Where to Stay in Hcmc
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Hcmc
Compare prices from hotels across all regions
Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Regions of Hcmc
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The historic heart of HCMC centered on District 1 and parts of District 3, this area offers the densest concentration of accommodation options from backpacker hostels to luxury international chains. Colonial-era buildings have been converted into charming boutique hotels, while modern high-rises house international brands. This zone provides walking access to major attractions, dining, and nightlife.
District 5 and parts of District 6 comprise HCMC's historic Chinatown (Cholon), offering a more authentic local experience with fewer tourists. Accommodation here tends toward mid-range local hotels and guesthouses, with excellent value for money. The area provides insight into the city's Chinese-Vietnamese heritage while remaining well-connected to central areas.
Stretching along the Saigon River through Districts 1, 2, and 4, this area has seen significant development with luxury hotels and serviced apartments offering river views. District 2 particularly has emerged as an expat haven with modern apartments and international-standard hotels. The riverside location provides scenic settings while maintaining good connectivity.
Districts along the route to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, including parts of Tan Binh and Phu Nhuan districts, offer convenient transit-oriented accommodation. These areas feature numerous airport hotels, business-focused properties, and budget options popular with early-morning flight departures. Less tourist-oriented but highly practical for specific needs.
Areas around major universities in Districts 3, 10, and Binh Thanh offer budget-friendly accommodation popular with younger travelers and students. These neighborhoods have authentic local character, excellent street food, and lower prices than central tourist zones. The area provides genuine insight into daily Vietnamese life.
Districts 7 and 8 represent newer developments with planned residential communities, international schools, and modern infrastructure. District 7 particularly attracts expats and families with its contemporary serviced apartments, international amenities, and spacious accommodations. Further from traditional tourist sites but offering modern comforts.
Districts 11, 12, and Go Vap in the northern reaches offer the most authentic local experience with minimal tourist infrastructure. Accommodation is predominantly aimed at domestic travelers and business visitors to industrial zones. Prices are rock-bottom, but English proficiency is limited and attractions are distant.
Thu Duc City (formerly Districts 2, 9, and Thu Duc) represents HCMC's newest urban expansion with modern infrastructure, tech parks, and emerging residential areas. Accommodation options are growing rapidly, featuring contemporary hotels and apartments with excellent facilities but requiring more travel time to central attractions.
Districts 6 and Binh Tan toward the western edge offer developing accommodation options along major transportation routes. These areas serve as gateways to the Mekong Delta and provide budget alternatives with improving connectivity. Accommodation is practical rather than tourist-oriented.
The Can Gio district, HCMC's only coastal area, offers a completely different accommodation experience with eco-resorts, beachside bungalows, and mangrove forest lodges. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve provides nature-focused stays away from urban intensity, though options remain limited and basic.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Hcmc
International chains have significant presence in HCMC, with Marriott, InterContinental, Hilton, Hyatt, Accor (Sofitel, Novotel, Ibis), and Sheraton operating flagship properties primarily in Districts 1 and 2. Asian chains including Lotte, Nikko, and Pullman also maintain strong footprints. Mid-range international brands like Holiday Inn, Citadines, and Oakwood offer serviced apartments and business hotels. Local chains such as Saigon Tourist Hotels, Muong Thanh, and Liberty Central provide reliable mid-range options with Vietnamese hospitality at competitive prices. The market remains fragmented with many independent operators, creating opportunities for unique boutique experiences.
Independent Vietnamese hotels and guesthouses dominate the accommodation landscape, ranging from family-run mini-hotels (nha nghi) with just 5-10 rooms to mid-sized local hotels with 50+ rooms. Many are housed in narrow 'tube houses' typical of Vietnamese architecture, with rooms stacked vertically. These establishments often provide exceptional value, personal service, and home-cooked breakfasts, though English proficiency varies. The rise of Vietnamese boutique hotel brands has introduced stylish design-focused properties that blend French colonial aesthetics with modern Vietnamese touches. Homestays are increasingly popular, particularly in outer districts, offering authentic cultural experiences and home-cooked meals.
HCMC offers several accommodation types unique to Vietnamese culture and history. Heritage colonial villas converted into boutique hotels provide atmospheric stays in French-era mansions with period furniture and architectural details. Tube house hotels offer quintessentially Vietnamese narrow, multi-story buildings with rooftop terraces. Serviced apartments (can ho dich vu) are extremely popular for stays over a week, offering full kitchens and living spaces at hotel-like rates. Floating hotels along the Saigon River provide unique waterfront experiences. Some properties offer 'homestay' experiences within the city, where travelers stay with local families in residential neighborhoods, sharing meals and daily life. Increasingly, restored shophouses in Chinatown are being converted into characterful boutique accommodations blending Chinese and Vietnamese design elements.
Booking Tips for Hcmc
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Vietnamese hotels often offer better rates when booking directly through their websites or by calling, especially for longer stays. Many properties will match or beat online travel agency (OTA) prices if contacted directly, and may throw in free airport transfers, breakfast upgrades, or late checkout. The competitive market means hotels are willing to negotiate, particularly during low season or for extended bookings of a week or more.
HCMC's district numbering system is crucial for choosing accommodation—lower numbers (1, 3, 5) are more central and tourist-friendly, while higher numbers are further out and more local. District 1 is most expensive but most convenient for first-time visitors. District 2 offers modern amenities and expat infrastructure. Always check the specific district and proximity to metro stations or main roads, as traffic can make short distances time-consuming.
The accommodation market in HCMC changes rapidly, with properties frequently changing ownership, undergoing renovations, or declining in quality. Always read reviews from the past 3-6 months rather than relying on older feedback or star ratings. Pay particular attention to comments about noise levels (street noise is common), water pressure, air conditioning effectiveness, and whether breakfast is included and of good quality.
For stays of a week or more, serviced apartments offer exceptional value compared to hotels, providing full kitchens, washing machines, living spaces, and often weekly housekeeping. They're particularly economical for families or groups, with many offering two-bedroom units at less than the cost of two hotel rooms. Popular in Districts 1, 2, and 7, they can be booked through local agencies or platforms like Airbnb.
Always confirm what's included in your rate—breakfast, taxes (typically 10% service + 8% VAT), airport transfers, and WiFi. Some budget properties advertise low rates but charge extra for air conditioning, hot water, or breakfast. Vietnamese hotels typically include taxes in quoted prices, but it's worth confirming. Many properties offer free airport pickup for stays of multiple nights, which can save 150,000-200,000 VND in taxi fares.
While international platforms like Booking.com and Agoda work well in HCMC, Vietnamese platforms like Traveloka and local hotel websites sometimes offer better rates or exclusive promotions. Agoda, being based in Southeast Asia, often has the most competitive rates and largest inventory for Vietnamese properties. During major sales events (11.11, 12.12), these platforms offer significant discounts worth timing your booking around.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Hcmc
For December-February travel and especially the Tet holiday period (late January-early February), book at least 2-3 months in advance as the best properties sell out and prices increase by 30-100%. Tet is particularly challenging as many hotels implement minimum stay requirements and premium pricing. Christmas and New Year's Eve see similar constraints. Popular mid-range hotels in District 1 can be fully booked weeks ahead during these periods.
March-April and September-November offer good availability with moderate pricing. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead is usually sufficient for most properties, though popular boutique hotels may still fill up. This is an ideal time for spontaneous travelers who can book just days ahead while still securing decent options. Prices are typically 10-20% lower than peak season, and hotels are more willing to negotiate or offer upgrades.
May-August, during the rainy season, offers the best deals with hotels eager to fill rooms. Last-minute bookings (even same-day) can yield excellent rates, and many properties offer promotions like 'book 3 nights get 1 free' or complimentary upgrades. However, popular hotels still maintain reasonable occupancy from business travel and budget tourists, so booking 1-2 weeks ahead ensures you get your first choice. This is the best time to experience luxury hotels at mid-range prices.
For HCMC, booking 3-4 weeks in advance generally provides the best balance of selection and pricing outside of peak periods. The city's strong business travel component means even weekdays see decent occupancy, so don't expect dramatic last-minute discounts except during true low season (May-August). Flexible travelers can often find deals by booking directly with hotels 1-2 weeks out and negotiating, especially for stays of 3+ nights. Always check multiple platforms as pricing can vary significantly between Booking.com, Agoda, and hotel direct websites.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Hcmc