Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh?

Staying in Pham Ngu Lao backpacker district

Pham Ngu Lao takes its name from a 19th-century Vietnamese general who played an important role in the resistance against French colonization. Today, it's one of Ho Chi Minh's liveliest and most popular areas.

Located in the first arrondissement, it is renowned for being a lively and vibrant place. Often considered the backpackers' district, it attracts travelers from all over the world, making it one of the most cosmopolitan areas. Pham Ngu Lao is therefore packed with youth hostels, small budget hotels and bed & breakfasts, making it a popular spot for budget travellers. Travelers will find affordable accommodation and a friendly atmosphere in which to meet other travelers.

The area is full of street markets, food stalls and restaurants offering a wide variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes at affordable prices. It's the ideal place to sample local cuisine. There are also many stores, stalls and markets where you can buy souvenirs, clothes, accessories and other items at negotiable prices.

Pham Ngu Lao is conveniently located close to many of Ho Chi Minh's tourist attractions and is well served by public transport, making it easy to travel to other areas. You can easily get to Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace...

In the evening, the area is particularly lively, with numerous bars, pubs, clubs and entertainment venues. The streets come alive with music, lights and the cheerful ambience of travelers who gather to socialize and enjoy the nightlife.

It's worth noting, however, that this area can be quite noisy. So, if you're looking for a quiet, relaxed environment in which to stay, you might prefer to stay in other parts of Ho Chi Minh.

Lodging in Ben Thanh's cultural district

Ben Thanh is the historical and cultural heart of Ho Chi Minh City, also located in the first district. The area takes its name from the famous Ben Thanh market, one of Ho Chi Minh City's oldest and most emblematic markets. It's a 15-minute walk east of Pham Ngu Lao.

Ben Thanh market is one of Ho Chi Minh's must-see tourist attractions. Founded in the 17th century by French colonists, the market has been rebuilt several times over the years and has evolved into a central gathering place for locals and travelers alike. Here you'll find a wide variety of goods including clothing, souvenirs, handicrafts, spices, fresh fruit, seafood and much more. The market is famous for its lively bargaining, so be sure to haggle with the vendors for good prices.

The area is also renowned for its lively nightlife. Bars, restaurants and dance clubs attract visitors in search of entertainment after sunset. You can sample delicious Vietnamese specialties in the district's many restaurants, and there are also stalls offering tasty and affordable street food.

In addition to the market, Ben Thanh is home to other interesting cultural and historical sites. These include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Mariamman Temple and the Quan Am Taoist Temple.

Ben Thanh is an ideal place to discover the daily life of Ho Chi Minh's inhabitants. The lively alleyways are lined with small shops, food stalls and traditional cafés, offering an authentic glimpse of Vietnamese urban life.

Places to stay here are more expensive than in Pham Ngu Lao, but you'll appreciate the area's ideal location, which is also much quieter than its neighbor.

Lodging on elegant Dong Khoi street

Dong Khoi is not a district of Ho Chi Minh, but rather a very famous avenue located in the first district of Ho Chi Minh. It's one of the liveliest and most historic thoroughfares, renowned for its elegant atmosphere and rich colonial past.

Formerly known as rue Catinat during the French colonial period, it was the social and economic center of Ho Chi Minh. After Vietnam's independence, it was renamed Dong Khoi, meaning “insurrection”, in reference to local uprisings against the colonial authorities.

Today, Dong Khoi is lined with colonial buildings, luxury boutiques, art galleries, boutique hotels, cafés and fine restaurants. It's a popular place for tourists to stroll, shop and discover Franco-Vietnamese colonial architecture.

Iconic sites near Dong Khoi include the Town Hall, the Municipal Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral and various museums. Strolling along this street, you'll be immersed in a unique atmosphere blending old-world charm with modern influences.

In conclusion, Dong Khoi is one of Ho Chi Minh's historical and cultural jewels, offering a must-see experience for visitors.

The hotels there are much more expensive but offer grandiose facilities. Stay right in the center and enjoy the best of Ho Chi Minh.

Staying in Cholon's Chinatown

Cholon was founded in the 18th century by Chinese immigrants who settled in the area to trade and seek new opportunities. It was originally a separate city from Saigon. Cholon literally means “big market ” in Chinese, reflecting its commercial role. Over time, Cholon became a thriving district and an important economic crossroads for trade with China and other Asian countries. Steeped in Chinese culture, it boasts distinctive architecture, with pagodas, temples and buildings influenced by traditional Chinese architecture.

Cholon is famous for its lively streets and colorful markets. The narrow streets are lined with stores, food stalls, temples and commercial activity of all kinds. The Binh Tay market is one of the most famous, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, clothing and souvenirs.

Cholon's cuisine is a delicious blend of Vietnamese and Chinese flavors. The alleyways abound with small restaurants and food stalls offering mouth-watering dishes such as spring rolls, fried noodles, dumplings and a variety of seafood dishes. It's a real gourmet's paradise.

Cholon is also home to numerous Buddhist and Taoist temples. One of the most famous is the Quan Am temple, also known as the Jade Emperor pagoda, dedicated to the goddess of mercy. The Thien Hau pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady, is also one of Cholon's most emblematic sites and is certainly worth a visit. It pays homage to the patron goddess of sailors and fishermen.

As you explore Cholon, you'll be immersed in a unique atmosphere, between tradition and modernity, and discover the very essence of Ho Chi Minh's cultural diversity. If you'd like to stay overnight, it's worth noting that the area is quite remote from the city's other tourist activities, and you may soon tire of the repetitive round-trips. On the other hand, the establishments are very inexpensive and very good value.

Lodging in the upmarket Thao Dien district

Thao Dien is one of Ho Chi Minh's most popular areas. Located in the second arrondissement, Thao Dien lies across the bank of the Saigon River, some six kilometers from the first arrondissement.

The area is appreciated for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and unique charm. Historically, it was a small rural village, but over the years it has been transformed into an upscale residential area. Thao Dien is often referred to as the expatriate district, as it is home to a large community from all over the world. Because of this cultural diversity, Thao Dien offers a variety of international restaurants, stores and establishments, creating a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Thao Dien is known for its modern residences, luxury apartments and spacious homes. Many expatriates and wealthy Vietnamese choose to live here for its pleasant surroundings and modern facilities. The area is relatively green, with many parks, such as Saigon Outcast or An Phu.

Although Thao Dien is far from the center, the area is relatively easy to reach thanks to a well-developed transportation network. Cabs, online transport apps and buses are readily available to get you around.

In short, Thao Dien is a lovely blend of Vietnamese culture and international influences, with a welcoming atmosphere for expatriates. It's a popular spot for local and foreign residents looking to enjoy a modern, comfortable lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh.

Staying here can be a good alternative if you want to stay in an upscale area, while enjoying very affordable hotels compared to those on Dong Khoi street, for example. However, you should be aware that you're at least an hour's journey from the center. This area is therefore not ideal if you want to visit Ho Chi Minh.