As one of the most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City offers a fantastic blend of history, culture, and modern attractions that make it perfect for a family vacation. But here’s the key to ensuring everyone has the best time: choosing the right best area to stay in Saigon.
Thinking of Ho Chi Minh City, here comes one of the first points: District 1 is a place that provides the center of the city and helps to easily reach iconic landmarks, delicious Vietnamese cuisine, and numerous family-friendly attractions. It is recommended as the best area to stay in Saigon.
Pros: You will be in the center of everything! District 1 offers world-class shopping, entertainment, and food. You can walk to luxury hotels, shopping malls, and famous spots like Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Cons: District 1 is busy and around tourist hotspots especially be prepared for a little hustle and bustle.
Family-Friendly Activities: Take a day excursion to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where children will have a view of both animals and nature. Cool off at the Dam Sen Water Park or take part in the cultural experience at the Children's Cultural House. It is nice to take an evening walk down Nguyen Hue Street and view the city's lights.
Top Areas to Stay in Saigon with Kids
Sedona Suites Saigon
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
Hotel Majestic Saigon
If you prefer something a bit less hectic, yet still within range of the action, then District 3 would be your best bet. It's quiet; it's more local in a neighborhood sense, and from here, everything that constitutes an attraction in District 1 is just a short ride away.
Pros: District 3 is less crowded; thus, you can enjoy a peaceful experience. It's perfect in case you would like to explore another face of the city without being far from the main sights.
Cons: Fewer tourist attractions are in this district, so you would have to go out of it to explore more.
Family-Friendly Activities: A visit to the War Remnants Museum, though careful consideration should be made as it is not very suitable for very young people; let them frolic in Tao Dan Park, just perfect for picnics and relaxation. An opportunity to visit the stunning Jade Emperor Pagoda will be a gentle retreat from the bustling areas of the city.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Mai House Saigon
M Village The Boutique
It is also the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for families who simply want a quiet suburban atmosphere. This well-planned district is characterized by wide streets, parks, and a mix of international schools and communities. It is ideal for relaxed family excursions with amenities from a modern urban area.
Pros: Spacious, peaceful, and safe. Green parks, playgrounds, and every kind of international dining imaginable- unleash your gastronomical pleasure in District 7.
Cons: It is a little further from the city center, so you might expect a longer travel time to go around the popular sights in District 1.
Family-Friendly Activities: Stroll around Crescent Mall and enjoy the night-time colorful lights down at the nearby Starlight Bridge; parks to let the kids run around and enjoy; visit the RMIT University Campus for a taste of the university lifestyle in Vietnam.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Oakwood Residence Saigon
Glenwood City Resort
If one is looking for some sort of balance between a traditional Vietnamese setup and modern development, then the Binh Thanh District is a real find. This is an ideal locality to stay in for families who would like to feel that they are locals yet not be too far from town.
Pros: Binh Thanh is pretty affordable, and for that reason, good value. It isn't overly touristic, so the Saigon feel is a bit more intact.
Cons: Some parts of the district can feel less catered to tourists, while it's quickly gaining popularity with expats and visitors alike.
Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a stunning perspective of the city from an observation deck at Landmark 81, Vietnam's tallest building. Families can then have a day out to relax in Van Thanh Tourist Park or enjoy a pleasant boat cruise along the Saigon River.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Vinpearl Luxury Landmark 81
Maison De Camille Boutique Hotel
It could get hot and humid in Saigon, so you should pack a lot of lightweight, breathable clothes for the family. Never forget hats, sunscreen, and reusable water bottles to keep everybody hydrated. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you plan on exploring areas like Nguyen Hue Walking Street or the parks in District 7.
Vietnamese food is amazing, and there's lots that your kids will like, from pho to banh mi. But it's also relatively easy to find restaurants serving palatable international food, especially in areas like District 1 and District 7. For some eateries close to your hotel or serviced apartment, try Pizza 4P's or Eddie's Diner and see the kid-friendly offerings. Don't be afraid to have a go at local eateries for an authentic taste of Saigon!
Sightseeing can be exhausting, and especially with the little ones running around, make sure you leave time for breaks. Fortunately, a lot of the Saigon city hotels have rooftop pools, which are perfect just for a midday cool-off. Properties like Vinpearl Landmark 81 in Binh Thanh or Hotel Majestic in District 1 offer fantastic, child-friendly pools along with lounges.
With Grab, one can download the app for convenient, swift rides. It's a lifesaver when trying to move around the city with kids. It is even safer than haggling with taxi drivers and probably avoids the problem of a language barrier.