Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City 2026: Pham Ngu Lao Budget Stays

HCMC has one of Vietnam’s best backpacker hostel scenes, concentrated in the Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham area of District 1.

Best options

Hideout Hostel: Consistently top-rated hostel in HCMC. Modern facilities, clean dorms with privacy curtains, good common area. Central D1 location. Dorm from ₫180,000 ($7.20). Private rooms from ₫500,000 ($20).

Long Hostel: Long-established budget hostel in the Pham Ngu Lao area. Clean, helpful staff, good location. Dorm from ₫150,000 ($6). Private from ₫350,000 ($14).

Saigon Backpackers Hostel: Social atmosphere, good facilities, tour desk. Dorm from ₫160,000 ($6.40).

Giang Son Hotel: More guesthouse than hostel but in the backpacker area. Clean private rooms from ₫250,000–450,000 ($10–18).

What HCMC hostels provide

• Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta day trip organisation
• Bus and travel ticket booking (open-tour bus connections north)
• Motorbike rental or Grab assistance
• Street food area guidance (the Pham Ngu Lao area has good street food nearby)

Backpacker area note

The Pham Ngu Lao area is functional and convenient but not quiet. Bui Vien Walking Street (the bar street) is 5 minutes walk. If you want to sleep before midnight, choose accommodation away from the immediate Bui Vien adjacency or bring earplugs.

Budget meal notes

The budget meal options around the Pham Ngu Lao area are excellent — banh mi stalls, pho restaurants, and com tam (broken rice) shops operate from before dawn until late. ₫25,000–60,000 ($1–2.40) per meal.

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