If you’re a first-time visitor to Ho Chi Minh City, it’s important to know where to stay and which hotel that best suits your budget and preference.
Without proper research, this could lead to unnecessary hassles and travel expenses. Hailed as Vietnam’s biggest city and business capital, Ho Chi Minh City features plenty of things to see and do, from fascinating historical landmarks and beautiful pagodas to hip bars and sprawling shopping malls.
Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts, each offering unique experiences and accommodation options to travellers worldwide. To help you decide where to book your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, we’ve compiled a quick rundown of the pros and cons of its most popular districts.
Should I book my hotel in District 1 (Downtown)
District 1 (Downtown) : How to decide
District 1 is Ho Chi Minh City’s main financial and commercial hub, featuring French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, as well as ample dining and shopping opportunities. Notable attractions here include Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Reunification Palace, Saigon Zoo, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Botanical Gardens Mariamman Hindu Temple and Bitexco Tower.
Due to its popularity, District 1 offers plenty of accommodation options that range from five-star hotels set along the upscale Dong Khoi Street to budget guesthouses within the backpackers street of Pham Ngu Lao.
Who is it For:
- People looking for a busy nightlife scene
- Travellers who like to be in the centre of the action
- People who like a wide range of restaurants
What's Good:
- Hotels, restaurants, and bars cater for different budget levels
- Lots of sightseeing opportunities
- Extensive public transportation
What's Not So Good:
- The area can get very crowded
- Congested traffic
