Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city: a fast, noisy, endlessly energetic place of motorbikes, street food, French colonial buildings and rooftop bars. It's also the gateway to the Mekong Delta, the Cu Chi tunnels and the beaches of the south coast.

Most visitors stay in District 1, around Ben Thanh Market, where many sights are walkable. The places we list are mainly here, along Le Thanh Ton and the streets nearby, with one in calmer District 3 and two close to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for early flights.

Airport
Tan Son Nhat International (SGN), about 6 to 8 km from District 1
Getting around
Ride-hailing cars and motorbikes, taxis, buses and Metro Line 1
Climate
Hot all year; rainy season roughly May to November, with short heavy showers
Day trips
Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta, Can Gio mangroves

Places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

10 hotels

Hotel in District 1 and Ben Thanh

Piano Hotel

A practical District 1 base near museums and parks

  • air-conditioning
  • 24-hour front desk
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"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Ho Chi Minh City, area by area

The city is divided into numbered and named districts. District 1 is the centre, with District 3 just to the north-west and the airport further north.

District 1 and Ben Thanh

Best for sightseeing, food and nightlife

District 1 is the heart of Saigon. Ben Thanh Market, the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Central Post Office and the Nguyen Hue walking boulevard are all within walking distance of each other.

The streets around Le Thanh Ton and Ben Thanh are packed with small hotels, street food and cafes. To the south-west, Bui Vien Street is the city's loud, late-night backpacker strip.

District 3

Best for leafy streets and local cafes

Just north-west of District 1, District 3 has tree-lined streets, French-era villas, pagodas and some of the city's best local restaurants. It's quieter than the centre but still within walking distance of the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace.

Tan Binh and the airport

Best for early flights and transit

Tan Binh district surrounds Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It's practical for a first or last night, and it's home to Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city.

Questions about staying in Ho Chi Minh City

Where should I stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

District 1 is the most convenient for first-time visitors, with sights, markets and restaurants within walking distance. District 3 is calmer, and Tan Binh suits early flights.

How do I get from the airport to District 1?

By ride-hailing car or taxi, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, or by the airport bus.

Is it easy to walk around Saigon?

In District 1, yes, though pavements can be busy with parked motorbikes. Cross roads slowly and steadily so riders can see you.

What day trips can I take?

The Cu Chi tunnels, the Mekong Delta's floating markets and orchards, and the Can Gio mangrove forest are all popular day trips.

When is the best time to visit?

The dry season, roughly December to April, is the most comfortable. In the rainy season, showers are usually short and heavy, often in the afternoon.

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