Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: A Resident’s Guide to Choosing Your Neighborhood

My tips for first-timers and family travelers on balancing central sightseeing, relaxed evenings, and sufficient space for longer visits.

Sometimes, even a beautiful-looking hotel fails to be right for you because of the location it provides. Choosing the right neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) depends heavily on how you plan to spend your days.

I am based in Ho Chi Minh City. As a first-timer, I would choose District 1 as the starting point. When traveling with family, I would compare a conveniently located hotel in District 3 and serviced apartments in Binh Thanh or Thao Dien.

Both options have their downsides. Central location could make your trip easier; choosing a spacious accommodation further away will require some research on transportation options.

Quick note on the naming convention: in this article, I use familiar neighborhood names to talk about them. Hotel addresses will be using the most recent ward names of the city. For a detailed breakdown of the new ward boundaries, check out Vietogram's Ho Chi Minh City neighborhood guide. Be sure to match the exact street address and map pin on booking.

District 1: My starting point for a first-time trip

In case you have 2-4 nights and want to see the central sights, it would be convenient to stay in District 1. Find accommodation around Ben Thanh Market, Dong Khoi, or Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Then pay attention to the exact location of the hotel.

Depending on the hotel location, you will be able to walk to several sightseeing places such as Ben Thanh Market, the Saigon Opera House, or the riverfront. Some attractions, however, will take a ride to reach, especially on a hot and rainy day. Ben Thanh station also provides easy access to Metro Line 1.

If you travel on a small budget, I would recommend you also considering the Pham Ngu Lao area. Bui Vien street near your hotel is known for its nightlife. Be careful when reading reviews for the hotel if you prefer quiet nights and need your sleep.

I would also read the noise reviews around Ben Thanh and Nguyen Hue. Avoiding Bui Vien is just a partial solution as it does not necessarily guarantee you a quiet room.

District 3: Staying Central with a Local Vibe

If you are looking for a centrally located hotel, which is a bit different from the backpacker nightlife district, then you should consider staying in District 3. Different parts of this area include tree-lined streets, cafes, and some residential areas, and it is still convenient to get to the central attractions.

The location is important here as well. A hotel in proximity to the War Remnants Museum has different starting point from a hotel located further north in the district. Some locations offer you to walk to District 1; some will make you use Grab or taxi to reach the sights.

In case of family, I would compare the size of the rooms, presence of connecting rooms, and possibility of elevator to move around. Even though it could be a good compromise, main streets of the district are also crowded. Therefore, choose the location and hotel carefully, as you do in District 1.

Take into account that the War Remnants Museum has graphic war-time exhibits. They might be difficult for visiting with kids.

Binh Thanh: Best for Spacious Serviced Apartments

When traveling as a family for a couple of days, an additional bedroom and a place to prepare breakfast can be useful.

This neighborhood can be considered in such cases, especially around the high-rise areas of Landmark 81 and Vinhomes Central Park. Compare the established serviced accommodation and make sure that your selected property accepts short-term tourism.

Check what the package includes. Are there usable kitchen and laundry facilities? Does the quoted price cover everyone in your booking? Is the swimming pool included available for everyone from your reservation?

Plan a ride to the central sights. Tan Cang station may make Metro Line 1 convenient; otherwise, take the roads into account. Binh Thanh is quite a big area, so the neighborhood name alone can tell you nothing about your commute.

Thao Dien: A base for a slower and longer stay

When your trip allows for leisurely mornings in cafes, neighborhood dinners, and relaxation in the apartment between the trips, Thao Dien becomes an attractive option. A lively mix of cafes, international restaurants, and boutique accommodation makes Thao Dien ideal for extended stays.

It could be considered for a week-long trip with family members, especially if having a kitchen and laundry facilities makes your everyday routine more comfortable. Otherwise, in case of a short trip with the focus on central museums and landmarks, I would recommend choosing the location closer to them.

Metro Line 1 connects Thao Dien with Ben Thanh; however, you will need to check the overall route from your hotel. A fast train ride is not that beneficial in case of long walks to the station that are not convenient for you and your family.

Do not forget to check the recent street-level reviews. Thao Dien is a busy neighborhood with its nightlife; "relaxed neighborhood" can be never considered as a guarantee of a quiet place.

District 7: Modern Residential Living & Suburban Comfort

Phu My Hung, the planned area in District 7, offers you wider streets, shopping malls, and green areas. This neighborhood can be considered when you want to stay in a residential area or have some plans in the southern part of the city.

The drawback of this area is the distance to the central sightseeing. If you have it on your itinerary every morning and every evening, compare these journeys before booking. For a short first-time trip, I would usually prioritize convenience.

Tan Binh: Best for Layovers and Late Airport Arrivals

A hotel in the vicinity of Tan Son Nhat International Airport is a good choice when you arrive late at night, spend a night in transit, or leave the next morning. Choose this area if minimizing your travel time to Tan Son Nhat Airport is a higher priority than staying downtown.

Check what terminal is used by your flight and find out the route to it. Staying nearby can reduce your journey, but you need some time for traffic, check-in, and airport process.

If you are already located centrally, calculate this benefit and compare it with packing up and relocating to the hotel.

What to check before booking

When you choose the area for your trip, you should compare the accommodation in it on your dates and the full number of the guests. Price for one person in a small room does not matter for the family budget.

• Sleeping arrangements for you. Clarify the sizes of beds, possibility of connecting rooms, additional bed or cot. Twin room usually means two separate beds; check whether it is suitable for you and your group.

• Recent comments about the rooms. Look for common themes regarding noise, air conditioning, cleanliness, and ongoing construction near the building. Check whether the booked room has a window in case it is necessary.

• Route to your destinations. Check the walking direction to the places you want to visit. In case of children, elderly relatives, or people with some difficulties to move around, it is important to consider pavements.

• Total cost. Compare taxes, breakfast, extra person charges, and apartment cleaning fee. Use the same currency in the comparison and check the cancellation policy.

• Transportation. Check current routes and operating time before the travel. In case of airport bus, clarify the terminal the bus picks you up. If you travel by a flight, check the recommended check-out time from the hotel.

In my case, my first filter would always be the central location for a short sightseeing trip or the additional space for a family trip.