Book Now
  • English
  • Tiếng Việt
  • 日本語
  • 한국어
  • 中文 (中国)
ANIMA logo
BOOK NOW

Tag: District 1

Key Takeaways

  • District 1 offers a diverse culinary spectrum, ranging from classic street food vendors to highly conceptual, art-filled dining rooms. This guide highlights venues that capture the authentic essence of Saigon in 2026 across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
  • ÚNU Art-inspired Eatery & Bar leads the contemporary Vietnamese dining scene, championing local agricultural products and heritage flavors within a multi-sensory, artistic environment.
  • Dynamic daily promotions—including weekend live music, extensive Happy Hours, and tailored lunch deals—make ÚNU a consistent focal point.
  • Reservations are highly recommended for weekends and special occasions to ensure a seamless experience.

Central Ho Chi Minh City offers everything from street-side classics to design-led dining rooms. This guide highlights where to eat well in District 1 in 2026 – for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks – with a focus on places that feel specific to Saigon.

Where is the best area to eat in Ho Chi Minh City?

District 1 (the Central Business District) remains the most convenient hub for visitors. It features a dense concentration of top-tier restaurants, specialty cafes, and cocktail bars located just steps away from iconic landmarks like Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

The best places to eat in central Ho Chi Minh City

1. ÚNU Art-inspired Eatery & Bar

  • Address: G & M Floor, 43 – 45 Ho Tung Mau Street, District 1, HCMC.
    Inheriting the culinary legacy of NÚC and embodying the meaning of “One Soul” in parallel with the ANIMA project, ÚNU Art-inspired Eatery & Bar bridges art, spatial design, and gastronomy to evoke emotional narratives. The venue delivers a multi-sensory experience by pairing contemporary Vietnamese cuisine with artisanal cocktails. The architectural focal point is its dynamic art space, where nostalgic warm wood tones intersect with modern elements, projector displays, and unique architectural accents like a recycled corrugated iron dome.
  • Contemporary Cuisine: ÚNU’s philosophy elevates the original flavors of premium, locally sourced ingredients. By applying modern culinary techniques rather than heavily relying on traditional spices, the dishes remain light, balanced, and adaptable to seasonal harvests.
  • Craft Cocktails: The signature “Liquid Stories” menu translates local heritage into mixology. Inspired by the creative journeys of seven young artists from the ANIMA project, each cocktail reconstructs childhood memories through an artistic lens.
  • Operating Hours:
    • Breakfast: 6:30 – 10:30
    • Lunch: 11:00 – 14:00 (Last order: 13:30)
    • Dinner: 17:00 – 22:00 (Last order: 21:30)
  • Events & Promotions:
    • Live Music: Every Thursday to Sunday (20:30 – 22:00).
    • Happy Hour: Buy 1 Get 1 Free on all beverages (17:00 – 19:00 daily).
    • Noon to Moon: Buy 1 Get 1 Free on the cocktail and wine menu (7:00 – 19:00 daily).
    • Why not wine tonight?: Buy 1 Get 1 Free (glass or bottle) on House Wine (17:00 – 21:00 daily).

2. oMMMixology Specialty Coffee · Tea · Spirits

  • Driven by the philosophy of “Artisanal, Experimental, Locally-inspired,” Ômm begins with a profound respect for raw ingredients. This space serves as an intersection between Tokyo’s meticulous craftsmanship and Saigon’s vibrant rhythm. The core differentiator is its contemporary art environment, where motion pictures, modern artworks, lighting, and soundscapes merge into a highly creative, intimate sanctuary.
  • Mixology Artistry: Guided by the expertise of Shuzo Nagumo—a Japanese master mixologist with over 20 years of experience. By utilizing advanced centrifugal techniques alongside vacuum distillation and infusion, Ômm extracts and refines flavors to create innovative drinks that retain the soul of local ingredients.
  • Specialty Coffee: Carefully selected specialty beans from diverse regions are brewed with technical precision and paired with house-made ingredients for a balanced, approachable coffee experience.
  • Price Range: 280,000 – 580,000 VND.

3. NÚC Kitchen & Bar

  • Inspired by the rustic Vietnamese term for “kitchen” (bếp núc) to honor the humble, dedicated act of meal preparation, NÚC Kitchen & Bar offers a peaceful refuge tucked away in Thao Dien. Pursuing a “Natural, Unpretentious, and Narrative-rich” philosophy, the greenery-filled space masterfully blends natural light, music, and warmth to create a tranquil retreat.
  • Vietnamese Neo-Bistro Experience: NÚC represents a flawless intersection of complex culinary techniques and an open, liberal spirit. Emphasizing Vietnamese cultural depth and local ingredients, the menu reimagines familiar flavor memories through an engaging dialogue with global contemporary dining.
  • Price Range: 60,000 – 1,450,000 VND.

Best for meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Breakfast (Gentle & Inspiring): Start the day with a slow, deliberate pace in a quiet, art-filled setting. A refined morning meal serves as the perfect catalyst before stepping out to explore the bustling streets of Saigon.

Lunch (Balanced & Efficient): Amidst the fast-paced energy of District 1, a fulfilling lunch requires harmony between time and nutrition. ÚNU is ideal for this, offering well-balanced midday menus paired with exclusive daytime promotions.

Dinner (Vibrant & Narrative-Driven): As the city lights up, the CBD takes on an entirely new rhythm. This is the optimal time to immerse yourself in contemporary Vietnamese dining, sip on craft cocktails, and enjoy emotional live music performances.

Best for specific tastes

Modern Vietnamese establishments like ÚNU prioritize the absolute preservation of natural flavors. With highly flexible, seasonal menus, specific dietary requirements—whether prioritizing seafood, plant-based diets, or navigating food allergies—are easily accommodated. The observant service teams are trained to make subtle adjustments to ensure a flawless dining experience.

For first-time visitors to Saigon, these centrally located, art-immersed venues serve as the perfect introductory checkpoint, leading guests through a sensory journey anchored in local heritage.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find modern Vietnamese dining in Ho Chi Minh City?

ÚNU Art-inspired Eatery & Bar (43–45 Ho Tung Mau, District 1) is a prime destination. It serves contemporary Vietnamese cuisine focused on elevating local produce and heritage flavors, all set within a multi-sensory, art-curated environment.

Where is good to eat near Ben Thanh Market?

The area surrounding Ben Thanh Market and the Ho Tung Mau street axis boasts a dense network of high-quality restaurants, cafes, and bars. You can easily walk from the market to prominent spots like ÚNU Eatery & Bar to enjoy a complete dining experience right in the city center.

Does ÚNU have live music or happy hour?

Yes, ÚNU maintains a consistent entertainment and promotion schedule throughout the week:

Live Music: Every Thursday to Sunday, from 20:30 to 22:00.


Happy Hour (All Drinks): Buy 1 Get 1 Free, daily from 17:00 to 19:00.


Noon to Moon (Cocktails & Wine): Buy 1 Get 1 Free, daily from 7:00 to 19:00.


Why not wine tonight? (House Wine): Buy 1 Get 1 Free on glasses or bottles, daily from 17:00 to 21:00.

  • ANIMA – Vietnamese Contemporary Art Boutique Hotel is our top art hotel for 2026, with each of its seven floors curated by a different Vietnamese artist.
  • Art and design hotels are concentrated in District 1, close to the city’s galleries and cultural sights.
  • Featured in the MICHELIN Guide 2025; rated 4.9/5 from 209 Google reviews.
  • Rates from roughly 2,400,000–3,600,000 VND (about 95–140 USD) per night; book directly for the best price.

An art hotel is more than a hotel with paintings on the wall. This guide explains what makes a genuine art and design hotel, where to find the best ones in Ho Chi Minh City, and which stays deliver a real creative experience in 2026.

What is an art & design hotel, and how is it different?

An art and design hotel is built around a genuine creative vision rather than decoration added as an afterthought. The strongest examples commission or collect original work, collaborate with living artists, and let design shape the whole guest experience – from the architecture to the food. In Ho Chi Minh City this increasingly means contemporary Vietnamese art created by local artists.

Where are the best art & design hotels located?

Most sit in central District 1, close to galleries such as Galerie Quynh and the city’s creative clusters, within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market and the Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

The best art & design hotels in Ho Chi Minh City for 2026

1. ANIMA – Vietnamese Contemporary Art Boutique Hotel

  • Address: 43–45 Ho Tung Mau Street, Saigon Ward, District 1 | 4.9/5 (209 reviews) | From ~2,700,000 VND/night.
  • ANIMA is a 7-story boutique hotel where contemporary art seamlessly blends with living spaces. Each floor at ANIMA is “narrated” by a Vietnamese visual artist through the very artworks and aesthetic styles they infuse into the interior design. Inspired by Brutalism and Eclecticism, ANIMA makes a strong impression with its raw and nostalgic charm. To complete the experience, we also feature the ÚNU Art-inspired Eatery & Bar and a Wellbeing Centre (offering muscle relaxation therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and sound healing). ANIMA is proudly featured in the MICHELIN Guide 2025 Hotel Selection and was named Best Vietnamese Contemporary Art Hotel of the Year at the Robb Report Vietnam Best of the Best Awards 2025.
  • Resident artists incl: Hoang Nam Viet, Tuyp Tran, Pham Xeen, Dang Quang Tien, Le Phi Long, Mzung Nguyen and many other artists,..
  • Heritage-industrial (brutalist meets eclectic) interior design.
  • Art you live inside, not just look at.
ANIMA room space
Room space at ANIMA
Room space at ANIMA
Room space at ANIMA.
ANIMA room space
Room space at ANIMA.

2. Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel

  • Address: 65 Ho Tung Mau Street, District 1 | From ~2,200,000 VND/night.
  • As part of the same ecosystem as ANIMA, Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel offers a refined getaway affectionately known as “Another Saigon Within Saigon.” Nestled right in the heart of the bustling metropolis, it stands in beautiful contrast to the urban pace outside, opening up a peaceful sanctuary for its guests. The hotel fully preserves the nostalgic charm of Southern Vietnam, bringing this heritage to life through its signature architecture, classic art pieces, and meticulous interior details.
  • Art & Imagery: Showcasing artworks and photograph collections of “Old Saigon” (Sài Gòn Xưa).
  • Interior design: Incorporating rustic objects and thoughtfully curated pieces to evoke a profound sense of nostalgia.
  • The art experience: A peaceful sanctuary that offers the comforting familiarity of returning home, right in the heart of the bustling city.
Room space at Amanaki Saigon hotel
Room space at Amanaki Saigon.
Room space at Amanaki Saigon hotel
Room space at Amanaki Saigon.

3. Amanaki Thao Dien Hotel

  • Address: 10 Nguyen Dang Giai Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh | From ~3,800,000 VND/night.
  • Amanaki Thao Dien Hotel is the ideal retreat for guests who prefer a calmer, riverside base. Completely secluded from the bustling city pace, this leafy haven serves as a tranquil “oasis” deeply rooted in art and culture. It goes beyond a traditional stay by focusing on a holistic wellness journey, thoughtfully designed to soothe, restore, and comfort both body and soul.
  • Interior design: An intersection of cultural heritage, rustic charm, and natural greenery (Heritage-nature).
  • The art experience: A space that brings a deep sense of familiarity and intimacy through nostalgic feelings.

What makes a hotel’s art collection worth visiting?

Look for original work by named, living artists rather than mass-produced prints; a coherent theme across the property; and opportunities to engage – artist floors, gallery spaces, or curated tours. ANIMA’s floor-by-floor artist model is a clear example of art integrated into the stay.

How to choose an art or design hotel?

If you want to be surrounded by original Vietnamese art, choose a hotel with resident artists and a real collection. If sleek design is the priority, focus on architecture and interiors. See also “Best Boutique Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (2026)” and “Best Hotels by Traveller Type & Purpose (2026).”

Frequently asked questions

What is the best art hotel in Ho Chi Minh City?

ANIMA – Vietnamese Contemporary Art Boutique Hotel, where each floor is curated by a different Vietnamese artist; rated 4.9/5 and featured in the MICHELIN Guide 2025.

What is the difference between an art hotel and a design hotel?

An art hotel centres on original artworks and artists; a design hotel centres on architecture and interiors. The best properties, like ANIMA, combine both.

  • ANIMA – Vietnamese Contemporary Art Boutique Hotel is our top pick for 2026, rated 4.9/5 from 209 Google reviews and featured in the MICHELIN Guide 2025.
  • Most of the city’s best boutique hotels are in District 1, within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
  • Expect rates from roughly 2,400,000–3,600,000 VND (about 95–140 USD) per night.
  • Book directly with the hotel for the best rate and added perks such as dining discounts and welcome vouchers.

Ho Chi Minh City’s boutique hotel scene has grown quickly, and choosing the right one can be confusing when every property calls itself “boutique.” This guide explains what actually makes a boutique hotel worth booking, where to find the best ones, and which stays we recommend for 2026 – with clear details on location, price, and what each offers.

What is a boutique hotel, and how is it different from a regular hotel?

Artist Haven room by artist Hoàng Nam Việt at ANIMA hotel

A boutique hotel is a small, independently minded property – usually under 100 rooms – that offers distinctive design, a strong sense of place, and personal service you rarely get at a large chain. Instead of standardised rooms, it is built around a clear identity: a design theme, a neighbourhood, an art collection, or a culinary point of view. In Ho Chi Minh City, the best boutique hotels combine a central location with a genuinely local character – Vietnamese art, heritage architecture, and food that reflects the city.

Where are the best boutique hotels in Ho Chi Minh City located?

Most are in District 1, the city’s central district, putting you within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market, the Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Saigon River, and the main dining and gallery clusters. Staying in District 1 means you can explore on foot and reach the airport in about 20-30 minutes.

The best boutique hotels in Ho Chi Minh City for 2026

1. ANIMA – Vietnamese Contemporary Art Boutique Hotel

  • Address: 43–45 Ho Tung Mau Street, Saigon Ward, District 1 | Rating: 4.9/5 (209 Google reviews) | From ~2,400,000 VND/night.
  • ANIMA is a 7-story boutique hotel where contemporary art seamlessly blends with living spaces. Each floor at ANIMA is “narrated” by a Vietnamese visual artist through the very artworks and aesthetic styles they infuse into the interior design. Inspired by Brutalism and Eclecticism, ANIMA makes a strong impression with its raw and nostalgic charm. To complete the experience, we also feature the ÚNU Art-inspired Eatery & Bar and a Wellbeing Centre (offering muscle relaxation therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and sound healing). ANIMA is proudly featured in the MICHELIN Guide 2025 Hotel Selection and was named Best Vietnamese Contemporary Art Hotel of the Year at the Robb Report Vietnam Best of the Best Awards 2025.
  • Five room types, from the 17m² Artist Hideaway to the 64m² Artist Escape penthouse.
  • Walking distance to Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
  • Best rates and welcome perks when booking directly at animasg.vn.

2. Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel

  • Address: 65 Ho Tung Mau Street, District 1 | From ~2,200,000 VND/night.
  • As part of the same ecosystem as ANIMA, Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel offers a refined getaway affectionately known as “Another Saigon Within Saigon.” Nestled right in the heart of the bustling metropolis, it stands in beautiful contrast to the urban pace outside, opening up a peaceful sanctuary for its guests. The hotel fully preserves the nostalgic charm of Southern Vietnam, bringing this heritage to life through its signature architecture, classic art pieces, and meticulous interior details.
  • Room rates range from 2,200,000 to 4,210,000 VND.
  • A tranquil and nostalgic retreat located right in the vibrant city center.

3. Amanaki Thao Dien Hotel

  • Address: 10 Nguyen Dang Giai Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh | From ~3,800,000 VND/night.
  • Amanaki Thao Dien Hotel is the ideal retreat for guests who prefer a calmer, riverside base. Completely secluded from the bustling city pace, this leafy haven serves as a tranquil “oasis” deeply rooted in art and culture. It goes beyond a traditional stay by focusing on a holistic wellness journey, thoughtfully designed to soothe, restore, and comfort both body and soul.
  • Room rates range from 3,800,000 to 7,700,000 VND.
  • Positioned as an art-infused and cultural sanctuary, beautifully separated from the lively streets of Thao Dien.
  • Dedicated to a fully restorative experience, focusing on the complete rejuvenation of physical and mental well-being.

Boutique hotels by budget & style

Boutique doesn’t have to mean expensive. Central District 1 boutique stays typically range from around 2,700,000 to 3,800,000 VND per night. For understated luxury, look for properties with a strong design identity and personal service rather than flashy facilities; for value, newer boutique openings often offer competitive introductory rates. ANIMA sits in the mid-to-upper boutique range while including art, dining, and wellness in one location.

How to choose the right boutique hotel for your trip

If art and design matter most, prioritise a hotel with a genuine collection and a strong identity (see “Best Art & Design Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (2026)”). If wellness or a quiet base is your priority, look for on-site spa facilities or a riverside location. For couples, business travellers and solo guests, see “Best Hotels by Traveller Type & Purpose (2026).”

Frequently asked questions

What is the best boutique hotel in District 1, Saigon?

ANIMA – Vietnamese Contemporary Art Boutique Hotel is our top pick, rated 4.9/5 from 209 Google reviews and recognised in the MICHELIN Guide 2025, thanks to its artist-curated floors, central location and on-site dining and wellness.

How much does a boutique hotel in Ho Chi Minh City cost?

Design-led boutique hotels in central District 1 typically start from around 2,700,000-3,800,000 VND (about USD 105-150) per night, varying by room type and season.

Are there budget or value boutique options?

Yes. Newer boutique openings and off-peak dates offer more affordable rates, while booking directly with the hotel usually secures the best available price plus added perks.

Is District 1 good and safe for first-time visitors?

Yes. District 1 is the central, well-connected, and visitor-friendly heart of the city, within walking distance of major sights – an ideal, safe base for first-time visitors.

Are boutique hotels in Ho Chi Minh City good for couples and business travellers?

Yes. Their central location, personal service and distinctive design suit both couples seeking a memorable stay and business travellers who want something more characterful than a corporate chain.

Key Takeaways (Quick Summary):

  • Living Art Destination: ANIMA is a 7-floor contemporary art boutique hotel located at 43-45 Ho Tung Mau, District 1, where every floor functions as an immersive gallery curated by renowned Vietnamese visual artists.
  • Acclaimed Hospitality: Honored in the MICHELIN Guide 2025 Hotel Selection and named Best Contemporary Art Hotel 2025 by Robb Report Vietnam, with a 4.9/5 Google rating.
  • Mindful Sanctuary: Houses 5 bespoke room categories (17m²-64m²), the culinary narrative of ÚNU Eatery & Bar, and an on-site Wellbeing Centre with herbal spa and sauna.
  • Direct Booking Perks: Exclusive best rates, welcome dining vouchers, and flexible cancellation when reserving directly at animasg.vn.

Where Contemporary Art Meets Mindful Hospitality in District 1

In the vibrant, fast-evolving heart of Ho Chi Minh City, ANIMA — Vietnamese Contemporary Art Boutique Hotel offers a singular alternative to conventional corporate luxury. Located at 43-45 Ho Tung Mau Street, ANIMA bridges the energy of Saigon’s historic central district with an introspective haven designed around original Vietnamese art, architectural stillness, and soulful hospitality.

Recognized in the MICHELIN Guide 2025 Hotel Selection, ANIMA does not treat art as decorative background music. Instead, contemporary visual art forms the structural backbone of the entire property, transforming every corridor, guest room, and communal corner into a sensory encounter with Vietnam’s creative renaissance.

The Living Gallery Concept: 7 Floors, 7 Artistic Narratives

Traditional hotels hang mass-produced prints on standard walls; ANIMA invited leading Vietnamese contemporary artists to treat each floor as an individual canvas. Collaborating with visual visionaries like Tuýp Trần, Phạm Xeen, and Hoàng Nam Việt, each floor possesses its own thematic soul, custom textures, sculptural installations, and lighting philosophy.

As guests step out of the elevator onto their floor, they enter an intimate exhibition space before unlocking their private room, creating a seamless transition from urban exploration to artistic contemplation.

Bespoke Rooms & Suites: Craftsmanship and Comfort

ANIMA features fewer than 100 rooms across five carefully proportioned categories, pairing raw industrial textures with warm handcrafted Vietnamese wood, brass, and artisanal ceramics:

  • Artist Hideaway (17m²): An intimate, serene haven tailored for the reflective solo traveler.
  • Artist Studio (22m²-25m²): Thoughtfully balanced spaces showcasing original floor artwork and custom furnishings.
  • Artist Suite (32m²-38m²): Generously naturally lit suites with deep lounge seating and curated art catalogs.
  • Artist Residence (45m²): An expansive sanctuary ideal for couples and extended cultural stays.
  • Artist Escape (64m² Penthouse): Panoramic top-floor penthouse offering sweeping vistas over District 1 and the Saigon skyline.

Discover More of ANIMA

A Complete Sensory Journey: ÚNU Eatery & Bar and Wellbeing Centre

A memorable boutique stay is multidimensional. Within ANIMA, guests discover two complementary pillars of lifestyle restoration:

  • ÚNU Eatery & Bar: A culinary destination where contemporary Vietnamese cuisine dialogues with creative mixology. Discover inventive dishes alongside our acclaimed storytelling cocktail collections.
  • The Wellbeing Centre: An oasis dedicated to somatic recovery, offering authentic herbal spa treatments, Himalayan salt sauna, and steam bath therapy to release urban fatigue.

Prime District 1 Location with Unmatched Walkability

Situated on bustling Ho Tung Mau Street, ANIMA places you within immediate reach of Saigon’s primary landmarks while shielding you from street commotion inside its acoustic-buffered walls:

  • 2 minutes: Bitexco Financial Tower & Saigon Skydeck.
  • 5 minutes: Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the Saigon River Promenade.
  • 8 minutes: Ben Thanh Market and the Fine Arts Museum.
  • Explore our detailed District 1 Accommodation Guide and insider Local Picks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes ANIMA different from other hotels in Saigon?

ANIMA is Saigon’s first dedicated contemporary art boutique hotel, featuring 7 floors curated by prominent Vietnamese artists, recognized in the MICHELIN Guide 2025, and combining gallery living with full-service dining and wellness.

Where is ANIMA located?

ANIMA is located at 43-45 Ho Tung Mau Street, Saigon Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City — within easy walking distance of Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

How can I book a stay at ANIMA Saigon?

You can reserve directly at animasg.vn to secure guaranteed lowest prices, flexible reservation terms, and welcome vouchers at ÚNU Eatery & Bar.

Plan Your Stay at ANIMA Saigon