Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City

Finding accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City is a priority for expats moving to the city. There are a variety of options in Ho Chi Minh City, from short-term backpacker accommodation to luxury apartment complexes. Expats might be lucky enough to have their employer source accommodation for them before they’ve even arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. Most people, though, are left to find their own way around the city’s property market.

While you can make contact with estate agents and peruse property listings from your home country, it’s not advisable to commit to a rental contract in HCMC before seeing the property in person. For this reason, you might choose to stay at a guesthouse for your first few weeks in the city while you look for a suitable home.

Areas and suburbs in Ho Chi Minh City

The best areas and suburbs in Ho Chi Minh City for expats vary depending on your lifestyle and family situation. 

Thu Duc City (formerly District 2), particularly the Thao Dien and An Phu areas, has become the go-to choice for Western expats and wealthy Vietnamese families seeking high living standards. These residential neighbourhoods offer less chaotic streets, numerous international schools, and Westernised housing options, and the Metro makes commuting to central areas much more convenient. District 7, especially Phu My Hung, provides another family-friendly option with wide, tree-lined streets, excellent-quality apartment buildings and villas, plus expat amenities like international schools and Western grocery shops.

For those preferring to stay closer to the action, Districts 1 and 3 offer proximity to the city’s financial and commercial heart. District 1 provides the highest living standards with luxury serviced apartments, although rent is significantly more expensive and the area can be quite busy. District 3 is considered by many to be the ideal compromise, offering proximity to District 1’s attractions while providing a more peaceful environment.

Best Areas and Suburbs in Ho Chi Minh City

Types of accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City

You’ll find a variety of accommodation options in this rapidly growing metropolis. From beautiful French colonial multi-storey houses along narrow alleyways to the modern condominiums and apartment complexes that are becoming more widely available as the city expands, there are many places for expats to choose from.

The quaint colonial houses, which are a prominent feature in Ho Chi Minh City, are often found just off the main streets. The bottom floor is usually used as an entryway or storage space for motorbikes and bicycles, the next floor up will usually consist of a kitchen and dining room, and the upper level will be where the bedrooms are located. Most houses in Ho Chi Minh City will have a small deck on the roof.

Apartment complexes and condominiums are becoming more common in the city. These complexes are modern and in line with what you’d expect in most Western countries. They often include facilities such as gyms, swimming pools and laundry areas. Many of these complexes also have security guards who are on duty 24 hours a day.

Serviced apartments have become increasingly popular with expats, offering hotel-like services with apartment-style living. These typically include utilities, housekeeping, and sometimes even breakfast, making them ideal for newcomers who want hassle-free accommodation while they settle in.

Rental properties in Ho Chi Minh City usually include a fridge and stove, but it’s possible to negotiate with the landlord or real estate agent for a fully furnished property.

Renting Accommodation in Vietnam

Finding accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City

Finding accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City is relatively painless and generally doesn’t require too much admin. While there are several ways to find suitable properties, using a real estate agent is by far the quickest. The major advantage of using a real estate agent is that they have access to a larger pool of properties and are able to show you a number of homes that meet your requirements and budget. Most property owners in Ho Chi Minh City also don’t speak English, so a real estate agent plays a key role in negotiating the lease with a landlord on your behalf.

Facebook groups have become a go-to method for finding accommodation among expats. There are quite a few active groups are devoted to apartment hunting, where you can browse listings and connect directly with agents and landlords.

Some expats moving to HCMC will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, who will assess their preferences and shortlist properties for them to view.

Useful links

• Rent Apartment Vietnam
• Housing Saigon
• VN Rent Home
• Batdongsan

Renting accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City

Making an application

The application process in Ho Chi Minh City is straightforward, although language barriers can present challenges. Most landlords prefer to deal through agents, who can bridge the communication gap. It’s wise to pay attention to both the property and the landlord during viewings, as you’ll be dealing with them throughout your tenancy for any issues or repairs.

Leases

Most leases in Vietnam are for a set period, usually 12 or 24 months. Government regulations and language barriers can present some difficulties when trying to agree on the terms of a lease. So, it’s wise to get the help of your employer, a Vietnamese-speaking colleague, or a friend, or to use one of the many rental agencies catering specifically for expats. Rent is typically fixed for the duration of the lease and paid within the first five days of each month.

Deposits

You’ll typically be required to pay a deposit equal to one or two months’ rent in Ho Chi Minh City, with two months being more common for premium properties and one month for standard rentals. You should receive the deposit back if there is no damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear. It’s recommended to pay your deposit with a credit card where possible and ensure all agreements are properly documented.

Terminating the lease

Early termination of your lease requires at least 30 days’ written notice to your landlord. Whether you’ll receive your deposit back depends on the specific terms of your lease agreement. Some contracts specify that deposits are forfeited for early termination, while others may allow partial refunds. Always review your lease carefully and conduct a joint inspection of the property before departure.

Utilities in Ho Chi Minh City

Tenants who are not moving to serviced apartments will need to arrange monthly utilities, including water, electricity and gas, as these are generally not included in the monthly rental price.

Electricity

Electricity in Ho Chi Minh City is managed by EVN (Vietnam Electricity) and Southern Power Corporation (EVNSPC). Your landlord typically handles the initial setup, although you may need to transfer the account into your name. Bills are usually paid monthly at local post offices, banks, or through mobile banking apps, with many buildings offering payment collection services.

Electricity costs vary significantly based on consumption tiers, and higher usage means premium rates. Most of Vietnam’s electricity comes from hydroelectric plants, thermal power, and increasingly solar energy. Peak-hour pricing applies during high-demand periods, making air conditioning usage a major factor in monthly bills.

Gas

Gas supply in Ho Chi Minh City comes primarily through bottled LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) rather than piped connections. Major suppliers include Petrolimex Gas, PV Gas, and various local distributors. You can typically arrange delivery directly with suppliers or purchase cylinders from local distributors.

Gas is used almost exclusively for cooking. Payment is usually cash on delivery, with cylinder exchanges being the most common system for ongoing supply.

Water

Water supply is managed by SAWACO (Saigon Water Corporation) and other regional providers. Setup is typically handled by your landlord as part of the rental process, with bills paid monthly through similar channels to electricity.

Tap water in Ho Chi Minh City comes from the Saigon and Dong Nai Rivers, and it isn’t considered potable by international standards. Most expats use water filtration systems, boil water for drinking, or rely on bottled water delivery services. Many apartment buildings provide filtered water stations on each floor.

Bins and recycling

Waste collection in Ho Chi Minh City is handled by various contracted companies, depending on your district. Most apartment buildings manage collection through building management, with residents placing waste in designated areas.

Vietnam is implementing waste sorting regulations starting in 2025, although colour-coding systems vary by area. Collection typically occurs daily in central districts, with recycling programmes still developing. Many buildings have separate collection points for organic waste, recyclables, and general rubbish.

Useful links

• EVN Vietnam, EVNSPC Southern Power
• Petrolimex Gas, PV Gas
• Saigon Water Corporation
• HCMC Government Portal