Vietnam has often been sidelined by the oh-so-popular Thailand, but in the past couple of years, the tourism industry has definitely exploded and you will find that it is a great short weekend getaway especially for my fellow Singaporeans.
I made use of one long weekend to check out the cafe scene in Ho Chi Minh last year. It made for a really fulfilling trip, considering I get to feast on my favourite Vietnamese pho and banh mi all day long. ????
For those who stay across the Pacific Ocean, how about a Southeast Asian trip?
Here I have crafted a list of must-see places to help you start planning an adventure!
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam?
Ho Chi Minh, previously known as Saigon, is divided into 24 districts.
I stayed at PARKROYAL Saigon during my short weekend trip to Ho Chi Minh, which I've shared more in my review of the hotel.
To be close to all the tourist destinations especially during a short stay, I recommend looking at hotels in Ho Chi Minh District 1. It is the closest to all the city's main attractions.
In my opinion, I can broadly categorise the different areas to stay in District 1 into the following:
5-star hotels - Near the upscale street of Dong Khoi Mid-range hotels - Around the famous Ben Thanh Market Budget hostels - Along the backpacker's street of Pham Ngu Lao
I have also listed some hotels that are near the Ho Chi Minh airport as well at the end, just in case any of you are making a quick pit stop. In order of pricing from high to low.
Let's get started on sussing out the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh city!
5-star Hotels in Ho Chi Minh District 1, Vietnam
Stay right in the middle of the shopping and entertainment complex with these 5-star hotels in Saigon. Various attractions include the Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City Hall and Saigon River.
These hotels are all a quick cab ride from the famous Ben Thanh Market.
Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers (Starting from SGD331/night) Le Meridien Saigon (Starting from SGD325/night) Caravelle Saigon Hotel (Starting from SGD380/night) - They are known for their rooftop bar, Saigon Saigon Bar! New World Saigon Hotel (Starting from SGD179/night) Majestic Hotel (Starting from SGD170/night) Rex Hotel (Starting from SGD146/night) - Check out their rooftop restaurant for a dinner with a view! Grand Hotel Saigon (Starting from SGD128/night)
Mid-range Hotels in Ho Chi Minh District 1, Vietnam
Not all of us are willing to spend that much on hotels. You'll be happy to know that there are also affordable hotels near Ben Thanh market.
The street food market that is located just a stone's throw away from the main market opens from morning all the way till midnight. That means, you can stuff yourself with great food all day long!
Alagon Zen Hotel & Spa (Starting from SGD135/night) A&EM Signature Hotel (Starting from SGD101/night) Paradise Saigon Boutique Hotel (Starting from SGD95/night) The Hammock Hotel Ben Thanh (Starting from SGD95/night) - I like how they have hammocks in every room! The Luxe Hotel (Starting from SGD62/night) Cititel Central Saigon Hotel (Starting from SGD86/night)
Budget Hostels in Ho Chi Minh District 1, Vietnam
Having stayed in hostels all around the world, hostels in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are one of the best I have ever seen.
They are clean, have good amenities, friendly staff and very affordable.
Some hostels in Ho Chi Minh are located a little further from the main areas. However, if you do not mind the extra 15 minute walk to save some money, there are good wallet-friendly options.
Onetel Hostel (Starting from SGD10/night) Lily Hostel (Starting from SGD9/night) Vitamin Smiles (Starting from SGD7/night) Bedstation Hostel (Starting from SGD7/night) Dream Station Saigon Hostel (Starting from SGD6/night) Vy Da Backpackers Hostel 2 (Starting from SGD6/night)
Hotels near Ho Chi Minh Airport, Vietnam
If you have an early flight to catch or have a quick stopover, these are my picks for hotels near Ho Chi Minh Airport.
Ibis Saigon Airport (Starting from SGD75/night) Ciao Saigon Hotel & Spa (Starting from SGD68/night) The Airport Hotel (Starting from SGD33/night) Erato Boutique Hotel (Starting from SGD20/night)
If you have some time to spare, I strongly recommend checking out Ben Thanh Market! It is just a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport (outside rush hour). This would cost around SGD6-10/ USD4-7.
TIP: Traffic in Ho Chi Minh can get crazy during peak periods, so be sure to allocate ample time if you have a flight to catch!
If you prefer to take the public transport, you can take the Bus #152 right outside the airport. Good news is, buses do have priority on the roads.
I hope this post has broken it down simply for you on where to stay in Ho Chi Minh city.
Regardless of where you choose around Saigon, you will be surrounded by beautiful architecture and great food of this historically rich city so enjoy!
Read other posts about Vietnam: