Ho Chi Minh City

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City clusters most visitor stays around flat, walkable District 1, with Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien and Nguyen Hue within a compact central belt. The airport is about 7–8 km north-west, and Metro Line 1 runs east from Ben Thanh through Thao Dien, while quieter family areas sit in District 2 and District 7. Choose central for first-time sightseeing and nightlife, Thao Dien or Phu My Hung for calmer longer stays, and Cho Lon for budget local life.

District 1 – Ben Thanh Market

Mid-range

First-time visitors Sightseeing Food Good transport

The most convenient base, set around Ben Thanh Market and the nearby bus terminal; streets are flat and walkable to many landmarks. Good for first-time visitors who want short transfers from the airport and easy access to food, markets and the Metro Line 1 terminus.

Airport bus 109 ends a short walk away at Saigon Bus Station
Central, flat and walkable to Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace and Notre-Dame
Ben Thanh Metro Line 1 station gives onward access east

Busy traffic and constant street noise
Can feel tourist-heavy and less local

From the airport SGN ~13 mins · €0.2+

See hotels

Nguyen Hue / Dong Khoi

Upscale

First-time visitors Luxury Shopping Sightseeing

The polished river end of District 1, built around the pedestrian Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the high-end Dong Khoi shopping strip. Suits visitors who want upscale hotels, fine dining and a more composed central streetscape within walking distance of the Opera House and Bach Dang Pier.

Flat, pedestrian-friendly core with grand architecture and evening strolls
Metro Line 1 Opera House station is close by
High concentration of luxury hotels, boutiques and rooftop bars

Rates and dining skew expensive
Lively at night; riverside roads can still be busy

From the airport SGN ~25 mins · €0.2+

See hotels

Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao

Budget

Budget Nightlife Local life

The backpacker and budget quarter, with Bui Vien Walking Street at its loud, neon heart and Pham Ngu Lao nearby for guesthouses and travel desks. Choose it for cheap beds, street food and nightlife, not for quiet sleep.

Cheapest beds and street food in the centre
Airport bus 109 stops at Saigon Bus Station, a short walk away
Short walk to Ben Thanh Market and Metro Line 1

Very loud until late, especially around Bui Vien
Sidewalks crowded with bars, motorbikes and touts

From the airport SGN ~25 mins · €0.2+

See hotels

Thao Dien

Upscale

Families Quiet Food

A leafy, low-rise expat and family area across the river from District 1, full of international schools, cafes and serviced apartments. It is calmer and greener than the centre but still has Metro Line 1 stations for direct access to Ben Thanh and the eastern line.

Metro Line 1 stops at Thao Dien and An Phu
Quiet, tree-lined lanes and family-friendly housing
Strong cafe and international dining scene

Spread out, so days often need bikes or ride-hailing
Less sightseeing within walking distance; airport trips usually by taxi/Grab

From the airport SGN ~30 mins · €0.4+

See hotels

Phu My Hung

Upscale

Families Business Quiet Shopping

A planned, manicured district south of the centre with wide sidewalks, lakes and modern malls. Good for families, business travellers and longer stays who prefer order and calm over old-city grit.

Wide, clean sidewalks and quiet residential streets
Modern supermarkets, malls and family-friendly services
Larger serviced apartments and condos

Longer taxi/Grab rides to central sights and the airport
Little old Saigon character or street-life buzz

From the airport SGN ~40 mins · €0.7+

See hotels

Cho Lon (Chinatown)

Budget

Local life Food Budget Sightseeing

Historic Chinatown centred on Binh Tay Market, with temples, medicine shops and wholesale streets that feel far from the District 1 tourist circuit. Best for travellers who want budget guesthouses, local markets and street food, and don't mind commuting to central sights.