Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

District 1

Also known as Downtown, District 1 is the main commercial and financial centre of HCM.

Featuring French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards and tourist attractions including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification (or Independence) Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, the Jade Emperor Pagoda to name just a few.

Nguyen Hue / Dong Khoi is the heart of District 1 and home to many luxury hotels.

Ben Thanh is famous for its market but is also the place to stay to be in the heart of the action in the city.

Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien are the backpacker districts, both busy and full of life.

There are accommodation options available for the budget traveller and those seeking a luxury hotel.

Ideal for people who want to be in the close to the main sights, lots of restaurants and nightlife

Five ***** – Caravelle Saigon – Grand Hotel Saigon – InterContinental Saigon – Le Meridien Saigon

Four **** – Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh – EdenStar Saigon Hotel & Spa – Prostyle Hotel Ho Chi Minh – Silverland Yen Hotel – Winsuites Saigon

Three *** – Akoya Saigon Central Hotel – GK Central

Two ** –Nguyen Shack Saigon – Matsunoi Hotel – Triple E

One * – Na Nue Hotel – Vy Khanh Guesthouse

District 4

If you love your street food you will LOVE District 4.

Distinctly Vietnamese and close to District 1.

Many of the options here are in apartments and home stays.

Four **** – Saigon Sirius

Three *** – Chez Mimosa – Goby Home in Rivergate Saigon – Herla Central Saigon – Rivergate Apartment Saigon HCMC

District 10

A more relaxed and laid back feel and less tourists can make this an attractive alternative especially as it is very close to District 3.

Three *** – Minh Tam Hotel and Spa 3/2 – Pandora District 10 – Viet Nam Vacation

One * – Nhat Van Hotel

District 2

Popular with expats and wealthy locals, District 2 offers a more relaxed location on the Saigon River.

Home to plenty of excellent cafes, restaurants and boutique shops and just 20 minutes from District 1.

Five ***** – Mia Saigon Luxury Boutique Hotel

Four **** – Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City – Thao Dien Boutique Hotel – Villa Son Saigon

Three *** – Common Inn Thao Dien – Riverview Apartment – Saigon Riverside Retreat

District 3

Offering a more authentic Vietnamese feel than District 1 but still home to plenty of Western restaurants and bars alongside Vietnamese coffee shops and pho restaurants.

Just 10 minutes from District 1 with plenty of hotel options, this is a great choice.

Three *** – Lam Hotel – Lotus Saigon Hotel – Thien Thao Hotel

One * – Minh Chau Hotel Dien Nien Phu

District 5

Chinatown.

Oriental architecture, street markets and Buddhist temples plus the largest market in Vietnam, Binh Tay.

Excellent budget accommodation and bargains galore in the markets make this another excellent choice away from the main tourist areas but just 15 minutes from District 1

Four **** – Windsor Plaza Hotel – Zazz Urban Ho Chi Minh Hotel

Three *** – Golda Hotel

Two ** – Happy Chubby – Hue My Hotel

One * – Truong Giang Hotel

District 7

Modern buildings, yet plenty of open spaces, popular with families.

20 minutes south of District 1 the area can feel a little out of the way if you are looking for the hustle and bustle of central HCM.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area though and you get more for your money here than closer to the centre.

Three *** – Anneta Star Hill – Hoeng Yen Hotel – Imperial Saigon Hotel – MerPerle Crystal Palace Hotel – The Nest Saigon

Two ** – La Cigale Residence