Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in Ho Chi Minh City for first-timers (I will put the link to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Ho Chi Minh City and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels in Ho Chi Minh City for various budgets.
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, both in terms of population and economic activity. The city is known for its bustling streets, historical landmarks, and energetic atmosphere.
From the colonial architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office to the bustling markets like Ben Thanh Market, there’s always something fascinating to explore in Ho Chi Minh City.
Plus, the food scene is incredible, with delicious street food stalls and upscale restaurants serving up traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Is Ho Chi Minh City a good place to visit with family?
Yes, Ho Chi Minh City is a fantastic destination for a family trip! It’s a vibrant city with a rich history, delicious cuisine, and plenty of attractions suitable for all ages.
Your family can visit historical sites like the War Remnants Museum or Cu Chi Tunnels. There are family-friendly attractions like Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Suoi Tien Theme Park, and Dam Sen Water Park. You can also enjoy delicious street food, and relax at local parks like Tao Dan Park.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for families with kids include District 1, District 3, and District 2 (Thao Dien). District 1 is the most popular base for families who want to be in the heart of the action.
District 1 is the city’s central district, known for its bustling streets, diverse dining options, and proximity to major attractions like Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, and the War Remnants Museum. You’ll find a range of accommodations here, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options.
District 3, located right next to District 1, is also a convenient base for easy access to major sights. It is a huge district, so if you stay here, I recommend booking a hotel around Vo Thi Sau ward, which is an area closer to District 1. The further from District 1, the more you need to travel to get to popular attractions.
You can consider staying in District 2 (Thao Dien and An Phu). This area is popular among expatriates and offers a range of international schools, parks, and Western-style supermarkets. It’s a bit further from the city center but provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
Just a note that HCMC is a noisy and busy city, so I recommend you bring ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper. Many hotels don’t have good soundproofing windows. Plus, Staying in central locations often comes with noise (from traffic, bars, and nightclubs).
During one of my trips to HCMC, I stayed at the mid-range Au Lac Charner Hotel. It was a great hotel in a central location, within walking distance to various attractions, restaurants and cafes. My room was very clean and comfy. The rooftop pool had awesome views of the city.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Ho Chi Minh City for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Ho Chi Minh City have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
3 Best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City with family:
1. District 1
District 1 is a popular choice in Ho Chi Minh City for families who want to be in the heart of the action and want easy access to major tourist attractions. It’s bustling and lively, with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
This district is the city’s central business and commercial hub, home to many famous landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, and Independence Palace.
District 1 offers a wide range of dining experiences to suit every taste and budget. Families can enjoy sampling delicious Vietnamese cuisine as well as international dishes from around the world.
Whether you’re looking for traditional handicrafts, designer boutiques, or modern shopping malls, District 1 has it all. The area is known for its bustling markets like Ben Thanh Market and trendy shopping streets like Dong Khoi.
District 1 is characterized by a mix of old colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and bustling markets, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history and rapid development.
Best places to stay in HCMC in District 1 with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Fusion Original Saigon Centre, 5-star family-friendly hotel centrally located on Le Loi Street in District 1, within walking distance from major attractions. It is located inside an upmarket shopping mall where you can find many shops and food outlets. It has good breakfast, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. The executive family rooms have plenty of room for a family of 4.
Luxury ($$$): InterContinental Residences Saigon, an IHG Hotel, 5-star kid-friendly hotel, located on the corner Nguyen Du Street and Le Van Huu Street, in central HCMC. It is close to many popular points of interest including Book street, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, and Reunification Palace. It has one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, which can accommodate up to 7 family members.
Mid-range ($$): Au Lac Charner Hotel, 4-star family-friendly hotel located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a short stroll from major sights like the Opera House and Noter-Dame Cathedral. Easlo close to a range of traditional markets, street stalls, cafés and restaurants. It has a wonderful breakfast, outdoor pool, and paid airport transfer.
Budget ($): Calista Sai Gon Hotel, 3-star family-friendly hotel conveniently located in Ben Thanh Ward, close to Ben Thanh Market. The hotel has family rooms, bicycle rental services and a 24-hour front desk.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DISTRICT 12. District 3
District 3, particularly the area around Vo Thi Sau Ward, is a convenient base for families who want central location and easy access to major attractions. You’ll be close to attractions like the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Diamond Plaza, and Tao Dan park.
Best places to stay in HCMC in District 3 with family:
Luxury ($$$): Sherwood Residence, 5-star good value for money hotel in central location in District 3 of HCMC, featuring two and three-bedroom apartments which are comfortable for families of 4 to 6. It is a short distance from major attractions, and a cheap Grab ride to the city center.
Luxury ($$$): Mai House Saigon Hotel, 5-star good value for money children-friendly hotel conveniently located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street. It has 2 swimming pools, a fitness center, and a wonderful breakfast. It is in a quiet area and it is an easy walk to everything.
Budget ($): Hoang Lan Hotel, 3-star family-friendly hotel, located in District 3, a short walk/Grab ride from the War Remnants Museum, Tan Dinh Market and Reunification Palace. The hotel has excellent breakfast, 24-hour front desk, and currency exchange.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DISTRICT 33. District 2 (Thao Dien)
District 2, particularly the Thao Dien area, is popular among expatriates and affluent locals. It’s known for its expat-friendly amenities, including international schools, upscale restaurants, and modern shopping malls.
Thao Dien is quieter and greener compared to the city center, making it a good option for families looking for a more suburban lifestyle and don’t mind traveling a bit to get to downtown attractions. It’s also close to the Saigon River, offering opportunities for scenic walks and boat rides.
Best places to stay in HCMC in District 2 for families:
Mid-range ($$): Amanaki Thao Dien, family-friendly accommodation in district 2 of HCMC, offering free bikes, an indoor pool and family rooms. It is in the heart of Thao Dien, so you’ll be a short walk from the main street with many cafes and restaurants.
Mid-range ($$): Riverside Serviced Apartments, 4-star family-friendly apartment complex located on the banks of the Saigon River, featuring an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and free boat/bus transfer to Bach Dang Port. It has family rooms, laundry services, and free parking.
Budget ($): Mecozy Apartel, 3-star condo hotel in district 2, offering rooms with a fully equipped kitchen. 10 mins walk to the shopping area and restaurants. Vincom Megamall is also nearby.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DISTRICT 2In conclusion, District 1, District 3, and District 2 (Thao Dien) are the best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for first-timers and tourists. District 1 is the best overall base for families who want to be in the heart of the action as this area offers a wide range of accommodations and easy access to major sights.
You can continue reading about HCMC and other destinations in Vietnam in these articles:
- Best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh first time
- Best places to stay in Vietnam first time
- safe areas to stay in Hanoi first time
- safe areas to stay in Dalat
- Safes areas to stay in Nha Trang
- Safest areas to stay in Da Nang
- Safest areas to stay in Phu Quoc
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Ho Chi Minh City. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.