Ho Chi Minh City · living & travel
Stay well in Saigon, then go further.
Independent guides to where to stay, what to eat, which day trips to take, and how to live here for a month or a year.
Our top choice
First time in Saigon? Stay in District 1.
Central, walkable and with the widest range of places to stay. Dong Khoi for premium hotels, Nguyen Hue for mid-range, Pham Ngu Lao for budget.
- Walk to Ben Thanh & Nguyen Hue
- Budget to five-star
- Fast Grab pickups for day trips
Where are you headed?
Saigon first, then the rest of Vietnam. Every guide links to places you can book yourself.
Plan by question
Short answers from our guides. Tap through for the detail.
When to goWhen is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?December to April: the dry season, clear skies, around 28–32°C.Month-by-month guide →
ItineraryIs 3 days enough for Saigon?Yes: District 1's landmarks, one day trip (Cu Chi or the Mekong Delta) and a half-day in Cholon.Saigon 3-day itinerary →
Day tripsWhat's the most popular day trip from Saigon?Cu Chi Tunnels, then My Tho in the Mekong Delta and Vung Tau.Day trips from Saigon →
RentingWhat does a monthly apartment cost in Saigon?From about $250 for a basic studio in an outer district to over $3,000 for a luxury two-bedroom in District 1.Monthly rent guide →
VisaHow do I get a Vietnam e-visa?Apply on the official portal (evisa.gov.vn) before you fly; it allows stays of up to 90 days.E-visa step by step →
Cost of livingHow much do expats spend in Saigon?Most spend $1,500–$2,500 a month all-in, depending on rent and lifestyle.Cost of living guide →
Latest guides
Newest first.
Beyond Saigon
Phu Quoc Travel Guide 2026: Beaches, Hotels, Food, and Getting There From Saigon
This phu quoc travel guide covers everything you need to plan a trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Vietnam’s largest island — from…
Beyond Saigon
Con Dao Snorkeling and Diving: Spots, Season and Dive Centers (2026)
Con Dao snorkeling is best March to September. Bay Canh and Hon Cau park tour at VND 900,000, 30+ dive sites, a wreck, dive…
Beyond Saigon
Phu Quoc Diving: Dive Sites, Season, Prices and Dive Centres (2026)
Phu Quoc diving: shallow 6-12 m reefs, best November to April, fun dives about VND 2.1-2.6 million. An Thoi sites, dive centres and when…
Beyond Saigon
Nha Trang Weather by Month and the Best Time to Visit (2026)
Nha Trang weather month by month: highs of 27-33°C, a dry January-August and 75% of rain in September-December. Best months for beaches and diving.
Beyond Saigon
Da Lat Railway Station and the Train to Trai Mat: Tickets and Tips (2026)
Da Lat railway station: 1938 Art Deco station, VND 50,000 entry and a 7 km train to Trai Mat for about VND 80,000-170,000. Schedule…
Cost of Living
Vietnam Travel Budget Per Day: Realistic Numbers by Travel Style in 2026
The vietnam travel budget per day in 2026 ranges from roughly $25 USD for backpackers all the way to $150+ USD for comfort travelers…
Food & Drink
How Vietnamese Food Culture Differs Between North and South Vietnam
Vietnam food culture is one of the most regionally divided culinary traditions in Southeast Asia.
Independent, not a landlord
We don't run hotels, rent apartments or sell tours. We write about the city and point you to places you can book yourself.
How guides are made
Written by the Saigon Apartment editorial team with AI assistance, then checked and dated. Images are AI illustrations unless credited.
How we earn
Some hotel and tour links pay us a commission through Stay22, at no cost to you. It never decides which area we recommend. Affiliate disclosure