If you'd like to stay in a piece of Saigon history during your visit to the city, read on. These vintage apartments will get you a little closer to the city's spirit - a very different experience to an international hotel.
Keep in mind that they're residential dwellings - you'll be living with neighbours and noise. And Saigon's a noisy city. Some of these places involve climbing several flights of stairs too.
These apartments are priced at the mid to high end in Saigon's short-stay market - they'll be more than $60US for a single or a double. Two and three bedroom apartments will be more than $100US per night.
It's great to see these superb old buildings getting a new lease of life - especially when Saigon's planners have been way too eager to demolish the city's past.
Hai Ba Trung St and Mac Thi Buoi St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
A studio-style apartment (around 30sqm) in a modernist apartment building right in the busy heart of the city. There’s a balcony with an outdoor shower. A private bathroom is down a hall outside the apartment. Hard to get closer to the heart of Saigon than this. Some of the city’s best eating and drinking is a stumble away. There’s a lift.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Hai Ba Trung St modernist apartment, Ho Chi Minh City
Photo: Mark Bowyer Hai Ba Trung St modernist apartment, Ho Chi Minh City
Photo: Mark Bowyer Ms Thi runs a bunch of Saigon apartments
Photo: Mark Bowyer Hai Ba Trung St modernist apartment, Ho Chi Minh City
95 Pasteur St, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City
This is one of our favourite Saigon apartment buildings - it’s a late colonial deco gem in the heart of town. Lots of great cafes and dining nearby. The natural light and the greenery add to the vibe. With three bedrooms, it’s great for a group or a family. It’s also available for singles and couples. It’s up a couple of flights of stairs.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Deco apartment, Pasteur St, Ho Chi Minh City
Photo: Mark Bowyer Deco apartment, Pasteur St, Ho Chi Minh City
Photo: Mark Bowyer Deco apartment, Pasteur St, Ho Chi Minh City
158D Pasteur St District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
This late colonial 150sqm apartment has an open airy kitchen and can be configured as a single bedroom or a larger 3 bedroom space for families and larger groups. The kitchen and dining area is shared. It’s a long time since the elevator functioned here so expect a climb up a couple of flights of stairs.
Some of city’s best cafes and restaurants are close by.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Pasteur St apartment, Ho Chi Minh City
Photo: Mark Bowyer Pasteur St apartment, Ho Chi Minh City
Photo: Mark Bowyer Pasteur St apartment, Ho Chi Minh City
36 Le Loi St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
This is an especially handsome studio space in a colonial era building with high ceilings and understated, tasteful decor. It’s up 4 flights of stairs so you’ll stay fit. The balcony looks over the heart of Saigon - and its metro construction project. You can’t get closer to the centre of town - but expect some noise from nearby construction work.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Le Loi St colonial apartment, Ho Chi Minh City
Photo: Mark Bowyer Le Loi St colonial apartment, Ho Chi Minh City
Photo: Mark Bowyer Le Loi St colonial apartment, Ho Chi Minh City
These four apartments and several others are managed by Thi (above). You can book them via Airbnb here.
Nguyen Van Hao building
The Nguyen Van Hao building is one of the city’s most distinctive pieces of 1920s, colonial era, architecture.
Two of the residences have been converted into apartments for short term rental.
They’re large and comfortable - and in the heart of local Saigon life. The city’s attractions, dining and nightlife are all close by.
Both apartments are large with 2 bedrooms and sleep 4 - 6.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Nguyen Van Hao building, Saigon
Photo: Mark Bowyer Nguyen Van Hao Building, Saigon
Photo: Mark Bowyer Nguyen Van Hao building, Saigon
The Nguyen Van Hao apartments can be booked via this Airbnb link.
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