parks. One of its gems is Saigon Valley Park, a massive natural oasis with lakes, bike paths, and playgrounds. It’s so pleasant to take a stroll or exercise outdoors here.
🏘️ Luxury Living: Thao Dien is known for its prestigious residential complexes with luxurious villas and apartments, such as Villa Song Saigon and Liberty Central Saigon. Many of them are surrounded by well-tended gardens, pools, and fitness centers, offering a resort-style living experience in the heart of the city.
🍽️ Foodie Paradise: This area is a foodie’s paradise. It’s home to numerous high-end restaurants, trendy cafes, and cozy bistros. Particularly noteworthy are The Deck, Butcher Manzzo, and Chill Skybar with stunning city views.
🛍️ Shopping & Fun: Thao Dien is a place for shopping and entertainment. The Vincom Mega Mall and Crescent Mall offer brand-name boutiques, cinemas, and bowling alleys. And the nightlife is buzzing with trendy bars and clubs along the Saigon Riverside.
Our selection of hotels in Ho Chi Minh City 🏨🌆
5. District 7: Exceptional Accommodation Hub 🏨✨
🏙️ Modern Center: District 7 is rapidly becoming Ho Chi Minh City’s new modern center. This fast-developing area offers plenty of interesting places to visit, as well as excellent accommodation options for any taste and budget.
🗼 Top Attraction: One of the main attractions in the area is Landmark 81 – the tallest building in Vietnam with an impressive observation deck on the 81st floor. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. It’s one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.
⛪ Historic Landmark: Another well-known attraction is Nha Be Cathedral, an ancient Catholic cathedral in the Neo-Gothic style, surrounded by picturesque gardens. It’s an excellent spot for photo shoots and exploring the city’s history.
🌳 Nature Escape: Nature lovers will appreciate Unicorn Island – a small green oasis with hiking trails, camping areas, and even a beach for swimming. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
🛍️ Shopping & Entertainment: District 7 is also famous for its shopping malls and entertainment complexes. Crescent Mall and Estella Place are ideal spots for shopping, visiting movie theaters, and bowling.
🍸 Nightlife Hub: For nightlife enthusiasts, there are plenty of trendy bars and clubs, such as Chill Skybar with a rooftop pool and stunning city views.
💯 Best Choice: So if you want to stay in Ho Chi Minh City’s most modern and vibrant area with excellent infrastructure and entertainment, District 7 is your best choice. Here you’ll find everything from luxury hotels to budget hostels and numerous interesting places to visit.
Best places to stay in District 7 🏨
🏨 Best boutique hotels
- Diamond Boutique Hotel This stylish boutique hotel is located in the vibrant District 7. Rooms are decorated in a modern, minimalist style with elegant details. There is an outdoor pool, fitness center and restaurant on site.
- La Palma - Garden Saigon Hotel Phu My Hung Cozy boutique hotel with a beautiful garden and outdoor pool. The rooms are spacious and clean, decorated in warm colors. There is a restaurant and bar on site. Convenient location in District 7.
- Bonita Boutique Hotel Situated on a quiet side street in District 7, this small boutique hotel offers stylish rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a minibar. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant.
🏢 Best apartments/aparthotels
- Spring Hill Apartment – The High Class – Luxury apartments with 1-2 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and living area. There is an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, sauna and children’s playground on site.
- El Ocaso Hotel and Apartments – Modern aparthotel with spacious apartments and rooms. Offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, restaurants and bars.
- Golden Tree Hotel & Apartment – Aparthotel with fully equipped apartments and basic rooms. There is an outdoor pool, fitness center and restaurant on site. A good option for a long stay.
💸 Best budget hotels
- Golden Sun Hotel Apartments – A hotel with spacious rooms and apartments at affordable prices. Offers an outdoor pool, fitness center and restaurant. A good option for budget accommodation in District 7.
- Ngan Ha 2 Apartments – Budget aparthotel with basic apartments and rooms. There is an outdoor pool and restaurant on site.
- Atlas Hotel & Apartments – A hotel with clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. Offers an outdoor pool, fitness center and restaurant.
FAQs about Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City❔
What is the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
District 1 is considered one of the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, especially for first-time visitors. As the city center, it offers easy access to top tourist attractions like the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral. The Dong Khoi street area and Bui Vien Walking Street are popular for their dining, nightlife, and proximity to City Hall.
Where should I stay for a short stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
For a short stay, District 1 is ideal as it puts you within walking distance of many sights and activities. Look for hotels near Pham Ngu Lao street or Bui Vien Walking Street for a central location surrounded by restaurants, bars, and hostels.
What are some of the best luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh City?
Some of Ho Chi Minh City’s best luxury hotels include The Reverie Saigon in District 1, Villa Song Saigon in District 2’s Thao Dien area, and the Park Hyatt Saigon located along the banks of the Saigon River in District 1.
Where can I find good hostels in Ho Chi Minh City?
Popular hostels in Ho Chi Minh City include the Hostel Bui Vien Backpackers and Long Hostel in District 1, as well as La Vela Saigon Hostel in District 3. These offer affordable dorm-style accommodations in tourist areas.
What area is best for experiencing local life in Ho Chi Minh City?
Districts 3 and 5 offer a more authentic local experience away from the major tourist areas. District 3 has markets, street food stalls, and the War Remnants Museum, while District 5 is home to Chinatown.
Is it worth staying in District 2 or 7 in Ho Chi Minh City?
Districts 2 (Thao Dien) and 7 can be good options for longer stays or those looking for a quieter area with luxury apartments/villas. However, they are farther from the city’s main tourist sights compared to District 1.
