Planning your first adventure to Ho Chi Minh city and want to know where the best places to stay in Vietnam are?
If it’s your first time to go to Ho Chi Minh city, you’re in the right place! Vietnam, with its unique blend of tradition and innovation, is a traveler’s paradise.
We’ve been there for 4x now (with our 5th trip to Vietnam this November 2023) and we’re excited to be your guide.
In this ultimate Ho Chi Minh city hotel guide, we’ve specifically chosen the best hostels and hotels in Vietnam to cater to your travel budget.
This hotel guide above and beyond our previous articles, including the best places to stay in Singapore, so keep reading for all the details.
Since we’re a couple, all our hotel recommendations are for two guests, meaning if you’re a solo traveler, you may find even more affordable options.
Let’s dive right in!
Which part of Vietnam is best to stay?
Mirai and I traveled to different parts of Vietnam before, and after several visits to this lovely country, we’ve found that the best part of the city to stay in is the lively Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), also known as Saigon.
When you stay in Ho Chi Minh city, the pulse of the city beats the strongest, and there’s always something intriguing to explore.
Some of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh include the historic Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
Plus, Ho Chi Minh is a fantastic place to try out amazing yet affordable food, from savoring pho and banh mi for your brunch, to indulging in fresh spring rolls and aromatic Vietnamese coffee.
Best Places to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City for First-Timers
Every time Mirai and I visit Ho Chi Minh City, we choose to stay in these areas because of their convenience and the welcoming atmosphere they offer to travelers.
Especially if it’s your first time in Vietnam. đ
District 1
Best place for: Couples, families with kids, tourists who want to explore District 1’s attractions, and those seeking a mix of luxury and tradition.
Looking for the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh for first timers?
District 1 is in the heart of HCMC, surrounded by historic landmarks and modern conveniences.
It’s where you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the War Remnants Museum.
Plus, it’s a foodie’s paradise, with street vendors serving up delicious Vietnamese dishes around every corner. Don’t miss the iconic Banh Mi Bay Ho stall here!
Best Places to Stay in District 1
â 1. Hammock Hotel Fine Arts Museum
Hotel price: â±2,400+/night ($42) for 2 people
Book this hotel because:
- Free flow of snacks and drinks like coffee, soft drinks, iced tea, water and beer (perfect to stay hydrated, since Saigon is hot!)
- Mini bar in room is completely free — you’ll be spoiled here đ
- Staff speaks great English
- Free breakfast (cooked-to-order and menu changes daily)
- Very near to major Ho Chi Minh City attractions
Note: Mirai and I love Hammock Hotel Fine Arts Museum so much that we’re staying here again for our Vietnam trip this November 2023!
â 2. Chill Suites
Hotel price: â±1,500+/night ($26) for 2 people
Book this hotel because:
- Walking distance to main attractions including Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market and Cho Thai Binh
- Has a 24-hour convenient store downstairs + lots of cheap eateries like a pho restaurant nearby
- Clean, spacious and comfortable rooms
- Comes with your own private bathroom and shower
Note: With its â±1,500+/night ($26) price tag, Chill Suites is the best hotel in Ho Chi Minh if you’re on a budget. But if you want a hotel that’s also affordable and more luxurious, you can see the next hotel below.
â 3. Wink Hotel Saigon Center
Hotel price: â±3,000+/night ($52) for 2 people
Book this hotel because:
- Stay for a FULL 24 hours upon check-in
- With fitness area in the hotel
- Comes with FREE BUFFET breakfast
- Nice outdoor patio area and a convenience store area
- 24-hour co-working area
â 4. Signature by M Village LĂȘ ThĂĄnh TĂŽn
Hotel price: â±4,400+/night ($77) for 2 people
Book this hotel because:
- Their room rates already include FREE stay for a child under 6 years old
- Great location – walking distance to attractions, shops and good restaurants
- Free self-service laundry service
- With in-house gym
- FREE breakfast buffet
- With in-house swimming pool
Binh Thanh
Best place for: Couple travelers looking for a romantic place in Vietnam, also good for hip travelers like millennials or Gen Z.
Binh Thanh, just a stone’s throw from District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, is a thriving neighborhood with a mix of modern developments and a touch of local charm.
Mirai and I have stayed here before and we love how this area makes you feel like a local in Vietnam.
Named among the world’s 40 coolest cities, Binh Thanh is known for its scenic riverfront and trendy cafes. This area offers a quieter escape from the city’s hustle and bustle while staying conveniently close to the action.
Best Places to Stay in Binh Thanh
â 5. Maison De Camille Boutique Hotel
Hotel price: â±2,500+/night ($44) for 2 people
Book this hotel because:
- Spacious, luxurious rooms
- Design is charmingly colonial-era French with modern fixtures like the efficient rain shower and wall-embedded USB chargers
- Great breakfast — fresh fruit, home-made yoghurt, eggs anyway you like, salads, noodles, pho, baguette, croissant, ham, cheese, preserves, and more
- 24-hrs convenient store, supermarket, plenty of restaurants and coffee shops nearby
Which is the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for first-timers?
For first-timers exploring Ho Chi Minh City, it’s highly recommended to stay in the heart of District 1, particularly along Dong Khoi Street.
Whether you’re staying for a short 3-day visit or if you have a longer Vietnam itinerary, there’s always something delightful to explore in District 1.
Top 3 hotels we recommend at District 1 are:
- Hammock Hotel Fine Arts Museum for â±2,400 or ($42)/night â our favorite â
- Wink Hotel Saigon Center for â±3,000 or ($52)/night
- Signature by M Village LĂȘ ThĂĄnh TĂŽn for â±4,400 or ($77)/night
Also, since most of the tourist attractions in Saigon are already in District 1, it’s the most convenient area to stay at, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on transportation.
And there you have it, our dear readers! In this Vietnam hotel guide, we talked about the best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh city for your upcoming trip.
So, what are you waiting for? đ
Going to Ho Chi Minh City soon? Here are the best activities that Mirai and I tried out when we went there:
- Mekong Delta Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City (check our traveler reviews here)
- Saigon Princess Dining Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City (check our traveler reviews here)