Most of what first-time visitors want to see in Ho Chi Minh City lies in or around District 1, so the real decision is which part of it to sleep in. The distances are short, but the traffic and the heat make a good location worth paying for. Here is how the main areas compare, with the hotel in our list that suits each.
Lam Son Square and Dong Khoi
This is the polished heart of District 1, with the Opera House, luxury shops and the walk up to Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. It is the best base for a first visit if you want to walk to the sights. The Park Hyatt Saigon sits on Lam Son Square and is our splurge pick, with a pool, a spa and nine places to eat and drink within the building. It is expensive, but the location and the calm inside are hard to beat.
The riverside
At the bottom of Dong Khoi, where the street meets the Saigon River, the Hotel Majestic Saigon has been open since 1925. It is the pick for guests who like colonial character, with river-view balconies, a rooftop bar and a pool. The riverbank road is busy, but the hotel is a short walk from the sights and from the river piers.
Central Saigon toward District 3
A little farther from the river, the streets are quieter and greener, and the walk to Notre-Dame, the Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum is short. Hotel des Arts Saigon MGallery is on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and is our boutique choice, with Art Deco design, a private art collection and a rooftop bar on the 24th floor. It suits couples and anyone who likes design with their dining.
Little Tokyo and Le Thanh Ton
A few blocks from Ben Thanh Market, this pocket of District 1 has Japanese restaurants and a calmer feel. The Silverland Sakyo Hotel and Spa is our mid-range pick, with a rooftop jacuzzi, a spa, an early breakfast and complimentary afternoon tea. It is a comfortable, friendly choice for couples and small families who want good value in the centre.
Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao
The backpacker quarter is loud, cheap and central. It has plenty of hostels, bars and travel agencies, and the Ben Thanh Market is a short walk away. The Common Room Project at 250 Bui Vien is our budget pick, with dorms with balconies, a private ensuite room and a nightly family-style dinner. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a quiet room or choose a different area, since the street stays busy late.
How to choose
For a first visit of three to five days, choose a hotel in District 1 and walk or ride to the sights. For a splurge, pick the Park Hyatt. For atmosphere and history, choose the Majestic. For design and dining, pick Hotel des Arts. For value, choose Silverland Sakyo, and for meeting people on a budget, choose the Common Room Project. Book day trips through the hotel concierge or online ahead, since pickups are usually offered in central District 1.
Practical tips
Airport transfers take around half an hour in light traffic and longer at rush hour, so ask your hotel to arrange a car. Check whether breakfast is included in your rate, and ask about quiet rooms if you are sensitive to noise. Most hotels will store luggage on your last day.
