What's most unique about Ho Chi Minh City is the juxtaposition of old and new: gleaming skyscrapers tower over French colonial architecture, whilst traditional markets buzz alongside modern shopping centres. The War Remnants Museum offers sobering insights into Vietnam's recent history, while the bustling Ben Thanh Market showcases the vibrant local culture that makes this city so captivating. The city is so diverse and sprawling and absolutely gigantic that it almost doesn't matter where you stay because you'll need to take a Grab everywhere anyway.
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest city with over 9 million residents, an absolute whirlwind of motorbikes, street food, and endless energy that'll either completely overwhelm you or have you falling head over heels – there's really no in-between. This sprawling metropolis in southern Vietnam was renamed from Saigon in 1976 to honour the revolutionary leader, though many locals still fondly use both names interchangeably. The city sits just above sea level in the Mekong Delta region, which means it's hot and humid year-round. 30°C+ temperatures and the kind of sticky air that has you reaching for your third shower of the day.
There's a concentrated area in the south east of Ho Chi Minh City where most travellers base themselves, making it much easier to navigate this massive city and connect with fellow backpackers along the way.
Contents
- Which Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
- Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ho Chi Minh City
Which Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The area around September 23rd Park (also known as Saigon Central Park) is where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels in Ho Chi Minh City. This little pocket sits within District 1, and our whole group ended up staying in various hostels around this area because it felt significantly safer and more manageable than venturing too far out. (It's also where most hostels in Ho Chi Minh City are, so you'd have to go looking if you wanted to stay somewhere else.)

District 1 in general seemed pretty safe to me, but this particular area around the park felt like the heart of the backpacker scene. If you search "hostel" on Google Maps, you'll see exactly what I mean – they're all clustered in this one zone, which makes it really convenient for meeting other travellers and accessing the main attractions.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I stayed in an Airbnb for one night outside of this area. It was only a 10-minute walk south of the main hostel area, but the difference in atmosphere was stark. The streets felt noticeably less safe, there were fewer other travellers around, and I found myself speed-walking back to the familiar buzz of the hostel district whenever I ventured out after dark.
There are also accommodation options closer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport if Ho Chi Minh City is your final stop, but honestly, don't stress too much about airport transport. I got a 45-minute Grab ride to the airport for less than 130kVND (5€), so staying in the central location near September 23rd Park is definitely worth it for the better atmosphere and easy access to attractions like the War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh Market.
Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Based on my own experience and feedback from the friends I travelled with, here are the best hostels that consistently delivered on comfort, location, and that all-important backpacker vibe:
Saigon Style Hostel & Cafe

Saigon Style Hostel & Cafe was where I ended up staying for most of my time in Ho Chi Minh City. What I loved about this place was the balance of social atmosphere with comfortable accommodation. The air conditioning was a godsend in the sticky summer heat, and the cafe downstairs means you can grab your morning coffee without having to brave the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh first thing. The location puts you within a short walk of major attractions and the heart of District 1.
Bui Vien Street Hostel

I also stayed in Bui Vien Street Hostel when I first arrived in Ho Chi Minh City (I ended up moving around a few times because the hostel I was already in was full, or for things like that.) Named after the famous Bui Vien Walking Street, this hostel is perfect if you want to be in the middle of the action. Bui Vien Walking Street is essentially Ho Chi Minh City's party street, but luckily this hostel is a couple of streets away from the main strip, so you don't need to worry too much about noise. This hostel is a bit cramped, but I felt it was really good value for money and the beds were comfy and modern with privacy curtains, personal lights and plug sockets, etc.
Saigon HUB Hostel

Saigon HUB Hostel was another solid choice that friends recommended to me. They particularly praised the comfortable beds (a crucial factor when you're dealing with the heat and humidity), and the central location that made exploring attractions like the Fine Arts Museum and Central Post Office a breeze.
Here's something interesting I noticed during my stay: the overall hostel ratings throughout Ho Chi Minh City are quite mediocre compared to other Southeast Asian cities. I'm not entirely sure if this is just a quirk of being in such a massive, sprawling city, or if the hostel scene is still developing compared to the rest of Vietnam.
Most hostels in the area offer the usual backpacker amenities: free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms (non-negotiable in this climate), shared social areas for meeting other travellers, and most of them also have free or cheap breakfast to fuel your day of exploring. It's also really common to get things like free beer during happy hour – small touches that make a big difference when you're living out of a backpack!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Which part of Ho Chi Minh is best to stay?
District 1, specifically around September 23rd Park, is the best area for backpackers and first-time visitors. This area has the highest concentration of hostels, feels safest for travellers, and provides easy access to major attractions like Ben Thanh Market and the War Remnants Museum.
Where should backpackers stay in Ho Chi Minh?
Backpackers should focus on the area around September 23rd Park in District 1. This zone has numerous hostels within walking distance of each other, creates a social atmosphere for meeting other travellers, and offers good access to street food, attractions, and transport links.
What is the best district in Ho Chi Minh City?
For tourists and backpackers, District 1 is definitely the best choice. It's where you'll find most of the city's main attractions, the safest streets for walking around, and the best infrastructure for travellers including hostels, restaurants, and transport options.
Should I stay in District 1 Ho Chi Minh?
Absolutely, especially if it's your first time in Ho Chi Minh City. District 1 offers the perfect balance of safety, convenience, and atmosphere for backpackers. While other districts might be cheaper, the extra peace of mind and proximity to attractions make District 1 worth the slightly higher accommodation costs.
Conclusion
Finding the right hostels in Ho Chi Minh City doesn't have to be overwhelming, despite the city's intimidating size. Stick to the tried-and-tested backpacker area around September 23rd Park in District 1, and you'll be perfectly positioned to explore this incredible city's highlights while staying safe and meeting fellow travellers. Yes, the hostel ratings might not be as high as other Southeast Asian destinations, and yes, the city can feel chaotic at first. But there's something absolutely magnetic about Ho Chi Minh City, whether it's the incredible street food, the fascinating history, or the unrelenting energy that pulses through every street corner.