In today’s article, I will help you to find out Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City first time, best areas and districts to stay in Ho Chi Minh for first-timers (with a map), and the recommended hotels for all budgets.
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has its current name from 1975, when the North of Vietnam won the war and changed the name of Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City, in honor Uncle Ho.
Ho Chi Minh is a bustling city in South Vietnam. It is known for its westernized atmosphere, vibrant nightlife and shopping, and lots of cultural/ historical attractions.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh for the first time?
District 1 and District 3 are the most popular areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time. Additionally, you can look at the hotels in District 5 and District 2 for a more local atmosphere.
District 1 is the city’s most central area, District 3 is located right next to district 1, District 5 is home to the largest Chinatown in VIetnam, and Thao Dien – District 2 is a popular area for expats and rich people.
District 1 is quite big, and it can be divided into several distinct areas, including:
- Nguyen Hue/Dong Khoi area. This is a luxury part of Saigon, home to many trendy restaurants, bars, 5-star hotels, and attractions such as Saigon Sky deck, Japan Town, and Saigon river.
- Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien streets. This area a backpacker areas with lively nightlife, budget-friendly guest houses and backpacker hotels.
- Ben Thanh area. The area around bustling Ben Thanh Market, between Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien, offering wider range of both luxury and budget options.
Many visitors spend a couple of days in Ho Chi City (HCM) to see famous attractions such as the Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, City Hall, and War Remnants Museum. If you have more time, take day trips to the Cu Chi tunnels and Mekong Delta.
To get around the city easily, I recommend using Grab, which is similar to Uber. It will help you to order food, motorbike rides, or car rides without bargaining the prices. You can use it to book a car from the Tan Son Nhat International airport to the city center.
Where did I stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
When I first visited HCMC, I stayed for 4 nights at the mid-range Orchids Saigon Hotel. It has a central location in district 3, easy distance from major sights such as the War Remnants Museum and Ho Chi Minh City Museum. Breakfast was lovely with a variety of options to choose from.
| đź’– Best Area for first-timers: | District 1 |
| đź’Ž Best luxury hotel: | The Myst Dong Khoi |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Silverland Yen Hotel |
| đź’° Best budget hotel: | The Akoya Saigon Hotel |
Map of areas and districts in HCMC:
6 Best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for first-timers and tourists are:
1. Nguyen Hue & Dong Khoi (District 1)
Nguyen Hue & Dong Khoi Street in District 1, in my experience, is the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh city for first-timers. This is the trendy part of the city where you can find many high-rise apartments and luxury hotels with rooftop bars and pools.
This area also offer easy access to famous attractions such as Saigon Skydeck, Saigon River, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Reunification Palace. You’ll also close to many trendy restaurants, cafes, shops, and malls such as Vincom Dong Khoi.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a popular and beautiful street, stretching from the People’s Committee Building to the bank of Saigon river at Bach Dang Wharf. You can have a nice photos in front of the Committee Building near the Rex Hotel and Ho Chi Minh Statue.
Nguyen Hue St is busy at night, especially on weekends where the street is closed to traffic. You can watch street performances and people watch
You can check out the Book Street, 30/4 Park, Thao Cam Vien Park in district 1. On Dong Khoi street, you can admire the well-preserved French architecture of the Opera House and Continental Hotel.
You can wander along the Saigon River, visiting attractions like Bach Dang Wharf Park. You can go for a dinner cruise or take a dinner at one of the Riverside restaurants. Saigon River is also home to the Ferry Port, where you can catch speed boat to Vung Tau, Con Dao, or Cu Chi Tunnels.
You can take a look at the Monument of General Tran Hung Dao nearby. It is dedicated to a well-known Vietnamese 13th-century military leader. He led the Vietnamese to victory in 1288 on the Bach Dang River against the Yuanmeng invaders.
Nguyen Hue & Dong Khoi areas have great nightlife, with many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Be mindfull that this is a high-end area, drink and food can be more expensive compared to other parts of the city.
Best places to stay in Nguyen Hue & Dong Khoi for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): The Myst Dong Khoi, 5-star hotel, one of the best places to stay in HCMC for first-time visitors, located in the heart of District 1, easy distance from Opera House and City Hall. It has the rooftop pool with views of Saigon River. It has spacious rooms for couples, and families.
Mid-range ($$): Icon Saigon – LifeStyle Design Hotel, 4-star hotel, located in district 1, short distance from the Opera House, Union Square Saigon Shopping Mall and Ho Chi Minh City Hall.
Budget ($): Huong Sen Hotel, 3-star family-friendly hotel, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, within walking distance from major landmarks such as the Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, General Post Office, Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Church.
2. Ben Thanh Market (District 1)
Ben Thanh Market is a popular attraction in District 1, located between the famous Nguyen Hue Street and Bui Vien Walking Street. The Ben Thanh area is a bustling area, close to famous attractions such as Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Tao Dan Park.
You can find almost everything in Ben Thanh Market from fresh fruits and vegetables, to dry goods, clothes, and souvenirs. Be sure to bargain if you buy something at the market.
Ben Thanh Market was built in the early 17th century to exchange goods on Ben Nghe River near Gia Dinh Citadel. Under French colonial rule, the government relocated the market, and built it in two years from 1912 to 1914.
You’ll be within walking distance from the Reunification Palace, or Independence Palace. It was originally buit as the French Governor’s Palace and then was home to Ngo Dinh Diem, South Vietnamese president.
The palace was named after the event on 30 April 1975 when the tanks of North Vietnamese crashed down the walls of the Independence Palace, the end of the Vietnam War, and the reunification of the country.
You’ll also close to the War Remnants Museum where you can learn more about the Vietnam war and see helicopters, aircraft, and tanks in the front gate.
Other places of interest are Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, and Nha Rong Wharf, where President Ho Chi Minh departed in 1911 to find a path to Vietnam salvation.
Ben Thanh Market is easily reachable from Tan Son Nhat airport. There are buses, taxis, motorbike taxis (xe om). Public buses are the cheapest and safe way to get to the market.
Ben Thanh has a wide range of accommodations for all budget travelers including solo travelers, couples, and families.
Best places to stay in Ben Thanh for first-time visitors:
Luxury ($$$): New World Saigon Hotel, 5-star family-friendly hotel, ideally set in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City District 1, close to many restaurants and entertainment venues. It is also within walking distance from markets, museums and places of cultural interest. Easy access to the central bus station, offering easy access to other parts of the city.
Mid-range ($$): Winsuites Saigon, 4-star hotel, conveniently located in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, within a short distance from the famous Ben Thanh Street Food Market. Also close to Tao Dan Park, Ho Chi Minh City Museum and Fine Arts Museum.
Budget ($): Calista Sai Gon Hotel, 3-star budget-friendly accommodation near Ben Thanh Market. Great base for backpackers and budget travelers due to its a central location in Ben Thanh Ward, a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral.
3. Pham Ngu Lao & Bui Vien (District 1)
Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien is the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh city for backpackers and budget travelers. This area is the backpacker center of the city, similar to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Its central location offers easy access to major sights like Ben Thanh Market and Reunification Palace.
Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao are also the best places for nightlife in the city. It is packed with bars, restaurants, cafes, and clubs, along the main road and its back alleys.
Many visitors come to enjoy local street food, cheap Bia Hoi, people-watching, enjoy street art performances, and music shows.
Pham Ngu Lao street is also packed with tour agencies where you can book bus ticket to Cambodia, or other cities nearby such as Dalat and Vungtau.
Along the street, you can find Central Market, which is underground mall where you can find all kind of goods like clothes, souvenirs, shoes, bags, as well as an Asiana Food Town..
Bui Vien is a generally safe area for tourists, but due to its nightlife scene, you should be aware of scams, and pickpocketing. Always practice common sense, and be aware of your surroundings, as you travel to any big city.
Accommodation here is budget-friendly with plenty of affordable backpacker hostels and guesthouses. You can find cheaper hotels off the main roads. Within walking from busy Pham Ngu Lao Street, you can find great quiet air bnb on Ton That Tung street.
Best places to stay in Pham Ngu Lao & Bui Vien for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Pullman Saigon Centre, 5-star hotel, in the heart of Saigon, short distance from major landmarks such as the Saigon River, Reunification Palace, Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral. It has a rooftop restaurant and bar offering city views and an outdoor pool.
Mid-range ($$): Fusion Suites Saigon, 4-star contemporary hotel, short distance from Pham Ngu Lao and Tao Dan Park, featuring family rooms, 24-hour front desk, and an on-site restaurant
Budget ($): Long Hostel, one of the best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh for backpackers and budget travelers, located at Pham Ngu Lao, District 1. It has daily breakfast, and dormitory rooms with free towels, shared bathroom and shared toilet.
Budget ($): Full House Hostel, great hostel, well located in Ho Chi Minh City, close to Fine Arts Museum, Takashimaya Vietnam and Ben Thanh Street Food Market.
4. District 3
District 3 is a popular district for staying in Saigon for more local atmostphere and easy access to major sights. It is conveniently located right next to district 1, and is only 20 minutes Grab Ride away from Tan Son Nhat airport.
Saigond is known as “Eat in District 5, live in District 3, and play in District 1”. District 3 is considered the best place to live in the city by locals.
District 3 has several local temples and pagodas. You can visit the 19th century Tan Dinh Church. It is beautiful pink catholic church with ancient French architecture. Great for sightseeing, taking a photo, and exploring the delicious street food.
Another place to visit is Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. Chantarangsay Pagoda, and the Southern Women’s Museum to see documents and artifacts honoring Vietnamese women.
You can check out Turtle Lake, which is a famous spot for young people and students. There are many street food vendors around, so you can try various local street foods.
Foodies must check out Nguyen Thuong Hien street, where you can find many street stalls and vendors selling various street foods.
District 3 has great nightlife and shopping, there are many local markets, as well as shopping centers. There are couples of luxury hotels here but mostly mid-range and budget.
Best places to stay in HCM City in District 3:
Luxury ($$$): La Vela Saigon Hotel, 5-star hotel, located in district 3 HCMC, within walking distance from Tan Dinh Market. It has an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, 24-hour front desk, an ATM and currency exchange.
Mid-range ($$): Au Lac Legend Hotel, 4-star hotel (Named after Vietnam’s historical kingdom), located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in central Ho Chi Minh. Short distance from famous sites like Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market and Con Rua Pond.
Budget ($): Emerald Central, great 3-star hotel in district 3 of Ho Chi Minh, close to Sai Gon Square 3 – Hai Ba Trung. It has rooms with rooms with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and some balcony.
5. Cholon (District 5)
Cholon is Vietnam’s largest Chinatown with many traditional shops, markets, and food stalls. There are many houses that date back to the 19th century with Chinese-style architecture.
Hao Si Phuong Alley is where Chinese people lived for over one hundred years, packed with ancient houses. The alley can be accessed from Tran Hung Dao Street, and exits from Ngo Quyen Street.
There are several Chinese temples in the neighborhood including Thien Hau Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Nhi Phu Temple, and Ha Chuong Assembly Hall.
There are many shops selling Chinese medicine in the Tran Hung Dao and Hai Thuong Lan Ong area. The central market of Cholon is Binh Tay.
If you are visiting the Cholon area during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you must check out Lantern Street, on Luong Nhu Hoc Street.
If you love Chinese food, cholon is the place to be. You can try dumplings, satay beef noodle soup, wonton, or duck egg noodle soup. The menus are both in Vietnamese and Chinese.
Being away from the city center of district 1, accommodation here tends to be cheaper. There are numerous budget guest houses and hotels here.
Best places to stay in Cholon:
- Luxury ($$$): Windsor Plaza Hotel, 5-star hotel, set above Cholon District (Chinatown) in central Ho Chi Minh City, right beside to An Dong Shopping Centre.
- Mid-range ($$): Zazz Urban Ho Chi Minh, 4-star hotel, featuring an on-site restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi.
- Budget ($): Lam Kinh Hotel, 3-star hotel, offering rooms with a shared lounge, private parking, a terrace and a bar.
6. Thao Dien (District 2)
Thao Dien – District 2 is a trendy district, located on the other side of the Saigon River opposite the city center. Thao Dien was used to be a rural village, offen flooded in the rainy season, but it has developed into a modern area that attracts lots of foreign expats.
Thao Dien is a popular area for expats, so it has a wide range of western restaurants serving international dishes such as Itlaians, Mexican, and American. This area also have lively nightlife scene, especially on Xuan Thuy Street and Thao Dien night market.
This area is close to Vincom Mega Mall, which is a great place for shopping and dining.
In addition to Thao Dien, District 2 is also home to Thu Thiem and An Phu. Thao Dien area and district 2 has many houses, villas, apartments and condos, as well as hotels, and guesthouses.
Best places to stay in District 2:
- Luxury ($$$): Mia Saigon – Luxury Boutique Hotel
- Mid-range ($$): Aurora Western Village
- Budget ($): Common Inn Thao Dien
See more:
- Where to stay in Vietnam
- Where to stay in Hanoi First Time
- Where to stay in Da Nang
- Thailand Vs Vietnam: 7 Differences You Might Not Know
- 7 Things You Should Know About Southeast Asia Backpacking Route
- Where to Stay in Bangkok First Time
In conclusion, District 1, District 3, District 5, and District 2 are some of the best and safest districts to stay in Ho Chi Minh city for tourists. They offer central locations, easy access to major attractions, and wide range of hotels for all budget travelers.
Personally, I recommend District 1 as the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh city for first-timers. It is the heart of the city that is close proximity to popular sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Reunification Palace, as well as many restaurants, bars, and shops.
Nguyen Hue & Dong Khoi for a luxury holiday, Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien for budget backpackers and nightlife. Ben Thanh offers a wide range of both budget and luxury accommodations.