Best Places to Stay in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Updated 2025)

Planning a trip to Vietnam’s two biggest cities — Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south? Choosing the right area to stay can make or break your experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, whether you’re a solo traveler, family, digital nomad, or luxury seeker.

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🏙 Best Areas to Stay in Hanoi

1. Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem) – Best for First-Time Visitors

The historic heart of Hanoi, full of narrow streets, traditional architecture, street food, and local life.

• Pros: Central location, walkable, great food

• Cons: Noisy and crowded

• Great for: Backpackers, solo travelers, culture lovers

Top hotels/Airbnbs:

• La Siesta Classic Ma May

• Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel

• Nexy Hostel (budget-friendly)

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2. French Quarter – Best for Luxury Travelers

Located near the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake, this area is known for wide boulevards, colonial buildings, and luxury hotels.

• Pros: Upscale vibe, beautiful architecture

• Cons: More expensive

• Great for: Couples, luxury travelers

Top hotels:

• Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

• Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi

• Apricot Hotel

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3. Tay Ho (West Lake) – Best for Long-Term Stays & Expats

This quieter, more modern district is home to many expats and digital nomads.

• Pros: Lakeside views, international restaurants

• Cons: Farther from Old Quarter (15–20 min by taxi)

• Great for: Families, remote workers

Popular options:

• Fraser Suites Hanoi

• Elegant Suites Westlake

• Airbnb apartments

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🌆 Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

1. District 1 – Best for First-Time Travelers

The downtown core with attractions like Ben Thanh Market, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the War Remnants Museum.

• Pros: Central, walkable, vibrant nightlife

• Cons: Traffic, touristy

• Great for: Everyone

Top hotels:

• The Myst Dong Khoi

• Silverland Jolie Hotel

• Liberty Central Saigon

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2. District 3 – Best for Local Charm

A more residential area offering a balance between local life and city attractions.

• Pros: Less crowded, more affordable

• Cons: Fewer high-end options

• Great for: Budget travelers, foodies

Where to stay:

• Maison De Camille Boutique Hotel

• Orchids Saigon Hotel

• Cozy local Airbnbs

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3. District 2 (Thao Dien) – Best for Expats and Families

Trendy, leafy suburb popular with expats. Lots of Western-style cafes, gyms, and international schools.

• Pros: Modern, clean, good for long-term stays

• Cons: 20–30 mins from city center

• Great for: Digital nomads, families

Top stays:

• Mia Saigon

• Somerset Feliz

• Airbnb condos with river views

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💡 Tips When Choosing Where to Stay

• Book near your planned activities to avoid long travel times

• Use apps like Grab for safe, cheap transport

• Check hotel reviews for Wi-Fi speed, cleanliness, and noise levels

• Consider staying near metro/bus stations for easier travel

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🛂 Don’t Forget: Apply for Your Vietnam eVisa Before Booking

No matter where you stay in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, make sure your Vietnam visa is approved in advance!

With VietnamVisaEasy.com, getting a visa is simple and fast:

• Tourist & business e-visas (30 or 90 days)

• Online application — no embassy visit

• Fast processing, friendly support

• Visa delivered straight to your email

👉 Apply for your Vietnam eVisa now and book your stay with peace of mind.

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✈️ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to Hanoi’s historic charm or Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic energy, there’s a perfect neighborhood waiting for you. From bustling downtowns to lakeside escapes, Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodations to fit every type of traveler.

Start your adventure by securing your visa — and then book your dream stay in Vietnam’s most exciting cities.