Hotels in Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

Let me introduce you to Saigon (yep, that's what the locals still call it)! It's Vietnam's biggest city with 9 million people spread across 24 districts. I moved here two years ago and fell in love with its beauty - you'll find gorgeous French buildings from the 1900s right next to shiny new skyscrapers like Landmark 81.

The center of HCMC is District 1, with amazing food spots (try Pho Hoa on Pasteur Street!), cool rooftop bars, and markets selling everything imaginable. Also venture out to places like Cho Lon (Chinatown) or the trendy Thao Dien area, and you'll discover a totally different side of the city. You can eat like a king for $3, or splurge on fancy cocktails at the top of Bitexco Tower - this city fits any budget!

Getting To & Around Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Son Nhat Airport (TSN) is right in the city - it's just 7km from downtown. Grab a Mai Linh taxi (green) or Vinasun (white) from the official taxi stand - it's about 150,000 VND (~$6) to District 1.

Pro tip: skip the airport Grab pickup point (crazy queues) and walk 3 minutes to the regular pickup area instead. Or take Bus 109 (20,000 VND/~$0.80) - it runs every 15-20 mins to Pham Ngu Lao area.

If you’re catching a red-eye flight or arriving late, staying near the airport with shuttle services is a great option. Here are two excellent hotels to consider:

Getting around is super cheap and easy. Grab bike is my go-to (15,000-30,000 VND/~$0.60-1.20 for most trips). Regular Grab cars cost 50,000-80,000 VND (~$2-3) for typical city rides. The new Metro Line 1 just opened - it runs from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien (15,000 VND/~$0.60), perfect if you're heading northeast. Buses are dirt cheap (7,000 VND/~$0.30) but can be tricky to figure out.

Tan Dinh Church in District 3

Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

• District 1 - City Center This is where most first-timers stay, and honestly, it makes sense. You're walking distance from Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and that famous Post Office. Tons of rooftop bars, street food in Bui Vien, and easy access everywhere. I love the area around Nguyen Hue Walking Street - it's lively but not too crazy. Everything's walkable, and you're 25 mins from the airport.
• Thao Dien (District 2) This is the expat haven, about 6km from downtown. It's quieter, with cool cafes, craft beer spots, and amazing restaurants along the river. The new Metro connects you to District 1 in 15 mins, or it's a 70,000 VND (~$3) Grab ride. Great if you want a more chilled vibe but still close to everything. About 30-35 mins to the airport.
• District 3 My personal favorite - it's like District 1's cooler cousin. Just 2km from the center but way more local. You've got incredible street food, beautiful colonial buildings, and the best coffee shops in the city. It's cheaper than D1 but just as convenient. The famous War Remnants Museum is here, and you're still only 20 mins from the airport. Perfect mix of tourist ease and local life.

Sai Gon Central Post Office in District 1

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Picture this: You're sipping Vietnamese coffee in a cozy cafe inside a 100-year-old apartment, watching motorbikes zip past French colonial buildings while skyscrapers loom overhead. That's Saigon for you! After living here for two years, I'm still discovering amazing spots and exciting things to do - let me share my favorites with you!

Saigon Central Post Office The Post Office looks like a train station from 1890s Paris, but step inside and it's still a working post office. The ceiling is gorgeous, and there's this sweet old man who's been writing letters for people for over 30 years.

Ben Thanh Market & Night Market This is Saigon in a nutshell! During the day, Ben Thanh is this maze of stalls selling everything from coffee beans to silk dresses. Yes, it's touristy, and yes, you need to bargain HARD (start at 50% of their first price), but it's such a fun experience. The real magic happens at 6pm when the night market opens outside - the streets turn into food heaven. Try the fresh spring rolls at the corner stall near the roundabout - the lady there has been making them for 20 years and they're incredible. Bring cash and come hungry!

Ben Thanh Market

War Remnants Museum I've been three times and still notice new things. It tells the story of the Vietnam War through photos and exhibits - some parts are pretty intense, but it really helps you understand Vietnam today. Go in the morning when your mind is fresh (it closes at 5pm), and plan something light afterward. Entry is just 40,000 VND (~$1.60), and most people spend about 2 hours here. The old US military vehicles outside are pretty impressive too.

Things to Know Before Visiting Ho Chi Minh City

Before planing the trip to Ho Chi Minh City, it's good to keep a few things in mind:

Pho

What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City

After living here for long time, I can tell you - Saigon's food is insane! The cheaper it is, the better it usually tastes. Forget fancy restaurants - the real magic happens on tiny plastic stools on the sidewalk. Here's what you absolutely can't miss, and exactly where to find my favorite spots:

• Pho (40,000 VND/~$1.60) Start your day like a local with a bowl of pho. My spot is Pho Hoa on Pasteur Street - they've been making it since 1968! Go early (around 7am) for the best broth. Get the special beef combo (đặc biệt) and load it up with herbs. The sweet old lady will show you how to eat it properly.
• Banh Mi (25,000-35,000 VND/~$1-1.40) Banh Mi Huynh Hoa on Le Thi Rieng is worth the queue - seriously, I still line up after two years! They stuff their baguettes with 12 different kinds of meat and pate. Open from 2:30pm, but go around 4pm to avoid the crazy line.
• Com Tam (45,000 VND/~$1.80) Broken rice with grilled pork - sounds simple but it's heaven. Com Tam Di Nam in District 1 is my go-to. Get the full works with the fried egg and crispy pork skin on top. They're only open for lunch and always packed with office workers.
• Bun Thit Nuong (50,000 VND/~$2) These vermicelli noodles with grilled pork and spring rolls are perfect for lunch. The tiny alley spot at 74 Nguyen Van Trang makes the best one - just look for the smoke from their grill and follow your nose!

Bun Thit Nuong

Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the city experiences less rain and the temperatures are more manageable, typically ranging from 21°C to 34°C (70°F to 93°F). The humidity is also lower, making it more comfortable for sightseeing.

However, if you want to experience the city's vibrant festivals, you should consider visiting during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, which usually takes place in late January or early February. But keep in mind that many shops and restaurants may be closed during this period.