My hotel reviews are written for anyone planning on spending a minimum $25 USD to $50 USD per night, after taxes. Just a clean room. Great location, near great Vietnamese food hotspots, and walking distance to tourist attractions.

In the middle of this year, I posted blogs on where to stay in Hanoi and Sapa to start your first visit to Vietnam. In this post, you’re going to learn the best area(s) to stay in Ho Chi Minh City!

For your first epic visit to Vietnam!

HCMC, or Saigon, as affectionately referred to by locals, is the biggest city in southern Vietnam. It is modern and definitely faster paced than its sister cities in the north.

What I Look For in HCMC Hotels

Doesn’t have to be brand new. Though a recently renovated hotel would be nice. And a private bathroom is a must! My OCD demands it.

I never worry about looking into Saigon hotels that include breakfast at an added cost. You will easily find plenty of terrific Vietnamese street food for only a few dollars.

I’ll throw in a few recommendations on where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, too.

However, when I visit Ho Chi Minh City with my wife, I typically search for hotels in the $50USD to $80 USD range. Possibly even $100 USD per night, including taxes.

Because what the wifey wants, my wifey gets.

If this is your budget range. And you want to rack up enough brownie points from your significant other to screw up for an entire year, then read on!

Ben Thanh Market – The Best Area in HCMC for First Time Visitors

Now is the best time to visit Saigon, Vietnam! Tourism is booming. Saigon hotels are keeping their prices competitive to get your butts into their rooms.

I’ve stayed in hotels all over Saigon for the past 10 years I’ve been visiting. So I’ve stayed all over the city. Hands down, District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is easily the best area to stay in if you’ve never been there before.

Specifically around the Ben Thanh Market location.

Unfortunately, I do not have any Ho Chi Minh City hostel reviews. I am too old to bunk with a bunch of rowdy young folks with raging hormones.

If all you want is a clean and completely private room, an ensuite bathroom, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, you’re in the right place!

Klook.com

Ben Thanh Market is Where You Want to Be

Ben Thanh Market is the heart of District 1! Ben Thanh Market is a huge building where you can shop for all sorts of first copies, second copies, and so on. I’m talking about fashion hats, bags, shoes, accessories, you name it. It’s all there for very reasonable prices. You have to bargain hard, though.

Just a side note, I’m a sneaker shoe fanatic. Ben Thanh Market has lots of sneaker brands and styles. I bought some really good brand name shoes for $25 USD! It was high quality (check glues and stitching carefully), very comfortable, looked, and felt the genuine thing.

Who knows, it might even be. Many brand name apparel originated from Vietnam. That’s where the factories are with the skilled labor.

Sorry to get off track!

There are many, many hotels all around Ben Tanh Market!

Where is Ben Thanh Market

Affordable Hotel Prices With Decent Quality… BUT…

If you’re unfamiliar with hotels all over Asia, you get a few room options, which determines the price overall.

Mainly, whether the room has a window or no window. Also, how big the room is. and the bathroom situation.

A typical hotel room around Ben Thanh Market is around 18 square meters. It’s good enough for 2 people with a few pieces of luggage.

Rooms with a window are an added cost. Rooms with a window and a good view are another added cost. And on top of that, how big is the window? A room with a balcony costs more. Surprisingly, not much more as you’ll find out.

Window or No Window?

Here’s my take. If it’s your first trip to Ho Chi Minh City, then look for a hotel room with a window with a city view. Or splurge for a room with a balcony. You may be surprised how affordable it really is.

If you’re a single budget traveler, like me, most of the time. And don’t mind feeling like a caged animal. Then perhaps a room with no window will suffice.

After all, you’ll be outside most of the time. Not on your bed, staring at your toes. No matter how fun that sounds.

Just kidding about feeling like a caged animal. Windowless rooms are quieter. And you do get used to them.

Especially after you’re tired from a full day of touring Ho Chi Minh City.

The Bathroom Situation

If the hotel room is small, for example, 15 square meters or even 20 square meters in size, chances are, there is no partition for the shower. Which means your toilet area will get wet.

This is a common setup for hotel bathrooms throughout Asia. Particularly those in the budget range.

Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal. You’ll get used to it. But I have listed below a handful of hotel rooms with shower partitions.

Hotels and Homestays – What’s the Difference?

For this post, I reviewed HCMC properties that are either traditional hotels or a new type of Airbnb-style accommodations called homestays near Ben Thanh Market

We all know what hotels are. There’s a bell boy or two on deck, and a 24-hour reception desk. Homestays are just another word for Airbnb.

For example, I stayed at the Monday Saigon Centre Homestay during my most recent two week stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Not exactly near Ben Thanh Market.

I’m just using this accommodation as an example. It’s the room on the highest floor. I even had access to the rooftop. However, there’s no elevator, and it was the 5th floor.

In a nutshell, homestays are cheaper. There are almost always no elevators. I’ll be sure to note in each hotel review in case that’s important.

What to Expect from HCMC Hotels

Whether you choose to stay in a traditional hotel or a homestay, every property has Wi-Fi internet access. Maybe even a smart TV. A mini refrigerator and, of course, the all important air conditioning.

Good idea to get a sturdy luggage lock for your valuables. Because not many hotels in the budget range have in room safe.

And all the Ho Chi Minh City accommodations I reviewed below are located in District One.

A popular and convenient location to explore the city. Also, the hotels I reviewed below are 2 star bordering 3 star hotels.

For Asia, those are decent ratings. Mainly because most budget hotels in Asia do not have swimming pools and fitness centers due to space limitations.

Except for the last hotel I reviewed here, which is a 4 star hotel with a swimming pool.

Why Stay Near Ben Thanh Market

• Many hotels start from $30 USD. Of course, the more you can spend, the better the quality.
• Everything tourists need: great food, loads of shopping, and tour agencies for exploring outer HCMC.
• The location can’t be beat for exploring the rest of the city. Especially on foot, which is my preferred way to explore HCMC.
• From Ben Thanh Market, you can walk to: Independence Palace 500m, War Remnants Museum 1.1km, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon 950m, Saigon Central Post Office 1km, Bui Vien Walking Street 800m, Saigon Opera House 700m, Cafe Apartment Building 800m.

Beware Fake Google Saigon Hotel Reviews

We all rely on Google reviews to find insights on everything related to travel. Including hotels, in this case, in Ho Chi Minh City. And Google reviews are terrific and useful. Until it’s not.

Fake Google business reviews run rampant in Vietnam.

In this day and age, it is too easy to acquire fake reviews for companies. There are “marketing agencies” providing businesses with fake, glowing 5 star reviews. At a low cost. So many businesses, yes, even Vietnamese hotels, buy into such services.

One way to spot fake reviews is to look at the Google Local Guide’s profile. If you see they made a couple of reviews, there’s a 90% chance it’s fake. And there’s a bunch of fake accounts.

Another clue that it’s a fake review is the lack of photos. Everybody has a camera these days. There’s really no excuse for not snapping a few photos along with reviews.

My calculations aren’t scientific, but you get the point. To me, any Google Local Guide profile that has made at least 10 reviews, loaded with photos, is more likely a legit account.

So personally, to check hotel reviews, I go with Agoda.com. It’s an online hotel booking portal. It’s the same company as Booking.com. The difference is that Agoda specializes in the Asian hotel market.

And you know the reviews will be legitimate. Because you have to pay for a room and then are given the chance to leave a review after checkout.

Best Hotels Near Ben Thanh Market

Lala House Spring Apartment ⭐️⭐️

Okay, first off, Lala House Spring Apartment is located in a top location. Around the corner of Lê Lợi Boulevard. For around $25 USD after taxes. That rate lands you a 20 square meter room, with a window (though maybe not a great view), a private bathroom, and a clean room.

Maximum 2 adults in a room.

Slightly larger rooms with better city views and balconies are available at a higher yet affordable cost.

The reason why this property is so affordable is that it’s not a full service hotel. More like an Airbnb-style property. Which is really popular in Asia these days.

But I know this hotel gets booked quickly. I’ve stayed a few times and have never been lucky when I try to extend my stay.

Find discounts and read reviews on Agoda.com for Lala House Spring Apartment.

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Le Cocon Saigon ⭐️⭐️

I discovered Le Cocon Saigon while researching places to stay for my trip to Ho Chi Minh City last month. But this hotel was fully booked, and I can see why.

For $60 USD after taxes, you get to stay inside a brand new hotel room that is 20 square meters. Private bathroom, but no window, though. However, for $7 USD extra, you can book a room with some sort of view.

Next time I visit HCMC, and if the price is right, I’ll definitely try to book a stay there.

And the location is perfect. It’s right between Independence Palace and Ben Thanh Market.

Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com for Le Cocon Saigon Hotel

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V Living Le Thanh Ton ⭐️⭐️

Another super new property a few blocks away from Ben Thanh Market. V Living Le Thanh Ton is not a traditional hotel. So no elevators.

Rooms are around 18 square meters with a private bathroom, perfect for 2 people. What’s even better is it’s about $40 USD per night after taxes.

Just a few dollars more, you get a window that opens and perhaps a nicer view.

Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com for V Living Le Thanh Ton

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The Hammock Hotel Fine Arts Museum ⭐️⭐️

I stayed here once with my wife last year. That time, it was only around $55 USD per night after taxes, and there were many perks. Like a game room and complimentary snacks.

The room size is 20 square meters. Which was just fine for her and me. But if you want a slightly larger space at 24 square meters, you should book the Deluxe Double Nest Room, which is around $60 per night after taxes.

There is an a la carte breakfast included. Which is good if you’re hungry in a pinch. But definitely enjoy the authentic Vietnamese food outside, you won’t regret it!

Overall, this is a fun, unique style hotel and highly recommended!

Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com for the Hammock Hotel Fine Arts and Museum

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Sanouva Saigon Hotel ⭐️⭐️

You just might be traveling with a young child. Then I’d like to recommend checking out the Sanouva Saigon Hotel. Only a few minutes’ walk to Ben Thanh Market.

Which means there are plenty of restaurants, street food, and Banh Mi stalls for a carb overload. They have these room rates for $50 USD after taxes, including a simple breakfast. That’s the price for two adults and one child (age 1-6), which is not shabby at all.

It’s a clean hotel and well maintained. The only thing is that the particular room type doesn’t have a window.

Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com for Sanouva Saigon Hotel

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A&Em Ben Thanh Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A&Em is a very popular Vietnamese hotel chain. This particular hotel is a mere 100 meter walk to Ben Thanh Market. There is a lively night market outside starting around 6 pm until 10:30 pm. So the location is pretty much active most of the day and night.

The last time I stayed at A&Em Ben Thanh Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City was around 6 years ago with my wife. But from the looks of it, the hotel went through a renovation.

When I stayed there, I booked an Executive Double room that is 28 square meters with a bathtub. With floor to ceiling window with a direct view of Ben Thanh Market.

If you book through Agoda.com, you get a 10% discount on spa services as well as food and beverages. The current rate is approximately $75 USD per night, inclusive of taxes, and includes breakfast.

It’s a nice hotel for couples. However, I typically stay somewhere cheaper by myself.

Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com for A&Em Ben Thanh Hotel

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Mia Hotel ⭐️⭐️

**Note: Agoda.com rated this a 5 star hotel. I think they made a typo. For me, it’s 2 stars at most, which is not bad.

If $75 USD is a bit steep, I can recommend Mia Hotel. You can get a 25 square meter room, a private bathroom, and a clean, comfortable room for $45 USD per night after taxes.

I believe a room with a balcony/terrace costs an extra $5 to $10 per night. If that price range is within your reach, I’d go for it because the Mia Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best budget hotels close to Ben Thanh Market.

It’s about a 5 minute walk to Ben Thanh Market in a really good neighborhood filled with cafes and restaurants. Matter of fact, my favorite sizzling steak Bò Né Bà Nũi restaurant is right around the corner.

Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com for Mia Hotel

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Little Saigon Boutique Hotel ⭐️⭐️

I enjoy the location of Little Saigon Boutique Hotel, and I think you will too. Like most of the hotels in my hotel reviews, you can really walk to many points of interest.

The hotel is around the corner from Lê Lợi Boulevard. So you can stroll to Saigon Center, Takishiyama Plaza, and of course Ben Thanh Market for shopping.

I usually stay here alone because I like the hotel style. And because the standard rooms are 16 square meters. It’s a bit tight for two guests, but doable. So I really, really hope you like the other person (just kidding).

Overall, a top budget hotel in Saigon. Very affordable, and I think you’ll like it.

Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com for Little Saigon Boutique Hotel.

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Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Alrighty, so this here is sorta a true 4 star hotel in Saigon. There’s a swimming pool and a small fitness center, fitted mainly with cardio machines. There’s a huge lobby with bellhops and activity going on.

I stayed in the deluxe room with a city view for around $85 USD per night after taxes. Of course, this was with my wife on one of our anniversaries.

It’s more than what I usually pay for, but in my opinion, it is worth it. Our queen bed was more comfortable, most importantly, a clean room. And the location is tops too, as Ben Thanh Market is right around the corner, with loads of Vietnamese cafes and restaurants all over.

But one food I highly recommend that you try out around the corner from Liberty Central Saigon Hotel is Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò.

Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com for Liberty Central Saigon Hotel

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Indochine Ben Thanh Hotel & Apartments ⭐️⭐️

I’ve stayed at Indochine Ben Thanh Hotel & Apartments for a few weeks before, and I can tell you, the price is really good for what I got. Clean, comfortable room, bed a bit too hard for my taste.

But for $25 USD per night, after taxes, I’ve saved enough money to get a couple of massages. I stayed in a 16 square meter superior queen room. No window, but my face was glued to Netflix. So I didn’t miss having some sort of view.

I noticed that they do have 30 square meter rooms with a city view window for around $35 USD per night after taxes. I might give that a go next time I’m visiting HCMC.

Ben Thanh Hotel & Apartments is in a top location, like the rest of the hotels on this list.

Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda. com for Ben Thanh Hotel & Apartments

There You Go…

I’ve listed 10 hotels I highly recommend in Ho Chi Minh City. And I really think you will enjoy staying at any of these properties for your first epic visit to Vietnam!

I’ll be sure to add more Saigon hotel reviews as I travel to Vietnam again in the near future. And hopefully, soon. I love eating Vietnamese food!

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More Vietnam Hotel Reviews

• Where to Stay in Sapa for Your First Epic Visit to Vietnam

• Where to Stay in Hanoi for Your First Epic Visit to Vietnam

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