Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City – A Travey Club Guide
Choosing where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) can make a huge difference to your trip. The city is energetic, busy, and full of different neighbourhoods, each with its own personality. During our time exploring the city, we realized that every district offers a slightly different experience — from lively nightlife streets to quieter areas filled with cafés and local markets.
At Travey Club, we spent time wandering through several parts of the city and speaking with locals and travellers to understand which areas are best for visitors. If you’re planning your stay in Saigon, here are some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in and a hotel we’d recommend in each area.
District 1 – Best for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time in Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 is easily the most convenient place to stay. This is the heart of the city where many of the major attractions are located, including the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market.
What we loved most about District 1 is that you can walk to many places, and the streets are filled with cafés, rooftop bars, and restaurants. At night, the area becomes lively with street food stalls and buzzing nightlife.
Hotel Recommendation:
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
This hotel sits right along the Saigon River and offers beautiful views of the city skyline. The rooftop pool is a great place to relax after a long day of exploring.
Why we like it:
- Central location
- Rooftop pool and bar
- Walking distance to major attractions
District 3 – A Quieter Local Experience
Just next to District 1, District 3 feels more local and slightly more relaxed. Walking through the neighbourhood, we noticed tree-lined streets, charming cafés, and traditional Vietnamese homes mixed with colonial architecture.
It’s still very close to the main attractions but without the intense crowds you sometimes find in the city centre.
Hotel Recommendation:
Mai House Saigon Hotel
This hotel stood out for its elegant design and calm atmosphere. It has a classic feel while still offering modern comfort, making it a great retreat after a busy day in the city.
Why we like it:
- Stylish and spacious rooms
- Peaceful location
- Excellent service
Phu Nhuan District – Great for Food Lovers
If you enjoy exploring local food scenes, Phu Nhuan District is an underrated area worth considering. It’s less touristy and filled with small eateries, bakeries, and hidden cafés.
While it’s not as central as District 1, it’s still easy to reach most attractions with a short Grab ride.
What we enjoyed most here was simply walking around and discovering local restaurants that weren’t packed with tourists.
Hotel Recommendation:
Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon
This is a comfortable and well-known hotel that offers spacious rooms and excellent facilities. It’s also conveniently located for travellers arriving through Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
Why we like it:
- Close to the airport
- Large rooms and modern facilities
- Good value for the quality
District 5 (Chinatown) – Cultural and Historical Stay
For something completely different, consider staying in District 5, also known as Cholon, the city’s historic Chinatown.
This area feels more traditional and cultural compared to the modern city centre. Here you’ll find beautiful temples, bustling markets, and authentic Chinese-Vietnamese restaurants.
It’s a fascinating place to explore if you want to see another side of Ho Chi Minh City.
Hotel Recommendation:
Windsor Plaza Hotel
This hotel is one of the most established in the area and offers comfortable rooms along with great city views.
Why we like it:
- Located in the heart of Chinatown
- Spacious rooms
- Easy access to local markets and temples
Final Thoughts from Travey Club
Ho Chi Minh City is one of those places where every neighbourhood tells a slightly different story. Staying in District 1 puts you in the middle of the action, while District 3 offers a calmer and more local feel. If you want something different, areas like Phu Nhuan and Chinatown (District 5) provide a more authentic look into everyday life in Saigon.
No matter where you stay, one thing is certain — Ho Chi Minh City has a way of surprising you with its energy, culture, and incredible food.
At Travey Club, we always recommend choosing a neighbourhood that matches the kind of experience you want from your trip. Sometimes the best travel memories start right outside the door of the place you stay.
Travey Club is your personal travel planning partner, dedicated to crafting truly bespoke itineraries shaped around how you travel. We believe every journey is unique—no single template, and no purely AI-generated plan, can fit all travel needs. Rather than booking flights or hotels, we focus on thoughtful, human-led planning for our members, working alongside trusted travel agents who manage reservations. Our itineraries highlight key experiences, while Travey Club brings them together through personalized insight, expertise, and attention to detail—ensuring every trip feels intentional, seamless, and distinctly yours.
Look at our three days Ho Chi Minh Itinerary : Travey Club
