5 Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City (2025 Guide)

If you’re trying to figure out the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for your upcoming trip, you’re definitely not alone. With so many vibrant neighborhoods to choose from, it can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—this detailed guide of Vietpower Travel is here to help you uncover the best neighborhoods to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, tailored to traveler.

1. How to Choose the Best Area for Your Stay

Before diving into the neighborhoods, here are five factors to weigh seriously when choosing the best location to stay in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Walking distance to major sights like Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
• Proximity to public transit, airport shuttles, and bus lines (especially in Districts 1, 3, and 5).
• Accommodation types per district: from $10 dorm beds to $250 luxury suites at places like The Reverie Saigon.
• Atmosphere: Are you seeking buzzing nightlife and rooftop cocktails, or leafy streets and colonial charm?
• Dining and nightlife scene, including whether you’re near street food alleys or fine-dining restaurants.

Let’s explore where you should stay in Ho Chi Minh first time—and why each area offers something unique.

Continue exploring similar posts to learn more about Vietnam’s diverse range of hotels, from luxury resorts to cozy boutique stays. Our Vietnam hotels page is filled with ideas to help you find the right place for your next adventure.

2. District 1 – Best for First-Time Visitors & Iconic Landmarks

Recommended for: First-timers, sightseers, shopaholics, business travelers.

District 1 is undoubtedly the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City if you want everything within walking distance. This is the city’s beating heart—home to Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market.

Highlights:

• Walkable to every major attraction, including the Opera House and Reunification Palace.
• Bui Vien Street for late-night bars, budget eats, and rooftop parties.
• Luxury shopping at Union Square or Takashimaya, and street markets just a block away.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury hotels: The Reverie Saigon ($240–$300/night), Caravelle Saigon ($180+)
  Boutique hotels: Silverland Jolie Hotel, Alagon Zen Hotel (from $50–$80)
• Budget stays: dorms and capsule hotels on Pham Ngu Lao from $10/night

Pros:

• Central, walkable, well-lit and safe at night
• Wide variety of accommodations for every budget
• Easy access to the Ben Thanh Street Food Market and banh mi District 1

Cons:

• Can be noisy and over-touristed, especially near Bui Vien
• Accommodation rates 10–15% higher than surrounding districts

Insider Tip: Stay within the triangle of Dong Khoi – Le Thanh Ton – Nguyen Hue for quiet luxury.

You can find more posts related to this topic in the section below, featuring top-rated hotels and unique accommodations throughout the country:

• Best Places to Stay in Vietnam: 2024 Guide
• 5 Vietnam Vacation Resorts Perfect for Newlyweds

3. District 3 – Cultural Charm with a Local Feel

Recommended for: Travelers seeking a quieter vibe, culture enthusiasts, photographers.

If District 1 is the face of Saigon, then District 3 is its soul. This district boasts tree-lined boulevards, French colonial villas, and iconic attractions like the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace.

Highlights:

• Less touristy yet just a 10-minute taxi ride (or 15-minute walk) from District 1
• Home to hidden cafes, antique stores, and pastel-colored homes
• Street food culture is vibrant, with great spots for pho, bun bo, and even the best com tam in Ho Chi Minh

Accommodation Options:

• Boutique hotels: Orchids Saigon Hotel (~$60–80/night), Cochinchine Heritage
• Budget hotels: Some rooms as low as $20–$25/night on Dien Bien Phu Street

Pros:

• More “real” Saigon vibe, great for culture-driven travelers
• Slightly cooler thanks to shade from old-growth trees
• Close to nightlife but quiet by night

Cons:

• Fewer hostels for solo backpackers
• Some attractions are spread out; Grab rides often required

Insider Tip: Consider staying near Vo Van Tan or Pasteur Street for cafés and leafy walks.

4. District 5 – Chinatown & Culinary Adventures

Recommended for: Adventurous eaters, cultural seekers, street photographers.

Welcome to Cho Lon—Saigon’s historic Chinatown! District 5 is hands-down the best district to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for food lovers and those craving something authentic. Forget fusion cafés—this is where the Chinese-Vietnamese community has been blending cultures for over 200 years.

Highlights:

• Binh Tay Market (bigger, more local than Ben Thanh)
• Ancient temples like Thien Hau Pagoda and Quan Am Pagoda
• Legendary street food stalls: wonton soup, roast duck, sticky rice sweets

Accommodation Options:

• Budget-friendly guesthouses: ~$15–30/night
• Local-run mini-hotels along Tran Hung Dao and Nguyen Trai

Pros:

• Food is king here—cheaper and more authentic than D1
• Fascinating cultural mix of Chinese and Vietnamese influences
• Quieter nightlife but packed with local teahouses

Cons:

• Longer commute to District 1 (15–25 min by car)
• Fewer English-speaking staff in hotels and eateries

Insider Tip: Visit around Lunar New Year for firecracker parades and lion dances.

Discover more articles on the same topic to find travel inspiration and the perfect place to stay during your trip to Vietnam.

• Top 10+ Luxury Vietnam Golf Courses in 2024/2025
• Top 9 Luxury Hotels in Hanoi with Rooftop Pools

5. Thao Dien (District 2) – Modern Comfort & Expat Living

Who should stay here: Digital nomads, couples, long-term travelers craving space, calm, and creature comforts.

If you’ve been asking yourself not just where to stay in Ho Chi Minh first time, but how to live well while you’re here—Thao Dien is your answer. Tucked inside District 2, this riverside enclave offers a curated experience of cosmopolitan Vietnam, perfect for those looking to relax, work remotely, or spend a month soaking up local life.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Riverside cafes with sunset views and premium brunch menus
• Yoga studios, boutique gyms, and massage lounges on every corner
• Home to many international schools and a tight-knit expat community

Unlike the buzz of the city center, Thao Dien’s vibe is gentle but still exciting. You’ll find artisan pizza, cold brew bars, and even curated boutiques all on Xuan Thuy Street.

Where to Stay:

• Serviced apartments: Glenwood City, Common Inn (~$40–60/night)
• Modern villas & Airbnb-style homes: From $70/night, many with full kitchens
• Luxury boutique: Mia Saigon (5-star riverside retreat at ~$180/night)

Travel Tips:

• Expect to take a 15–20 minute Grab to the landmarks in District 1
• Ideal for relaxed mornings and work-from-cafe afternoons
• Fantastic base for day trips to Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong

If you’re someone who likes to order Vietnamese food via apps like Grab or Baemin, Thao Dien is a paradise. From vegan pho to handmade goi cuon, everything delivers fast and fresh. You’ll also find pizza from Italian chefs and smoothie bowls better than Bali.

6. District 7 – Green Living & Family-Friendly Vibes

Who will love it: Families, wellness travelers, retirees, and anyone escaping the city’s chaos.

Among the best neighborhoods to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, District 7—specifically Phu My Hung—offers a whole different pace. Think wide sidewalks, fresh air, leafy parks, and a strong Korean expat presence. It’s clean, safe, and impressively organized—a rare combination in Vietnam’s largest city.

Why Choose District 7:

• Large-scale supermarkets like Lotte Mart and Crescent Mall
• Outdoor playgrounds, Crescent Lake Park, and scenic jogging paths
• Dozens of Korean BBQ spots, ramen bars, and healthy cafes

This is one of the best districts to stay in Ho Chi Minh City if you’re traveling with children or staying long-term. The area is designed like a mini modern suburb—with international clinics, bilingual kindergartens, and malls that rival those in Singapore.

Accommodations You’ll Love:

• Family-focused serviced apartments: Oakwood Residence (~$100–150/night)
• Boutique hotels: Golden Tree Hotel, Orchid Boutique (~$40–70/night)
• Quiet, upscale Airbnbs near Nam Vien Park or along the canal

Pros:

• Peaceful alternative to hotels in district 1 or 3
• Ideal for remote workers or long-term stays
• Walkable access to wellness centers and spas

Cons:

• Further from tourist attractions like the war remnants museum or notre dame cathedral (20–30 mins by Grab)
• Not ideal for nightlife or spontaneous city exploring

This is a brilliant spot to recharge. You can still reach the bustling bui vien by taxi at night but return to silence and space. And yes, if you miss downtown eats, delivery options here are solid.

Hotel Booking Support 

Looking for help planning your stay in the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City? Vietnam Experience Tours—powered by Vietpower—can build it for you.

• We tailor recommendations based on whether you’re solo, family, or business traveler.
• You get full-service support: from booking luxury hotels to arranging your airport pickup and private guides.
• Whether you want to stay near the ben thanh market or in the serene lanes of binh thanh district, we’ve got your back.
• Let our team help you stay in Ho Chi with peace of mind—and unforgettable experiences.

7. Conclusion

From historic streets to modern riverside escapes, choosing the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City means unlocking the experience that fits you best. Ready to plan your stay? Let’s make it unforgettable. Vietnam is more than a destination — it’s a story waiting to be lived. With Vietpower Travel, you’ll walk through ancient streets, taste local flavors, and connect with the warmth of its people. Join one of our Vietnam tours today and experience the soul of the country in every moment of your journey.