In a nutshell
- Saigon is one of Vietnam’s largest cities — you’ll definitely want a hotel in the center so you’re close to the main attractions.
- Three neighborhoods stand out for where to stay in Saigon: District 1, the area around Bui Vien Street, and District 3.
- First time in Saigon? We recommend District 1. Our favorite hotel there is the La Opera — beautifully decorated rooms and a short walk to all the highlights.
- Plan on two to four days in Saigon. That’s enough time to see the key sights and squeeze in a day trip or two to the surrounding area.
The best neighborhoods in Saigon to stay in — on a map
Saigon is one of the largest cities in Vietnam. Make sure to pick a hotel in the center so you’re never far from the top attractions in Saigon.
In the center, there are three neighborhoods we recommend for where to stay in Saigon:
- District 1: perfect if it’s your first time in Saigon. Most of the sights are right here.
- The area around Bui Vien Street: a great spot for backpackers. Accommodations are affordable and the nightlife scene is seriously fun.
- District 3: our under-the-radar pick if you want to stay a little off the tourist trail but still close to the highlights.
For first-time visitors: Staying in District 1
A hotel in Saigon’s District 1 is the best choice if it’s your first time in the city and you want to be as close as possible to the main attractions.
District 1 captures everything that makes Saigon so special: a cool mix of French colonial buildings, Vietnamese shops, lively streets, street food stalls, and great cafés. It’s honestly one of the most fascinating areas in all of Vietnam. When you stay in District 1, you’re right in the thick of it.
You’ll also find the most sights here — including the old post office and Ben Thanh Market. Most of the highlights are just 10 to 15 minutes away on foot.
Advantages of staying in Saigon’s District 1:
- Close to all the main attractions
- Everything within walking distance
- More upscale hotels compared to the backpacker area
Disadvantages of staying in Saigon’s District 1:
- Prices can add up quickly
Our hotel recommendations for Saigon's District 1
La Opera is bright and beautifully decorated — some rooms even have a balcony. It’s only a 15-minute walk to sights like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the post office, and the value for money is excellent.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
For backpackers: The area around Bui Vien Street
The area around Bui Vien Street is our top pick if you want to keep hotel costs low and make the most of Saigon’s nightlife.
If you’re a backpacker figuring out where to stay in Saigon, the answer is almost always the area around Bui Vien Street.
Technically, Bui Vien Street is still part of District 1 — but the vibe is completely different. It’s tailor-made for budget travelers, with an incredible number of affordable places to stay, cool bars, and a lively party strip. Just be aware that the area is very touristy.
The side streets off Bui Vien Street are noticeably quieter. If you can, find a place to stay there rather than right on the main strip.
Advantages of staying in the backpacker neighborhood:
- Affordable accommodation
- Wide selection of hotels and hostels
- Great nightlife on the doorstep
Disadvantages of staying in the backpacker neighborhood:
- Very touristy
- Can get really loud at night
- Not very authentic
Our hotel recommendations for Saigon's backpacker neighborhood
The Jan Hostel sits on a side street off Bui Vien Street, which keeps things nice and quiet. The rooms are relatively small but modern, and a double room starts at just 20 euros — something you can only dream of back in Europe!
Good and affordable
Better
Hidden gem: Staying in Saigon's District 3
Staying in District 3 puts you a little away from the hustle and bustle — but you’re still well within reach of Saigon’s best attractions.
District 3 sits right next to District 1. You’re a bit further from the tourist center, which makes the whole experience feel more authentic than staying in District 1. There are fewer high-rises here, the streets are quieter, and you’ll see far more locals than fellow travelers.
A few must-sees — including the War Remnants Museum — are actually located in District 3. And the other highlights in District 1 are only about half an hour away on foot.
Advantages of staying in Saigon’s District 3:
- More authentic than the Bui Vien Street area
- Right next to the War Remnants Museum
- Quieter than the other neighborhoods
Disadvantages of staying in Saigon’s District 3:
- A bit of a walk to most of the main sights
- Fewer hotels to choose from
Our hotel recommendations for Saigon's District 3
For District 3, our top pick is the Hoang Lan Hotel. It’s centrally located yet tucked away quietly in a courtyard — the best of both worlds. The sights in District 1 are just under a half-hour walk away.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
How long should you stay in Saigon?
One to two days is plenty of time to hit the most important sights. Most of the highlights are close together, so you won’t need to factor in long walks.
Saigon is also a fantastic base for day trips. If you want to explore the Mekong Delta or the Cu Chi Tunnels, plan on staying four or five days to make the most of it.
