Deciding where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City first time can be quite challenging. The city is large, dynamic, and divided into different districts, each offering a completely different experience.
Some neighborhoods are modern and heavily tourist-oriented, while others have a more local and residential feel. There’s a lot of contrast to be found in these districts. Choosing the right location can therefore make a huge difference in how you experience your first visit.
Ho Chi Minh City is voor mij geen onbekende bestemming.
Door de jaren heen heb ik de stad meerdere keren bezocht, zowel voor werk als voor vakantie.
Ik verbleef er voor korte tussenstops, meerdere dagen en zelfs meerdere weken.
Doordat ik de stad vanuit verschillende perspectieven en wijken heb leren kennen, ben ik ervan overtuigd dat ik je goed kan helpen bij het kiezen waar je het beste kunt verblijven tijdens je eerste bezoek aan Ho Chi Minh City.
The best neighborhoods to stay in Ho Chi Minh City first time are District 1 and District 3. For those staying in the city for a longer period, I recommend District 7. Those staying for a very short time and need to catch a flight will find Tan Binh District convenient.
Stay in District 1 if you’re visiting Bologna for the first time. This is where you’ll find most of the city’s highlights and vibrant nightlife. It’s by far the easiest district to explore Ho Chi Minh City, both day and night.
Choose District 3 if you want a central location in a more local area. One of the drawbacks of District 1 is its modernization. Stay in District 3 if you’re looking for something more authentic.
District 7 is a pleasant district outside the city center, ideal for travelers staying in Ho Chi Minh City for a longer period. It’s quiet, affordable, and offers all the amenities you need. You’ll find plenty of Airbnbs and spacious apartments, but you’ll be staying a bit further from the city center (20 minutes by taxi).
If you want to avoid heavy traffic because you need to get to the airport on time, Tan Binh District is the most practical option. It’s located between the airport and District 1. Don’t underestimate the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City, especially during rush hour.
| Name of the district | Ideal for: |
|---|---|
| District 1 | The best area for tourists, ideal for sightseeing and nightlife. |
| District 3 | Authentic version of District 1, better prices, but District 1 has a few more amenities. |
| District 7 | The best area for a longer stay. |
| Tan Binh District | The best area for a very short stay. |
The best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for a first time
For most first-time travelers to Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 is undoubtedly the best choice.
This district is the commercial and cultural heart of the city, home to most of the city’s well-known sights, museums, restaurants, and nightlife.
Staying here allows you to reach many highlights on foot and saves time in a city known for its heavy traffic.
District 1 is also the most convenient area for sightseeing and nightlife.
Famous spots like Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the War Remnants Museum are all located in or near this district.
In the evening, District 1 truly comes alive with rooftop bars, restaurants, and entertainment areas like Bui Vien Walking Street, making it an ideal location for travelers who want to experience the city at night.
At the same time, District 1 is very modern and highly commercialized.
It’s the most Westernized part of the city, with international brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s on almost every corner, as well as luxury fashion houses (Prada, Dior, Chanel, etc.).
Many large international hotel chains are also located here.
Whether this is an advantage or disadvantage depends on personal preference.
Some travelers appreciate the comfort and familiarity, while others feel it detracts from the local atmosphere.
District 1 is the most expensive district in Ho Chi Minh City, but prices remain affordable compared to Western cities.
Besides luxury hotels, you’ll also find many budget hotels and hostels here, making it suitable for all types of travelers.
The biggest disadvantages are the crowds, traffic, and touristy nature.
Still, no other district can match District 1 when it comes to convenience and location for a first-time visitor.
I therefore recommend seeking accommodations in this area unless you’re looking for something specific for somewhat different reasons.
Modern Ho Chi Minh City is rapidly being built up, while the city center is filled with monumental buildings. A beautiful contrast!
Stay centrally with a more local atmosphere
District 3 is a popular choice among travelers who want to stay close to the city center but prefer a more local, less touristy environment.
Compared to District 1, District 3 feels quieter and more residential, with leafy streets, local cafes, and a less hectic atmosphere.
While centrally located, District 3 is slightly less convenient for sightseeing.
Most attractions are still easily accessible, but you’ll likely use taxis or apps like Grab more often than walking.
In return, you’ll get a more authentic glimpse into daily life in Ho Chi Minh City and generally pay less for accommodation.
District 3 is a good middle ground for travelers who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of District 1 but still want to stay close enough to the city center.
Ho Chi Minh City is known for its nightlife. Đường Bùi Viện (Bui Vien Walking Street) is the epicenter and guarantees a legendary night out.
Comfortable choice for a longer stay
During one of my recent visits to Ho Chi Minh City, I split my stay between District 1 and District 7, spending a week in each.
The difference between these two areas was clearly noticeable.
District 7, and especially the Phu My Hung area, feels modern, spacious, and well-organized, with wide streets and a strong international influence.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in District 7 is the variety of restaurants and cafes.
Unlike some parts of District 1 (especially on the outskirts), where local eateries are primarily found in the immediate vicinity, District 7 offers a wide variety of international cuisines.
Korean, Japanese, Italian, and Western restaurants abound here, making it an attractive neighborhood for food lovers.
You’ll find few tourists here, simply because this area is designed for locals.
One of the conveniences, for example, is that you can find several large supermarkets within walking distance.
I’m not talking about the small 7-Eleven on the corner, but full-fledged stores with a wide selection.
For those staying in Ho Chi Minh City for an extended period and renting an Airbnb, this is ideal.
The biggest disadvantage of District 7 is its distance from the main tourist attractions.
The travel time to District 1 can be considerable, especially during rush hour.
Therefore, District 7 is less suitable for short city breaks.
However, for travelers staying in the city for a longer period or who value comfort and modern amenities, District 7 offers excellent hotels at very reasonable prices.
If you want to stay in the heart of the city where you can discover the highlights and nightlife without having to travel far, District 7 is definitely not recommended!
The war museum is a must-visit. Impressive, shocking, and yet also deeply saddening. It's a side of the war that's often overlooked.
Ideal for short stays and being close to the airport to catch your early flight
In my first years in Southeast Asia, I traveled to Ho Chi Minh City almost weekly for work, sometimes staying overnight.
During that time, I often chose a hotel in Tan Binh District, near Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
This district isn’t particularly attractive or touristy, but it is extremely practical.
Staying near the airport can save a lot of time and stress, especially if you have an early flight or are only in the city for a short time.
Traffic between the airport and District 1 can be very heavy, so avoiding that route is a major advantage.
While Tan Binh isn’t necessarily ideal for exploring the city, services like Grab make it easy to get to the city center.
Tan Binh District is a logical choice for travelers who prioritize efficiency over location.
In other words, if you’re only staying for a single day or don’t want the stress of having to travel to the airport from the city center, choose this area.
Vietnamese cuisine is one that will amaze you. French influences from the colonial past, as well as Chinese influences, create a unique and diverse gastronomy.
In 2024, Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line finally opened.
Unfortunately, this line currently serves mainly those staying in the northeast of the city and offers little added value for most tourists.
Future plans, however, are ambitious, with several metro lines, monorails, and a tram line slated for opening in the coming years.
Once this network is fully operational, the districts surrounding District 1 will likely become more popular with tourists.
For now, however, location remains a decisive factor when choosing a hotel, as public transport is still limited for visitors.
The historic center of Ho Chi Minh City is full of beautiful architecture, but even outside the tourist epicenter there is plenty of beauty to behold.
For first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City, staying in or as close to District 1 as possible remains the best choice.
You’ll have the best access to sights, restaurants, and nightlife here, which is ideal if you have limited time.
Those looking for a more local atmosphere should consider District 3.
For longer stays, District 7 offers more comfort and value, while Tan Binh District is best suited for short visits or early flights.
Ultimately, the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City depends on your travel style, the length of your stay, and your personal preferences.
However, for most first-time visitors, District 1 offers the easiest and most comprehensive introduction to the city.