Finding affordable accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City is surprisingly easy, with options that offer both style and comfort without breaking the bank. For backpackers who want to stay central but save money, District 1 and the areas bordering District 3 are ideal locations.

• Meander Saigon: This hostel comes highly recommended for its cleanliness and aesthetic appeal. It is located in District 1 and offers a very pleasant stay for solo travelers or friends. The cost is approximately 170 RMB per night, which is a steal considering the quality of the facilities and its proximity to major attractions. It is described as very beautiful and clean, making it a worthy expenditure for a budget traveler.
• Cubicity Hoang Dieu: If you are traveling in a group of three, this spot is an incredible bargain. Travelers have reported staying here for as low as RM60 per person (approx. 100 RMB). The rooms are spacious, equipped with large televisions (with YouTube access), refrigerators, and clean bathrooms with disposable toiletries. They also offer laundry services where staff deliver clean clothes right to your room. While the elevator is small and there might be a few mosquitoes, the value for money is undeniable.
• Express by M Village: Located near the backpacker hub of Pham Ngu Lao, this hotel offers a simple environment with comfortable bedding for around 260 RMB per night. It is situated near a 'women's clothing street,' making it convenient for shopping, and is just a short walk from excellent local food spots.

For getting around from these bases, Grab is your best friend. It is significantly cheaper than traditional taxis, and you can see the price upfront. Be sure to pick up a local SIM card to communicate with drivers if necessary.

Start your first day diving into the heart of the city's French colonial history in District 1, all of which can be done on foot to save money.

• Morning Caffeine Fix: Begin at Little HaNoi Egg Coffee. Their egg coffee is rich, creamy, and incredibly healing for a weary traveler. It provides a thick, custard-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the morning humidity.
• Sightseeing: Walk to the Saigon Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (note that the cathedral may be under renovation). Nearby is the Book Street, a charming pedestrian area perfect for photos. Don't miss the Independence Palace; while there is an entrance fee, walking around the perimeter and viewing the architecture is free.
• The Ultimate Budget Lunch: You cannot visit Vietnam without eating Banh Mi. Head to Banh Mi Hong Hoa. It is widely praised for its crispy baguette—the bread is so good it crumbles when you bite it but doesn't choke you. The fillings are generous with tender pork, pâté, pickles, and cilantro. It is incredibly affordable, costing around 19 RMB (approx. 65k VND) for a portion large enough for two people, or you can ask them to cut it in half. Another option nearby is Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, known for being huge and heavy on the meat, but Hong Hoa is often cited as having a better bread texture.
• Dinner: For a hearty meal, try Pho Viet Nam (Michelin recommended). Their stone bowl pho is a must-try. You put the raw meat in yourself, ensuring it stays tender. It costs about 85,000 VND (approx. 25 RMB), which is great value for a Michelin-recognized spot.

Don't forget to stay hydrated with local fruit juices, which are abundant and cheap throughout District 1.

Day two focuses on culture and getting the most calories for your currency.

• Morning: Visit the War Remnants Museum. It is a sobering but essential experience. Afterwards, check out the Fine Arts Museum. It is a beautiful yellow colonial building that serves as a fantastic background for photos, even if you just admire the architecture.
• Lunch - Broken Rice: For a true "shoestring" meal, find a local spot serving Com Tam (Broken Rice). There are places where a plate of pork chop rice with an egg is incredibly cheap and satisfying. The pork is often marinated to be slightly sweet and grilled to perfection.
• Afternoon Snack: Stop by The Cafe Apartment on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. While some shops are pricey, browsing the building is an experience in itself. You can find unique local brands like 'The New Playground' nearby for window shopping.
• Dinner - Street Food Paradise: Head to Ho Thi Ky Food Street in District 10. This is a flower market by day and a food haven by night. You can find almost every local snack here. Look for cheap durian—travelers have reported finding it for as low as 80,000 VND (approx. 22 RMB) per kg! It's sweet, fresh, and significantly cheaper than in other countries.
• Late Night: If you are still hungry, Pho Bo Vien serves excellent beef ball noodles with a peppery soup base that hits the spot.

District 3 offers a slightly more local vibe with plenty of photogenic spots and legendary food stalls.

• Morning: Visit the Tan Dinh Church, famously known as the Pink Church. It is located in District 3 and is a striking sight. Across from it, you can find Ola Hale - Restaurant & Bar which offers a nice rooftop view for photos.
• Lunch: Eat at Pho Hoa Pasteur. This is a Michelin-recognized institution. The broth is clear and sweet, and the portions are substantial. A unique feature here is the variety of beef balls available. Don't forget to add the herbs and bean sprouts provided on the table—they add essential crunch and aroma. Be sure to strip the leaves off the herbs rather than eating the stems whole!
• Coffee Break: For coffee lovers, The Workshop Cafe is a top-rated spot (often listed in Asia's Top 50 cafes). While slightly pricier (around 20 RMB/cup), the quality is undeniable. Alternatively, Cheo Leo Cafe offers a more traditional, nostalgic vibe.
• Dinner - Shellfish & Snails: For a true local experience, visit Oc Dao. It is a seafood stall known for its garlic butter tamarind crab and grilled shrimp. The dipping sauces are acidic and spicy, cutting through the richness perfectly. It's a fantastic spot for a late-night snack or dinner.

If you prefer something lighter, Banh Canh Cua 87 offers a crab soup noodle dish that is very affordable (around 15 RMB). It features a thick, slightly sour and spicy broth loaded with crab, quail eggs, and pork blood curd.

District 2 (Thao Dien) is known as the expat area, but you can still enjoy it on a budget.

• Morning: Explore the Thao Dien Weekend Market (often held at Vincom Mega Mall or nearby areas like Starbucks Q2 Terrace). You can find handmade crafts, clothes, and food. It's free to browse and soak in the atmosphere. The area has many beautiful French-style buildings and lush greenery.
• Lunch: Try Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong for a change of pace from beef. This chicken glass noodle soup is famous for its rich chicken broth. You can choose between instant noodles or glass noodles, and they even serve chicken giblets.
• Dinner - Seafood Buffet: If you are extremely hungry, head to Buffet Lum Lua. For just 80 RMB (approx. 270k VND), you get unlimited time to eat fresh seafood including big-head prawns, crabs, and shellfish. They offer grilling and steaming stations. Another option is Poseidon, where for about 150 RMB you get an unlimited seafood buffet including sushi and hotpot.
• Evening: If you are up for a unique activity, check out a Pickleball club like D'Lucky Pickleball. It's a great way to socialize with locals and expats, and entry is reasonably priced (around 110k VND for 3 hours).

On your final day, relax and pick up some souvenirs.

• Morning: Head to Ben Thanh Market. It's touristy, but an essential experience. You can find everything from clothes to coffee. Be prepared to haggle hard.
• Relaxation: Treat yourself to a budget-friendly spa treatment. Sen Trang Spa in District 1 offers a 2-hour shampoo and massage package for around 200 RMB. It's incredibly relaxing and a great way to clean up before a flight. Alternatively, Royal Barbershop offers a combo of shaving, ear cleaning, and massage which is a unique local experience.
• The Final "Splurge": End your trip at Pizza 4P's. While it is the most famous pizza place in Vietnam, it is surprisingly affordable compared to Western prices (around 120 RMB per person). The crab pasta is creamy and rich, and the 4-cheese pizza with honey is legendary. The service is excellent, and it feels like a high-end dining experience on a backpacker budget. Be sure to book in advance via Google Maps or their website as it is very popular.
• Souvenirs: Before leaving, grab a coconut coffee or a salted cream coffee from Cafe Linh to go. It tastes like a childhood coffee candy melted into a drink!