where is the best area to stay in ho chi minh city?

Where is the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

By Michaela Willsher. May 10, 2023

The best area to stay within Ho Chi Minh City is District 1. As the main commercial hub of the city, it has numerous amounts of shopping opportunities, from the lavish Saigon Centre to the infamous Ben Thanh market. And, for those who love architecture, this part of the city has many beautiful French-colonial buildings, which has given rise to Saigon being known as the ‘Paris of Asia.’ Ho Chi Minh City’s most popular tourist attractions are only a short walk away and, furthermore, District 1 also offers a diverse range of restaurants, museums, art galleries, nightlife and is even home to the brand-new metro system.

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a city full of diversity from its attractions to cultures and cuisine, there is something that appeals to everyone in this noisy and buzzing city. There are also some similarities between this city and Hanoi as it has many French buildings and regularly gets called the “Paris of Asia”. The city is home to many historical attractions with many representing the various wars that have been fought here and there are some outstanding museums, breath-taking religious buildings, authentic Vietnamese markets as well as brilliant shopping malls and heaps of nightlife.If you are interested in where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, you may also be interested in where to stay in Da Lat,  where to stay in Hanoi or where to stay in Hoi An.

District 1, the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for first time visitors

Best for First Time / Tourists / Nightlife

At the heart of the city lies District 1, the perfect place for those who love history, architecture and shopping. Choosing this as your area to stay would mean you are only a short walk-away from the city’s most popular tourist attractions, as well as a diverse range of restaurants, hotels and the effervescent nightlife of Bui Vien Street. You can also take advantage of the newly-developed metro system, which can branch you out to other areas of the city, without the need to brave Ho Chi Minh’s crazy traffic.

For history lovers, the Notre Dame cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office offers a glimpse of life in the 19th Century French-colonial era. Additionally, the Reunification Palace (also known as the Independence Palace) is another must-see. The former home of the president of Southern Vietnam has since been frozen-in-time since the North and South unified in the 1970’s.

Hotels in District 1

Other areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

District 3

Best for

Culture / History Lovers / Food

Neighbouring District 1, District 3 is only a short motorbike ride away, so, for those who want a more authentic, quieter experience, whilst still being able to visit the city’s centre, this could be the place for you. With mostly locals living here, you can immerse yourself in the life of a native. Nguyen Thuong Hien street is a great place for dining and offers a wide range of local food and cuisines from different countries. Or, if you are into learning more about the religious side of Vietnam, visit one of the many Buddhist pagodas, such as Vinh Nghiem.

District 3 has many hidden gems, such as the ‘Pink Church.’ Known to locals as Tan Dinh, the church was built during the French-colonial era and definitely stands out. For history lovers, the War Remnants museum is a must. It provides a perspective to the Vietnamese war that most westerners would not normally experience.

Hotels in District 3

Thao Dien (District 2)

Best for Families / Boutique Shopping

Just a short ride over the river lies Thao Dien, an ideal spot for families, with it’s village-esque appeal and respite from the craziness of the rest of the city. It’s home to a mix of affluent locals and expats and full of beautiful artsy cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping opportunities. It boasts many shopping malls, such as the Thao Dien Pearl and Parkson Cantavil, with film theatres, international fashion brands and high-end supermarkets.

Also know locally as ‘the cool part of town,’ it is a chance to unwind and even walk around quiet neighbourhoods. With wider streets and less traffic, it’s perfect for families and anyone who want to take an evening stroll. Even though the western influence is apparent in District 2, there are still opportunities to go to a local Vietnamese restaurant and experience local life in this part of the city.

Hotels in Thao Dien

District 7

Best for

Shopping / Relaxation / Luxury

As one of the largest districts within the city, District 7 is a shoppers paradise. Being home to the ultra-exclusive Crescent Mall, shoppers can spend hours browsing through the high-end shops. Just outside the shopping centre is Crescent lake, a huge man-made lake, which offers shoppers a chance to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Void of any traditional Vietnamese nightlife, you can still experience a luxurious nightlife at the Hung Vuong building and Sky Garden. For an alternative day out, District 7 is home to some of the more eccentric attractions. Lost, for example, is a popular escape room and Bao Tang Tranh is a 3D art gallery, where you can become part of the art. District 7 also has plentiful parks, such as Ho Ban Nguyet park, which offers a rare chance to walk around freely and for running-lovers, it’s a perfect spot for exercise.

Hotels in District 7

Phu Nhuan

Best for Culture Lovers / Nightlife / Local Restaurants

Phu Nhuan is another district neighbouring the city centre, so it’s perfect for tourists who want to see the city’s biggest attractions, whilst also having a quieter, more authentic experience. Like District 3, you will find plenty of beautiful pagodas to visit as well as streets filled with local restaurants. Foodies will also be pleased to experience local Vietnamese cuisine as well as Thai, Korean, Japanese and Chinese food. Phan Xich Long Street is notable for this and runs through the heart of Phu Nhuan.

There aren’t any significant shopping centres, however, Phu Nhuan can offer you a range of family-owned smaller shops selling items at very affordable prices. If you want to experience true Vietnamese nightlife, take a trip to Truong Sa street, where you can share cheap beers and snails with locals until the sun comes up.

Hotels in Phu Nhuan

Tan Binh

Best to Stay

Close to The Airport

Much like the neighbouring District 3 and Phu Nhuan, Tan Binh is close enough to the city centre, yet offers tourists a less urbanised, authentic experience. Being home to the Tan San Nhat International Airport, it is most tourists first glimpse of Ho Chi Minh, and it will not disappoint. There are many recreational activities here, such as bowling, karaoke bars, and of course a plentiful supply of locally-owned restaurants.

It is also home to Giac Lam, built in 1744, it is one of Vietnam’s oldest pagodas. This district is known to be one of the most peaceful and charming districts, thanks to Hoang Van Thu park and the Nhieu Loc channel. Driving along the channel in the morning or at night, will allow you to experience another side to the city. Most people here are not as rushed, you can see elderly people taking walks with their friends and young people exercising along the channel’s walkway.

Hotels in Tan Binh

Binh Thanh

Best for Culture / Shopping

Binh Thanh is not well-known to most tourists, yet this older district has a buoyant spirit that offers a gentler respite from the city’s centre, perfect for those who are looking for a calmer visit, but still want to be close to the hustle and bustle of District 1.

Binh Thanh is one of the more ancient residental areas of Ho Chi Minh City, where it’s residents come from all over Vietnam, offering visitors a diverse cultural experience. Like District 3, Phu Nhuan and Tan Binh, there are plenty of local restaurants and pagodas to visit.

Alternatively, Binh Thanh is home to Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam and the 18th tallest building in the world. Visitors can venture to the top and step outside for amazing views of the city. Landmark 81 is also home to a large shopping centre, where visitors can ice-skate in one of the city’s only ice-rinks.

Hotels in Binh Thanh

Cho Lon (District 5)

Best for

Culture / Food / Markets

Home to the world’s largest Chinatown, Cho Lon, as it is known locally, offers tourists an alternative look at the city thanks to the heavy Chinese influence there. Although the rest of District 5 is not as well-known with tourists, being home to the exciting and vibrant Cho Lon, should definitely be on a visitors to-do list. It is an eclectic mix of old and new, with many traditional shops, markets and local food stalls. The architecture also stands out here, many houses were built in the 19th Century and have a lot of Chinese inspiration.

Tran Hung Dao is a popular area of Cho Lon, with many local shops selling traditional Chinese medicines. Additionally, if you want to shop more in this part of the city, Binh Tay market is a go-to. Sourced from all over Vietnam and Asia, its goods range from silks and lanterns to fresh fruit from the Mekong Delta.

Hotels in Cho Lon

District 10

Best for Culture / Parks

District 10 is another district which offers some respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, so is perfect for those wanting a more relaxed getaway. However, District 10 is not to be underestimated - it is home to a number of pagodas and theatre places, most notably the Hoa Binh Opera House, which is frequented by many local artists. Similarly to most other districts, you can experience local life here with local dining and shopping.

District 10 is also home to many parks, such as Le Thi Rieng, which has a large lake, coffee shops and even a small eucalyptus forest. There is also Tho Trang Park, an amusement park with a handful of classic rides, from dodgems to a small rollercoaster.

For a taste of Amsterdam, visit Ho Thi Ky, a market which sells flowers from the mountainous city of Dalat.

Hotels in District 10