The Common Room Project is an ideal blend of affordability and comfort for any traveler who wants to have a memorable experience in Ho Chi Minh City. Nestled in the heart of vibrant District 5, within a short ride from the main city attractions, this modern accommodation offers the social energy of a hostel with the comfort of a boutique hotel. From backpackers to digital nomads to budget-conscious travelers, The Common Room Project serves as a portal to enter an exciting Ho Chi Minh tour. Besides having thoughtfully curated experiences, regular communal dinners, and a room full of energy, it is more than just a place to stay; it’s an adventure right in the waiting!
Why Stay at The Common Room Project?
Affordable Stay at The Common Room Project
Cost-Effective Accommodation
Where you will find Affordable Stay at The Common Room Project, the realization that you get much more value than an affordable place to rest your head will be apparent, and you’ll step into an adventure. Value for money with comfort is unbeatable compared to all other hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. Starting with mixed dorms, you go past female-only dorms onto a private en-suite if you want your space. Each room is thoughtfully designed to guarantee peaceful and comfortable sleep at an affordable price.
It’s not the rooms, either. Staying at The Common Room Project doesn’t finally end with the rooms; one could add such pleasures as free Wi-Fi to work as a digital nomad, and fully-fledged communal spaces to relax, work, or even socialize in. Family-style dinners are also organized by the hostel every night, and it has great food presented in Vietnamese cuisine, allowing for excellent possibilities of getting in contact with other fellow travelers. That way, you will not get bored on your journey, and you will save money.
Perfect for Social Travelers
If you are one of those who love meeting new people while traveling, then The Common Room Project is the best base for your adventures. It provides a social atmosphere because it encourages interaction and connection with other guests through spacious communal areas developed to bring people together, whether it’s cooking in the modern kitchen or working in the coworking lounges over dinner.
One of the highlights of staying here is the sense of community. Each evening, guests get together for a communal dinner where you’ll enjoy home-cooked Vietnamese meals and make connections with travelers from around the world. It’s also a great spot to exchange travel tips and even arrange Ho Chi Minh tours with your new friends. If you’re looking forward to a stay that’s offering something more than just bedding, but also giving you a chance to connect to a network of like-minded travelers, The Common Room Project has precisely this on offer.
Convenient Location
Location is everything when one is exploring a busy city like Ho Chi Minh, and The Common Room Project does not disappoint. In District 5, this hostel is either a short ride or a walk away from some of Ho Chi Minh’s top attractions, ranging from the iconic Bến Thành Market to Notre Dame Cathedral to the historic Reunification Palace. You’ll find it extremely easy to get around, whether you are heading out for a day of sightseeing or joining one of the many Ho Chi Minh tours.
It’s also pretty close to local transport it can be read by motorbike taxi, bus, or even on foot to nearby attractions. Moreover, you will never be too far from the buzzing street food markets where one can try the best Vietnamese dishes. This makes The Common Room Project an ideal jump-off point for your Ho Chi Minh City exploration.
Detailed Tour Itinerary for Affordable Stay at The Common Room Project
Notre Dame Cathedral
Day 1: Exploring Iconic Landmarks of Saigon
8:00 AM: Departure from The Common Room Project
Your day commences with a big breakfast at The Common Room Project combined with other travelers. Centrally located in District 5, you are positioned in a prime position to experience everything Ho Chi Minh has to offer. Take out your camera, don your walking shoes, and get ready to explore!
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
First of all is the striking Notre Dame Cathedral, one of Ho Chi Minh tours must-see places. The structure was built between the years 1877 and 1880 by French colonists, which makes neo-Romanesque architecture a dream for every photographer. Both bell towers are high above the bustling streets, creating an astonishing view. Multi-color glass windows, besides being art, express the combination of architectural styles, both Vietnamese and European.
- Location: 1 Công Xã Paris, Bến Nghé, District 1
- Open Hours: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM (Mon-Fri)
For the history enthusiast, or for those in pursuit of that ultimate photograph, Notre Dame Cathedral is not to be missed for a great start to your day!
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Reunification Palace
Off Notre Dame, a short stroll, we have the Reunification Palace, more commonly known as Independence Palace. This building commemorates one of the most monumental moments in Vietnam’s history: the end of the Vietnam War on April 30th, 1975. The frozen-in-time presidential rooms, war command centers, and underground bunkers invite a wander.
- Location: 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Bến Nghé, District 1
- Open Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND (Adults)
Get set for a leap into the stormy past of Vietnam and behold the very site where history came into being!
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Local Vietnamese Restaurant
After such a morning of exploration, refill the tanks! We would instantly suggest taking a visit to one of many local Vietnamese restaurants around Reunification Palace, either to try Phở, which translates literally as “old noodle soup", or try Bánh Mì-a type of Vietnamese sandwich. These simple yet delicious meals will instantly give you a taste of vibrant city food and get you ready for more afternoon adventures.
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Bến Nhà Rồng (Ho Chi Minh Museum)
Ho Chi Minh Museum
We visit the Bến Nhà Rồng or Ho Chi Minh Museum, one of those historical sites that are worth seeing. This is the spot where, in 1911, President Ho Chi Minh set off in quest of a method of liberating Vietnam. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits on the life and revolutionary career of this national hero.
- Location: 1 Nguyễn Tất Thành, District 4
- Open Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Entrance Fee: Free or nominal charges
The rich collection of the museum, therefore, will be of great profit to you for valuable insight into Ho Chi Minh’s incredible legacy and thus deserves a place in your Ho Chi Minh tours.
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Cu Chi Tunnels
We will visit one of the most interesting historical places in Vietnam the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are over 250 kilometers in length and are located just outside the city. It is used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. You will be allowed to crawl through the narrow passageways to see firsthand the incredibly bad conditions in which the soldiers lived and fought.
- Location: Phú Mỹ Hưng, Củ Chi District
- Open Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: 110,000 VND (Adults)
This is an eye-opening experience that will leave you in awe of the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Relaxation and Free Time
Time to unwind after a whole day of sightseeing. Back to The Common Room Project for relaxation or to the bustling Bùi Viện Walking Street for the vibrant nightlife that Saigon is known for. Have a drink in one of the many bars, or try some street food to end your first day.
Day 2: Fun, Shopping, and Local Flavors
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Suoi Tien Cultural Park
Day two begins with a visit to Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park-right up the street. A mix of entertainment and Vietnamese culture and history meld together in this unique theme park. Take a water ride, visit a temple, or take a peek at the sculptures of a dragon and this park has it all.
- Location: 120 Xa Lộ Hà Nội, District 9
- Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Weekdays)
- Entrance Fee: 60,000 VND (Adults), 30,000 VND (Children)
Suoi Tien harmoniously combined the mythology theme with contemporary amusements, making it perfect for family visits or anyone who wants a mix of culture and fun.
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch at a Local Restaurant
After an adventurous morning, it is time for lunch in central Saigon, taken to the extreme. Enjoy authentic Vietnamese delicacies such as Bánh Xèo, Vietnamese pancakes, or Bún Thịt Nướng, grilled pork vermicelli. As colorful as the city’s culture is, so is its food: each taste should be savored!
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Later in the afternoon, take a walk along the famous Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This pedestrian boulevard is lined with cafes, shops, and street performers that give life to this area. It is the perfect place for people-watching, having coffee, or just enjoying the local atmosphere.
- Location: Nguyen Hue, Bến Nghé, District 1
- Open Hours: All day, closed to vehicles on weekends
It’s a great way to see modern Ho Chi Minh City and while away a relaxed afternoon.
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Shopping at Bến Thành Market
The bustling Bến Thành Market is a trip to Ho Chi Minh City incomplete. Indeed, this iconic market-from local handicrafts down to street food is the best place to bring home some souvenirs. Practice your bargaining here and don’t miss out on unique items like lacquerware and silk scarves!
- Location: Phan Bội Châu – Phan Chu Trinh – Lê Thánh Tôn, District 1
- Open Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
A visit to Bến Thành Market is a huge sensory overload in the best way, and you’ll walk away with fantastic memories and even better bargains.
Evening: Optional Dinner or Visit to Bùi Viện Walking Street
Cap the second day off with a relaxed dinner or head back to Bùi Viện Walking Street for one last taste of Saigon’s pulsating nightlife. Howsoever your preference goes from a quiet dinner to nightclubbing last night in Ho Chi Minh City will be something forever remembered.
independent palace
Useful Tips and Information for Ho Chi Minh City Tours and Staying at The Common Room Project
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Planning your trip around the year’s best time is one secret to maximizing your Affordable Stay at The Common Room Project. There are two obvious seasons in Ho Chi Minh City: the dry and rainy seasons. The most popular time to visit Ho Chi Minh City falls between December and April of the year during its dry season, where warm and sunny days welcome people for sightseeing and participating in outdoor activities. Meanwhile, you can get comfortable going around to explore famous landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and Cu Chi Tunnels.
Although it does rain daily from May to November, this should not scare you because the rain usually does not last for a very long time, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy your Ho Chi Minh tours. Moreover, this season tends to have fewer tourists, which guarantees shorter lines at the most popular attractions.
Want to plan around a local festival? The Lunar New Year-the Tết-usually falls between January and February and is an excellent time to experience Vietnamese culture, though some businesses may shut down. If you’re looking for a somewhat more unusual celebration-sans drunken foreigners-finding a mid-autumn Moon Festival is a real treat, as the streets fill with colorful lanterns.
Transportation Tips
Ho Chi Minh City has a quite convenient transportation system that easily connects to most parts of the city. Staying at The Common Room Project, various transportation options are at an easy reach. A very useful and economical alternative is Grab, an online ride-hailing software very popular amongst locals and foreigners, perfect for people who like to be driven around in cars but do not feel like navigating through Ho Chi Minh’s busy streets.
More adventurous travelers will want to ride on the back of a motorbike taxi-a local favorite. They are fast, cheap, and sit well in traffic, but remember to put on a helmet that is always available and hold on tight.
If you are on a budget or want to travel around like a local, then use the public buses. They come cheap, especially when covering much of the city, though traveling in them could be quite crowded, especially during peak hours. If you opt for walking, many popular areas are pedestrian-friendly, especially around the Central District.
Safety tips: Always take official transportation services through Grab or registered taxis. Avoid unmarked cars, especially unmarked taxis or motorbikes, but leave successfully with your belongings during travels.
Budgeting Tips for an Affordable Stay
One of the best feelings about an Affordable Stay in The Common Room Project is that it will not blow your budget together giving you an enriching experience. Well, here’s a breakdown of how to keep your expenses in check:
- Accommodation: Prices start from as low as 150,000 VND for dorm rooms. A private room would, of course, be more comfortable at a reasonable price.
- Food: Eating like a local is a surefire way to save money. The street food scene in Saigon is affordable but tasty. You can get a full bowl of Phở or a crispy Bánh Mì for a lowly 30,000 VND ($1.50 USD). You will find a great variety at wallet-friendly prices from local markets and food stalls.
- Tours: There are lots of tours available within Ho Chi Minh, most of which are fairly affordable. However, those on a super tight budget may want to take a free walking tour or explore the city themselves. Alternatively, others may make more modestly priced small group tours possible through The Common Room Project so that the city allows discovery without being an expensive undertaking.
- Transportation: Use public transportation or motorbikes from Grab to keep travel costs as low as possible. The central areas are very walkable.
Packing Essentials
Packing Smart will make sure you have a comfortable and smooth stay at The Common Room Project for your Ho Chi Minh City tours. Here is what you should bring:
- Sunscreen: The tropical sun is strong in Ho Chi Minh City, especially during the dry season. Remember to apply sunscreen a lot if you are just walking about or around the city.
- Comfortable Shoes: Whether walking through the Cu Chi Tunnels or around Nguyen Hue Walking Street, you should bring along some sturdy, comfortable shoes. The streets of Saigon are pretty lively, and you will most probably do a lot of walking!
- Lightweight Clothing: It is highly recommended to pack loose, lightweight clothes to keep cool during the humid weather. A light rain jacket might also come in handy during the rainy season.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Keep yourself hydrated, especially if you do much exploring in the thick of the heat. Most cafés including The Common Room Project-offer water refill stations. It’s a very earth-friendly thing to do, and extremely convenient for you to bring along a reusable bottle with you.
- Power Adapter: Electricity in Vietnam is 220V, with power socket types A, C, and F. You should bring an appropriate power adapter to charge your gadgets.
- Travel Insurance: A good thing is to have travel insurance that would cover all of the medical and sudden situations arising in front of you.
Conclusion
In the end, comfort, affordability, and the enriching travel experience make the Affordable Stay at The Common Room Project unbeatable. Centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City, this hostel provides you with convenient access to top attractions and Ho Chi Minh tours, yet with the advantage of a shared atmosphere. Whether you want to explore, unwind, or bond with your fellow travelers, this is the ultimate base of operation for those spending time in Saigon. Book with Impress Travel now for an easy and budget-friendly stay! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling Ho Chi Minh City to and to book Ho Chi Minh City Tours at the best prices.