Short answer: 1. Meander Saigon is our overall top pick in Ho Chi Minh City, especially for female solo travelers and anyone who needs to actually get work done. 2. The Like Hostel & Cafe is the one for solo travelers who want people to talk to without a 3am wake-up call, and 3. The Hideout Hostel Saigon is the party pick, right next to Bui Vien. Compare live prices on Hostelz before you book. Saigon dorm rates move around a lot between booking sites.
Are you ready to take on the great southern Vietnamese city and the best hostels in Ho Chi Minh City? Your choice of hostel in Saigon will play a bigger role than you expect in whether you end up loving this city or quietly resenting it.
So, pay attention. Here are the 3 best hostels in Ho Chi Minh City that will make your trip a good one.
Our favorite hostels in Ho Chi Minh City are:
- Meander Saigon - best for Female Solo Travelers
- The Like Hostel & Cafe - best for Solo Travelers & Backpackers
- The Hideout Hostel Saigon - best for Party Lovers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Meander Saigon
2. The Like Hostel & Cafe
3. The Hideout Hostel Saigon
And to give you a better stay in HCMC, we proudly present the best hostels to stay at in Saigon that will complete your trip.
Important: Most nationalities need a visa or an e-visa to enter Vietnam. You can check with iVisa.com which visa you need and how to get it. Here is my review on iVisa and how it works for Vietnam.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
We got all the coolest hostels here, and they suit pretty much every kind of traveler: solos, couples, small groups, families. This is a complete, handwritten guide. We actually traveled to HCMC and stayed in several hostels and homestays.
We also recommend taking a trip out of the city to discover the best hostels on Phu Quoc Island. Or head up the coast to Nha Trang, where we have a guide to the best hostels in Nha Trang.
This guide is the result of extensive research (and, okay, lots of fun!!).
Whilst you’re here, check out the 27 most EPIC things to do in Vietnam and the best backpacking Vietnam itinerary, with hostel recommendations included.
What do we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- Best hostels compared at a glance
- How to pick the right Saigon hostel
- 3 best hostels in detail
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Ho Chi Minh City
The average price for a bed: Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City cost as little as 3€ – 12€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 17€ up to 42€ per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Run the city through Hostelz first, since it compares what the different booking sites are charging for the same bed on the same night. Then check the exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while check-out is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Important: We highly recommend staying away from the very cheapest hostels in Ho Chi Minh City and in Vietnam generally. These usually come with a price tag you didn’t sign up for, aka cockroaches. Pay a tiny bit more (meaning 4$ instead of 3$) and your experience will be entirely different.
Read: Detailed guide to the 27 best hostels in Vietnam (with Itinerary and map)
Saigon vs. Ho Chi Minh City: The city has two names. After the American War ended, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, or HCMC for short. Same city. Locals still say Saigon most of the time, and so does the airport code (SGN), so don’t let it confuse you.
Location: Do not overthink the location of your hostel too much. HCMC is massive and you will end up on a scooter or in a Grab anyway. The exception: if you’re sleeping one night and flying out early, stay near the airport and save yourself the stress.
Other than that, check our map. We put all sights and hostels on it for better planning and orientation.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Meander Saigon – best for Female Solo Travelers
- The Like Hostel & Cafe – best for Solo Travelers & Backpackers
- The Hideout Hostel Saigon – best for Party Lovers
These are our favorite hostels in Ho Chi Minh City. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Meander Saigon
2. The Like Hostel & Cafe
3. The Hideout Hostel Saigon
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | The Like Hostel & Cafe |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Meander Saigon |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Meander Saigon |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | The Hideout Hostel Saigon |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Meander Saigon |
| 🎒 Backpackers | The Like Hostel & Cafe |
We put all three accommodations on the map. You will find the map at the end of the article.
Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City Compared at a Glance
If you only read one part of this guide, read this one. Three hostels, three completely different trips.
| Hostel | Best for | Vibe | Area | Standout |
| 1. Meander Saigon | Female solo travelers, digital nomads | Calm, design-led, easy to work in | District 1, close to Japan Town | Co-working space, and a slide down to reception |
| 2. The Like Hostel & Cafe | Solo travelers, backpackers | Social, but lights out at a sane hour | District 1, 2 minutes from Bui Vien | Rooftop bar with one free beer a day |
| 3. The Hideout Hostel Saigon | Party lovers, groups | Loud, friendly, late | District 1, right on the party street | Free beer hour, billiards, nightly events |
Facilities and availability change with the season. Always double-check on the booking page before you commit.
How to Pick the Right Ho Chi Minh City Hostel
Saigon has well over a hundred hostels and most of them are clustered in the same few streets of District 1. So the question isn’t really “where”, it’s “what kind of night do you want to have”. Find yourself below.
- Solo female traveler: 1. Meander Saigon. Calm building, staff who pay attention, and a location where walking back at night doesn’t feel like a decision.
- Working remotely: 1. Meander Saigon again. There’s an actual co-working area with hot desks, which beats hunching over a bunk with a laptop.
- Solo and want to meet people, not get destroyed: 2. The Like Hostel & Cafe. Board games, book exchange, rooftop beer, bar shuts at 10pm.
- Couples: 2. The Like Hostel & Cafe for the private rooms and the quieter evenings. Saigon private rooms are cheap enough that it’s worth the upgrade.
- Groups: 3. The Hideout Hostel Saigon. Nightly events and a bar downstairs means nobody has to organise anything.
- You came here to party: 3. The Hideout Hostel Saigon, no contest. Bui Vien is a one-minute walk.
- Light sleeper: not 3. The Hideout Hostel Saigon. Honestly, bring earplugs regardless. This is a loud city.
- Cheapest possible bed: compare the city on Hostelz, sort by price, then read the worst reviews before you book. The bottom of the list in Saigon is cheap for reasons.
The 3 Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City in Detail
Here they are, in order, with the honest version of what each one is like.
1. Meander Saigon
Meander Saigon is our top pick for HCMC hostels, especially for female solo travelers and digital nomads.
Here you’ll find:
- A bar (where you can also have breakfast to cure a hangover)
- Free and good WiFi
- A shared kitchen
- A 24-hour front desk (that you can reach via slide)
- Co-working space (with flexible hot desk)
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The interiors are minimal and modern without tipping into showroom territory, which is a harder balance than it sounds. Free toiletries, fresh towels daily, and staff who genuinely help instead of pointing at a laminated sheet.
If you want a bit of life in the evening, the small bar downstairs turns into a café during the day. It’s the kind of place where you end up talking to someone at 10am and still talking to them at 4pm.
One warning. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs. The surrounding streets are full of bars and restaurants and the weekends get noisy.
It’s part of a small chain that started in Taipei, so the layout feels tested rather than improvised. You can tell someone thought about where the plug sockets go.
Location: Saigon hostel in district 1, very close to Japan Town. Restaurants, cafés, and bars surround the area. Many of Ho Chi Minh’s main sights are within walking distance, and there’s a bus stop right in front of the entrance.
The best choice in Ho Chi Minh City for
- Female solo travelers
- Digital nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Read: our guide on the best 24 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
2. The Like Hostel & Cafe
The Like Hostel & Cafe is our favorite Saigon hostel for solo travelers and backpackers.
This HCMC Hostel has the following facilities:
- The rooftop bar (with one free beer per day from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
- 24/7 reception
- Tour desk (with free walking tours twice a week)
- Lounge (with board games)
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Here’s the thing about this one. It has a bar, it has a good social atmosphere, and it is still not a party hostel. Those two things can coexist, and more hostels should figure that out.
People here lounge. There’s a book exchange, board games in the lounge, and a lot of conversations that go nowhere in particular and last two hours anyway. The bar is a place to hang out, and it closes at 10:00 pm.
Beds come with privacy curtains, lockers, and air conditioning, which in Saigon is not a luxury.
Location: Saigon hostel in district 1, a 5-minute walk from Tao Dan Park, the Mariamman Hindu Temple, and Ben Thanh Market. Bui Vien street (backpacker street) is a 2-minute walk away. Restaurants, bars, and cafés surround the area, and you can reach most of Saigon’s famous sights from here.
A great choice for
- Solo travelers
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. The Hideout Hostel Saigon
Came to Saigon to go out? Then this one is easy.
The Hideout Hostel Saigon is our favorite pick for party hostels in Saigon.
Here, you’ll find:
- 1 FREE beer per day (between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm)
- A bar
- A lounge (with billiard)
- A tour/transport booking desk
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
This hostel is built around being social and it doesn’t pretend otherwise, which is why the free beer shows up every single day. Booze is notoriously known to increase extroversion, as you know.
The part that actually matters: it’s a party hostel that’s still clean. That combination is rarer than it should be. Dorms get cleaned daily, and every bed has A/C and its own power socket.
When it comes to noise, do not pick this one if you sleep lightly. It’s loud, sometimes at 3am. That’s the deal you’re signing.
Location: Central hostel in Saigon in district 1, right next to Bui Vien street, where you’ll find the city’s most popular clubs and bars. Easy to get around from here and explore the rest of the city too.
This is one of the best hostels in Ho Chi Minh City for
- Party lovers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Comparing all 3 Top Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City
Here is an overview of our handpicked top hostels in Ho Chi Minh City. In this chart, we compare the main facilities and things to expect.
It will help you make a decision.
| Meander Saigon | The Like Hostel & Cafe | The Hideout Saigon | |
| Recommended for… |
|
|
|
| Kitchen | Yes | Yes | No. |
| WiFi | Free (Good) | Free (Good) | Free (Good) |
| Breakfast | No. | No. | No. |
| Location | Central | Central | Next to the party street. |
| Special | Slide and Co-working space! | Rooftop bar! | Bar and Lounge! |
| Activities | Yes | Yes | No |
| Lockers – and safe? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Facilities for disabled guests | No | No | No |
| How to book? | Hostelworld | Hostelworld | Hostelworld |
This information can vary by season and availability. Please take this into account.
What about the cheapest hostel in Ho Chi Minh City?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels.
We think it’s not worth going with the cheapest one out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, if not less. Seriously. The first time we traveled around the country for 3 months, we sometimes thought, “hey, let’s save some money”.
EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. we went to the cheapest places, it was dirty and came with cockroaches. Skip that.
We are not your mommy, but you will not enjoy it. Spend 50 cents more per night and your whole hostel experience changes. For 50 cents more you suddenly have a sparkling clean place, friendly staff, events, breakfast included.
You may not believe us right now. Once you’re in Vietnam, you’ll realize how cheap it is here. We’ve spent half a year in the country in total.
That said, if you’re on a proper shoestring and want to save every penny, here’s how to find the cheapest beds in Saigon.
- Search Ho Chi Minh City on Hostelz. It pulls prices from the different booking platforms into one list, so you can see who’s cheapest for your dates without opening six tabs.
- Open Hostelworld for the full list of budget places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Order the listing by price.
Simple as that.
Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels.
Use the other filters too, and keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the extreme ones. The best and the worst reviews tell you far more than the average score. In Saigon specifically, look for the words “bed bugs”, “roaches”, and “no window” before you get excited about a $3 dorm.
That being said, you’ll have the best experience with the hostels mentioned above.
Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City for Solo Travelers?
So what’s the honest best hostel in Ho Chi Minh City for solo travelers?
Solo traveling has as many styles as there are personality types. But whichever one you are, we have a hostel for you.
The Like Hostel & Cafe gives you the calmer version of a social stay. Comfortable beds, decent room space, proper lighting, and enough communal areas that you never have to force a conversation. It just happens over a board game.
And if you’re the party-type solo traveler, don’t worry. There’s a rooftop bar where you can have your beer (one free per day) with the city in front of you and a group of strangers who won’t be strangers by 9pm.
The location makes the rest of it easy. Most of central Saigon is walkable from the door, and Bui Vien is two minutes away when you want the loud version of the evening.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re here to party, you shouldn’t miss the hostel that’s been collecting Hostelworld awards since the mid-2010s and still runs the most popular party operation in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Hideout Hostel Saigon hands out a free beer during happy hour every evening, and that first beer is basically the icebreaker. This is, by far, the best party hostel Saigon has.
Beyond the beer, there are nightly events: beer pong tournaments, neon parties, billiards, and the general low-stakes competitiveness of a room full of people who met an hour ago.
And when you want a bigger scene, Saigon’s main party street is a one-minute walk away.
Hostelgeeks Tip: Bui Vien doesn’t really wind down until 2am or later. If you’re staying anywhere near it and want to sleep, ask for a room at the back of the building when you check in, and pack earplugs.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
More Saigon Hostels worth a mention
By now you probably have a hostel in Saigon in mind and a decent idea of where you want to be.
Our three picks above are the ones we keep recommending, and they’re the ones that stand out in our Ho Chi Minh City hostel reviews. But Saigon has well over a hundred hostels, most of them clustered around the backpacker area, so there’s plenty more to look at.
Here are a few more Ho Chi Minh hostels worth a look.
- Vy Khanh Hostel
- Phan Anh Backpackers
- Long Hostel
For most backpackers, a hostel or guesthouse in Saigon beats a hotel. Cheaper, easier to meet people, and the staff are usually better at sorting your bus ticket than a hotel front desk is.
Vy Khanh Hostel
Vy Khanh Hostel is the practical option. Clean air-conditioned rooms with a TV, a mini-fridge, and a wardrobe. Bathrooms have hot and cold showers and a hairdryer.
They also sort airport taxis, currency exchange, and laundry, which covers most of the annoying parts of arriving.
Perks at Vy Khanh Hostel:
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
- Air conditioning
- Laundry
- Daily housekeeping
Location: Good for travelers into shopping, museums, and history, since it sits in the Pham Ngu Lao district. It’s 700m from Ben Thanh Market, the Fine Arts Museum, and Tao Dan Park. The nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat International, 7km away.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Phan Anh Backpackers Hostel
Phan Anh Backpackers does air-conditioned private and dorm rooms, with a fridge, a work desk, and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms come with hot and cold showers and free toiletries. Tours and onward transport get arranged at the front desk.
There’s a welcome drink in the common room, plus games, laundry, and dry cleaning. It’s a straightforward place, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want after an overnight bus.
Perks at Phan Anh Backpackers:
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Room service
Location: A 10-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market and a 10-minute drive from the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Basilica, and Saigon Opera House. Tan Son Nhat International Airport is roughly a 35-minute drive away, longer in rush hour.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Long Hostel
Less is more. Long Hostel covers the basics and not much else. That’s the point. If you’re planning to be out of the building from 8am until midnight and just need somewhere to put your head down, your search is over.
Air-conditioned private and dorm rooms with cable TV, WiFi, and free breakfast. Some private rooms have their own bathroom with a shower and toilet.
Perks at Long Hostel:
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Air conditioning
- Laundry
Location: 1km from Ben Thanh Market. Notre Dame Cathedral and the Independence Palace are a 10-minute drive, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport is around 25 minutes by car.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
How to Book a Hostel in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon is one of the easier cities in Asia to book. Supply is huge, so you’re rarely stuck. The trick is knowing which nights actually need advance booking.
Book ahead for Tet (Vietnamese lunar new year), Christmas and New Year, and Vietnamese public holidays. The rest of the year, a few days ahead is plenty, and walking in works more often than not.
Hostelgeeks Tip: Compare the city on Hostelz before you commit, because the same dorm bed regularly shows a different price depending on which platform you land on. Then book your first two nights only. You’ll want the freedom to move once you’ve seen how loud your street is at 1am.
What about the cheapest hostels in Ho Chi Minh City?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Ho Chi Minh City
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Discounts and Promo Codes for Hostels in Saigon
Here’s how to shave a bit more off the price.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Ho Chi Minh City best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
When to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon has two seasons and neither of them is cold. Ever.
The dry season runs roughly from December to April. Less rain, slightly cooler in December and January, and hot enough by March and April that you’ll be planning your day around air conditioning.
The wet season, roughly May to November, is not the disaster people expect. Rain usually arrives as a heavy afternoon downpour that lasts an hour, then stops. You sit it out with a coffee. Streets flood, occasionally impressively.
The one date to actually check is Tet, the lunar new year, which shifts every year between late January and mid-February. The city gets quiet, a lot of businesses shut for several days, and transport books out well in advance. It’s a fascinating time to be here. It’s also a frustrating one if you didn’t plan for it.
How Many Days Do You Need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Two to three days in the city itself, plus a day for whatever you go out to see.
Two days covers the War Remnants Museum, the Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, a wander through District 1 and the alleys off it, and one properly long evening of street food. Three days gives you room to be slower about it, which the heat will insist on anyway.
Then add a day trip: the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta. Both are half-day to full-day trips and both are easy to book from any hostel desk.
Most backpackers use Saigon as the start or the end of the Vietnam route, so it also becomes your admin city. Laundry, visa extension, replacing whatever broke. Factor that in.
Getting to Ho Chi Minh City and Getting Around
From the airport: Tan Son Nhat International (SGN) sits about 7km from District 1, which is unusually close for a major airport. A Grab is the simplest and cheapest way to avoid the taxi-scam conversation entirely. If you want the metered option instead, Vinasun and Mai Linh are the reputable brands. Public buses 109 and 152 also run into the centre for well under a dollar, though they’re awkward with a big backpack, and the bus stops have moved around since Terminal 3 opened, so ask at the information desk rather than assuming.
There’s no train or metro to the airport, despite what a very confident stranger may tell you.
Getting around the city: Grab bikes are the default. Cheap, fast, and they get through traffic the cars can’t. Metro Line 1 opened at the end of 2024 and runs from Ben Thanh out to Suoi Tien, which is genuinely useful for Thao Dien and the eastern side of the city, less so if you’re staying in the backpacker area and never leaving it.
Walking works in District 1 and gets exhausting fast in the heat. Buses are cheap but slow.
Hostelgeeks Tip: Crossing the road in Saigon is the skill nobody teaches you. Walk out slowly, keep a steady pace, do not stop, do not run backwards. The bikes flow around you. It feels insane for about two days and then it feels normal.
Is Ho Chi Minh City Safe?
Yes, broadly. Violent crime against travelers is rare, and plenty of solo women travel here without trouble.
The real risk is petty theft, and it’s more common here than in most of Vietnam. Phone snatching from passing motorbikes is the classic one, especially around Bui Vien and near Ben Thanh Market. Don’t walk along the kerb texting, and don’t leave your phone on an outdoor table.
The other one is the fake-taxi routine at the airport and outside bars. Use Grab, where the price is fixed before you get in, or stick to Vinasun and Mai Linh and make sure the meter is running.
Bui Vien at 1am is loud and drunk rather than dangerous, but watch your drink and go back with someone if you can. Standard stuff, honestly. Nothing about Saigon requires paranoia.
Visa to Vietnam
Need a visa for Vietnam?
Around 38 to 39 nationalities can enter visa-free for somewhere between 14 and 45 days, depending on your passport. Everyone else applies for the e-visa, which is now open to all nationalities and valid for up to 90 days. Check the current rules for your passport before you fly, since Vietnam has changed this list more than once in the past few years.
Read our full review on iVisa, the shortcut for your visa around the world.
We got our visa with iVisa. It was fast and cheap. Certainly much cheaper than for other travelers we met. Unfortunately this German guy never told us which company he used, but he paid 80€ while we paid 25€.
Need an eSIM Card for Ho Chi Minh City?
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Map of the Best Hostels and Sights in Ho Chi Minh City
Our Favorite Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below we list all three best Ho Chi Minh City hostels on a map.
We love planning our trips with a map that has all the sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map would help you plan your trip too.
We also included the main tourist attractions you should know about:
- Saigon Skydeck
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
- Tao Đàn Park
- Giac Lam Pagoda
- Hồ Chí Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
- Bà Thiên Hậu Temple
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FAQ about Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below are the questions we get asked the most about staying in Saigon.
What is the best hostel in Ho Chi Minh City?
1. Meander Saigon is our overall top pick, especially for female solo travelers and anyone working remotely. 2. The Like Hostel & Cafe is the better choice if you want a social stay that still lets you sleep, and 3. The Hideout Hostel Saigon is the one for partying.
How much does a hostel in Ho Chi Minh City cost?
Dorm beds run from around 3€ to 12€ per night, and private rooms from about 17€ to 42€. Prices climb around Tet and the December holidays, so compare across booking sites on Hostelz before you commit.
What is the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
District 1 for almost everyone, since it holds the main sights, the backpacker area, and nearly all the hostels. Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien are the loud, social heart of it. Stay a few streets back from Bui Vien if you want to sleep.
Are hostels in Ho Chi Minh City safe?
Generally yes. Reputable hostels have lockers, 24-hour reception, and key-card access. The bigger risk is on the street, mainly phone snatching from motorbikes, so keep your phone away from the kerb.
What is the best party hostel in Ho Chi Minh City?
3. The Hideout Hostel Saigon, right next to Bui Vien. Free beer hour, nightly events, and a one-minute walk to the main party street. Not the place for a light sleeper.
What is the best hostel in Ho Chi Minh City for solo female travelers?
1. Meander Saigon. It's calm, well run, in a walkable part of District 1, and it attracts a lot of solo travelers and long-stay remote workers rather than a stag-do crowd.
Do Ho Chi Minh City hostels have female-only dorms?
Many of them do, and it's a standard filter on the booking sites. Check the specific room type before you pay rather than assuming, since not every property lists one on every date.
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Two to three days for the city itself, plus one more for a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta.
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
December to April is the dry season and the most comfortable stretch. May to November brings short, heavy afternoon rain rather than all-day drizzle, and it's still a perfectly good time to visit.
How do I get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1?
The airport is only about 7km out. Grab is the simplest option and takes 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Buses 109 and 152 also run into the centre for well under a dollar, and there is no metro or train link to the airport.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
It depends on your passport. Around 38 to 39 nationalities get visa-free entry for 14 to 45 days, and everyone else can apply for the 90-day e-visa online. Check your own nationality before you book flights.
Is Saigon the same as Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the American War, but locals still say Saigon constantly and the airport code is still SGN.
Should I book hostels in Ho Chi Minh City in advance?
Only a few days ahead for most of the year, since supply is enormous. Book much earlier for Tet, Christmas, New Year, and Vietnamese public holidays.
Flights to Ho Chi Minh City
Flights to Ho Chi Minh City?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
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Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Ho Chi Minh City guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
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