If you’re a first-time visitor to Ho Chi Minh City, it’s important to know where to stay and which hotel that best suits your budget and preference.
Without proper research, this could lead to unnecessary hassles and travel expenses. Hailed as Vietnam’s biggest city and business capital, Ho Chi Minh City features plenty of things to see and do, from fascinating historical landmarks and beautiful pagodas to hip bars and sprawling shopping malls.
Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts, each offering unique experiences and accommodation options to travellers worldwide. To help you decide where to book your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, we’ve compiled a quick rundown of the pros and cons of its most popular districts.
Should I book my hotel in District 1 (Downtown)

District 1 (Downtown) : How to decide
District 1 is Ho Chi Minh City’s main financial and commercial hub, featuring French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, as well as ample dining and shopping opportunities. Notable attractions here include Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Reunification Palace, Saigon Zoo, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Botanical Gardens Mariamman Hindu Temple and Bitexco Tower.
Due to its popularity, District 1 offers plenty of accommodation options that range from five-star hotels set along the upscale Dong Khoi Street to budget guesthouses within the backpackers street of Pham Ngu Lao.
Who is it For:
- People looking for a busy nightlife scene
- Travellers who like to be in the centre of the action
- People who like a wide range of restaurants
What's Good:
- Hotels, restaurants, and bars cater for different budget levels
- Lots of sightseeing opportunities
- Extensive public transportation
What's Not So Good:
- The area can get very crowded
- Congested traffic
The Reverie Saigon
With a stay at The Reverie Saigon, you'll be centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City, steps from Saigon River and 8 minutes by foot Read More...
InterContinental Saigon
InterContinental Asiana Saigon is in the cornerstone of Kumho Asiana Plaza complex, a complex that integrates commercial and Read More...
Park Hyatt Saigon
A stay at Park Hyatt Saigon places you in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, steps from Saigon River and Opera House.Featured Read More...
Should I book my hotel in District 2

District 2 : How to decide
A 20-minute drive from the city centre, District 2 serves mainly as the home for expats and affluent locals. Great for escaping from District 1’s overcrowded environment, this locale is filled with high-quality apartments, villas, and houses as well as international schools, commercial offices, bars, and restaurants. Located along the Saigon River, there are lots of restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and tree lined parks in District 2, as well as Saigon Outcast, a vibrant creative space for artists.
Who is it For:
- Moderately wealthy travellers
- Travellers who prefer not to stay in the city centre
- Return visitors
What's Good:
- Restaurants that cater to international tastes
- Neighbourhood vibe
What's Not So Good:
- Nightlife is limited
- Lack of historical landmarks and attractions
- Not many choices in terms of accommodation
You like District 2? Now pick the right hotel!
Villa Song Saigon
The Villa Song is a gorgeous four star property with French Colonial-style architecture located beside Saigon River in District 2 Read More...
Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City
The Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh is a four star quality service apartment located in the central business district of Ho Chi Minh Read More...
Riverside Serviced Apartments
The Riverside Serviced Apartments are an extremely well-appointed property found along the banks of the Saigon River in District 2 Read More...
Should I book my hotel in District 5 (Chinatown)

District 5 (Chinatown)
District 5 is Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, where you can find oriental-style architecture, vibrant street markets, and an array of authentic Chinese restaurants. Prominent landmarks here include Buddhist temples such as Tam Son Hoi Quan, Thien Hau and Khanh Van Nam Vien, as well as Binh Tay Market, which is the largest market in Vietnam, all of which are easily accessible via cyclo services. District 5 is also most lively during annual celebrations such as Chinese New Year and Mooncake Festival.
Who is it For:
- Budget-conscious travellers
- History buffs
- Travellers who like to experience the local Buddhist culture
- Shopping enthusiasts
What's Good:
- Lots of budget and mid-range hotels
- A wide array of street food and affordable restaurants
- Plenty of public buses, taxis and cyclos here
What's Not So Good:
- Not many bars and pubs in the area
- Congested traffic during peak hours
- Not many choices in terms of accommodation
You like District 5 (Chinatown)? Now pick the right hotel!
Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City
With a stay at Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City, you'll be centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City, within a 5-minute drive of Pham Read More...
Valentine Hotel
A stay at Valentine Hotel places you in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, just a 4-minute walk from An Dong Market and within a Read More...
Signature Boutique Hotel
Signature Boutique Hotel had put mash together the cozy-friendly services to wel-designed studios.Boutique is the size of the Read More...