Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

The beating heart of Ho Chi Minh City pulsating with energy, shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. Home to Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the famous Bui Vien Walking Street backpacker area. Prime location for first-time digital nomads who want to be in the thick of action. Abundant coworking spaces including Dreamplex and CirCO nearby. Diverse international community with landmarks like the Saigon Opera House and Dong Khoi street's luxury boutiques. Most expensive district but most convenient. Can be noisy and touristy. Excellent for short stays and networking.

The most popular expat neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City, often described as the closest thing to European suburbs in Vietnam. Located across the Saigon River from District 1, offering a serene residential vibe with Western comforts. Tree-lined streets filled with international restaurants, artisanal cafes, organic food stores, and independent boutiques. The Hive coworking space is located here. Xuan Thuy Street is the main strip packed with bars, restaurants, and galleries. Growing digital nomad community attracted by quality of life. Art galleries and creative spaces host regular exhibitions. Can flood during rainy season. Higher rent but excellent lifestyle.

An extension of District 1 but with significantly more charm and character. Known for tree-lined colonial streets, French-era architecture, and a more local authentic vibe. Home to tiny local markets, cafe-lined boulevards, and stunning historic buildings. The famous Turtle Lake (Hồ Con Rùa) is a popular hangout spot. Less touristy than District 1 but walking distance to everything. More affordable rents with similar convenience. Rich food scene with both street food and upscale dining. Growing number of boutique cafes popular with digital nomads. Vietnamese coffee culture at its finest. Toong coworking space located here.

One of HCMC's newest and most modern districts, offering what feels like a different city entirely. Wide tree-lined streets, modern apartment buildings, and a slower pace of life. Known as Little Seoul due to large Korean population - excellent Korean and Japanese restaurants. World-class shopping malls like SC Vivo City and Crescent Mall. Street food and vending largely banned, resulting in cleaner sidewalks. Popular with families and foreigners seeking space and quiet. International schools nearby. Main drawback is distance from city center (20+ minutes to District 1). Perfect for those prioritizing quality of life over nightlife.