The best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City are Districts 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Generally speaking, most ex-pats and tourists tend to stay in lower-numbered districts as these are well-developed and located centrally.
As some districts are large, in the next paragraphs we divide some of them into smaller sections because some parts of certain districts are ideal for certain types of travellers.
For example, within District 1, you can find But Vien, the nightlife area of Ho Chi Minh City while other parts are better for sightseeing purposes.
That’s a somewhat confusing and overwhelming answer to your question about where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
So, to make things easier, we dive deeper into what we believe are the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, regarding the type of traveller you are.
If you want to go straight to the recommendations, tap on the following button.
Or simply continue reading.
Formerly known as Saigon, this vibrant city is a popular destination for both tourists and ex-pats.
Over the recent years, the city developed at a rapid pace. Industries and the country’s economy grew steadily and in a business city like Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll notice this the most.
It’s one of the tech outsourcing cities in Southeast Asia. And with such rapid growth, the city becomes more bustling than ever.
While the city is modernized, the city still offers quite a history with French colonial buildings and churches throughout the city and the impact of the Vietnam War displayed at the War Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnel.
The nightlife scene is interesting varying from proper, stylish nightclubs to the popular beer garden Poc Poc and Bui Vien Walking Street.
And of course, there is Vietnamese Cuisine that you can explore. Yes, we all like Spring Rolls and Pho. But how about Banh Xeo, Banh Mi (French-influenced), and Nem Nuong?
When you combine these things, Ho Chi Minh City is definitely worth a 3-4 day stay.
To make things easy for you, we’ve come up with what we believe are the best areas to stay for first-time visitors. Each recommended area comes with its advantages and disadvantages, which we summed up after each paragraph. At the bottom of this article, you can find a map with all the recommended areas including the city highlights.
With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendations!
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City first time? Keep reading!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| Best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City | What’s so special about this area? |
|---|---|
| 1. District 1 | This district is a great area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists due to its central location, providing easy access to major attractions, diverse dining options, vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural experience. |
| 2. District 2 | An area ideal for tourists seeking a peaceful and modern environment with riverside views, international amenities, and proximity to the city center’s attractions. |
| 3. District 3 | District 3 is a good area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists who want a well-balanced experience, offering a mix of local culture, convenient access to popular landmarks, and a wide range of dining and accommodation options. |
| 4. District 5 | A great option for tourists who want to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history, vibrant local culture, and diverse street food scene, while still being relatively close to major attractions. |
Districts
Ho Chi Minh City can be divided into different districts, similar to French cities like Paris. HCMC has in total twenty-four districts.
The lower-numbered districts are within the heart of the city, while the high-numbered districts, which are irrelevant for tourists, are located much further from the city center.
The majority of the city highlights are located in either District 1 or District 3.
How to move around in Ho Chi Minh City?
Once you’re in the popular districts, you can explore most of the city on foot.
However, because of the heat and convenience, a taxi is the way to move around without much hassle.
One of the good things is that most taxis use a proper navigation system that even tracks the route the driver has taken.
So, they can’t take a de-route on purpose.
Alternatively, you can use a motorbike taxi, which is a hugely popular way of transport, but slightly unsafe.
Ride-sharing apps are widely available too, though, which also offers motorbike taxis for a better price.
What is the best time of the year to visit Ho Chi Minh for the first time?
Generally, the city has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the rainy season (May to November) and the dry season (December to April).
Here are some considerations for each season:
Dry Season (December to April)
This is considered the best time to visit as the weather is relatively cooler and less humid.
Days are sunny, and rainfall is minimal.
The Tet holiday (Vietnamese New Year) usually falls in January or February.
Rainy Season (May to November)
The weather is hot and humid, with occasional heavy rain showers.
However, it doesn’t rain continuously, and you can still enjoy your visit.
The Mid-Autumn Festival usually falls in September and is celebrated with lantern displays and traditional performances.
Shoulder Seasons (April/May and October/November)
These months mark the transition between the dry and rainy seasons.
The weather is generally pleasant, and you may experience fewer crowds. However, there’s a chance of rain during these transitional periods.
The article continues after the following images:
The best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh first time are:
1. District 1
As always, when you’re picking an area, you want to stay as close as possible to major attractions and be located right in the heart of the center.
That’s why we believe that the best area to stay in HCMC for first-time visitors is around Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi within District 1.
When you’re located in District 1, you have access to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Ben Tanh Market, the Cafe Apartments, the Central Post Office, the Bitexco Tower and Observation Deck, and the Reunification Palace.
But within District 1, there are a few differences:
a. Pham Ngu Lao & Bui Vien
Most younger travelers love to stay in this part of District 1. It’s known as the backpacker area of HCMC and you have great access to Bui Vien Walking Street.
You can see this part of District 1 as the Khao San Road of HCMC or Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Expect a vibrant area full of bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants that cater to young tourists and backpackers.
So, the majority of the accommodations are hostels and affordable hotels. If you appreciate less noise and more comfort, definitely don’t stay in this part of District 1. But if you’re young, ready for an adventure, and excited to meet fellow backpackers, then this is the place to stay at.
For who: backpackers, young travelers.
Advantage: nightlife epicenter of HCMC, close to major attractions.
Disadvantage: noisy.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ho Chi Minh first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
b. Nguyen Hue & Dong Khoi
Those looking for more comfort and luxury while staying in the most central part of the city should definitely stay at either Nguyen Hue or Dong Khoi.
When staying in one of the comfortable hotels, you have great access to the Saigon Opera, Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh Statue, Saigon Skydeck, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
For sightseeing purposes, this is among the best areas to stay in.
For who: sightseeing tourists with a larger budget.
Advantage: amazing hotels, the best area for sightseeing purposes.
Disadvantage: pricy.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ho Chi Minh first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. District 2
District 2 has experienced significant development, making it one of the most modern and well-planned districts in Ho Chi Minh City.
As a tourist, you can expect to find a wide range of amenities, including international restaurants, shopping malls, supermarkets, and entertainment options.
Compared to the bustling and crowded city center, District 2 offers a more tranquil and green environment.
The district has several parks and green spaces, providing a pleasant escape from the busy city life.
This part of the city is located along the Saigon River, and some parts of the area offer beautiful riverside views.
You can find waterfront cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the scenery while relaxing.
District 2 is popular among expatriates living in Ho Chi Minh City, resulting in a diverse and international atmosphere.
This means you’ll find a good range of international cuisine and amenities catering to different tastes.
There are plenty of accommodation options in District 2, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and serviced apartments.
While District 2 is not right in the heart of the city, it is still relatively close to major attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.
The city center can be easily reached by taxi or other transportation options, allowing tourists to explore popular sites like Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
If you prefer a more relaxed and quieter nightlife scene, District 2 might be a better choice.
While it offers a selection of bars and restaurants, it is generally not as noisy or crowded as the main nightlife areas in the city center.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ho Chi Minh first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. District 3
District 3 is situated close to the city center, making it convenient for you to access popular attractions, landmarks, and entertainment options without having to travel long distances.
It offers a more authentic and traditional Vietnamese experience compared to some more modern and expat-centric areas.
You can explore local markets, temples, pagodas, and historical sites to get a deeper sense of Vietnamese culture.
District 3 is renowned for its diverse and delicious street food offerings.
You can indulge in authentic Vietnamese dishes from local food stalls and family-run restaurants, providing an excellent opportunity to savor traditional flavors.
While District 1 is bustling and vibrant, District 3 tends to be quieter, making it a more peaceful place to stay while still being close to the action of the city center.
Accommodation options in District 3 often tend to be more affordable compared to the higher-end hotels and serviced apartments in the city center, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.
From this area, you can explore local markets like Tan Dinh Market and Ba Chieu Market, where they can find unique souvenirs, clothes, and local products at reasonable prices.
District 3 features several parks and green spaces, such as Tao Dan Park and Le Van Tam Park, providing a pleasant environment for leisurely strolls and relaxation.
As with many parts of Ho Chi Minh City, District 3 is relatively safe for tourists, but it has a reputation for being one of the safer districts, making it a comfortable place to stay.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ho Chi Minh first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. District 5
District 5, also known as Cho Lon or Saigon’s Chinatown, has a rich cultural heritage with a strong Chinese influence.
Here, you can explore numerous Chinese temples, pagodas, and historical sites, providing a unique cultural experience.
Like many Chinatowns in the world, the area is renowned for its authentic and diverse street food scene, offering a wide array of Chinese, Vietnamese, and fusion delicacies.
You can indulge in delicious and affordable dishes from local food stalls and eateries, so food lovers should definitely consider staying in this part of the city.
District 5 provides more budget-friendly accommodation options compared to the city center, making it attractive for those looking to save on lodging expenses.
You can explore bustling markets like Binh Tay Market, where they can find an assortment of goods, souvenirs, and local products at reasonable prices.
District 5 is home to historical landmarks like the Thien Hau Temple and the Quan Am Pagoda, offering insight into the area’s fascinating past and religious significance.
The district has a lively and bustling atmosphere, especially during festivals and celebrations, giving you an opportunity to experience the vibrant local culture.
District 5 is well-connected to other parts of the city via public transportation, making it easy for tourists to access other attractions and areas of interest.
But as mentioned in the introduction, the lower-numbered districts in the city are located close to the major attractions anyway.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Ho Chi Minh first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Map of the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors
The next image is a map of the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors including its highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will follow soon.
There you have it, our recommendations for where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors.