The Best Area to Stay in HCMC: Saigon’s Best Districts

ho chi minh city hall

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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 capital 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

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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

map of HCMC districts
Map designed and published by Codie Maps

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

Shops in District 1

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
ho chi minh city hall
The stunning City Hall in District 1

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.

Cafe apartments in Ho Chi Minh walking street
Cafe Apartments in Nguyen Walking Street

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
A sunset picnic in Vinhomes Central Park in District 2

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.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh skyline
The diverse skyline in Ho Chi Minh CIty

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
Canal in District 3 Saigon
I called District 3 home during my short stint living in Ho Chi Minh City

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. 

things to do in ho chi minh pink church
The pretty in pink church in District 3

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
thien hau temple ho chi minh
The historical Thien Hau Temple in Ho Chi Minh City’s D5

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.

where to stay in Ho Chi Minh district 5
Photogenic apartments spotted in Chinatown

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.

The famous colonial post office is not to be missed

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

Busy Bui Vien Walking Street in District 1 – probably the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh for backpackers

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!

One thought on “The Best Area to Stay in HCMC: Saigon’s Best Districts

  1. Nhacca says:

    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 👍😀

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