Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh (Best Places in 2026)

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FIRST TIME IN HO CHI MINH

FIRST TIME IN HO CHI MINH

Dong Khoi Street

Ho Chi Minh Distric 1 is the beating heart of Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Khoi Street is the main historical area that has seen the biggest changes throughout the city’s past.

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ON A BUDGET & NIGHTLIFE

ON A BUDGET & NIGHTLIFE

Pham Ngu Lao

Known as the “backpacker district,” Pham Ngu Lao is an area in Ho Chi Minh District 1 that attracts budget travelers thanks to the low prices for everything from food and drink to accommodation.

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COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

Cholon

District 5 is more commonly known as Cholon and it’s Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. Cholon literally means “big market” and it’s obvious why as soon as visitors arrive at Binh Tay Market, which is the largest market in the country.

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FOR FAMILIES

FOR FAMILIES

Thao Dien

In the past, District 2 was one of the poorest areas in Ho Chi Minh City because the Saigon River separated it from District 1, but nowadays things are much different.

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Ho Chi Minh City is a vast and eclectic city and is one of the best spots to visit when backpacking Vietnam. It’s got a huge variety of neighbourhoods, so make sure to pick the one that’s best for you.

So, let’s check out each of these areas in more detail. I’ve included my top places to stay and activity picks in each, so you know exactly what to expect.

1. Dong Khoi Street – Where to Stay for Your First Visit

District 1 is the beating heart of Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Khoi Street is the main historical area. There is a PLETHORA of amazing things to do while backpacking in Ho Chi Minh City.

During French colonial times, the street called Rue Catinat was a glamorous area. Then during the Vietnam War, it was called Tu Do which means “Freedom Street.” When Saigon fell to the North at the end of the War the street was renamed again to Dong Khoi which means “Total Revolution.”

Now, this street is the heart of the commercial life of Ho Chi Minh City and the perfect place to stay for first-time visitors to Vietnam. Here, you can admire the old colonial buildings, grab a coffee in a stylish cafe, shop for international brands and local boutiques, and dine in world-class restaurants. Some of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh can be found here.

• Best For: Upscale shopping, historic landmark and luxury hotels.
• The Vibe: Elegant, stylish, colonial meets modern with cute boutiques, cafés, and iconic architecture.
• Proximity to Airport: Relatively close to the airport. Around 20-30 minutes from Tan Son Nhat International Airport by taxi or Grab.
• Transport Level: Well connected and easy to reach, with taxis, grabs, and walkable streets throughout District 1.
• Budget: Mid-to-high range. There are with plenty of mid-range and premium stays, shops and food to choose from.
• Crowds: Busy and buzzing, especially around popular landmarks and shopping areas (but who comes to HCMC for quiet?!)

Things to See and Do in Dong Khoi Street Area

1. Send a letter or souvenir to friends and family from the iconic Saigon Central Post Office.
2. Take an Insta-worthy photo of the incredible architecture of the City Hall building, formerly the Hotel de Ville.
3. Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral’s stunning facade made from imported materials from France.
4. Casually stroll through the 30-4 Park which takes its name from Vietnam’s Liberation Day, April 30th.
5. Visit the Reunification Palace – a place frozen in time following the Vietnam War.
6. See a different perspective of the War at the War Remnants Museum.
7. Wander through the Ben Than Market trying cheap, delicious food and browsing the endless amount of things for sale.
8. Head to the Bitexco Financial Tower to enjoy the sweeping views of the city centre from the Saigon Skydeck.
9. Experience the perfect mix of local culture and theatre entertainment at the A O Show Bamboo Circus Show at Saigon Opera House

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers | Best Hotel

Sheraton Hotel & Towers is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s best luxury hotels. It’s equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, spa and fitness centre, and a whole lot more.

Sheraton boasts a great location; it’s close to the Ben Thanh Market and within walking distance of some popular tourist attractions like the Notre Dame Cathedral and Dong Khoi Street itself. If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it here, trust me. It’s easily one of the best hotels in the city.

Vy Da Backpacker Hostel | Best Hostel

Vy Da Backpacker Hostel is not only one of the best value hostels in the city, it’s one of the best hostels in Vietnam (value-wise). At only $4 a night, this place comes with some crazy value for money. It’s not super close to Dong Khoi Street, but it is within walking distance of the Ben Thanh Market and other tourist attractions.

Me House 04 | Best Airbnb

This funky little one-bedroom apartment is the ideal place for you to stay in the Dong Khoi Street Area. Equipped with a kitchen and a living room to chill out in, it’s the perfect home away from home in Ho Chi Minh City. Ideal for couples or long-term stayers.

You’ll be in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City – it’s the place to be if you want to enjoy Saigon, local style. However, you’ll have all the comforts of your own home in the apartment.

2. Pham Ngu Lao – Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City on a Budget & for Nightlife

With so many places to visit in Ho Chi Minh, this is a great area to base yourself. Known as the “backpacker district,” Pham Ngu Lao is an area in Ho Chi Minh District 1. It attracts budget travellers thanks to the low prices for everything from food and drinks to accommodation.

Pham Nhu Lao is a street that runs parallel to another street called Bui Vien. Between the two are a handful of small connecting alleyways full of spas, delicious restaurants, and plenty of hostels. It’s very reminiscent of Khao San Road in Bangkok.

This district of Ho Chi Minh City has a wide range of backpacker accommodation, and prices are quite competitive so it’s easy to negotiate a pretty good deal. As this area of Ho Chi Minh District 1 has been well-known in backpacker circles for years, it is great for solo travellers in Vietnam.

Pham Ngu Lao is also the best area of Ho Chi Minh City to visit for a lively nightlife scene. There are bars all along the street as well as restaurants with cuisine from all over the world. You’ll also find a high concentration of street food carts here. It’s the best area to stay in if you want to party and not spend a ton of money.

• Best For: Backpackers, budget travellers, nightlife lovers.
• The Vibe: Energetic, chaotic, backpacker-friendly.
• Proximity to Airport: Around 20-30 minutes from Tan Son Nhat International Airport by taxi or Grab.
• Transport Level: Well connected with easy access to buses, grabs, and walkable streets throughout District 1.
• Budget: Low-to-mid range with cheap hostels, affordable street food, and cheap bars.
• Crowds: Packed and buzzing, especially at night when the bars and street stalls fill up.

Things to See and Do in Pham Ngu Lao

1. Indulge in amazing yet cheap spa treatments like massages and pedicures.
2. Grab an inexpensive Bia Hoi at one of the many bars lining the street.
3. Delight your taste buds with the best bowl of Pho you’ve ever had at Pho 2000.
4. Book your onward travel at one of the many budget travel agents.
5. Join a Vintage Vespa Tour and explore Saigon on two wheels.
6. Take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn how the village protected itself during the War.
7. Learn about Saigon’s troubled past at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City.

Chill Suites | Best Hotel

The Chill Suites offer clean and comfortable rooms complete with a desk and a TV. Each room also has a fridge and a sitting area.

The hotel is located in a popular area close to multiple restaurants and tourist sites. It’s one of the best hotels for those on a budget looking at where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bui Vien Street Hostel | Best Hostel

This hostel’s central location is what makes it one of the best hostels in Ho Chi Minh. It’s right in the city centre, and close to the backpacker haven of Bui Vien Walking Street. Boasting a rooftop bar, free breakfast and super comfy dorm beds for as little as $7, this place is a steal.

Industrial hidden Gem with Private Balcony & Garden | Best Airbnb

I love this Airbnb, it has a funky, raw energy about it. With concrete, plants, and soft light all working together to create a modern-industrial vibe. The outdoor tub adds a lil’ bit of fun. The whole space just feels calm and tucked away despite being super central. Its one of the nicer stays around here, but it won’t completely break the bank.

3. Cholon (District 5) – Coolest Place to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

District 5 is more commonly known as Cholon and it’s Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. Cholon literally means “big market” – which is pretty apt as it’s home to Binh Tay Market, the largest market in the country.

Ethnic Chinese people have been settling in this area of Vietnam since 1778, and it has become a commercial centre for both locals and tourists since. They began selling Chinese products here, which is what led to the big market area it is today. During the war, it was a black market for American troops selling American Army issue supplies.

The Chinese influence in Cholon is very apparent in the many charming temples and pagodas scattered throughout the district.

The best part about this area is all the delicious Chinese food. You can find all kinds of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes at the food court inside the Binh Tay Market as well as outside. There are food vendors everywhere!

There aren’t very many hostels in District 5, I would recommend anyone looking to stay in a hostel to go elsewhere.

Things to See and Do in District 5

1. Wander through Binh Tay Market admiring all the things for sale.
2. Visit Cha Tam Church to see where the first president of Vietnam – Ngo Dinh Diem – was arrested.
3. Shop for fabrics, clothing, homewares, craft goods, handmade jewellery, and hand-carved woodwork at An Dong Market.
4. Admire the ornate decorations on the walls of the Phuoc An Hoi Quan, a Chinese Taoist Temple.
5. Take a street food evening walking tour.
6. Light a stick of incense and admire the shrines at the Thien Hau Temple.
7. Pray to the Goddess of Fertility at the Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda – a Buddhist temple.
8. Take a traditional cyclo ride around the district to give your feet a rest.
9. Slide down the waterslides at Dai The Gioi Waterpark.
10. Reflect on life while enjoying the reflections in the pond at Quan Am Pagoda.

Windsor Plaza Hotel | Best Hotel

The Windsor Plaza Hotel offers a luxurious stay at an affordable price. It’s located in the heart of Cholon District (Chinatown) and each room has large windows with incredible views of the city centre.

Guests can relax with a massage at the spa, work out at the fitness centre, or arrange a day trip at the tour desk.

Airy Apartment | Best Airbnb

Located nicely in the heart of Cholon is super host Happy’s Airy Apartment. I would recommend this Airbnb for its consistently good reviews, which I agree with.

Happy was such a nice host, he really made sure I was comfortable during my stay. The only downside is I was sharing the property with other guests, but if you’re lucky you could get it to yourself!

4. Thao Dien – Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City with a Family

In the past, District 2 was one of the poorest areas in Ho Chi Minh City because the Saigon River separated it from District 1. Nowadays, things are much different. Thao Dien in District 2 is a thriving area with high-rise apartment buildings and cute restaurants and cafes. It’s also a very popular area among expats.

Despite the cost of living in Vietnam being extremely cheap, this is NOT the cheapest area of the city. This is mainly because sadly, they’re aren’t many hostels in this area, so if you’re looking to stay in a hostel, check out another area.

Boasting the largest amount of healthy eateries in the entire city, visitors can also find plenty of health and fitness classes like yoga and pilates.

With the recent opening of the metro station in 2019, it’s also easier than ever to explore Ho Chi Minh City using District 2 as a base.

• Best For: Expats, café-hoppers, families, and Western comforts.
• The Vibe: Trendy, upscale, relaxed, and cosmopolitan vibes
• Proximity to Airport: Around 25-35 minutes from Tan Son Nhat International Airport by taxi.
• Transport Level: Well connected, with the metro line nearby, plenty of taxi’s and easy access to District 1.
• Budget: Mid-range to high-end options for dining, international supermarkets, and accommodation.
• Crowds: Popular but not overwhelming, home to expats and locals rather than heavy tourist crowds.

Things to See and Do in Thao Dien:

1. Sip a tasty cocktail or two along the banks of the Saigon River at one of these establishments: The Deck, Villa Song, or BoatHouse.
2. Take a boat and dinner cruise down the Saigon River.
3. Take in the impressive exhibitions on light, poetry, and philosophical questions at The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre.
4. Improve your upper body strength by rock climbing at Saigon Outcast.
5. Practice your dunking skills at Jump Arena Trampoline Park.
6. Indulge in a spa treatment at Thao Dien Spa.
7. Forget you’re in sweltering Southeast Asia by ice skating at Vincom Mega Mall.

Villa Song Saigon | Best Hotel

Stay classy in the city at Villa Song Saigon. Located on the Saigon River, all the rooms at this boutique-style hotel come with a view of the river, pool, or garden.

Breakfast is included and guests can easily get downtown thanks to the complimentary two-way shuttle by speed boat to the city centre. This is an ideal hotel for those wondering where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dehera Studio in Thao Dien | Best Airbnb

This simple, bright little studio has a clean layout and a cosy feel. There’s a cosy bed, a small seating area, and a basic kitchenette for whipping up some food. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s practical, tidy, and in a super convenient spot for exploring the city. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for affordable comfort in Thao Dien.

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Ho Chi Minh and where to stay.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Ho Chi Minh City

Travel insurance is a no-brainer. I always make sure I’m covered with good travel insurance before I travel, and I’ve never regretted it.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Ho Chi Minh City can be overwhelming – in a good or a not-so-good way, depending on what you’re into. This is a massive metropolis and has enough to keep you entertained for months. You just need to find your little nook in the city that you want to call home during your stay (which hopefully I’ve helped you figure out).

If you’re still not sure where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, I recommend checking out Dong Khoi. It’s got a bit of everything and offers a great insight into what this destination has to offer. Enjoy your stay in one of the busiest cities in the world. It’s worth a visit, but come mentally prepared for a stimulating experience!