District 1 is the beating heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a chaotic yet mesmerizing blend of French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife. For backpackers, this is the ultimate base camp. Whether you are looking for the intense energy of Bui Vien Walking Street or the slightly more refined charm of the Japanese Quarter, District 1 has it all.

Finding the right accommodation can make or break your trip. While the term "hostel" often implies bunk beds and shared bathrooms, the backpacker scene in Saigon has evolved. You can now find incredible value in budget hotels, boutique stays, and design-forward hostels that offer luxury perks at backpacker prices. From places offering free onsen baths to studios with colonial charm, here is a curated guide to the top affordable stays in District 1.

• Central Location: Most listed spots are walkable to major sights like the Opera House and Ben Thanh Market.
• Budget Friendly: Prices range from super affordable to high-value flashpacker options.
• Foodie Paradise: We will highlight the best street food spots near these stays.

Explore District 1 on Google Maps

If there is one hostel that consistently tops the list for design and cleanliness on social media, it is Meander Saigon. Located in District 1, this spot redefines the hostel experience with its sleek aesthetic and impeccable hygiene.

Travelers have praised it for being incredibly beautiful and clean, making it well worth the money. It offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow travelers while maintaining a high standard of comfort. With prices around 170 RMB per night, it sits at the intersection of affordability and style, making it a top choice for those who want a hostel vibe without sacrificing quality.

• Price: Approx. 170 RMB/night.
• Vibe: Social, clean, and beautifully designed.
• Recommendation: Ideal for solo travelers looking to connect.

Located right in the heart of the action near the famous backpacker street, Express by M Village Pham Ngu Lao offers a simple yet comfortable retreat. The environment is straightforward, focusing on comfortable bedding and high cost-performance, with prices averaging around 260 RMB.

Its location is a major selling point. It is just a five-minute walk to the "women's fashion street," making it perfect for those who want to do some shopping. A massive bonus for foodies is the Pho shop downstairs, which some travelers rate as the best they have eaten in Vietnam.

• Location: Pham Ngu Lao, District 1.
• Highlight: Incredible Pho restaurant located just downstairs.
• Convenience: 5 minutes to shopping areas.

Another gem from the M Village collection in District 1 is the Võ Văn Kiệt location. This property is relatively new and offers excellent amenities for long-term backpackers or those who prefer self-sufficiency. To the left of the main entrance, you will find a shared kitchen equipped with a water dispenser and a laundry area where you can wash and dry your clothes—a lifesaver for backpackers.

• Amenities: Shared kitchen, laundry facilities (washer/dryer), and smoking area.
• Service: The front desk staff speaks English well and provides luggage assistance.
• Nearby Late-Night Eats: Don't miss QUAN 79 nearby, a local favorite for affordable late-night snacks.

Travelers appreciate the spacious rooms that can accommodate multiple suitcases and the clean, high-quality towels, avoiding the common issue of unpleasant odors in budget stays.

For a stay that feels like stepping into a Marguerite Duras novel, look no further than this Airbnb homestay near Bui Vien Street. It perfectly captures the humid, ambiguous, and romantic French colonial atmosphere of Saigon.

The interior features deep red floors, retro furniture, and a mix of French and Chinese aesthetics, including porcelain ornaments. It is not just a place to sleep; it is a photo opportunity in itself. Despite being an Airbnb, it offers hostel-beating amenities like a large bathtub, washing machine, dryer, and a kitchen.

• Atmosphere: Romantic, vintage, "The Lover" style.
• Facilities: Bathtub, kitchen, laundry.
• Location: 5 minutes walk to Bui Vien, 15-30 minutes to Ben Thanh Market.

If you want a design hotel experience at a hostel price, Anima Boutique Hotel is a top contender. Located in District 1, just 5 minutes from Nguyen Hue Walking Street and 10 minutes from the Notre Dame Cathedral, it offers incredible value.

The design is a mix of minimalist industrial and Asian-French styles, with exposed brick and concrete ceilings. Solo travelers can find rooms for around 203 RMB, which is a steal considering the amenities include a 24-hour gym, spa, and sauna. The rooms are compact but rationally designed, often featuring fresh fruit and thoughtful details.

• Style: Industrial/Artistic.
• Value: ~200 RMB for solo travelers.
• Perks: Gym, Spa, Sauna, and great breakfast options (try the Pho!).

While technically a hotel, Kin Hotel Hai Ba Trung offers features that make it a legendary stop for weary backpackers willing to spend a little more (around 300+ RMB/person). The standout feature? A 24-hour smart Japanese onsen.

Guests get daily access to the thermal baths, private sauna, and cold plunge pools—perfect after a day of city walking. The hotel also features a business lounge open all day offering free instant noodles, fruit, coffee, and biscuits. The rooms feature a wine-red velvet aesthetic, adding a touch of low-key luxury.

• Unique Selling Point: Free 24h Onsen and Sauna access.
• Freebies: All-day lounge with snacks and noodles.
• Location: 5 minutes to the Opera House.

For those who prioritize location and price above all else, Dai Nam Hotel (Khách sạn Đại Nam Sài Gòn) is a solid choice. Situated in District 1, you can walk to almost all core attractions within 30 minutes.

It has been compared to budget chains like "Home Inn" in China—simple, functional, and extremely affordable. During holidays, prices can be as low as 100+ RMB. Stepping out the door puts you right next to the Opera House and the Ho Chi Minh Statue.

• Price: ~100 RMB range.
• Location: Prime District 1, next to major landmarks.
• Verdict: unbeatable location for the price.

Silverland Min is another excellent option for travelers traveling in small groups. It is known for its strategic location and reasonable pricing (around RM 945 for 3 people for multiple nights).

The location is superb, allowing for easy access to nearby attractions like the Book Street and the Central Post Office. It is a step up from a basic hostel but remains budget-friendly when splitting the cost among friends.

• Group Travel: Good value for triple occupancy.
• Location: Excellent access to city center sights.

For travelers who prefer an apartment-style stay, CityHouse - Ariosa Apartment offers a clean and comfortable experience. The reception staff are praised for their English skills and enthusiasm.

Rooms feature bathtubs and strong air conditioning—essential for Saigon's heat. While some rooms might have small bathrooms or bed corners you need to be careful of, the overall value is high. It is recommended to request a room on a higher floor away from the street to avoid the sound of motorbike horns.

• Type: Apartment Hotel.
• Tip: Request a high floor for quiet.
• Amenities: Bathtub, strong AC, English-speaking staff.

Rounding out our list is Silverland May Hotel, located near the vibrant "Japan Town" area. This is a fantastic location for foodies, with plenty of dining options right downstairs, including delicious cake shops.

It is just a 5-minute walk to Vincom Center and 10 minutes to the Opera House. Nearby, you can find drugstores selling popular local brands like Cocoon. While it might lean slightly more towards a hotel feel, the convenience and comfort make it a worthy splurge for backpackers ending their trip.

• Location: Near Japan Town and Vincom Center.
• Shopping: Close to drugstores and malls.
• Food: Surrounded by eateries.