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
Fairy Stream Mui Ne: How to Walk It, Entry Fee and Best Time (2026)
Fairy Stream Mui Ne is a 1.5 to 2 km barefoot walk up a red sand canyon for VND 15,000. How to walk it,…
Food & Drink
Com Tam, Banh Mi, and Bun Thit Nuong: Saigon’s Definitive Cheap Eats Guide
A Saigon cheap eats guide should go beyond pho and banh mi to include com tam, bun thit nuong, street snacks, and local breakfast…
Beyond Saigon
Con Dao Tour from Saigon: What Is Included and How to Get There (2026)
A Con Dao tour from Saigon runs 2 to 4 days. What packages include and exclude, flight and ferry routes in 2026, turtle season…
Visa & Legal
Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs E-Visa in 2026: Which Option to Choose
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and working through your vietnam backpacking guide checklist, visa is the first thing to sort — and…
Beyond Saigon
Grand World Phu Quoc: Show Times, Tickets and Getting There (2026)
Grand World Phu Quoc is free to enter and open 24 hours. Evening show times from 20:15, ticket prices, free VinBus routes and who…
Beyond Saigon
Vietnam Beyond the Tourist Trail: 12 Underrated Destinations Worth Planning For
Vietnam beyond the tourist trail rewards travellers who leave the obvious route and make time for quieter cities, islands, mountains, and food regions.
Beyond Saigon
Nha Trang Night Market: Food, Shopping and Bargaining Tips (2026)
Nha Trang Night Market: about 100 stalls on a 500 m strip off Tran Phu from early evening. What to eat and buy, how…
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