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Booking

How do I book a room at Saigon Homestay?
You can book directly through our Contact page, WhatsApp, or email. We are also listed on Airbnb and Booking.com for your convenience. Booking directly with us unlocks a better rate, higher cancellation flexibility, and direct communication without platform fees eating into your stay budget. Direct bookings also mean faster replies we typically confirm within an hour during business hours. For long stays of one month or more, we prepare a custom quote including any special requests like airport pickup, extra cleaning, or workspace setup. Once you confirm your dates, we send a secure payment link via PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer. A 30% deposit holds your dates, with the balance due seven days before check-in. If your plans change, our free cancellation window covers you up to seven days before arrival.
What is the minimum stay?
Our standard minimum stay is three nights. This helps us keep availability manageable and ensures guests have enough time to settle in and enjoy the neighborhood. For stays of one month or longer, our monthly rates are 30 to 40 percent lower than the standard nightly price, making long-term living significantly more affordable than booking week by week. Monthly stays also include perks like a dedicated workspace check before arrival, flexible check-in windows, and priority support throughout your stay. Need a shorter stay like a two-night weekend trip? Message us anyway we occasionally open shorter gaps between bookings, especially during off-peak weeks. The worst we can say is no, and we always try to accommodate when the calendar allows.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfer, PayPal, Wise, and cash in either US dollars or Vietnamese dong. A 30 percent deposit confirms your booking, and the remaining balance is due seven days before check-in. For cash payments on arrival, we still require the deposit in advance to secure the dates. If you are paying from overseas, Wise typically offers the lowest transfer fees and mid-market exchange rates. PayPal is also an option and may be more familiar, though its currency conversion fees can be slightly higher. For long-term stays, we can set up recurring monthly payments. Whichever method you choose, you will receive a booking confirmation receipt immediately after the deposit clears, with details including your dates, apartment type, and check-in instructions.

Rooms & Amenities

Is the WiFi reliable enough for remote work?
Yes. All our apartments are equipped with fibre broadband delivering 100 to 300 Mbps, which is more than enough for video calls on Zoom or Google Meet, uploading and downloading large files, streaming 4K content, and connecting multiple devices at once. We know that digital nomads and remote workers depend on stable internet, so we test each apartment connection speed before every check-in and can provide a speed test screenshot on request. Every apartment also has at least one dedicated desk or workspace with a comfortable chair and nearby power outlets. If you need a backup connection, 4G and 5G mobile data in central Saigon is fast and affordable a local SIM card with generous data costs a few dollars and takes minutes to activate.
Does the apartment have a kitchen?
Every apartment includes a kitchen, with the setup varying by room type. The Studio features a kitchenette equipped with a microwave, electric kettle, mini fridge, and basic cookware perfect for preparing breakfast, simple meals, and reheating leftovers. The One-Bedroom Suite and District One Loft each have a full kitchen with a stove, oven, full-size refrigerator, pots and pans, utensils, and dining ware. All kitchens include complimentary coffee, tea, drinking water, and basic cooking supplies like oil, salt, and pepper. If you need specific equipment such as a rice cooker, blender, or extra cookware let us know before arrival and we will have it ready. The surrounding neighborhood also has excellent street food, local markets, and convenience stores within a two-minute walk.
Is air conditioning included?
Yes, every room in every apartment has air conditioning at no extra charge. In Saigon tropical climate, air conditioning is non-negotiable, and we would never expect you to pay extra for it. Each unit has its own remote control so you can set your preferred temperature. All apartments also have ceiling fans for lighter cooling and air circulation when you prefer fresh air. Electricity for normal usage including air conditioning is included in the nightly and monthly rates. For monthly stays of 30 days or more, we include a reasonable electricity allowance that covers typical AC use. Only unusually high consumption would be flagged, and we are transparent about this upfront before you book.

Location & Getting Around

Where exactly are the apartments located?
All our apartments are in District 1, the central district of Ho Chi Minh City. You will be within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Saigon Opera House, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Central Post Office, and the Saigon River waterfront. The exact address is shared after your booking is confirmed this is for guest privacy and security. District 1 is the safest, most convenient area for first-time visitors: well-lit streets, plenty of Grab cars and motorbikes available within seconds, and hundreds of restaurants and cafes within a five- to ten-minute walk. If you have a specific landmark or office you want to be near, ask us before booking and we will confirm walking time and distance from the apartment.
How do I get from the airport to the apartment?
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is about 30 minutes from District 1 by car. The easiest option is Grab, Southeast Asia ride-hailing app: a GrabCar from the airport costs around 7 US dollars or 170,000 Vietnamese dong. Download the app before your flight and set it up with your payment method. Alternatively, we can arrange a private airport pickup: share your flight number and arrival time when booking, and a driver will meet you at the arrivals gate with a name sign. This option costs slightly more than Grab but eliminates any language-barrier stress after a long flight. Taxis are available at official airport ranks, but always use Vinasun or Mai Linh, the two most trusted taxi companies. Avoid unsolicited drivers approaching you inside the terminal.

Policies

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 2 PM and check-out is by 12 PM. We offer self check-in 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using a smart lock system. Your unique access code is sent 24 hours before arrival, so you can arrive any time after 2 PM without coordinating with anyone especially useful for late-night flights. If you need early check-in or late check-out, let us know in advance. We can often accommodate these requests when there is no same-day guest turnover, and we do not charge extra when availability allows. For very early arrivals, we can recommend nearby cafes and luggage storage options while you wait. The smart lock also means no key cards to lose and no front desk to pass through just enter and make yourself at home.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to seven days before your check-in date. If you cancel within seven days of arrival, your 30 percent deposit is non-refundable, as we have already turned away other guests for those dates. For bookings made through Airbnb or Booking.com, the specific cancellation policy shown on your reservation applies please check the listing terms at the time of booking, as platform policies can differ slightly from our direct booking terms. We are reasonable people: if you need to change dates rather than cancel outright, message us. Date changes requested more than seven days before arrival are usually free, subject to availability. Travel insurance is always recommended, especially during rainy season or for trips booked far in advance.

Long Stays

Do you offer monthly rates for long-term stays?
Yes, monthly rates are typically 30 to 40 percent lower than the standard nightly rate for stays of 30 days or more. The exact discount depends on the apartment type, season, and length of stay we provide a custom quote for each inquiry. Monthly stays also include benefits that short stays do not: weekly cleaning at no extra charge, a letter of residence for visa purposes, a desk and workspace check before your arrival, and priority support throughout your stay. Utilities including electricity, water, and fibre WiFi are included within a reasonable usage allowance. If you are a digital nomad, an expat relocating to Saigon, or someone planning an extended visit, contact us directly for a tailored long-stay package.
Can I get a Vietnamese address for visa purposes?
Yes, for stays of one month or more, we provide an official letter of residence confirming your address included at no extra cost. This document is often required for visa extensions, bank account applications, and mobile phone contract registrations in Vietnam. The letter includes your full name as it appears on your passport, the apartment address, the duration of your stay, and our signature and stamp. Most immigration offices and banks in Ho Chi Minh City accept this format. If you need the letter for a specific purpose such as a work permit application or drivers license let us know in advance so we can tailor the wording to the requirements of the requesting agency. We typically prepare and deliver the letter within 48 hours of your request.
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Planning notes before you book or travel

Most Saigon trip questions come down to timing, location, transport, and payment. If this is your first visit, plan airport transfer before arrival, install Grab for cars and bikes, and keep small Vietnamese dong notes for markets, cafes, and short local purchases. Cards are accepted in many hotels and malls, but cash is still useful every day.

For stays in District 1, check whether your accommodation is closer to Ben Thanh, Nguyen Hue, Bui Vien, or the riverfront. Each area feels different at night. Ben Thanh is convenient for sightseeing, Nguyen Hue is central and polished, Bui Vien is lively and noisy, while riverside blocks can feel calmer but may cost more. Our Saigon itinerary, airport transfer guide, and Vietnam money guide answer the most common practical questions.

If you are staying a month or longer, ask about WiFi speed, desk setup, laundry, kitchen equipment, deposit terms, and whether utilities are included. A good long-stay setup should make daily life easy, not just look attractive in photos.

For transport, Grab is usually the easiest option from the airport and around the city. Taxis can work well from official ranks, but app pricing is simpler for new arrivals. For money, exchange a small amount at the airport if needed, then compare city exchange counters or bank ATMs once you are settled. Keep your passport secure and carry a copy or photo for hotel and SIM-card situations.

For weather, expect heat year-round and plan sightseeing earlier in the day when possible. The rainy season usually brings short heavy showers rather than all-day rain, so a flexible itinerary works better than over-planning every hour. If you have only two or three days, group nearby sights together: War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, then Ben Thanh and Nguyen Hue in the evening.

For food, start with busy stalls and restaurants that turn tables quickly. Pho, banh mi, com tam, bun thit nuong, and Vietnamese coffee are easy first choices. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, save translated notes on your phone before ordering.

For safety, use normal big-city awareness: keep your phone away from the road edge, use crossbody bags in crowded areas, and check the licence plate before getting into an app-booked car or bike. Most visits are straightforward, but these small habits make the city much easier to enjoy.

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