This article contains all the information you need to make the most of your time house sitting in Vietnam’s biggest city. I’ve pulled together the definitive guide to house sitting in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hannah and I have enjoyed a couple of excellent spells exploring Vietnam. We both agree that Ho Chi Minh City was a real highlight. It’s such a vibrant city that has a pulse and an allure unlike anywhere we have ever been.
Our first experience in Vietnam was made even greater by the fact that we managed to secure a house sit for 3 weeks in HCMC, looking after two very cute dogs. In this article, I will give you all the tools you require to find, secure, and enjoy a house sit in Ho Chi Minh City.
Why Everyone Should Visit Ho Chi Minh City
There’s a lot to love about Ho Chi Minh City. From its lively social scene to the many historical and cultural sights, there’s something for everyone. Although often in the shadow of the nation’s capital, Hanoi, a trip to HCMC brings a different experience altogether.
As an international hub for business, the growth and rapid urban development of parts of the city are stunningly evident. Huge skyscrapers decorate the skyline creating an awe that competes with some of the greatest cities in the world. This starkly contrasts with the traditional elements of HCMC, such as the many markets, street food stalls, and endless coffee sellers.
Subsequently, the city remains one of the most affordable places we have ever visited. Across the board, the cost of groceries, dining out, fuel, and public transport are very low. A year-round hot climate is another huge draw that attracts those seeking to escape a harsh winter.
What to Expect in Ho Chi Minh City
We had no idea what we were heading into with HCMC. We knew it would be a crazy experience and it didn’t disappoint. On the way from the airport to our house sitting placement I asked the taxi driver if there was a motorcycle rally going on because of the thousands of motorbikes on the roads. I had never seen anything like it. Mopeds rule the roads in HCMC and quite often the sidewalks too, for that matter.
Numerous locals told me there are more mopeds than people in HCMC, which if they are correct puts the number above 10 million motorbikes! Consequently, crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh City is about the most dangerous thing you’ll ever do, anywhere. It has to be seen to be believed, but I warned you!
But for the most part, expect friendly locals, ample opportunities for delicious street food, and all the trappings of a seriously big international city.
House Sitting in Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation in HCMC is amongst some of the cheapest I have ever seen. But house sitting can provide many additional benefits on top of just saving money. Let’s look at why securing a house sitting job in Ho Chi Minh City is a great idea to consider.
My Experience of House Sitting in Ho Chi Minh City
In October of 2023, Hannah and I knew we were heading to Asia by the end of the year, we just didn’t know quite where yet! It would be our first venture east, and Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam were amongst the top contenders for our first stop.
We had alerts set up with our primary house sitting resource – Trusted Housesitters. These would let us know when a listing matching our specifications came online. So, when a listing in Ho Chi Minh City pinged our phones, we knew we had to land it.
And land it we did! We would stay within 5 minutes of Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling D1 center for 3 weeks, caring for 2 awesome little dogs in a modern apartment complex with a huge communal pool and all the amenities you could ask for close by. It was the perfect way to get to know HCMC, Vietnam, and Asia for the first time.
House Sitting Opportunities in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam, and most of Asia for that matter, are emerging markets in the world of house sitting. The numbers are steadily increasing as ex-pats and locals alike become aware of the fantastic benefits that house sitting presents. However, currently, the number of listings is significantly lower than in a lot of Western destinations.
This doesn’t mean that house sits can’t be attained in Ho Chi Minh City. We are living proof that it can be done. Dozens of active profiles across numerous house sitting platforms regularly list their homes. Being ready to catch them when they go live is key. Setting alerts and acting quickly is pivotal if you want to secure great house sits in Vietnam.
Trusted Housesitters is the number one website in the house sitting market. The easy-to-use platform comes with a handy app that allows users to set such alerts and apply in seconds. It’s free to sign up and start browsing too, click here. Other sites, like Mind My House and Nomidor both regularly list ample house sitting opportunities. However, their numbers are generally significantly lower than THS.
How to Secure a Ho Chi Minh City House Sit
To finalize a house sitting job in Ho Chi Minh City, you will need to be a paying member of a house sitting website. A Trusted Housesitters membership starts at just $129 a year, cheaper than a few nights’ accommodation, even in Vietnam! But use code BEACHES25 to save you 25%, click here to sign up in seconds.
Make the most of the alert function, as I’ve already discussed, and act promptly when a house sit in HCMC comes on the market. The number of house sitting opportunities in Asia is low compared to Europe and the US, so great listings get snapped up fast. Apply with a personalized and friendly message that indicates your intent to secure the listing.
Read the listing carefully and highlight any points that may have been referenced by the host, For example, ‘I see the garden needs watering every 3 days, I’m happy to do that’. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a few questions, it’s better to be clear at this stage rather than be surprised by things further down the line.
If you’ve succeeded with a great application and your profile shows all your best attributes as a house sitter, the host may accept you straight away or want to discuss things further over a video call. Use this opportunity to further showcase your house and pet sitting skills and experience and show a willingness to accept the sit.
Best Bars in Ho Chi Minh City
Securing a house sit and free accommodation in HCMC means you will have literally millions of Vietnamese Dong to spare (at the time of writing $1 is equal to 25,000VND!) You’ll have ample opportunities to explore the awesome social scene that makes Ho Chi Minh City such an international attraction. Here are a few of my favorite spots;
Best Bars in HCMC
- Belgo. A Belgian-styled craft beer and gastropub, Belgo has 4 locations in Ho Chi Minh City. Here you’ll find some terrific beer options to suit all pallets and an excellent food menu. Belgo also offers a daily 2-4-1 happy hour between 3pm-6pm. This makes the already cheap beer some of the most affordable craft drinks in the city.
- Heart of Darkness. Named and styled for the book that inspired the film Apocolypse Now, Heart of Darkness beers are prevalent throughout Vietnam and Asia. The bars are generally moodily lit and super chilled offering a sweet reprieve from the harsh HCMC sun. Prices are on the high side for Vietnam but the beer and food quality is worth it, plus there are daily specials and offers to be had.
- 86 Proof. Home of one of the best happy hours in Ho Chi Minh City, 86 Proof is located in D2. The area known as a popular ex-pat spot is home to Xuan Thuy, a bustling street of cool bars, cafes, and restaurants. As well as a huge selection of whiskey, 86 Proof has a terrific menu of cocktails and beers that are all half-off between 4pm and 7pm.
Best Places to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City
Dining out is very affordable in Ho Chi Minh City. From delicious street food to high-end 5-star restaurants the city has a great relationship with food. You won’t go hungry during your stay, here are a few of my top picks;
Best Places to Eat in HCMC
- Quan Ut Ut. If you like good American-style barbecue then a trip to Quan Ut Ut is a must. For me, It was like stepping over to Texas for lunch, there’s a great selection of slow-cooked meats, delicious sides, and cold beer. They have 2 locations in Ho Chi Minh City, the one on Xuan Thuy in D2 is my personal favorite.
- Meet for Meat. An international chain of Korean-style BBQ restaurants, a trip to a Meet for Meat is an experience unto itself. It’s a help-yourself, all-you-can-eat buffet of meat which you cook yourself at a small grill in the center of your table. There is also an excellent salad and veggie bar included, soft drinks, and at certain times, ice cream, all for usually around $8pp.
- Pasteur Street Brewing Co. With 6 great locations in HCMC, Pasteur Street could easily have made the top bars in Ho Chi Minh City list too. But the excellent menu of small plates, bar snacks, and entrees on offer make it an excellent dining option not to be missed. Complimented by some outstanding house beer selections, a trip to any Pasteur Street is perfect for any occasion.
Best Areas To Visit in Ho Chi Minh City
Conveniently, Ho Chi Minh City is divided into fairly easy-to-navigate and numbered districts. But within each of these districts are some excellent must-see areas. Here are a couple of great places that you should be sure to check out during your time house sitting in HCMC.
Best Areas to Visit in HCMC
- Nguyen Hue (D1). Exploring D1 is fun, if not exhausting at times. Nowhere is the craziness of the city more evident than around Nguyen Hue. The huge public promenade is lined by cool bars, cafes, and great places to eat. Each of the offshoot roads leads you to more options that you could spend your entire trip working your way through.
It’s easy to get to many of the city’s cultural spots from here too, such as the Ben Thanh Market, the Independence Palace, and the War Remnants Museum. All are worth spending a few hours exploring. - Xuan Thuy (D2). We spent a lot of time around Xuan Thuy. The popular ex-pat street is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. The vibe here is very different from central HCMC, the bars and restaurants are fairly concentrated along a long strip making for a fun and vibrant scene.
- Binh Quoi Tourist Village. Don’t be put off by the tourist village tag, a visit to Binh Quoi doesn’t disappoint. The sizeable attraction is free to visit and walk around and is more akin to a botanical garden. There are some fantastic artwork exhibitions, wooden bridges to cross, and stunning photo opportunities at every turn.
On weekend nights an open-air all-you-can-eat buffet with live traditional music fills the park with tourists and locals alike.
Conclusion
I hope this definitive guide to house sitting in Ho Chi Minh City has highlighted some of the real benefits of choosing it as a possible destination for a rewarding and exciting house sit. There are so many positives to securing a house sit and living in a location such HCMC rather than simply passing through as a tourist.
We absolutely loved it! It was our first introduction to Asia and was a city that blew our minds from the moment we arrived.
There’s an ever-growing demand for house sitters in Vietnam so be sure to get signed up with THS, set your alerts, and start applying for those unbelievable experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
For further information about house sitting be sure to read Hannah’s previous articles – 5 Things We Wish We’d Known About House Sitting. She has also written extensively for Goats on the Road about house sitting in Vietnam and our time in HCMC so see also, How-to Become a House Sitter in Vietnam.
*Owners consent given to show property and pets