Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Where to stay

Pham Ngu Lao in District 1 is still the main backpacker cluster, with most hostels on De Tham and Bui Vien streets within walking distance of each other. District 3, a short Grab ride away near Vo Thi Sau, tends to run quieter and a bit cheaper while still being close to everything.

Getting around

• Use Grab for every motorbike trip. Street xe om drivers at Bui Vien quote three to five times the Grab rate for the same ride.
• Ben Thanh Market prices are set for tourists. Head to Binh Tay Market in Cholon (District 5) for the same goods at a fraction of the cost with almost no haggling pressure.
• The airport bus route 109 runs directly from Tan Son Nhat to Ben Thanh Market for a cheap flat fare. The taxi queue outside arrivals will quote ten times that for the same trip.

When to go

Hostels get tight and pricier from late December through January when Tet travel peaks. June through August brings rain but also the easiest time to find last-minute beds at the lowest rates.