Explore Other Travelers Reviews of Ho Chi Minh City Hotels

Halo Hotel
3.6/516 Reviews
Ben Thanh Market Area
I arrived on the 17th December and at first impressions, everything was great. The lady on reception was welcoming and checked me in to my room quickly, even though I had arrived quit a bit earlier than the check in time (I had an early morning flight from Hanoi the same day) my room was ready and I was allowed to go straight up. They had a porter took my large and heavy back up to my room for me, which was great. I only stayed for one night, because the next day I had an early morning flight to Bali. In the evening, around 9:30-10pm, I started getting all my things packed up again, as I had a 5am start the next morning, and I realised my passport was missing. I remember handing it over at reception for them to make a copy, and realised that I hadnt received it back. I headed down to reception to retrieve my passport, and was greeted by a very rude lady - a different person to the one that had greeted me in the morning and been so welcoming to me. When I asked for my passport back, she refused and immediately became unnecessarily agressive, and demanded that I give her money for it before it could be returned to me. She insisted again and asked me for 500,000 VND. I again refused to give her the money, and informed her that she had no right to withhold my passport from me, under any circumstances. I told her to go ahead and make a copy, but that I wasn't leaving reception until I had my passport back. I informed her that I was leaving early in the morning to make an international flight, and it was vital that I have my passport with me so that it isn't lost / misplaced / forgotten. Again, she got even angrier and shouted at me, ”no money, no passport!”. At this point, I certainly wasn't going to back down, but despite her aggression and rudeness, I managed to stay calm and polite during the entire exchange, because I knew she had no legal right to keep my passport. As a long term traveller I'm aware that hotels cannot withhold your passport from you under any circumstances. I informed the woman that the passport was not actually my property, that officially, it belongs to the British Crown - which is true. I also informed her that I was fully aware the foreigners in Vietnam are required to carry photo ID with them at all times, and that the police would be interested to know that my passport was being withheld from me. At that point she realised that she had lost, and literally threw my passport at me and it landed on the reception counter. She then shouted at me, ”Go back to your room!”. I asked her what the problem was, and she literally yelled, ”GO TO YOUR ROOM, GO NOW!” I guess she didn't like the fact that I knew she was wrong and made her look stupid. She knew she was wrong, and I know for a fact that had I needed to get the police to help, they would have certainly made sure she returned the passport to me. A real shame, because the greeting in the morning was lovely, the bag porter was kind and helped me wit
Saigon Charm Hotel
3/5191 Reviews
Ben Thanh Market Area
But everything else was ok. I was very pessimistic given the bad reviews that I have read. But I was VERY surprised. The receptionist did speak English and helped with my luggage. The room was as pictured. There was even hot water. There was no drinking water provided though but it wasn't a dealbreaker.
Edoya Hotel Ben Thanh
4.3/5116 Reviews
Ben Thanh Market Area
Great value. In a street that runs into the market, the hotel has the traditional Asian size rooms but has been modern lay appointed and well designed. We booked a room with a balcony which had lots of natural light. Nice modern bathroom and good beds. Surprisingly we found the shopping in the actual small street better than the market for shoes, coats, bags etc. would definitely stay here next time as the position is brilliant. Oh and the 5 star shopping mall is 5 min walk away
Queen Central Hotel - Ben Thanh Market
3.5/5201 Reviews
Ben Thanh Market Area
So we arrived at this hotel yesterday 14.11.2019. Receptionist lady was polite. When we get to our room the wall paper is ripped everywhere. There is cobwebs, stained sheet and a dirty bathroom. We thought ok maybe we change rooms its only three nights. We left the room and the corridor was disgustingly dirty- Didn’t look like it had been cleaned in months. We went to reception and the reception was somebody different very ignorant. Told us to take a seat. On waiting and looking around we saw more dirt dust and grime everywhere. We sat for about 5 mins and then a massive Rat ran right past our feet inside the hotel. I got straight on my phone and booked another hotel within 2 mins walking distance. We went back upstairs to get or suitcase and the lift was not working turns out when we could get in a man was oiling it- How dangerous. On telling the ignorant reception we were go to an new hotel they didn’t even ask why. I can see this being because they are used to this happening. Avoid all cost a real health hazard. Wouldn't even give one star but couldn't do none
Song Anh Hotel 1
4.4/53 Reviews
Ben Thanh Market Area
Very good value for money. If you are looking for crystal chandeliers this place is not for you. But it's comfortable, secure, clean, the staff are very patient (taught me how to use grab, walked me to the ATM and money exchange, didn't complain when i woke them up to let me in late at night)
Nicecy NganHa Hotel
4.1/537 Reviews
Ben Thanh Market Area
I recently booked this “hotel” on Booking .com I did so because of the reviews and pictures. A seasoned traveler and not normally one to stay out with hotel brands I thought I had done my homework I looked on a few booking sites, read reviews and looked at those reputable pictures on the sites. Firstly *********** have pictures of a completely different hotel ! This place is the pits Room was filthy , bedsheets were covered in hairs , the 2 towels we were given were all frayed , the shower was filthy ( attached shower head pic ) The room was stinking of paint fumes ! ( we had 2 rooms booked and although the online pictures show windows, our rooms did not ) We were demanded to pay upfront without being allowed to view the room , I could go on We stayed for 6 hours on the first night as we had flown from JFK but we had no option but to leave and move to another hotel Do your homework , read the other recent reviews ( I wish I had ) AVOID ! Please note I left a review with *********** but the “hotel” has had it removed!

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Total Properties20,445
Number of Reviews 67,823
Lowest PriceUS$11
Highest PriceUS$574
Average Price(Weekday Night)US$70
Average Price(Weekend Night)US$73

Ho Chi Minh City Ben Thanh Market Area Hotel Guide

Ho Chi Minh City Travel guide

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:

Hotel NameDistance from Tan Son Nhat International AirportService Info
Ibis Saigon Airport5 minutes by carFree airport pick-up; Outdoor swimming pool; Restaurant; 24-hour front desk; Gym
M Village CMT810 minutes by carAirport pick-up (additional charge); Stylish rooms; Lush garden; Cozy coworking spaces

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.


Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

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.
Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

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.

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

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!

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

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 Do in Ho Chi Minh City

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:

Things to KnowDetails
Time ZoneHCMC operates on Indochina Time (ICT, UTC+7). Compared to NYC (+12 hrs), UK (+7 hrs), Thailand (same), India (+1.5 hrs), and Australia (-3 hrs AEST).
ElectricityHCMC uses 220V with Type A, C, and G plugs. Bring an adapter if needed to keep your devices charged.
Emergency NumbersPolice: 113, Fire: 114, Ambulance: 115. These are easy to remember and important in case of emergencies.
Apps to DownloadUseful apps include Grab for rides and food, Google Maps for navigation, and Google Translate to help with the language barrier.
What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City

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!
What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City

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.

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