Published in April 2019 for citypassguide.com
There is no city in Southeast Asia as packed full of activities, attractions, and amazingly diverse cuisines as Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—though you’ll often hear locals call it by its old name: Saigon. It doesn’t matter if you’re an adventure-seeker on a budget looking for a hostel or homestay, or looking for a luxurious all-inclusive hotel. When traveling to Vietnam, visiting Saigon is a must and has so much in store for you!
From the moment you leave the airport, a colorful burst of sights, sounds, and smells await you as you take your first steps in the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. From the endless rush of motorbike traffic (Vietnam’s preferred mode of transportation), to the sweet smell of the most delicious Saigon street food drifting through the air, and the sound of local revelers raising their beer glasses and chanting một, hai, ba, yo! — the vibrancy is boundless. Saigon feels like a timeless place where modern delights, fierce traditional pride, and welcoming friendly smiles are as ubiquitous as the delicious (and incredibly cheap!) bánh mì sandwiches found at nearly every turn.
If you’re looking for an expert’s guide on Saigon’s hotspots, look no further. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Vietnam’s southern hub, and show you the best the city has to offer. What are the best hotels in Saigon? What’s the best way to get around Saigon? Where are Saigon’s finest local and international restaurants? And what are the best Saigon attractions, activities and where can you find the most exciting nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City?
Where to Stay in Saigon: Accommodations for Every Budget
From the backpacker hostels of Bui Vien, to serviced apartments and all the way up to 5-star luxury hotels, Ho Chi Minh City boasts a wide variety of accommodations suited to every tourist. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Luxury Hotels in Saigon
Even a moderately roomy budget can get you a fantastic, modern, amenable hotel room in Ho Chi Minh City, while those looking for a 5-star hotel will have no shortage of options. Hotel Des Arts Saigon, New World Saigon, and Sheraton Saigon are some of the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, located conveniently close to some of the most popular attractions in Saigon.
Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City for business? Saigon’s high-end hotels offer all the services you’d expect: meeting rooms, English-speaking staff, function venues, and business centers. You can expect the professional courtesy and responsiveness from staff in Saigon’s best business hotels that you need to be productive and comfortable.
Additionally, you’ll have access to high-speed internet, a fitness center—and for travelers who really like to treat themselves, many accommodation options in Saigon will offer spa packages! For an even more relaxing experience, Saigon’s best luxury hotels will have a complete selection of amenities and options for those who truly crave an all-inclusive and premium experience.
Budget Options
Feeling more adventurous and looking to spend as little as possible? Bui Vien and surrounding streets are packed with affordable hostels and located right in the middle of the action. Revelers will find themselves right at home on a street that never sleeps, and sightseers will be within walking distance to many of Saigon’s top attractions.
Additionally, home stays are a popular way to stay in cost-effective rooms, experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality, and build relationships with people who can help you navigate the city and give you a beautiful firsthand experience of Vietnamese culture.
Serviced Apartments
Looking to extend your stay and settle in for a while? Check out our guide to Saigon’s serviced apartments!
Serviced apartments are typically fully-furnished with all the modern Western amenities you’d expect—including a fully-functioning kitchen, appliances, en-suite bath and shower, internet, air conditioning, and weekly cleaning service. Comfy, cozy studios are best suited for a tight budget (centrally-located: 7-12 million VND/month; further from the center: 4-6 million VND/month), while higher-budget multi-room apartments can be found in luxury high rises all over the city.
It’s an exciting time to stay in Saigon as new residential buildings and high rises are built and vacancies continue to rise. You’ll have no shortage of options when looking for a serviced apartment in Ho Chi Minh City.
Transportation: Getting Around Like a Local
Overwhelmed by Saigon traffic? You’re not alone! Whether you’re feeling adventurous and ready to take the plunge with a motorbike rental, or prefer to leave the driving to a local expert, our transportation guide has all the information you need to make an informed decision about how to get around.
Need to communicate with your driver? Be sure to check out 15 Important Phrases for the Clueless Foreigner, our handy guide to simple and useful Vietnamese phrases you can use to help you navigate.
Saigon’s Culinary Treasures: A Guide to Local Cuisine
Foodies, rejoice! Saigon’s endless variety of incredibly cheap and delicious street food is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. You’ll easily find internationally-renowned favorites such as bánh mì and phở, as well as local treats you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else like bánh xèo (a fried savory pancake) and cơm tấm (broken rice, a Saigon specialty).
Saigon also boasts a wide variety of international cuisines like French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mediterranean, fusion, and some of the finest gourmet restaurants you’ll find anywhere. You’ll find numerous well-established Western eateries if you’re craving the comforts of home, as well as delicious vegan and vegetarian options to suit any dietary needs.
When you’re not eating and ready to chill with a coffee or cocktail, or looking for a fun night out, Saigon’s multitudes of pubs and rooftop bars, cafes, clubs, and lounges have got you covered.
Shopping, Sightseeing, and Activities in Saigon
Our extensive guides on things to do in Saigon will ensure you never have a dull moment in Vietnam’s most dynamic and exciting cultural hub. You’ll find tons of entertainment options: cinemas, gaming centers, bowling alleys, golf courses—even dancing and cooking classes!
You’ll find souvenirs, fashionable clothes, jewelry, local art, home decor, and books in local markets, cute independently-owned boutiques, and huge shopping malls in every corner of the city. Need something extra special you won’t find anywhere else? Get something made just for you or your loved ones by visiting a local tailor for famously low prices—whether you want something casual; full suits, dresses, and gowns; or accessories like belts, leather shoes and high heels.
For sightseeing, check out our guide to tours that will take you to all the places you won’t want to miss when visiting Saigon. The city is packed with museums, stunning architecture, bustling markets, and religious monuments including temples, pagodas, mosques, and churches. You can easily spend a few days discovering all the sights the city has to offer!
Adventure-seekers craving natural beauty don’t have to venture far beyond the city limits to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Mekong Delta and surrounding areas. We’ll tell you how to get there and help you find the tour that’s right for you.
Your Saigon Adventure Awaits!
The inimitable charm and endless excitement of a holiday in Saigon is sure to leave you with profound insights, a full stomach, and a happy heart that will all but guarantee your parting words: hẹn gặp lại, Sài Gòn! (See you again, Saigon!)
Whether you’re a seasoned expatriate looking to deepen your knowledge of the city you love, a repeat visitor looking for a brand new adventure, or arriving for the first time with no idea where to begin—let us guide you on a tour of Vietnam’s Southern cultural center, Ho Chi Minh City, and show you the best food, transportation, nightlife, and accommodation that Saigon has to offer.