Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, otherwise known as Saigon, is considered the most populous city in Vietnam with a population of 8.6 million as of 2019. Situated on the Southeast of Vietnam, the metropolis sits near the Saigon River. Ho Chi Minh is visited by 28 million tourists as of 2018, 5.5 million of which are international tourists.

The weather in Ho Chi Minh City, like with the rest of the region is tropical with an average humidity of 78-82% humidity. There are two distinct seasons: the rainy season from May to October, and the dry season from November to April. Locals in Ho Chi Minh speak Vietnamese although there are some dialects spoken as well. Cantonese is also spoken in Cholon - Ho Chi Minh's own Chinatown. Locals do speak English but be prepared to have a dictionary nearby.

How to Get There

By Plane

Perhaps the easiest way to get to Ho Chi Minh City is by plane through Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Tan Son Nhat is one of the busiest airports in Vietnam serving 38.5 million passengers (2018). The airport has two major terminals serving domestic and international flights. It serves passengers from nearby Southeast Asian region to flights to and from Tokyo, Korea, Dubai, and Europe.

Public Transportation Available

Bus

If you're on a tight budget, Ho Chi Minh has a fleet of buses serving more than 100 routes around the city. You can easily spot the local buses by its white and green exterior. For maps of the bus route, you can grab it for free on major terminals like Cholon, Ben Thanh, and Mien Dong station. Starting from VND300, you can hop on and off to major destinations around the city.

Taxi, Motorcycle Taxi, and Taxi-Hailing Apps

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to go around Ho Chi Minh City are through taxis and taxi-hailing apps. Using these apps, you can choose between regular taxis as well as motorbikes (Xe Om) to hop on depending on the need as well as your budget. Of course, cars are more expensive than motorbikes but you can go around faster and slip easily through traffic on a motorbike.

If you don't have one readily available on your phone, there are regular taxis roaming around Ho Chi Minh City, all you need to do is flag them down. Standard prices for taxi rides range from VND10,000 to VND15,000.

Motorbike Rentals

As soon as you step out of your hotel, one of the most notable things you would see on the streets of Ho Chi Minh is the sheer number of motorbikes. If you want to rent a motorbike, head to Pham Ngu Lao district and rent one starting from VND120,000. You have to be really careful, Ho Chi Minh City traffic can be unpredictable so always wear a helmet.

Tourist Attractions

Cu Chi Tunnels

Situated further inland in Ho Chi Minh City in the Cu Chi district, the tunnels were used as hiding spots by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels serves as a museum where tourists can experience crawling in the tunnels as well as view memorabilia from the war.

Ben Thanh Market

If you have an eye for a bargain on local cuisine and souvenirs, this is the place to be. Situated at the heart of Ho Chi Minh in District 1, Ben Thanh Market gives you access to handmade goods, handicrafts, and local delicacies for cheap. Don't be afraid to haggle and mingle with the locals, most of the shop-owners can speak English!

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a stunning piece of European Architecture accessible within the city centre of Ho Chi Minh City. The cathedral was built between 1863 and 1880 with two signature bell towers at the entrance, giving you a glimpse of old Europe.

Where to Stay

The Seventh Hostel

Ho Chi Minh is a backpackers haven when it comes to accommodation. Being a major tourist destination in Southeast Asia, you can find a lot of hostels in the area. The Seventh Hotel in District 7 is one of the best budget hotels you can book starting from USD$18.

Glenwood City Resort

On the mid-range category, the Glenwood City Resort in District 2 is definitely a must-book. This modern hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, WiFi, and 24-hour front desk. The Glenwood City Resort would make your stay in Ho Chi Minh City super-comfortable.

Reverie Saigon Hotel

If you're planning a luxurious escapade in Ho Chi Minh City, the Reverie Saigon hotel would be the hotel for you. The hotel is a mix of contemporary European interior design as seen on the hotel's front-desk and restaurant. Room rates start from USD$260 per night with AC, breakfast, swimming pool, and WiFi.