How to Find Cheap Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Busy, vibrant and colorful, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. Commonly referred to as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is always bustling with people in street shops and sidewalk cafes. Vendors sell just about everything from carts and stands right on the sidewalk. Ho Chi Minh City is the economic capital of Vietnam, drawing visitors not just to take in the sights, sounds and culture of Vietnam, but also to business dealings.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, epitomizes tropical weather. Temperatures hover around 86 degrees F throughout the year, even during the wet season that runs from May until the end of November.
Vietnamese (with regional accents) is the official language in Ho Chi Minh City. You'll hear Russian, French, Chinese and English spoken here as well.
The dong is the official currency. United States currency and travelers checks are also widely accepted here.
To learn more and book accommodations, contact Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism at 011 (+84) 822 9433 (if calling from the United States or Canada) or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). (Call 00 (+84) 822 9433 from elsewhere internationally.)
Arrive by air via Tan Son Nhat International Airport. You can fly to this airport from a variety of international airports, as well as other parts of Vietnam.
Travel to Ho Chi Minh City by bus from Cambodia or Laos, as well as a range of other Vietnam towns. Trains are available for overland travel as well.
Get around in Ho Chi Minh City on foot. Cross slowly and obey the signs; watch the locals to figure out how to walk and cross safely in the city.
Flag a taxi to reach your destination in Ho Chi Minh City. Fares are generally cheap.
Rent a motorbike. They are easy to locate, especially in backpacker areas.
Catch a bus for travel within the city. They are cheap and relatively safe.
Stay near the Ben Thanh Market for access to cheap accommodations. Some hotels in this area offer free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
Stay in a budget hotel in District 1. You'll be close to the Vietnamese Traditional Massage Institute, backpacker hangouts, restaurants, shops and the opera.
Select a guesthouse in District 1 for cheap rates and comfortable surroundings. You'll still be within easy walking or riding distance to attractions and entertainment.
Splurge on mid-range hotel accommodations in District 3 to be close to Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral.
