Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
Ready to Book Your Stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Compare prices from hundreds of hotels with free cancellation on most bookings
Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The upscale heart of HCMC, featuring colonial architecture, luxury shopping, riverside dining, and the city's most prestigious hotels. This is the former French colonial quarter with tree-lined boulevards.
- Walking distance to major attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office
- Highest concentration of fine dining restaurants and rooftop bars
- Safest and most polished area with well-maintained streets
- Easy access to the Saigon River waterfront
- Most expensive accommodation in the city
- Can feel touristy and less authentic
The legendary backpacker hub of HCMC, packed with hostels, budget hotels, travel agencies, bars, and cheap eateries. This compact area buzzes with international travelers and offers the best value accommodation.
- Cheapest accommodation options in the city
- Vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs
- Easy to book tours and arrange onward travel
- Great street food and budget restaurants
- Social atmosphere perfect for meeting other travelers
- Can be noisy late into the night
- More hustlers and tourist scams than other areas
The commercial and transportation hub around Ben Thanh Market, offering a mix of mid-range hotels with excellent connectivity. This area balances convenience with reasonable prices.
- Central location with easy access to all districts
- Adjacent to Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food
- Good mix of local and tourist restaurants
- Wide range of accommodation options at various price points
- Heavy traffic and noise, especially around the market
- Less character than colonial or backpacker areas
A more local neighborhood just north of District 1, offering authentic Vietnamese life with cafes, local markets, and residential streets. Accommodation here provides better value while still being close to tourist areas.
- More affordable than District 1 with similar quality
- Authentic local atmosphere with fewer tourists
- Excellent local cafes and street food
- Only 10-15 minutes by taxi to main attractions
- Not within walking distance of major tourist sites
- Fewer English speakers and Western amenities
An upscale, modern neighborhood across the river popular with expats, featuring international restaurants, trendy cafes, and boutique accommodations. This area feels completely different from central HCMC.
- Quiet, green, and spacious compared to District 1
- Excellent international restaurants and specialty coffee shops
- Modern apartments and boutique hotels
- Safe, family-friendly atmosphere
- 20-30 minutes from main tourist attractions
- Requires taxi or Grab for most trips, limited public transport
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
HCMC has dozens of modern hostels with dorms and private rooms, mainly concentrated in Phạm Ngũ Lão. Most offer air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and social spaces.
Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, and budget-conscious visitors who enjoy social atmosphere
Family-run mini-hotels offering clean, simple rooms with private bathrooms. Vietnamese budget hotels often exceed expectations with modern amenities despite low prices.
Best for: Budget travelers wanting privacy, couples, and those who prefer quieter accommodation
Three and four-star hotels offering excellent value with rooftop pools, breakfast included, and professional service. This category represents the sweet spot for value in HCMC.
Best for: Most travelers seeking comfort without luxury prices, families, and couples
Small, design-focused properties blending Vietnamese heritage with modern style. Often located in restored colonial buildings or narrow townhouses.
Best for: Travelers seeking unique character, design enthusiasts, and romantic getaways
Five-star properties from major chains (Hyatt, Sofitel, InterContinental) plus heritage hotels like the Continental and Rex. Expect world-class service, pools, spas, and multiple restaurants.
Best for: Luxury travelers, special occasions, business travelers, and those using points
Fully furnished apartments with kitchens, popular in District 2 and for longer stays. Weekly housekeeping and hotel-like amenities included.
Best for: Long-term visitors, digital nomads, families, and those wanting more space
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Tết (late January to mid-February) sees massive price increases and limited availability as locals travel. Book 2-3 months ahead if visiting during this period. Many smaller hotels close for a week, and prices can triple.
Many HCMC hotels offer better rates, free upgrades, or airport transfers when booking directly via email or phone. Check Booking.com for availability, then contact the hotel directly to ask if they can match or beat the rate.
Hotels change hands frequently in HCMC, and quality can decline quickly. Filter for reviews from the last 3-6 months, and watch for mentions of maintenance issues, noise, or management changes.
Hotels down small alleys (hẻm) off main streets are often quieter and cheaper while still being centrally located. Don't be put off by narrow alley access—this is normal in Vietnamese cities and can mean better value.
Many hotels include breakfast, airport pickup, or free water/snacks. Always check what's included as this significantly affects value. Vietnamese breakfasts at hotels are usually generous buffets with both Western and Asian options.
HCMC is hot and humid year-round. Ensure your room has functioning air conditioning—this is standard even in budget accommodations. Check recent reviews mentioning AC performance, especially for older buildings.
Find Your Perfect Ho Chi Minh City Hotel
Browse hundreds of options with price comparison and free cancellation
Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for December-March, especially around Christmas and New Year. Prices are 30-50% higher than low season but still reasonable by international standards.
April and November offer good availability with moderate prices. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead is sufficient, and you'll find good last-minute deals.
May-September (rainy season) sees the best deals with same-week booking often possible. Luxury hotels drop prices significantly—a great time for upscale stays on mid-range budgets. Despite being rainy season, showers are usually brief afternoon downpours.
HCMC has strong accommodation availability year-round except during Tết. Last-minute booking is viable outside peak season, but booking 2-4 weeks ahead ensures best selection and rates.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.