Tam Hostel

The hostel sits in the heart of Saigon but away from the backpacker street noise. It’s clean, and each dorm bed has a small fan, power outlet, and privacy curtain. Toiletries are free, and breakfast is included on the nice rooftop terrace. The staff were friendly and helpful with advice about Saigon.

The included Vietnamese breakfast changes every day, with things like rice noodles, banh mi, or a sunny-side-up egg, and it was delicious. They also put on a family dinner, a tasty introduction to Vietnamese food and a nice way to meet other travellers. Staff were attentive and ready to go out of their way to help. They can book tours and have a thorough list of things to see, do, and eat nearby. The location is close to the main sights, tucked down a back alley away from the busy backpacker area. Dorm beds have a fan, reading light, and curtain, and the bathrooms are clean with free shampoo. I’ve stayed at a few other hostels in Saigon, and this one stands out as easily the best. Nothing to complain about, highly recommended!

I checked in with Rain (sp?) and checked out with Michelle. This is a family-owned place, and the hosts spoke English. They were friendly, and at least one was especially helpful and cheerful. I’d happily recommend paying a little extra if those things matter to you. The rooftop breakfast was light and enjoyable, and they have beer. Rooms have air conditioning, good bed space and privacy, and are quiet at night. The atmosphere was pleasant, with keycard access and a shower separate from the toilet. The downsides were noisy, creaky steel bunks and plastic-covered mattresses. The toilet entrance is very tight.

Michelle, Jeff, and their family were so kind and welcoming that I was sad to leave both times I stayed. It really felt like a home away from home, and this is the only place I’d stay in HCMC. The hostel had only opened in January 2019, so it was brand new, and spotless. The free traditional Vietnamese breakfast was amazing.