Here are the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, most recommended by tourists, selected based on my personal experiences that I’d like to share with you. These areas are ideal for relaxing, exploring the city, offering a variety of attractions, friendly locals, and a very safe environment.
I’m an Australian who truly loves Vietnam, and I started my journey in 2020 and shared my expirence on 123dzovietnam.com website. I’ve spent years traveling to various cities across Vietnam—from the North, South, Central regions, and beyond—learning about the culture and lifestyle of the locals. For those new to Vietnam
I recommend starting with Ho Chi Minh City. These areas have proven ideal for beginners, families, and those who appreciate convenient transportation, delicious food, and friendly people.
District 1, Saigon: The Tourist Hub and Best Accommodation Zone
If you’ve never been to Ho Chi Minh City, I recommend Saigon, which I use as a base for apartment viewings or sightseeing. It boasts many attractions that I consider highlights of the area. It’s also easy to get around, whether you’re walking or taking a taxi.
The best places to visit in Saigon
Japanese town: A neighborhood known for its izakaya-style restaurants, it boasts many delicious ramen spots. You can find authentic Japanese restaurants here, as well as grocery stores selling imported goods from Japan.
Not far from Japanese town is the Saigon Opera House, a historic building with French Gothic architecture located on Dong Khoi Street in the heart of the city. It was another place I really enjoyed, as I admired the exterior and even watched a performance, for which I bought tickets.
Another highlight I can’t miss is Ho Chi Minh City Book Street. I love strolling around and collecting books that tell stories about my visit to the city. The atmosphere is not crowded, and it’s conveniently located within walking distance.
Recommended Restaurants in Saigon District 1
Saigon District 1 offers a wide variety of restaurants. The list below is based on my experience with the food, price, and atmosphere:
- Banh Mi Bay Ho: A very popular street food restaurant. Recommended dishes include the Banh Mi sandwich. The restaurant is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Pho Le: When visiting Vietnam, you must try Pho (noodle soup). Pho Le offers rich soup, chewy noodles, and incredibly tender pork that melts in your mouth.
- Du Yen: Perfect for families, offering private rooms and authentic Vietnamese cuisine accessible to everyone.
- Xoi Ga Number One: Located on a street corner near Ben Thanh Market, offering only two dishes: xôi gà (sticky rice with chicken and egg, served with gravy) and xôi bắp (sweet corn sticky rice with sugar and lard). Both are delicious.
My Favorite Hotels in Saigon
From my experience where to stay in Saigon, I’ve tried almost every type of hotel—from 5-star luxury to family-friendly accommodations and riverside hotels. Here’s a list of places that impressed me with affordability, cleanliness, and excellent service:
| 1. The Reverie Saigon | Beautifully designed, elegant, and luxurious. The professional and attentive staff provide friendly service. Located in District 1, close to landmarks, shops, and convenient transportation. |
| 2. New World | Spacious rooms with luxurious bathrooms, a spa, fitness center, and swimming pool. Suitable for families. The staff receive praise for helpfulness and good manners. Some rooms may hear noise from the rooftop bar or outside. |
| 3. La Siesta Premium | Offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. Not luxurious, but high-quality features at a reasonable price. Some rooms have no windows or poor views. |
| 4. Majestic Hotel | Excellent atmosphere. I had a room with a view of the Bach Dang River, which provided a relaxing environment. The staff were friendly, and the breakfast buffet was delicious. |
District 2, Thao Dien: A Source of Excellent Local and International Food
I stayed in Thao Dien for about two months and found that the area’s highlight is its food, offering a wide selection of local and international restaurants. There are also landmarks, hotels I frequented, and places I’ve recommended to friends.
My most memorable place in Thao Dien
Thu Thiem Riverside Park: A spacious area with a riverside promenade, perfect for strolling and taking in the views of the river and city across the street. Great for jogging or enjoying fresh air.
Thao Dien Night Street: A food and nightlife spot, open only on Fridays and Saturdays from around 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM, offering a wide variety of street food, including Thai, Vietnamese, and other Asian dishes.
Mega Market: If you’re in need of anything, or need to buy something, I recommend Mega Market. It’s a large supermarket in Ho Chi Minh City, similar to Costco. You can find a wide variety of products here.
Restaurants I Recommend in Thao Dien
Thao Dien is a city known for its food, and my favorite restaurants are quite diverse, including Vietnamese, Italian, and riverside restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.
- Madame Lam: A quiet restaurant perfect for a fine dinner, using high-quality ingredients with flavors accessible even to foreigners.
- Terraviva Pizza & Italian Cuisine: Focuses on authentic Italian dishes like pizza and pasta, using high-quality ingredients.
- WKND: A brunch and casual dining spot with a relaxed atmosphere and contemporary food and drink menus.
- Spice Bistro: A Vietnamese street fusion restaurant surrounded by nature. The food is based on local cuisine with harmonious flavors.
My favorite hotels and accommodations in Thao Dien
If you’re looking for the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, I’ve listed three types of accommodations that I’ve enjoyed the most: budget, luxury, and riverside. Each has its own pros and cons:
| 1. Amanaki Thao Dien | Modern boutique hotel featuring a rooftop infinity pool with stunning city views and a full-service spa. Ideal for tranquility and boutique luxury. |
| 2. Villa Song Saigon | This luxurious waterfront hotel has high reviews and is considered a luxury hotel in the Thao Dien area. The staff are friendly and helpful. |
| 3. Common Inn Thao Dien | Clean rooms, excellent service, and a rooftop kitchen for socializing. For more privacy, choose a corner room or high floor. |
For transportation, I recommend using a Grab Taxi, as Thao Dien is quite far from central tourist attractions. Walking takes about 15–20 minutes, so a taxi is a time-saving option, especially with family.
Hong Phat District 3: A Slow-Paced Area, Fun for Walking, and Close to Tourist Attractions
From my experience, District 3 is my favorite area in Ho Chi Minh City. It has a lively lifestyle, tree-lined streets providing shade, a variety of attractions, delicious street food, and very clean accommodations.
A landmark in Hong Phat that impressed me
I visited the War Remnants Museum, a crucial site for understanding the Vietnam War. It features both outdoor and indoor exhibits, and the entrance fee is only 40,000 VND.
Tan Dinh Church (Pink Church): A beautiful Chinese-Vietnamese style church with a seven-story pagoda and temple. The surrounding area is bustling with joggers and many cafes.
My favorite restaurants in Hong Phat:
Most of the restaurants I visit are local Vietnamese or fusion cuisine, as I love street food. However, if I’m with friends or family, I tend to choose more private and less crowded restaurants. There are three main restaurants in Hong Phat that I like the most:
- Cô Liêng – If you’re craving local dishes like bò lá lốt or bánh hỏi, along with authentic local grilled meats, this restaurant is the perfect choice. Open from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily.
- Chay Garden – If you’re a health-conscious vegetarian, this is a must-visit. What I love about this restaurant, aside from the delicious food, is the very peaceful atmosphere.
- Vị Sài Gòn Restaurant & Café – International Restaurant Perfect for a dinner with friends, couples or family. Good atmosphere and private corner. Good service. Reasonable price.
The Best Hotels in the Safest and Cleanest Hong Phat Area
I place great importance on accommodations because I want to fully relax and receive the best service. Three hotels in the Hong Phat area impressed me the most.
| 1. Sherwood Residence | A 5-star hotel known for its luxurious serviced apartments with complete facilities, perfect for families or those seeking extended stays. |
| 2. Mai House Saigon Hotel | A luxurious colonial-style hotel with a warm atmosphere and excellent service. Breakfast is a fusion buffet. |
| 3. La Vela Saigon Hotel | The rooms are spacious and fully equipped, perfect for those seeking a wonderful stay in Ho Chi Minh City. |
And here are my experiences in “The Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City” with readers. These three districts in Ho Chi Minh City impressed me and made me feel that I had truly arrived in Vietnam. These areas offer a complete range of historical sites, hotels, and restaurants.
