Conference Venue

 

University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City 

WHERE TO STAY

Best Neighborhoods to Stay In

• District 1 (The Center): Best for first-timers. It houses Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Notre-Dame Basilica, and major hotels.

• District 3: Bordering District 1, this area offers a more local vibe with beautiful colonial architecture, great cafes, and tree-lined streets.

• District 2 (Thao Dien): The expat hub. Located across the river, it’s packed with trendy western eateries, boutique shops, and a more laid-back atmosphere.

Some of the nearby hotels are listed below:

The closest hotel options range from boutique apartments to 5-star properties:

1. Mai House Saigon Hotel (5-Star)

• Address: 157 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Walking Distance: ~200 meters (about a 2 to 3-minute walk)

• Note: This luxury hotel sits right around the corner from the university campus, making it the most seamless and upscale option nearby.

2. Express by M Village Nam Ky Khoi Nghia

• Address: 180 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Walking Distance: ~240 meters (about a 3-minute walk)

• Note: A highly rated, modern boutique apart-hotel style accommodation located nearly directly across the main street intersection from the university.

3. Sherwood Suites (5-Star Luxury Apartments)

• Address: 192 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Walking Distance: ~350 meters (about a 4 to 5-minute walk)

• Note: Just a block away from the campus, offering spacious, premium serviced apartments.

4. Orchids Saigon Hotel (4-Star)

• Address: 192 Pasteur Street, Ward Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Walking Distance: ~400 meters (about a 5-minute walk)

• Note: Tucked just behind the main avenue on Pasteur Street, this is a highly convenient mid-tier premium hotel.

5. Aristo Saigon Hotel (4-Star)

• Address: 3A Vo Van Tan Street, Ward Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Walking Distance: ~500 meters (about a 6 to 7-minute walk)

• Note: Located just past the War Remnants Museum, offering easy foot access to both the university and major central sights

6. Boutique Hotels & Serviced Apartments (Mid-Range)

• G8 Center Hotel Saigon

  • Address: 157 Pasteur Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

  • Distance by walk: ~180 meters (about a 2-minute walk)

  • Note: A very convenient 4-star boutique hotel right around the corner on Pasteur Street, located just steps away from the

You may choose the Hotel of your choice and budget from popular booking sites, such as:

• www.expedia.com
• www.booking.com
• www.agoda.com

ABOUT Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (still fondly called Saigon by locals) is a captivating whirlwind of a city. It seamlessly blends a chaotic, high-energy modern metropolis with deep-rooted history, incredible street culture, and some of the best food in the world.

If you are considering a trip, here is exactly why Ho Chi Minh City deserves a spot on your travel itinerary:

1. A World-Class Culinary Scene

From humble sidewalk plastic stools to Michelin-starred dining, the city is a paradise for food lovers.

• The Street Food: You can eat your way through iconic dishes like Ph?, Bánh mì, and C?m t?m (broken rice) at any hour of the day.

• The Coffee Culture: Saigon runs on caffeine. You can spend afternoons sipping Cà phê s?a ?á (iced condensed milk coffee) or trendy coconut coffees in hidden, colonial-era apartment cafes.

• Seafood Street (V?nh Khánh): A legendary street dedicated entirely to eating fresh snails, shellfish, and seafood grilled right on the sidewalk.

2. Layers of Compelling History

For history buffs, the city offers a raw, immersive look into the past, particularly the remnants of the Vietnam War and French colonial influence.

• The War Remnants Museum: A profoundly moving and vital stop to understand the Vietnamese perspective of the war.

• The Cu Chi Tunnels: Located just outside the city, this massive network of underground tunnels showcases the immense ingenuity and resilience of the Viet Cong guerrillas.

• Colonial Architecture: Stroll through District 1 to see stunning landmarks like the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel's company), and the majestic Saigon Opera House.

3. Electric, High-Energy Nightlife

When the sun goes down, the city's energy shifts into overdrive.

• Rooftop Bars: HCMC has one of the best rooftop bar scenes in Southeast Asia, offering stunning panoramic views of the Saigon River and glittering skyscrapers like the Bitexco Financial Tower.

• Bui Vien Walking Street: If you want neon lights, loud music, and cheap beer, this backpacker hub is a wild sensory overload.

• Live Music: The city has a thriving indie music and jazz scene hidden away in intimate, atmospheric bars.

4. Vibrant Neighborhoods and Hidden Alleys

The true magic of Saigon is found when you get lost in its h?ms (alleys).

• The Alley Culture: Turning off a main street into a labyrinth of narrow residential alleys reveals a completely different world of quiet neighborhood life, hidden temples, and secret food stalls.

• Cholon (Chinatown): Located in District 5, this is one of the world's largest Chinatowns. It’s a bustling maze of traditional medicine shops, massive wholesale markets, and beautiful, incense-filled pagodas like Thien Hau.

5. Warm Hospitality and High Affordability

Your travel budget stretches incredibly far here. Luxury 5-star hotels, high-end spa treatments, and gourmet meals cost a fraction of what they would in Western or other major Asian hubs. More importantly, the locals are famously resilient, welcoming, and sharp-witted, making interactions a highlight of the trip.

TRAVEL & Other TIPS

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)—still affectionately known by locals as Saigon—is a dizzying, beautiful, and high-octane metropolis. Whether you are navigating its ocean of motorbikes for the first time or looking for the best bowl of pho, this comprehensive guide will help you smooth out the logistics.

1. Getting to Ho Chi Minh City

By Air

Most international travelers arrive via Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), located right inside the city limits (about 6–8 km from District 1).

Important Arrival Note: Effective April 2026, all foreign passengers arriving at SGN must complete an online pre-arrival declaration via the official portal (prearrival.immigration.gov.vn) before landing and present their issued QR code to immigration.

Entry & Visa Requirements

• Visa Exemptions: Citizens from various European nations (like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) enjoy visa-free entry for up to 45 days. ASEAN passport holders generally get 30 days.

• E-Visa: If your country isn't exempt, or if you plan to stay longer, you must apply for an E-Visa online via the official government portal. It costs $25 USD for a single entry and grants up to 90 days.

• Health Declaration: Note that a new health declaration mandate rolls out starting July 1, 2026, which must be completed within 7 days prior to travel.

2. Local Travel & Getting Around

Ride-Hailing Apps (Highly Recommended)

Do not try to hail random taxis on the street if you can avoid it. Download Grab or Xanh SM (an all-electric vehicle fleet) as soon as you arrive.

• You can book both cars and motorproduced taxis (GrabBike). GrabBike is the absolute fastest way to cut through Saigon’s legendary traffic jams.

• If you must use a traditional taxi on the street, stick strictly to reputable companies: Vinasun (white with green/red stripes) or Mai Linh (bright green). Ensure they turn on the meter.

Public Buses

The city's bus network is undergoing a major modernization push. If you're traveling light or on a budget, look out for the city's green and electric buses.

 

3. Essential Tourist Information

Money & Currency

• The currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

• Cash is still king for street food and small markets, though cards are widely accepted in malls, convenience stores, and upscale restaurants.