Vietnam is an excellent country for adventurers looking to expirience a new culture without breaking the bank. You can eat some of the best food in the world for less than $2, and housing is very affordable. In fact, with a little effort, you can easily find Ho Chi Minh City apartments under $500 per month. Best of all, these places are safe and comfortable. Plus, many of them are situated in ideal downtown locations.

For under $500 you’re getting a room, housekeeping, laundry service (in some cases), and utilities (including Internet). That’s not bad at all, especially if you’re used to paying Western prices.

If you’re headed to Vietnam and looking for affordable apartments online, here’s a list of five excellent options:

1. Terrific Value: OYO 171 Song Xanh Hotel

This is easily one of the cheapest apartments I’ve ever seen in Vietnam. You can rent a room at the OYO 171 for a measly $300 per month, well under your $500 budget. Additionally, the building is located in District 7, one of Saigon’s nicer and more upscale neighborhoods. While this isn’t quite downtown (and you are a little ways from things like Bui Vien or the city’s tourist attractions), it is an interesting location with Korea Town and some of the area’s better shopping centers. Plus, the are is very walkable, with several nearby parks.

I’d suggest staying here if you’re looking for someplace a little quieter and more relaxed. This is a great apartment under $500 for digital nomads, or people looking to make money online while staying in Southeast Asia.

If you want an inexpensive apartment in a good neighborhood, the OYO 171 is your perfect choice.

2. Quiet Neighborhood: RedDoorz Plus @ Trung Son Residence

This is a building that’s close to downtown Ho Chi Minh City, but not directly in District 1. Staying here puts you about 3 or 4 kilometers away from the action, making it close enough to hit up the bars and clubs but still far enough away that you aren’t dealing with loud music or heavy traffic at night.

A big benefit to staying here is the fact that you’re in a more laid-back area.

Partying and hanging out downtown is great, but as many expats will tell you, the noise gets a little out of hand sometimes. The RedDoorz Plus is a good apartment for anyone who wants to go out and socialize, but still wants to enjoy a peaceful neighborhood.

3. Fantastic Price: OYO 245 Amura Hotel

Holy cow, what a deal! This place goes beyond being one of the best Ho Chi Minh City Apartments under $500. Why? Because if you book ahead of time, you can easily snag a room for under $300 per month. That’s a huge bargain!

(Look At Those Savings)

This is a terrific deal if you’re a budget traveler who doesn’t have a lot of recurring income. I’d recommend the OYO 245 if you’re a college student, or want to teach English abroad. It’s affordable, the rooms are clean, and the low price still leaves you with plenty of extra cash to go out and enjoy yourself.

4. Best Location: RedDoorz Near Saigon Zoo

Here’s a building right downtown. Staying here puts you within walking distance of all the city’s biggest attractions, best restaurants, and most well-known clubs. When it comes to convenience, you really don’t get much better than this.

Staying here makes it easy to enjoy Saigon’s city center. This is perfect for anyone looking to socialize and go out a lot. Plus, the low price means you’re getting prime real estate at a bargain basement price. Most apartments in this area go start in the $650 range, so you’re enjoy a considerable savings.

In terms of the best Ho Chi Minh City Apartments under $500, this is one of the best values around.

Everything is within walking distance of your stay, making this the perfect location for seeing the city and enjoying its nightlife.

5. Luxury Option: Dragon Palace II

This building comes in right around the target price range. Depending on when you book, the Dragon Palace II is right around $500 per month. It might be a little more in certain months, but that extra cost is worth it.

This is a very nice building with great staff and an excellent location. Staying here puts in in downtown Saigon, and you’re within 5 minutes walking distance of attractions like the Ben Thanh Market and Bitexco Tower. The slightly higher cost here is well worth it for location alone, especially since you’ll save yourself quite a bit of money on cab fares.

I’d recommend the Dragon Palace II if you’re a traveler who wants someplace a little nicer than average, that’s also in an excellent and walkable location.

Closing Thoughts On The 5 Best Ho Chi Minh City Apartments Under $500 Per Month

As a Westerner, it’s easy to assume low prices equal low quality. But that’s not always the case overseas. I remember paying $1,500 a month in rent before moving to Vietnam. And my $450 per month Ho Chi Minh City apartment was far better than my old place in the states. It was in a nicer neighborhood, came with housekeeping, and included daily laundry service. Plus, it saved me an incredible $12,000 per year.

If you’re interested in seeing what a place like this looks like, here’s a quick video tour:

When it comes to housing in Vietnam, don’t confuse price with value. You can get some some very nice Ho Chi Minh City apartments under $500, freeing up your money and giving you more disposable income to have fun with.

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