Cars and motorbike jostle for space on the constantly jam packed roads, shopkeepers selling colourful goods from all over the country at Ben Thanh Market, French colonial architecture living in harmony with brutalist communist housing, food vendors on every corner harking street food. Vietnam’s biggest city is never asleep.
Ho Chi Minh City is the financial and economic heart of the country, also called Saigon by the locals, it is home to 19 districts, all bustling with life and activity. Ho Chi Minh District 1 is the vibrant city centre where you will find many tourist sites and the old central business district. If you are looking to explore downtown Saigon, sip cocktails at rooftop bars, hit the sights like the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Saigon Opera House, or the Notre Dame Cathedral, and visit great restaurants – staying at the city center is your best bet.
Selecting where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City depends on your trip’s purpose. Are you looking for a unique boutique hotel, do you want to stay in the lap of luxury, perhaps you need somewhere pragmatic for business travel, or you are a discerning backpacker looking for the best budget hostel or hotel? We have got you covered with our list of 10 accommodation options featuring some of the best hotels the city has to offer:
- The Reverie Saigon
- Park Hyatt Saigon
- Hotel des Arts Saigon
- Norfolk Mansion Serviced Apartment
- Ibis Airport Hotel
- Meander Saigon
- The Myst Dong Khoi Street
- Mia Saigon
- La Bonte Boutique Homes
- Hotel le Jardin Secret
Luxury Hotels
Whether you are honeymooners looking for an unforgettable experience or just looking to treat yourself, these luxury picks are amongst the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and also very centrally located, allowing you to explore the city easily.
1. The Reverie Saigon
This is the best hotel if you are looking for a truly unique stay as The Reverie is known for its absolutely incredible architecture and meticulous design. Here is where Italian splendour meets the East’s ceaseless taste for luxury. Ho Chi Minh City’s only six star hotel has a spectacularly luxurious spa with 12 private treatment rooms, a state of the art fitness center, and a huge decadent swimming pool.
The Reverie is in a great location near to countless tourist attractions. It is within walking distance of the Saigon Notre Dame Basilica, the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and more!
2. Park Hyatt Saigon
A brand name five star hotel with the beauty of old-world colonial grandeur right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Park Hyatt is hard to beat. From here, you can easily explore Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural gems, including the Saigon Central Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Independence Palace.
Avid shopper rejoice, given its central location, the Park Hyatt is also within walking distance of Le Thanh Ton Street and Dong Khoi Street, where the best boutique shops are to be found. Check out our guide to Vietnam’s top brands.
After a day of shopping and sightseeing, the Park Hyatt has a large and welcoming outdoor pool, perfect for lounging and sipping cocktails.
Family Friendly Hotels
Vietnam is increasingly a top destination for family with so many kid friendly attractions and activities. With the busiest international airport in the country, Ho Chi Minh City will likely be your base to explore Vietnam. Read more here on family friendly destinations in Vietnam (link). Here are two hotels in Saigon that we find to be particularly suitable for families!
3. Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection
The Hotel des Arts is our luxury choice for family hotels in Saigon. Located in the city center, the building itself is a work of art, and the interiors are beautifully furnished, but more importantly for families, the hotel offers concierge services and babysitting services. The hotel has impeccable service, and the staff will be glad to help create a family-friendly itinerary during your stay.
Parents will also be glad to know that on the rooftop terrace is one of the most beautiful bars in Saigon, with panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City. The rooftop pool is conveniently located next to the bar, making it easy for you to keep an eye on the kids.
4. Norfolk Mansion Serviced Apartment
Norfolk Mansions is one of the mid-range hotels in Saigon particularly suitable for families. It is a great option for families as the serviced apartment has more space compared to traditional hotel rooms, while still offering special touches like a rooftop pool, fitness center, and a multi-lingual library, and a children’s playroom. Many of the hotel’s packages not only includes free breakfast but also allows one child to stay for free. Located in Ho Chi Minh District 1, Norfolk Mansion is also in a great location, near to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, perfect for a family day out!
Norfolk Mansion
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Business Travellers
The economic heart of Vietnam, a top destination for foreign direct investment, and a new central business district being developed, Ho Chi Minh City is often visited by business travellers. Good wifi, modern rooms, and great value is a must for you!
5. Ibis Saigon Airport Hotel
Business travellers look no further on where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. The Ibis Saigon Airport Hotel is a true business hotel, it comes equipped with a business centre, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, room service and on-site restaurants. Being right next door to Tan Son Nhat airport also means that you can zip in and out of the city if necessary. As icing atop the cake, the Ibis hotel also has a rooftop bar with views of the busy airport and delectable cocktails.
Being a frequent business traveller to Ho Chi Minh City means you have the opportunity to explore different parts of Saigon, away from the usual tourist haunts. The hotel is located next to Phu Nhuan District, guests can visit the tree lined Gia Dinh Park, a green lung of the city. Or head to the Chinatown area in District 5 and check out Binh Tay Market for a slice of real local life.
Ibis Saigon Airport Hotel
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6. Meander Saigon
Meander Saigon caters more to the digital world nomads who can live and work from any where. Digital nomads looking to stay in Ho Chi Minh City will find that Meander will suit your needs very well, not just an budget hotel, Meander is also a co-working space. Here, you can network and meet like-minded individuals, while the bright, clean, modern rooms make for a pleasant stay.
This also a great location to explore the city, a ten minute walk around will show you various colonial buildings, charming temples, and a slightly further walk will take you to Ben Thanh Market.
Meander Saigon Hostel
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Boutique Hotels
If you are looking for unique luxury but prefer not to stay at an international hotel chain, these boutique hotels are the answer to where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City that is special and memorable.
7. The Myst Dong Khoi
The Myst Dong Khoi is perhaps the most unique looking building in the city! It features oddly shaped windows and irregular curves, designed by Vietnamese architecture firm A21 studio. A21 studio’s architect Nguyen Hoa Hiep explains that the structure is ‘a deliberate departure from a typical hotel typology and draws curiosity and a sense of exploration. The hotel’s winding corridors with concrete ceilings and exposed sprinkler pipes are more reminiscent of the Saigon streetscape’.
The Myst on-site restaurant offers their special take on local and international delights. Something surprising is that their buffet is served from a nine-metre wooden boat, typical of the vessels that float down the Saigon River.
The Myst Dong Khoi
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8. Mia Saigon
Set on the peaceful banks of the tranquil Saigon River, the Mia Saigon is located a little further from the heart of the city. In a quiet corner of District 2, away from the chaos of the city center, Mia feels like it is in a world of its own. A stunning white and black building with an incredible outdoor swimming pool, this place has relaxing tropical vibes.
Arguably, Mia Saigon is the best hotel when it comes to outdoor pools. Its beautiful saltwater swimming pool is located right next the the Saigon River, soak while taking in unobstructed views on the sun setting over the cityscape. Also, located nearby in Thao Dien Ward, home to a large expat community, are some of the best restaurants to be found in Saigon.
Mia Saigon
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Affordable Hotels
Hoping for an affordable hotel that is a wonderful base to explore the city? We have got you covered. These two hotels are some of Saigon’s best kept secrets, and they deliver on comfort, location, service and even design, while not breaking the bank. Many of the smaller hotels in Ho Chi Minh City are also often family run, so staying there has the added plus of support local businesses.
9. La Bonte Boutique Homes
A shophouse refurbished into a charming boutique hotel, La Bonte is nestled in a little hem (side street) of the famous Nguyen Trai shopping street in District 1. Each room is beautifully designed and decorated differently, marrying modern facilities with Vietnamese grace. The rooftop terrace is a delightfully peaceful spot to unwind after a fun day out. Previous guest have found the hotel’s service to be warm, hospitable, and personalised.
Explore the area and you will find plenty of great street eats, the renown ‘Banh Mi Huynh Hoa‘ is literally less than a minute walk away. Or head across the street to Asiana Food Town, a food court featuring southeast asian treats. If you are looking for local culture, visit the nearby Ben Thanh Market or Jade Emperor Pagoda. While nightlife seekers can also walk over to Bui Vien Street for beers and shots.
La Bonte Boutique Homes
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10. Hotel le Jardin Secret
Hotel le Jardin Secret, as its name suggests is a little hideaway gem, tucked away across the waterway in District 4. It is a neoclassical style building with an imposing front that leads to well appointed rooms (some with large bath tubs!) and a cosy lap pool.
District 4 rarely turns up as a suggestion for where to stay in Ho Chi Minh CIty for tourists, as the district remains largely local and residential. However, it is actually right next to District 1, making it an ideal location to see the city!
Hotel le Jardin Secret
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Accommodation Ace
Luxury seekers, business travellers, family vacationers, and holidayers on a budget alike, look no further on where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, our list of 10 hotels has been well researched and reviewed. Wherever you choose as your Saigon base, read our ultimate guide to the city before setting off to explore!
If you want a refreshing dip or just need a retreat from city life while visiting Vietnam’s bustling capital, head over to these 7 awesome rooftop swimming pools
