Top 9 Hotels to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Districts 1 & 3)
A Kowide Outdoors Travel Guide for Visiting Partners and Clients
If you’re visiting Kowide Outdoors in Long Khánh, just a 90-minute drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the city’s District 1 and District 3 offer the perfect base. They’re close to showrooms, cafés, and meeting spaces — yet filled with local charm, history, and world-class hospitality.
Kowide Outdoors Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
At Kowide Outdoors, we regularly welcome international brand partners, designers, and sourcing teams. Whether it’s your first or fifth visit to Vietnam, these practical tips can help make your stay smooth, productive, and enjoyable.
Choosing Between District 1 and District 3
· District 1 is the energetic commercial core — perfect if you prefer to be near meetings, restaurants, and nightlife.
· District 3 is quieter, greener, and more local — filled with French villas, indie coffee shops, and boutique hotels ideal for longer creative stays.
· Both districts are within 10–15 minutes of each other by car, so you can easily mix business and leisure across both.
Hotel Recommendations
Below is our curated list of nine hotels across three categories:
International Mainstream Hotels — trusted global brands for comfort and convenience.
Heritage & Classic Hotels — historic properties that carry the stories of old Saigon.
Boutique & Design Hotels — creative, modern spaces that showcase local design
International Mainstream Hotels
Park Hyatt Saigon — District 1
Overlooking Lam Sơn Square and the Opera House, the Park Hyatt is a refined retreat at the heart of District 1. Its French-colonial architecture, courtyard gardens, and tranquil pool make it ideal for business and leisure alike.
Standout fact: Built on the site of the Brinks Hotel, the Park Hyatt stands where U.S. military officers once stayed during the war — a striking symbol of transformation and renewal.
Sofitel Saigon Plaza — District 1
This French-inspired property offers modern luxury and a calm atmosphere near the consulate district. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and excellent French-Vietnamese dining.
Standout fact: Opened in 1998, the Sofitel was one of the first global hotels in post-reform Vietnam, ushering in a new era of international hospitality.
Novotel Saigon Centre — District 3
Conveniently located in central District 3, Novotel Saigon Centre balances affordability and comfort. It’s close to the city’s creative cafés, art galleries, and local dining spots, with easy access to District 1.
Standout fact: As one of the first major international chains in District 3, Novotel helped spotlight the area’s potential as a hub for design and boutique living.
Heritage & Classic Hotels
Hotel Majestic Saigon — District 1
Since 1925, the Majestic has graced the Saigon River with its colonial grandeur. Antique woodwork, marble floors, and French-era balconies transport guests to another time.
Standout fact: Built by local businessman Hui Bon Hoa, the Majestic has hosted generations of travelers, dignitaries, and creatives.
Caravelle Saigon — District 1
Next to the Opera House, the Caravelle combines mid-century history with contemporary comfort. The famous Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar is still a must-visit for panoramic views.
Standout fact: During the 1960s, it served as the unofficial press hub for foreign correspondents — many iconic reports were written from its rooms and bar.
Hotel Continental Saigon — District 1
Opened in 1880, the Continental remains the oldest operating hotel in Vietnam. With high ceilings, marble corridors, and its historic Continental Patio, it’s pure literary nostalgia.
Standout fact: Author Graham Greene wrote parts of The Quiet American here — the hotel still carries that cinematic sense of timelessness.
Hotel Continental Saigon Website
Boutique & Design Hotels
Hôtel des Arts Saigon — MGallery — District 3
A stunning art-focused boutique hotel that channels the elegance of 1930s Indochine. Expect curated Vietnamese artworks, fine dining, and one of the city’s most photogenic rooftop pools.
Standout fact: Designed as a “living art gallery,” each floor showcases contemporary Vietnamese artists alongside vintage décor and Parisian influences.
The Myst Dong Khoi — District 1
Full of handcrafted details, vintage furnishings, and lush balconies, The Myst celebrates “Old Saigon” aesthetics. It’s elegant, quirky, and deeply rooted in local craft traditions.
Standout fact: Nearly every piece of décor — from tiles to tables — was salvaged from old Saigon homes, preserving the city’s fading architectural heritage.
(Author’s note: yes, this is a Silverland property but runs under its own name.)
La Siesta Premium Saigon — District 1
A fresh boutique newcomer in a prime location on Ly Tự Trọng Street near Ben Thanh Market. The hotel boasts contemporary design, a rooftop pool, and a sky-bar featuring some of the best views in Ho Chi Minh City.
Standout fact: Opened in 2023, La Siesta Premium exemplifies the new wave of Vietnamese boutique hotels — combining high design, an excellent rooftop vantage point, and strong guest reviews as a modern addition to District 1’s hospitality scene.
La Siesta Premium Saigon Website
Bonus Recommendation: The Silverland Hotel Collection
If you’re someone who values consistency, elevated service, and boutique ambiance — but still wants options — the Silverland Hotels Group is an excellent middle-ground worth shortlisting. Silverland operates several sister properties across District 1, each with its own character while maintaining a shared identity of polished Vietnamese hospitality, excellent locations, and thoughtful design.
Quick recap of their most notable properties:
Silverland Jolie – French-colonial inspired, near the Saigon River with a charming rooftop jacuzzi.
Silverland Yen – A serene, Japanese-influenced sanctuary with an onsen-style spa — ideal for decompressing after factory visits or flights.
Silverland Mây – Their newest and most design-forward property, filled with contemporary Vietnamese craft influences and sunrise-worthy rooftop pool views.
Silverland Sakyo – Subtle Saigon-meets-Tokyo aesthetic, popular with business travelers who still appreciate boutique details.
These hotels are well-rated for their value-to-experience ratio, seamless airport transfer assistance, and ability to tailor stays for business guests — which is why Kowide often recommends Silverland as a safe, reliable “can’t-go-wrong” choice for first-time visitors.
Getting to Long Khánh (Kowide Outdoors HQ)
Travel time: Around 90 minutes by car (100 km) via the Long Thành–Dầu Giây Expressway.
Departure tip: Leave before 7:30 a.m. or after 10 a.m. to avoid heavy traffic when exiting Ho Chi Minh City.
Transport options: We can recommend trusted private car services or arrange transfers on request.
Eating & Drinking
District 1 has a vibrant food scene — from street-side phở to Michelin Guide restaurants.
For authentic Vietnamese flavors: try Quan Bui (traditional dishes), Secret Garden (rooftop dining), or Hum (vegetarian fusion).
Coffee culture is serious in Saigon: explore cafés like The Workshop, L’Usine, or Oromia for both caffeine and creative ambience.
For cocktails with a view: the Rex Rooftop, Saigon Saigon Bar, and The View at The Myst never disappoint.
Getting Around
Grab (ride-hailing app) is the easiest and most reliable way to get around.
Most locations within central Saigon are under 10–15 minutes by car. For short hops, consider walking — many District 1 and 3 areas are surprisingly pedestrian-friendly.
If you need help with logistics or meeting transport,
Kowide’s team can help coordinate with trusted local drivers.
Weather & What to Pack
Dry season: November to April (warm, low humidity — ideal for travel).
Rainy season: May to October (short, heavy afternoon showers).
Lightweight clothing: a compact umbrella, and breathable shoes are essential.
For factory visits: we recommend smart-casual attire — lightweight pants and closed shoes work best for comfort and safety.
A Final Word from Kowide Outdoors
At Kowide Outdoors, we believe business travel should also be a chance to experience the culture, creativity, and craftsmanship that make your destination special, in this case, Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.
Whether you’re sourcing fabrics, reviewing prototypes, or brainstorming a new collection, these hotels and travel tips will help make your stay both productive and memorable. In our next blog post, we will explore a few dining recommendations that we can give you.
KOWIDE OUTDOORS – Who We Are
We are a Bespoke Backpack and Outdoor Apparel Manufacturer from Taiwan
A leading OEM manufacturer with over 50 years of experience supplying products to world-renowned brands across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Our world-class production facility in Vietnam, situated within easy reach of Ho Chi Minh City, is ideally suited to cover all manufacturing needs, from R&D, sourcing, and prototyping to bulk production.
Through technical expertise, ethical management, and rigorous quality control, Kowide Outdoors consistently strives to exceed client expectations, taking pride in helping clients achieve success by delivering the highest level of quality and unparalleled customer service.
