Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Ho Chi Minh City (still called Saigon by locals) is Vietnam's frenetic economic engine - a city of constant motion, legendary street food, and fascinating war history. The traffic is relentless and the heat intense, but the energy is intoxicating. Stay in District 1 for convenience, or brave Bui Vien for budget fun. The city is also gateway to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

District 1 (away from Bui Vien)

Walking distance to major sights, best restaurants, and colonial architecture. Central but escapable from backpacker chaos. Excellent value for quality hotels.

First-Timers & Central

District 1

Budget & Nightlife

Bui Vien

Local & Authentic

District 3

Expats & Families

Thao Dien

Chinatown & Markets

Cholon

Quick Guide: Best Areas

District 1 (Center): Notre-Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Dong Khoi shopping, colonial architecture
Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao: Backpacker street, nightlife, budget stays, travel services
District 3: Local cafés, emerging food scene, residential calm, authentic life
Thao Dien (District 2): Expat dining, craft cafés, family-friendly, international schools
Cholon (District 5): Chinatown, Binh Tay Market, temples, authentic Chinese-Vietnamese culture

Things to Know

  • • Bag snatching by motorbike is common - walk away from street, hold bags tight
  • • Bui Vien is extremely loud - not for light sleepers
  • • District 7 is modern but too far from tourist areas
  • • Airport is far - allow 45-60 min for transfer

Understanding Ho Chi Minh City Geography

HCMC sprawls across the Saigon River. District 1 is the center with colonial sights. The backpacker zone (Bui Vien) sits in western District 1. District 3 extends north. District 2 (Thao Dien) lies across the river. Cholon (Chinatown) is southwest in District 5.

Main Districts Central: District 1 (colonial, shopping), Bui Vien (backpacker). North: District 3 (local). East: District 2 (expat, across river). Southwest: District 5/Cholon (Chinatown). South: District 7 (modern, far).

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City

District 1 (Center)

Best for: Notre-Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Dong Khoi shopping, colonial architecture

$22+ $54+ $162+
Mid-range
First-timers History Shopping Central

"French colonial elegance meets Vietnamese energy"

Walk to central attractions
Nearest Stations
Walking / Taxi / Grab
Attractions
Notre-Dame Cathedral Central Post Office War Remnants Museum Ben Thanh Market
8
Transit
High noise
Safe but watch for bag snatchers on motorbikes. Hold bags away from street.

Pros

  • Most central
  • Walk to major sights
  • Best hotels

Cons

  • Expensive for Vietnam
  • Traffic chaos
  • Touristy areas

Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao

Best for: Backpacker street, nightlife, budget stays, travel services

$9+ $27+ $76+
Budget
Budget Nightlife Backpackers Young travelers

"Southeast Asia's party backpacker hub"

Walk to District 1 center
Nearest Stations
Walking / Taxi
Attractions
Bui Vien walking street Budget restaurants Travel agencies Bars
8
Transit
High noise
Safe but rowdy at night. Watch belongings in crowds.

Pros

  • Cheapest area
  • Great nightlife
  • Travel bookings

Cons

  • Very noisy
  • Party crowds
  • Not authentic

District 3

Best for: Local cafés, emerging food scene, residential calm, authentic life

$16+ $38+ $108+
Budget
Local life Foodies Authentic Quieter

"Residential Saigon with excellent local dining"

10 min to District 1
Nearest Stations
Taxi / Grab
Attractions
War Remnants Museum (nearby) Local cafés Pagodas Street food
7
Transit
Moderate noise
Safe residential area.

Pros

  • More authentic
  • Great local food
  • Less chaotic

Cons

  • Fewer sights
  • Needs transport
  • Less convenient

Thao Dien (District 2)

Best for: Expat dining, craft cafés, family-friendly, international schools

$27+ $65+ $162+
Mid-range
Expats Families Upscale Cafés

"Leafy expat enclave with international dining"

30 min to District 1
Nearest Stations
Taxi / Grab (across river)
Attractions
Expat restaurants Craft cafés Boutiques Riverside
6
Transit
Low noise
Very safe expat neighborhood.

Pros

  • Best Western food
  • Family-friendly
  • Quieter

Cons

  • Far from center
  • Traffic to cross river
  • Less Vietnamese

Cholon (District 5)

Best for: Chinatown, Binh Tay Market, temples, authentic Chinese-Vietnamese culture

$13+ $32+ $86+
Budget
Culture Markets History Authentic

"Largest Chinatown in Vietnam with markets and temples"

30 min to District 1
Nearest Stations
Taxi / Grab
Attractions
Binh Tay Market Thien Hau Temple Chinese-Vietnamese culture Local food
6
Transit
High noise
Generally safe but keep aware. Less tourist infrastructure.

Pros

  • Most authentic area
  • Amazing markets
  • Historic temples

Cons

  • Far from center
  • Very hot
  • Few tourists

Accommodation Budget in Ho Chi Minh City

Budget

$16 /night
Typical Range: $16 – $16

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$40 /night
Typical Range: $32 – $49

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$83 /night
Typical Range: $70 – $97

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

€ Best Budget Hotels

The Common Room Project

District 1

★ 9

Excellent design hostel with pods, coworking, and great common areas away from Bui Vien chaos.

Solo travelersDigital nomadsBudget travelers
Check Availability

Town House 23

District 1

★ 9.1

Charming boutique in French colonial building with excellent breakfast and service.

Budget couplesColonial charmCentral location
Check Availability

€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel des Arts Saigon

District 1

★ 9.2

Art-focused boutique with Vietnamese art collection, rooftop pool, and central location.

Art loversPool seekersDesign enthusiasts
Check Availability

The Myst Dong Khoi

District 1

★ 9

Contemporary boutique with excellent restaurant, rooftop bar, and Dong Khoi shopping street.

Shopping enthusiastsCouplesModern travelers
Check Availability

Fusion Suites Saigon

District 1

★ 9.1

All-suite hotel with included spa treatments, breakfast, and excellent value.

Spa seekersValue loversCouples
Check Availability

€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Park Hyatt Saigon

District 1

★ 9.5

Colonial-style luxury facing Opera House with excellent restaurants and legendary service.

Classic luxuryOpera House accessFine dining
Check Availability

The Reverie Saigon

District 1

★ 9.4

Over-the-top Italian design in Times Square tower with stunning views and maximum opulence.

Design loversView seekersUltimate luxury
Check Availability

✦ Unique & Boutique Stays

Villa Song Saigon

District 2

★ 9

Riverside boutique in converted French villa with pool, garden, and escape from city chaos.

Escape seekersRomanceRiver views
Check Availability

Smart Booking Tips for Ho Chi Minh City

  • 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for Tet (Lunar New Year) - city empties but many places close
  • 2 Dry season (Dec-April) is best but busiest
  • 3 Rainy season (May-November) sees afternoon downpours but lower prices
  • 4 Luxury hotels offer exceptional value - 5-star under $100
  • 5 Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong tours include District 1 pickup

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
District 1 (away from Bui Vien). Walking distance to major sights, best restaurants, and colonial architecture. Central but escapable from backpacker chaos. Excellent value for quality hotels.
How much does a hotel cost in Ho Chi Minh City?
Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City range from $16 per night for budget accommodation to $40 for mid-range and $83 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
District 1 (Center) (Notre-Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Dong Khoi shopping, colonial architecture); Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao (Backpacker street, nightlife, budget stays, travel services); District 3 (Local cafés, emerging food scene, residential calm, authentic life); Thao Dien (District 2) (Expat dining, craft cafés, family-friendly, international schools)
Are there areas to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City?
Bag snatching by motorbike is common - walk away from street, hold bags tight Bui Vien is extremely loud - not for light sleepers
When should I book a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City?
Book 2-3 months ahead for Tet (Lunar New Year) - city empties but many places close

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