How much do hostels cost in Ho Chi Minh City?

Dorm beds in the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area start from 120,000 VND ($4.80). Hideout Hostel charges from 180,000 VND for dorms and 500,000 VND for private rooms. Long Hostel offers dorms from 150,000 VND and private rooms from 350,000 VND ($14).

Where is the backpacker area in HCMC?

The main backpacker zone is Pham Ngu Lao Street and De Tham Street in District 1. Hostels, budget guesthouses, tour operators, and cheap restaurants are all within walking distance. Bui Vien Walking Street (the bar street) is 5 minutes away.

Can hostels arrange Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta trips?

Yes. Most HCMC hostels arrange Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta day trips, bus and travel ticket booking (including open-tour bus connections north), motorbike rental, and street food area guidance. This is one of the main advantages of staying in the Pham Ngu Lao area.

Is the Pham Ngu Lao area noisy at night?

Yes. Bui Vien Walking Street is 5 minutes from most hostels, and the bar noise continues past midnight. If you need sleep before midnight, choose accommodation away from the immediate Bui Vien adjacency or bring earplugs.

Best Hostels in HCMC | The Vietnam Guides

HCMC has one of Vietnam’s best backpacker hostel scenes, concentrated in the Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham area of District 1. The backpacker district has been established since the early 1990s, and the infrastructure for budget travellers - tour desks, cheap eats, transport booking - is well developed.

Best hostels in HCMC

Hideout Hostel (D1): Consistently top-rated hostel in HCMC, located on a quiet alley off Bui Vien. Modern facilities with clean dorms featuring individual privacy curtains, reading lights, and personal power outlets at each bed. The common area has a small bar and regular social events. Staff organise free walking tours on weekday mornings. Dorm from ₫180,000 ($7.20). Private rooms from ₫500,000 ($20) as of 2026.

Long Hostel (373/10 Pham Ngu Lao): Long-established budget hostel that has maintained standards over the years. Clean rooms, helpful English-speaking staff, and a central Pham Ngu Lao location. The tour desk handles Cu Chi Tunnels trips, Mekong Delta day tours, and open-tour bus bookings north. Dorm from ₫150,000 ($6). Private from ₫350,000 ($14) as of 2026.

City Backpackers Hostel (D1): Social hostel with a ground-floor bar and communal kitchen in the heart of the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker district. Organises pub crawls and group dinners. Dorm beds have curtains and individual lockers. The tour desk can arrange Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, and transport tickets. Dorm from approximately ₫160,000 ($6.40) as of 2026.

Vietnam Backpacker Hostels (multiple D1 locations): Part of a chain with locations in other Vietnamese cities, which makes booking onward connections easy. The D1 location near Bui Vien has a rooftop bar and pool table. Dorm from ₫140,000 ($5.60). Private twin from ₫400,000 ($16) as of 2026.

Giang Son Hotel (Bui Vien area): More guesthouse than hostel, but firmly in the backpacker area and at hostel prices. Clean private rooms with air conditioning, hot water, and wifi. No dorms, so it suits budget travellers who want privacy. Rooms from ₫250,000–450,000 ($10–18) as of 2026.

The Common Room Project (D1): Design-focused hostel on Dong Du Street, away from the Bui Vien noise. Pod-style bunks with better sound isolation than standard dorms. Coworking area with reliable wifi. Good for digital nomads who want a social environment without the party atmosphere. Dorm from ₫200,000 ($8). Private from ₫600,000 ($24) as of 2026.

What HCMC hostels typically provide

Most hostels in the Pham Ngu Lao area include these services:

Tour organisation: Cu Chi Tunnels day trips (approximately ₫200,000–350,000 / $8–14), Mekong Delta tours (approximately ₫250,000–400,000 / $10–16)
Transport booking: Open-tour bus connections north to Mui Ne, Da Lat, Nha Trang, and beyond. Also train and domestic flight booking assistance
Motorbike rental: From approximately ₫120,000–180,000 ($4.80–7.20) per day, or Grab ride-hailing assistance
Luggage storage: Most hostels store bags for free on checkout day
Laundry: ₫30,000–50,000 ($1.20–2) per kilogramme, usually returned same day

The Pham Ngu Lao neighbourhood

The backpacker area is bounded by Pham Ngu Lao Street to the north, De Tham Street running south, and the perpendicular alleys between them. Bui Vien Walking Street - the bar and nightlife strip - runs parallel to Pham Ngu Lao, one block south.

The area is functional and convenient: ATMs, pharmacies, convenience stores, laundries, and SIM card shops are all within a five-minute walk. The downside is noise. Bui Vien bars operate until 02:00–03:00, and sound carries. If you are a light sleeper, choose a hostel on a side alley rather than directly on Bui Vien, or bring earplugs.

September Park (Cong Vien 23/9) is a two-minute walk south - a useful green space for morning runs. Ben Thanh Market is 10 minutes on foot to the east.

Budget meals near the hostels

The Pham Ngu Lao area has strong budget food options:

Banh mi stalls: ₫15,000–30,000 ($0.60–1.20). Multiple vendors along Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham
Pho restaurants: ₫35,000–55,000 ($1.40–2.20). Several operate from early morning
Com tam (broken rice): ₫25,000–60,000 ($1–2.40). Look for the shops with the glass display cases of grilled pork and toppings
Banh xeo (crispy pancakes): ₫30,000–50,000 ($1.20–2) at the local restaurants on the alleys east of De Tham

See also: Looking for mid-range or upmarket options? Read our guide to the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.

Useful links:

Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City : Pham Ngu Lao Budget Stays

Best hostels in HCMC

What HCMC hostels typically provide

The Pham Ngu Lao neighbourhood

Budget meals near the hostels

More in Ho Chi Minh City

Frequently Asked Questions