I’m an American expat living in Vietnam.
Before living in Phu Nhuan District, I lived in three other districts in Ho Chi Minh City: District 8, which is a very local district, rarely visited by tourists; District 7, one of my favorite districts, along the northern canal, facing District 4; and Thao Dien in District 2, which is a very popular enclave for expats and families.
In addition to where I’ve lived in the city, I’ve also been renting motorbikes on long-term deals since first coming to Vietnam in 2018. I like to get out to explore the city and have ridden to most places of interest in Ho Chi Minh City. While the city is technically divided into 24 districts, not all of them are as interesting, worth visiting, convenient, or livable as others.
I have a pulse on the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City because I live and explore here.
Related Vietnam guides:
• Where to Stay in Hoi An: Old Town, Beaches, and Countryside
• Where to Stay in Da Nang: My Favorite Areas and Hotels
Map of My Favorite Areas and Hotels in Saigon
How to use this map: Ahoy! Click the arrow in the top left-hand corner to view the layers. I color-coded the map with my favorite areas in Saigon: District 1, District 3, District 2 (Thao Dien), and District 7 (Phu My Hung). The bed icons are some of my recommended hotels in each district. The black stars are attractions.
District 1
My Favorite Hotels in District 1
- 5-star: The Reverie Saigon
- 5-star: Fusion Original
- 4-star: Liberty Central
- 3-star: Oscar Saigon Hotel
- For families: New World
- Boutique: La Siesta Premium
- New hotel: Fusion Original
- Riverside: Hotel Majestic
If you’ve never been to Ho Chi Minh City before, District 1 is the best area to stay for first-time visitors. Every time I’m in Saigon, I always stay in District 1 and use it as a base to visit apartments or explore the city. If nothing else, it’s a convenient area to get through the jet lag.
More: 24 Best Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (All Budgets + Map)
District 1 and nearby District 3 contain most of Saigon’s tourist attractions. If you only plan to visit for a few days or even a week, D1 or D3 are the best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. They are the most convenient districts from which to start and get your bearings in Saigon and perhaps Vietnam for the first time. (More on District 3 next.)
Best Things to Do in District 1
At the head of Nguyen Hue Street is the Ho Chi Minh Statue. This particular area is a bit of a crossroads; heading in any direction will lead to something worth seeing at some point during your trip. Pick any direction and start wandering. There is a lot to see and admire when walking 10-15 minutes in any direction. Really.
More: 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: Best Itinerary for First Timers
The Caravelle Saigon is arguably the most central hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. The Rex Hotel is right next to the statue and is a bit cheaper than the Caravelle.
The following list of attractions is not exhaustive. These are all within walking distance of the Ho Chi Minh Statue.
Every attraction link opens its location on Google Maps.
People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. This yellow, French colonial-style building is directly behind the Ho Chi Minh Statue and serves as the present-day city hall. It makes an excellent backdrop for photos of the statue.
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. The opera house is east of the statue, floating on an island by itself in the middle of the road. It is surrounded by many of the city’s best hotels and is an ultra-convenient location for a short stay.
The Park Hyatt Saigon, the Hotel Continental, and the Caravelle Saigon are all right here – this location is great.
Japan Town. This little area is about a 10-minute walk from the statue and opera house and has several of Ho Chi Minh City’s best Japanese ramen restaurants.
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden. The zoo is along the river, bordering Binh Thanh District.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. This building is one of the most photographed in Saigon and is probably the one you’ve seen pictures of when planning your visit. Unfortunately, most of the building is currently covered in scaffolding, as it’s been under renovation for the last few years. The estimated completion was extended to 2027.
Sai Gon Central Post Office. This building, built between 1886 and 1891, is right next to the cathedral.
Ho Chi Minh City Book Street. A cool little street lined with small bookshops next to the cathedral and post office. (Cutting through here should be part of your walk at some point.)
The InterContinental Saigon is a luxury hotel right across from Book Street in a great location.
Independence Palace. This is sometimes called the Reunification Palace. It’s southwest of the cathedral and post office, which is good because you want to walk towards it from this direction to fully admire the area leading up to it.
April 30th Park. This area is a nice, open green space split by three roads separating the Independence Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral. I love driving my motorbike through here, and I often pull off at one of the nearby coffee shops and people-watch.
Tao Dan Park. This huge park is located in District 1. It’s a good place to be surrounded by greenery in the city’s downtown. Cyclo tours often ride through here.
The La Siesta Premium is a boutique hotel in a great location near Ben Thanh Market, around the corner from the park.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts. A popular and really laid-back museum with a 30.000 VND entrance fee. It’s across the road from Ben Thanh Market.
The Saigon Skydeck. An observation area on the 49th Floor of the Bitexco Financial Building in downtown District 1. Get Skydeck tickets at GetYourGuide.
Best Tours in/from District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
3 Best Areas and Hotels in District 1
1. Nguyen Hue & Dong Khoi Street
My Favorite Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi Street Hotels
- 5-star: The Reverie Saigon
- 5-star: The Myst Dong Khoi
- 4-star: Hotel Continental
- 3-star: Huong Sen Hotel
- For families: Park Hyatt
- Location: Caravelle Saigon
- Riverside: Hotel Majestic
Nguyen Hue Street and its surroundings are popular tourist areas in District 1. Staying in or around Nguyen Hue Street or the adjacent Dong Khoi Street will provide easy access to the above attractions.
Nguyen Hue Street’s two parts are split by a wide walking area, allowing for easy scene-admiring and slow-paced strolling. One of the more unique sights (that can come with coffee if you choose) is something called The Cafe Apartments.
Nguyen Hue and the neighboring Dong Khoi Street are great to walk through during the day. At night, the area gets very busy with locals and tourists. The street or parts of it are sometimes closed to traffic for performances or shows. Nguyen Hue’s side streets, including Dong Khoi and Ho Tung Mau on the other side, are filled with all sorts of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and numerous accommodation options.
The Oscar Saigon Hotel is one of the best-located hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. This budget hotel is located directly on Nguyen Hue Street.
The Running Bean. This coffee shop has two locations in downtown District 1. The one linked is one of the best coffee shops in Saigon for remote work. There are a number of great tables of all sizes for solo work or to accommodate groups.
The Workshop Coffee. Another popular downtown coffee spot with areas to work. It can sometimes get crowded because of its location.
Layla Eatery & Bar. A popular downtown bar that also serves great food. Drink prices are more than fair.
Vietnam House. A great Vietnamese restaurant on Dong Khoi Street. The outside is a popular spot for photos.
As I said, a great choice would be to base yourself in the vicinity of Nguyen Hue or Dong Khoi streets. Many of the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City are clustered right here, and there are many places to stay in the immediate area.
More: Best Hotels in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (With Map)
Depending on when you’re traveling, some five-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City can be had for ~$100 USD per night.
The Park Hyatt Saigon, the Caravelle Saigon, and the Hotel Continental Saigon surround the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, arguably the city’s most central location
The Reverie Saigon is one of the most upscale hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s over-the-top fancy and located directly on Nguyen Hue Street. Behind it is The Myst Dong Khoi, a five-star hotel with more affordable rates that is also in a great location.
This leads us to the Saigon River. There are about six hotels on the river right here. Lotte Hotel Saigon is a five-star hotel with beautiful facilities and a huge outdoor pool. While still in the same great area, this hotel’s about a 12-minute walk from the Opera House area (because it’s down along the river).
Hotel Majestic Saigon is probably the best-located river hotel, while the Riverside Hotel nearby is a great budget option right on the river.
All of these hotels are very convenient. I’ve chosen the best from a variety of price points.
Best Luxury Hotels in Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi Street
Park Hyatt Saigon • The Reverie Saigon • Caravelle Saigon • The Myst Dong Khoi
Best Saigon River Hotels
Lotte Hotel Saigon • Hotel Majestic • Riverside Hotel
Best Located Mid-Range and Budget Hotels
Hotel Continental Saigon • Signature by M Village • Au Lac Charner Hotel • Oscar Saigon Hotel • Huong Sen Hotel
Best Hostel
Meander Saigon
2. Ben Thanh
My Favorite Ben Thanh Hotels
- 5-star: La Siesta Premium
- 4-star: Central Palace Hotel
- 4-star: Silverland Yen Hotel
- Budget: Calista Sai Gon Hotel
- For families: New World
Ben Thanh Market is an attraction itself, but the area around it (Ben Thanh) is also a good place to stay. It is separate from the Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi areas, but accommodations here are cheaper and still very convenient.
If you want souvenirs, tees, sunglasses, or any variety of knockoffs, you’ll find them in and around the market. Most prices are negotiable. Be prepared to haggle.
Ha Tam Jewelers is one of the best money exchangers in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s right outside Ben Thanh Market. I go here every time I need to get or exchange Vietnamese Dong.
Little HaNoi Egg Coffee has some of the best egg coffee in Ho Chi Minh City. The egg coffee is 40.000 VND.
C’Gym (Mach’s Gym) is a small but excellent gym in District 1 that is perfect for travelers and is near the Ben Thanh Market area. It offers affordable day passes (80.000 VND) and weekly passes (300.000 VND).
Best Luxury Hotels in Ben Thanh Market Area
Fusion Original Saigon Centre • La Siesta Premium Saigon • New World Saigon
Best Mid-Range and Budget Hotels
Central Palace Hotel • Cochin Zen Hotel • Calista Sai Gon Hotel • Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel • Silverland Yen Hotel
Best Hostels in Ben Thanh
Vy Da Backpacker Hostel • Vy Da Central Market Hostel
3. Bui Vien Walking Street
Best Bui Vien Area Hotels and Hostels
- 5-star: Pullman Saigon Centre
- Budget/location: Vien Dong
- Budget: Duc Vuong Saigon
- Hostel: The Hideout
- Hostel: Long Hostel
Bui Vien Walking Street and its surrounding area are another popular location for visitors. This part of District 1 is about a 20-minute walk from the Ho Chi Minh Statue and Nguyen Hue Street. You’ll have to cross some busy roads to get here, but it’s doable. Many tourists choose to base themselves in Bui Vien instead of the Nguyen Hue area.
Bui Vien is known for its nightlife. It’s known for its hostels and backpackers. It’s known for its high concentration of bars and nightclubs. There are flashing neon lights, loud music, and parties up and down the main road and its alleys at night.
This area quickly becomes seedy at night, which I think is a poor reflection of an otherwise charming city.
I don’t recommend staying here if you are not interested in the partying scene or being near it.
However, witnessing the loud, colorful, partying chaos that goes on in the area at night is at least something worth experiencing once. This can be done by staying elsewhere in the city and coming here via Grab, Gojek, or walking.
More: How to Use Grab in Vietnam: Alternative to Uber and Uber Eats
Many tour companies operate from this area, notably along Pham Ngu Lao Street. So, if you are part of a tour or are interested in taking one, you may find yourself in this area at some point.
As I said, many travelers do choose to base themselves here. I ride my motorbike near the Bui Vien area often, and it’s always filled with tourists, backpackers, and tourgoers. There are tons of places to eat and plenty of convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. There are several highly-rated mid-range and budget hotels and numerous popular hostels.
Paper Plate Pizza is a good spot to grab individual slices. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the Bui Vien area.
Big Boss Bistro makes awesome subs. The Italian sub is one of the best I’ve had anywhere. The shop is on the second floor and is about an equal distance from both Bui Vien and Ben Thanh Market.
Best Luxury Hotel in Bui Vien
Pullman Saigon Centre
Best Budget Hotels in Bui Vien
Vien Dong Hotel • Chill Suites • Duc Vuong Saigon Hotel • Prague Hotel
Best Bui Vien Hostels
The Hideout • Long Hostel • The Like Hostel and Cafe • Vy Khanh Guesthouse • Alleyway Hostel
Related: Best Budget Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (With Map)
District 3
My Favorite Hotels in District 3
- 5-star: Hôtel des Arts Saigon
- 5-star: Mai House Saigon
- 4-star: Orchids Saigon Hotel
- 3-star: Aristo Saigon
- For families: Sherwood Suites
- Best pool: La Vela Saigon
District 3 is largely bordered by District 1, so you can easily walk between the two. You might even do so without realizing it.
I personally like District 3 better than District 1. Its smaller streets have more trees, and car traffic is slower. The sidewalks are more fun to wander, and there are many little nooks to discover for coffee and food.
The sidewalks feel much cozier, especially with the trees, compared to District 1, where sometimes you can’t get out of the sun. It is also less chaotic than District 1.
Plus, you can walk to the best attractions in D1 and D3 when you stay here.
Best Things to Do in District 3
War Remnants Museum. This museum is one of the most popular attractions in Saigon. It’s in a very convenient area and easily accessible from District 3 and District 1. Tickets are 40.000 VND.
The Victory Hotel Saigon is a budget hotel right around the corner from the War Remnants Museum. It’s in a great location.
More: Best Museums in Ho Chi Minh City (By a Local)
Turtle Lake. This is a very interesting structure in the middle of a roundabout, near several hotels, food, and coffee shops. If you’re wandering around D3, you’ll undoubtedly end up here at some point.
Tan Dinh Church. This pink church was built during the French colonial period and was finished in 1876. This is a very popular spot to take photos.
Le Van Tam Park. A popular park for exercise near Tan Dinh Church. It gets busy in the evenings. (Vietnamese locals like to exercise early in the morning or in the evening/night when it’s cooler.)
Southern Women’s Museum. This free museum showcases Vietnamese women throughout history, including fashion and their role in the war. There is an exhibit entirely devoted to the áo dài.
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. A Buddhist temple in the back of District 3. Entry is free, but you may need to cover exposed legs and shoulders to enter.
Best Tours in/from District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Best Places to Stay in District 3
Keep in mind if you stay in certain parts of District 3, you can easily walk to all of the attractions mentioned in the District 1 section above: Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, and Ben Thanh Market. But it’ll take about 15-20 minutes, though it’s a good, enjoyable walk.
The hotels below are all in very good locations in District 3. Victory Hotel is a budget hotel three minutes from the War Remnants Museum. Mai House Saigon is a luxury hotel five minutes from the museum.
La Vela Saigon is arguably the most popular hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Its rooftop views are unmatched in the area. It’s in the back of District 3 but closer to Tan Dinh Church (a 10-minute walk) and about 20 minutes from the War Remnants Museum. It’s also far more cost-effective than other five-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hôtel des Arts Saigon and Orchids Saigon Hotel are less than a 10-minute walk from the museum. It really comes down to which hotel suits you best because all of these hotels are in great locations in District 3. And as I’ve said, the district is very walkable, and the walks are enjoyable.
Gym One is a nice gym in District 3, but it has a more expensive day pass (200.000 VND) and no weekly pass option compared to C’Gym (Mach’s Gym) (80.000 VND) in District 1. You can get to C’Gym (Mach’s Gym) from District 3 by walking or taking a GrabBike.
Best Luxury Hotels in District 3
Hôtel des Arts Saigon • Mai House Saigon • La Vela Saigon Hotel
Best Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in District 3
Sherwood Suites • Orchids Saigon Hotel • Au Lac Legend Hotel • Victory Hotel Saigon • Aristo Saigon Hotel
Related: Best Hotels in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City (With Map)
District 2 (Thao Dien)
My Favorite Thao Dien Hotels
- 5-star: Mia Saigon
- 4-star: Amanaki Thao Dien
- For families: Glenwood City
- Budget: Common Inn
District 2 is one of the bigger districts in Ho Chi Minh City but is known for a small area called Thao Dien. I lived in Thao Dien for a few months.
Check VRBO for rentals. There are a lot of apartments and condos for rent in Thao Dien.
This little pocket is home to many great local and international restaurants, cafes, and bars. Because of the many international schools based directly in Thao Dien, the area caters to international travelers, expats, and their families.
The busiest/most popular roads are Thao Dien and Xuan Thuy. Xuan Thuy, in particular, is a long stretch of restaurants, fine dining, bars, and cafes.
Thao Dien is very walkable. You could base yourself here and not need a motorbike. Plus, ordering a Grab or Gojek taxi or moto-taxi is very affordable. GrabBike rides within Thao Dien shouldn’t cost more than 20.000 VND (less than $1 USD) per trip.
There are probably hundreds of restaurants and cafes in this relatively tiny area. I live in Ho Chi Minh City and haven’t even scratched the surface of places to eat in Thao Dien.
Where to Eat in Thao Dien
Some of my personal favorite places to eat or grab coffee in Thao Dien:
Bep Vo Kitchen. I’ve probably eaten here close to 100 times. It’s laid back, and the food is great, healthy, and well-priced for the area. The inside is air-conditioned, and there’s an outside patio.
Eddie’s Diner. I know what you’re thinking: an American diner, really? Sometimes, you just need a hearty, well-cooked meal. Everything I’ve tried at Eddie’s is excellent, and the portions are huge. Eddie’s has locations in Thao Dien, District 1, and District 7.
La Rosa Bistro. It has interesting decor, a relaxing atmosphere, quiet, and great food. I reviewed La Rosa Bistro here.
365° Napoli Pizza. They make their own mozzarella cheese and dough. Tuesdays have a 50% discount on pizza. It’s a must-visit for pizza in Thao Dien, especially on Tuesdays.
Whatever Cafe. A small coffee shop down a dead-end alley with excellent homemade cold-brew coffee.
Simple Place. A popular Mexican food joint with three locations in Thao Dien. I sometimes grab a quick made-to-order quesadilla or burrito.
Bonjour Cafe The Art. This coffee shop is worth visiting just for the interior design. I’ve never seen anything like it in a coffee shop or anywhere else.
If you need a haircut, ĐẬM – Men’s Hair Studio is one of the best barbers in Ho Chi Minh City, and it’s in Thao Dien. Several of the staff speak fluent English. Each has some sort of specialty. Highly recommend.
Grocery Stores in Thao Dien
The following supermarkets are great for short- or long-term stays. I’ve personally shopped many times at all three and currently visit the first two almost every week.
An Phu Supermarket. One of my personal favorite supermarkets inside Thao Dien. It’s not the biggest, nor has the most variety, but it’s by far the quietest. I am always in and out with ease here.
Mega Market An Phu. This is outside Thao Dien, across the highway. I included it because it’s one of my favorite bigger supermarkets in all of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s similar to a Costco, Sam’s Club, Metro, etc.
Tops Market. This supermarket is inside Thao Dien, and it’s a full-service grocery.
Gyms in Thao Dien
Thao Dien is also home to several gyms and boutique fitness studios:
CrossFit Thao Dien. They have several different class packages, including drop-ins if you’re only visiting.
BODY SHAPE. This is a more traditional gym than CrossFit’s class-style gym.
California Fitness & Yoga. This gym and Elite Fitness below will be better suited for long-term stays, as you’ll get far better pricing.
Elite Fitness. The pricing will be better with long-term stays, but Elite and California Fitness above have more amenities than other gyms in the area.
Best Places to Stay in Thao Dien
Staying in Thao Dien for a short trip or renting an apartment long-term would be a great choice. It is very self-contained. Thao Dien’s downside is that it’s a bit far from the attractions of District 1 and District 3. It’d be about a 15-20 minute ride.
Best Luxury Boutique Hotel
Mia Saigon
Best Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Thao Dien
Amanaki Thao Dien • Common Inn Thao Dien • Aurora Western Village • Sen Boutique House • Mecozy Apartel • Glenwood City Resort
Related: Best Luxury 5-Star Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (With Map)
District 7 (Phu My Hung)
My Favorite Hotels & Apartments in District 7
- Boutique: Golden Tree Hotel
- 3-star: La Bonita Hotel
- 4-star: Golden Star
- For families: Oakwood
As I mentioned initially, District 7 is one of my favorite districts. I lived for a while on the northernmost road, Tran Xuan Soan, along the canal facing District 4.
District 7 is better for long-term living than for a short visit. But don’t be mistaken, there are a lot of great restaurants, parks, and things to do in District 7, too, if you want a break from the busy heart of the city that is District 1. (I actually recommend coming down here just to check it out and see a different side of Saigon.)
My personal fondness relates to living in District 7. This is a huge, entirely self-contained district. I prefer to live here long-term instead of Thao Dien in District 2 because it’s bigger. Thao Dien is quite small and can get old after living there for a while.
By far, the best area of District 7 is Phu My Hung. It’s also sometimes referred to as Korea Town for its high population of Korean expats and tourists and the numerous Korean restaurants, stores, and businesses.
This southern part of District 7 is unlike anywhere else in Ho Chi Minh City. The roads are wider, everything feels more open, and the air is definitely cleaner. It has a slower pace of life and is much quieter than D1 and D3.
Plus, it has all the amenities you’d ever need to live comfortably:
Lotte Mart. This is my favorite supermarket in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a huge hybrid supermarket, with everything you would ever need for a short visit or to live long term. Besides the full grocery, the second floor is loaded with non-food items.
Saigon Sports Club. SSC is one of the nicest gyms in Ho Chi Minh City. It is not inside Phu My Hung but nearby. It is expensive but is super nice.
Advance Fitness & Gym. This is another nice gym. It’s more affordable but lacks the shiny amenities of Saigon Sports Club.
Crescent Mall. One of the best malls in Ho Chi Minh City. It has several floors and is very clean. The outside surrounding area is nice to explore as well. Very peaceful compared to D1 and D3.
SC VivoCity. Another big mall up the road from Crescent Mall.
Nam Vien Park. A nice, quiet park in a very peaceful area. It’s nice to escape the often-hectic city center and come down here to enjoy the breeze. Lots of great places to stop to eat as well.
Where to Eat in Phu My Hung
These are some of the best places to eat in and around Phu My Hung. However, like Thao Dien and Binh Thanh (Ward 19) below, there are countless great food places.
Jimmy’s New York Pizza. Excellent pizza, right next to Nam Vien Park. Here is my review of Jimmy’s on Google Maps.
IPPUDO. A great Japanese restaurant with a nice atmosphere. The ramen is delicious. I reviewed it on Google.
Eddie’s Diner. The same deal as their locations in D1 and Thao Dien: huge portions of great food.
Back’s Burger. Delicious, Korean-style hamburgers.
Ms. Barun. A great Korean restaurant near Nam Vien Park.
Pho Dinh 3. Among the top pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
Best Places to Stay in Phu My Hung
Phu My Hung is home to several boutique hotels and serviced apartments. The cost per night is quite affordable compared to other districts. Plus, the area is loaded with Korean food.
I personally love it down here, but that’s because I like to get out of the busy parts of District 1 and District 3 to see a different side of Saigon.
Best Hotel/Apartment in Phu My Hung
Oakwood Residence Saigon
Best Boutique Hotels and Apartments
Golden Tree Hotel & Apartment • Orchid Boutique Hotel & Apartment • Sunshine Boutique Hotel • La Bonita Hotel & Apartments • Golden Star Apartment
Binh Thanh District
My Favorite Binh Thanh District Hotels
- 5-star: Vinpearl Landmark 81
- Boutique: Maison De Camille
- 3-star: The Bloom
- 3-star: YEN Living Binh Thanh
Ward 19 in Binh Thanh District is also one of my favorite little areas. I frequently come here to eat. It has very local vibes mixed with great places to eat and wander. This would be a very cool place to stay, either short-term or long-term.
Its streets are smaller. Ward 19 and Ward 17 across the way are both very walkable. I have looked at a few different condos here over the years. If I found a place I liked, I would live in Ward 17 or Ward 19, but only because I have a motorbike and am comfortable riding a Grab moto-taxi if needed.
District 1 and District 3 are not exactly within walking distance of Binh Thanh. (It’d probably take 30 minutes, and you must cross a bridge.) But if you’re comfortable riding a GrabBike or taxi, it’s a great area to be in. (A taxi or moto-taxi would take 5 minutes to District 1.) You would also be much closer to Thao Dien in District 2 if you wanted to hop over there for a visit.
Binh Thanh District is also home to the tallest building in Vietnam, Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection. Not only is this a hotel, but there’s a small mall underneath, with restaurants, coffee shops, and a movie theater.
The skyscraper itself has apartments and awesome views of the city from its Oriental Pearl restaurant on the 66th Floor. The SkyView Observation Deck is an attraction itself, providing some of the best city views from the 79th to 81st floors.
This is among the best hotels in Saigon, and it’s right next to one of my favorite parks in the city, Vinhomes Central Park.
Where to Eat in Binh Thanh
Sushi Nhi. An excellent spot for budget sushi. Budget sushi? Ok, economical sushi.
Oliver’s Pizza. Sicilian-style pizza and a good lunch combo.
Pickles Eatery. A very good restaurant with several unique dishes.
Gringos Tacos y Cantina. A popular Mexican restaurant in Ward 19.
I like certain parts of Binh Thanh because it’s slightly different and less crowded than District 1. The area over by Vinhomes Central Park is nice, too. It’s just not near the tourist attractions in D1 and D3, so you’d need to take a GrabBike or taxi if you want to see them. Doing so is easy, though, and you could base yourself near Vinhomes and easily visit D1 and D3 just to see the attractions.
Best Places to Stay in Binh Thanh
There aren’t many hotels in Binh Thanh, but there are a few gems. Other than the luxury Vinpearl Landmark 81 hotel, some nice boutique hotels are in quiet parts of Binh Thanh. The area is very walkable, with many good food and coffee choices around.
Best Luxury Hotel in Binh Thanh
Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection
Best Boutique Hotels in Binh Thanh
YEN Living Binh Thanh • Maison De Camille Boutique Hotel • The Bloom Pham Viet Chanh
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City (FAQs)
Are there any budget-friendly hotels in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes, there are several highly-rated, budget-friendly hotels in District 1. But it will depend on which area of the district you want to stay in. If you want to be around Nguyen Hue Street/Dong Khoi, choose the Huong Sen Hotel. To be near Ben Thanh Market, pick the Calista Sai Gon Hotel or the Central Palace Hotel. The Vien Dong Hotel and the Duc Vuong Saigon Hotel are good choices if you want to be in the Bui Vien area.
What are the top luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh City?
Many of Ho Chi Minh City’s top luxury hotels are clustered in District 1, around Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi streets. However, there are great hotels in other areas, too. In District 1: Park Hyatt Saigon, The Reverie Saigon, and La Siesta Premium Saigon. In District 3: Hôtel des Arts Saigon and Mai House Saigon. In Binh Thanh: Vinpearl Landmark 81. And in District 2, Thao Dien: Mia Saigon.
What are the best hotels near Ben Thanh Market or the War Remnants Museum?
The War Remnants Museum is about a 15-minute walk to/from Ben Thanh Market. Many hotels are within walking distance of both attractions. Closer to Ben Thanh Market are the La Siesta Premium Saigon, the Central Palace Hotel, and the Silverland Yen Hotel. Closer to the War Remnants Museum are the Mai House Saigon, the Orchids Saigon Hotel, and the Victory Hotel Saigon.
Is District 5 in Ho Chi Minh City a good place to stay?
As someone who has lived in Saigon for a while, I wouldn’t recommend basing your vacation in District 5, especially if it’s your first time in Ho Chi Minh City. You can easily visit District 5 from District 1 (or District 3) if you’re interested in something in D5, like Chinatown (Cho Lon). But otherwise, it lacks the convenience and abundance of attractions compared to D1 and D3. These districts have a much higher concentration of hotels, good places to eat, and are much more convenient for first-time visitors.
What are the best hostels in Bui Vien and District 1, Ho Chi Minh City?
The best hostels in the Bui Vien area are The Hideout, Long Hostel, Vy Khanh Guesthouse, and The Like Hostel and Cafe. If you want to be outside the Bui Vien area, I recommend Meander Saigon, which is in an excellent area of District 1 and has its own co-working space.
I am going to SGN in March, doing research, and really am finding your articles to be extremely informative and useful. Can’t wait to get there, and thanks for doing all this.
Thanks for reading. Let me know if you have any questions. If you’re active on FB, I have a group going: https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitsaigon