Smile Homestay - Hostel

The neighborhood has lots of local shops and several supermarkets nearby, which is why we liked the location despite being about 7 km from District 1, the center. The homestay has a good vibe, the price is cheap, possibly the lowest we found in HCMC for a double room with A/C, and the staff are very friendly. It’s a chilled place to stay. Coffee and breakfast are provided, just so you know, breakfast is instant noodle soup. There’s one bathroom for the four upstairs rooms, about eight people, plus another toilet downstairs. The fridge is a plus. A heads-up about the standard, cheaper room: it has no windows or natural light. It’s separated from the luxury room by a very thin Durlock wall, so you can hear everything next door. If you’re a light sleeper and the neighbors watch a movie or chat, it feels like you’re right there with them. They’re entitled to enjoy themselves, of course, but we needed earplugs to avoid being part of their “intimacy.”