Saigon

Saigon photos

Notre Dame Cathedral

Saigon Opera House at night

Ho Chi Minh City Town Hall

Saigon Traffic

Boats on a canal in District 7

While it may not be the capital of Vietnam politically, you only need to spend a short time in Saigon to see how it the pace of change in the south is shaping the country. The largest city in the country, with over 6 million inhabitants (and over 8 if you count temporary residents), Saigon is a crowded, fast, noisy, and overwhelming place at first. Dig a little deeper, though, and you'll find there is an energy and vibrancy to the city that can be very infectious.

Brimming with life, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC or Saigon as the majority of its residents still call it) offers a great deal for travellers and expatriates alike. There's a great deal to see and do, and no shortage of delicious treats to eat, whether at top restaurants or equally delicious street stalls for a couple of dollars.

The pace of change in the city is staggerring - on a daily basis buildings are pulled down so newer, shinier ones can be errected in their place. In around ten years the city went from a city of 3,000,000 bicycles to 5,000,000 motorbikes, leading the Saigon's very unique brand of traffic. Now car use is on the rise gridlock threatens to set in, but it is yet another reminder of how fast lives are changing in HCMC, and how more and more people are working their way out of poverty.

Yet with a closer look you can find beautiful old buildings as well as striking new ones, cool, calm cafes with gardens that are set back from the road to give you a moments rest from the madness outside, relaxing spas and cool pools to swim in.

There's also a number of great day trips that can be done from the site, whether to Tay Ninh mountain and the Cao Dai temples in the North West, the famous Cu Chi Tunnels where the resistance launched sneak attacks on the US forces based in Saigon, boat trips to Vung Tau, the Mekong Delta or to Can Gio, the huge area of mangrove swamps to the south, known as 'the lungs of the city'.

Hotels In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Top Range Luxury Hotels - 4 and 5 star

Caravelle Hotel - The Caravelle has long been considered amongst the very best hotels in Saigon, with a long history as one of the first international hotels in the city. Its central location make it a perfect choice for business travellers and holiday makers alike. Rooms start from $228. More info
Moevenpick Hotel Saigon - Previously known as the Omni Hotel, the Movenpick is a very attractive hotel with 6 restaurants and good facilities. It is located in Phu Nhuan District, half way between the airport and downtown, making it ideal for business travellers visiting the exhibition centre and e town but perhaps a little far for tourists. Rooms start from $193. More Info
The Renaissance Hotel - Opposite the Saigon river, with a rooftop pool with great views and a short walk from many of the sights in downtown Saigon, the Renaissance is an excellent choice for visitors to the city. Rooms from $187 per night. More Info
The Majestic Hotel - Recently refurbished, the Majestic is now a 5 star hotel. A beautiful colonial building also on the riverfront, the Majestic is gleaming since its refurbishment and looks very inviting indeed. Rooms start at $186 a night. More Info
The Legend Hotel Saigon - Another waterfront hotel, the Legend has great facilities and is close to the central business district of Ho Chi Minh City. Rooms from $184. More Info
Sofitel Plaza Saigon - Near the Zoo, Reunification Palace and many consulates and embassies, as well as the Catherdral and many good restaurants. Rooms from $184. More Info
Duxton Hotel - The Duxton Hotel is on Nguyen Hue, an attractive and relatively calm wide boulevard well positioned for shops and restaurants. Rooms from $180. More Info
New World Hotel - Very close to Ben Thanh Market, an iconic tourist destination, and with an attractive outlook onto the park the New World Hotel is a stylish, well positioned hotel. Rooms from $172. More Info
Equatorial Hotel - The Equatorial is positioned in District 5, near Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown. Rooms from $151. More Info
The Rex Hotel - The Rex is centrally located on the corner of Nguyen Hue and Le Loi. With charming colonial architecture the Rex is popular for its great rooftop bar and rich history. Rooms from $140. More Info

Mid-range hotels

Metropole Hotel - On Tran Hung Dao St. Rooms from $101. More Info
Ramana Hotel - Previously known as the Amara hotel, the Ramana is located on Le Van Sy, a street famous for its clothing stores, and is roughly ten - fifteen minutes taxi from most tourist destinations. Rooms from $100. More Info
Bong Sen - Located on the famous Dong Khoi in central Saigon, the Bong Sen is very reasonably priced given the location. Rooms from $86. More Info
Vien Dong Hotel - Based in Pham Ngu Lau, on the edge of the backpacker district, this hotel combines proximity to tourist destinations with a wide selection of cheap restaurants and travel agents nearby. Rooms from $77. More Info
Liberty 4 Hotel - Also in the backpacker district the Libery 4 combines good value with a great location. Rooms from $76. More Info
Chancery Hotel - The Chancery is opposite the park in District 3 and not far from the Reunification Palace. Rooms from $68. More Info

Budget hotels, hostels and guesthouses

Most, but not all, budget hotels in Saigon are located in the backpacker area, which covers the streets of Pham Nhu Lau, De Tham and Bui Vien. It is relatively central, and has no end of cheap bars, hotels and restaurants but by no means is the area representative of Ho Chi Minh City as a whole so please be sure to get out and see the rest of the city!

Saigon Mini Hotel - Located on Cong Quynh at the far end of Bui Vien, this hotel looks clean and comfortable and gets good reviews from travellers. Rooms from $34. More Info
Bich Duyen Hotel - On Pham Ngu Lau, the Bich Duyen hotel is well reviewed, has air conditioning and all rooms have bathrooms. Rooms from $26. More Info
Hanh Hoa - Decked out in rattan furniture, the Hanh Hoa sounds rather attractive. Rooms from $20. More Info
Luan Vu - On Bui Vien Street, the Luan Vu comes with cable TV, A/C and hot showers. Rooms from $20.
Phan Lan Guesthouse - A very comfortable and friendly guesthouse, I have stayed there on many occasions. Rooms from $20. More Info
Red Sun Hotel - With private fan rooms starting at $14. More Info
Yellow House Hostel - One of the few hostels featuring dorm rooms in the city, the Yellow House has a good atmosphere and is handy for meeting other travellers. Rooms from $7. More Info

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Saigon

Hotels In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Top Range Luxury Hotels - 4 and 5 star

Mid-range hotels

Budget hotels, hostels and guesthouses

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