OYO 746 Ben Thanh: Your Dreamy Ho Chi Minh City Hostel Awaits!
OYO 746 Ben Thanh: My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Take on the "Dreamy" Hostel in Ho Chi Minh City
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the truth on OYO 746 Ben Thanh, the hostel that's supposedly your "Dreamy Ho Chi Minh City" escape. Let's get one thing straight: "dreamy" might be overstating it, but hey, for the price, it's a decent crash pad. This review is going to be less flowery prose and more, well, me. Expect honesty, the occasional rant, and maybe a stray thought or two. I stayed there recently and here's the lowdown, warts and all.
First Impressions and Accessibility (or Lack Thereof)
Finding the place was a bit of an adventure. Ho Chi Minh City, bless its chaotic heart, isn't exactly known for its straight lines. Getting here, well, the taxi driver really struggled. Google Maps was having a meltdown, and I ended up navigating by the vague promise of "near the market." (That market, by the way, is Ben Thanh Market - huge, chaotic, and worth the visit even if you're not buying anything. Don't get ripped off though!)
As for Accessibility: This is where things got a little dicey. The reception area seemed okay, but I didn't notice specific accommodations for wheelchairs, like ramps or anything. So, if you're dependent on accessibility features, I'd recommend checking with the hostel before booking. This is a huge bummer because I'm a huge believer in inclusive travel.
The Rooms: Decent, But Don't Expect Miracles
Okay, let's be real: it's a hostel. This is not the Ritz. My room was clean enough, and the Air Conditioning worked like a champ. Thank god, because Saigon is humid. Free Wi-Fi was readily available, which is a MUST. I mean, I need to connect to the world, right? I need my Instagram, my emails, my Netflix. I was pleased with the Free bottled water, a nice little touch. They also had Air conditioning in the public area.
They had Daily housekeeping, which was great too. The Linens felt fresh. The bathroom… well, it was small. And the shower pressure? Let's just say it wasn't exactly a waterfall. BUT, it had Hot water, and after a day of dodging motorbikes and street food, that's a victory. There was a Mirror. and Toiletries provided, which is always appreciated. No Alarm clock for me, but it wasn't a problem; I woke up early as the city already comes alive. I didn't use the Coffee/tea maker but it was there. And I don't think I tried their Breakfast in room
Cleanliness and Safety: They Seem to be Trying
I'm a bit of a germophobe, so I always judge hard on cleanliness. I did notice Hand sanitizer readily available, and it looked like they were trying their best with the Anti-viral cleaning products. The common areas seemed regularly cleaned, and that's a big plus. Staff trained in safety protocol, which is good for reassurance. Regarding Rooms sanitized between stays, I couldn't say for sure, but everything was in order.
Safety/security feature, I saw the cameras, CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property so I felt a bit secure, even if they aren't the prettiest. There was a Front desk [24-hour] and a Security [24-hour]. I did not get the chance to test their Doctor/nurse on call.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and Coffee!)
Alright, this is where OYO Ben Thanh actually shines, or rather, has the potential to shine. They had a Coffee shop and Restaurants. The Coffee/tea in restaurant. It was pretty good.
Things to Do (or Not Do) at the Hostel
Okay, so the "dreamy" part probably doesn't extend to spa treatments. There's no Body scrub, Body wrap, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, or anything fancy like that. They've got the basic Fitness center, Gym/fitness, but it's not exactly Gold's Gym.
For the rest, I feel you are better off exploring the city and eating out. Ho Chi Minh city has a lot to offer. They had a Terrace.
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials (and a Few Extras)
They had the important stuff, like Daily housekeeping and a Laundry service. A Concierge is good if you need advice. Cash withdrawal nearby. I did see an Elevator which is a relief as I was on the 3rd floor.
Getting Around: Easier Than You Think (Sometimes)
They offered Airport transfer, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. Also, the Taxi service is readily available. I also wish they had a Car park [free of charge], but alas, they don't.
For the Kids (or Not):
I didn't spend any time with children, but they had Family/child friendly options.
My Final Verdict (and a Little Advice)
OYO 746 Ben Thanh is not a luxury resort. It's basic, clean, and well-located. It's a solid choice if you're on a budget and want to be in the heart of the action. If you're looking for pampering and a huge range of amenities, look elsewhere. But if you want a decent place to sleep, a good location, and don't mind a few quirks? Go for it.
My Honest Pro-Tip: Forget the "Dreamy" and Embrace the Adventure!
Ready to Book? Here’s How to Make It Work For YOU:
- Check accessibility questions beforehand.
- Embrace the chaos of the city.
- Sample all the street food (with a bit of caution).
- Be prepared to haggle – it’s part of the fun!
- Most importantly, be open to the experience. Ho Chi Minh City is wild, wonderful, and unforgettable.
My Special Offer (Because You Deserve it!):
Book now and get a free welcome drink at the hostel bar (to help you unwind after that motorbike madness!). Use code "SAIGONADVENTURE" at checkout!
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Texel Wellness Retreat Near the Forest!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is my potential descent (or ascent, who knows?) into the glorious, chaotic heart of Ho Chi Minh City, all based out of the legendary (and hopefully not too legendary) OYO 746 Ben Thanh Dorm. And honestly? I'm already sweating.
PRE-TRIP ANXIETY (and the Packing Predicament)
Okay, so I’m supposed to leave… in like, three days?! Did I pack? No. Am I paralyzed by the existential dread of needing to fold clothes? Yes. I swear, packing is the ultimate test of a human’s ability to compartmentalize. I've got a mental list: mosquito repellent (essential!), ridiculously oversized sunglasses (for dramatic effect, mostly), a phrasebook filled with embarrassingly butchered Vietnamese, and a desperate prayer for no bedbugs at the dorm. Seriously, bedbugs… my ultimate travel nemesis. I'm also bringing a lot of snacks. Travel hunger is a beast, and I will not be slain.
DAY 1: Arrival and Sensory Overload (and Maybe, Just Maybe, a Shower)
- Morning: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Flights, man… always a gamble. Pray to the travel gods for no delays and a window seat! First impression of the city? Probably a wall of humidity and the sound of a thousand motorbikes vying for dominance. Expect immediate jet lag induced confusion.
- Afternoon: Taxi (or Grab, if I can figure that out with my limited data) struggle to OYO 746 Ben Thanh Dorm. Fingers crossed for a decent driver who doesn't try to scam me. Check-in. Pray the dorm wasn't entirely booked out. Room check. Assess bed situation. Scope out the bathroom situation. Do they have hot water?! It’s a must-do.
- Mid-Afternoon: First exploration. Ben Thanh Market – here I come! Prepare to be overwhelmed. Smells: pungent, savory, exotic. Sights: bright colours, mountains of fruit I can't name, and a thousand sellers vying for my attention. I'll probably get lost. I almost hope I get lost. That’s where the magic happens, right? I'll try to haggle… badly. Expect to get ripped off, laugh about it later.
- Evening: Dinner! Maybe some pho. Or banh mi. Or anything truly authentic that doesn’t look too suspicious and give me food poisoning. Wander the streets. Observe the energy. Probably take a thousand photos. Try to resist the urge to buy ten silk scarves I don't need. Collapse into bed, likely utterly exhausted and slightly terrified but mostly buzzing with excitement. Pray for sleep… and a bug-free night.
DAY 2: Culture Shock and Coffee Cravings (and Potential for a Spiritual Crisis)
- Morning: Early wake-up call (courtesy of the relentless city sounds, probably). Vietnamese coffee, definitely need that. With condensed milk. It's an addiction waiting to happen, I can feel it.
- Late Morning: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour. I’ve heard it’s intense, fascinating, and claustrophobia inducing. I'm already anxious regarding the tight spaces. This is my personal Everest. I’ll try to be respectful, and definitely not accidentally trigger a historical landmine (metaphorically, of course). I mean, my sense of humor is… questionable.
- Afternoon: Return to HCMC. After all that historical drama, I'm going to need ice cream. Maybe find a rooftop bar for sunset views, even if it costs a small fortune. Try to reflect on the day's events and the fact that war is terrible, and also my brain has decided to remind me I still haven't packed the sunscreen.
- Evening: Dinner and attempt to explore the nightlife. District 1 is calling. I’ll probably embarrass myself in a karaoke bar (if they even have karaoke). Or maybe just find a quiet corner, sip a beer, and people-watch. The latter is a more realistic (and less potentially mortifying) option. Seriously, the language barrier is real.
- Late Night: Back at the dorm. Journaling. Reflecting on the day (or the lack thereof). Trying to reconcile my Western sensibilities with the vibrant chaos that is Vietnam. Wondering if I should have brought more snacks. Contemplating whether or not to brave the dorm showers based on yesterday's encounter (which was… let's just say, memorable).
DAY 3: A Deeper Dive, or Just a Stronger Coffee?
- Morning: Visit the War Remnants Museum. Prepare for a very sobering experience. It's going to be emotionally challenging, and I expect to be profoundly moved. Remember to be respectful. After it, I will need a comforting, carb-filled meal.
- Afternoon: Revisit a favourite spot. Maybe the market. Or maybe explore a different part of the city. Wander. Get lost. Find a hidden gem. (Or, you know, just stumble across a street vendor selling something delicious.) Stumble through this foreign land like a lost kitten.
- Evening: Cooking class? Now, this is where things get tricky. I’m a terrible cook. But I want to learn to make real pho! Or maybe just eat pho. I'm flexible. Another late-night stroll if I have the energy. A quiet rest.
- Late Night: Get ready to go home. Pack, or attempt to. Realizing I've bought way too much stuff. Probably feeling sentimental. Thinking I should have stayed longer. Maybe wanting to stay. The bittersweet hug goodbye, even though I haven't even left yet.
The Ben Thanh Dorm Chronicles: A Rambling Digression
Okay, let's talk about the dorm. It's a gamble, right? Public bathrooms are never the best. Will I be sharing my room with a snorer? (Praying for earplugs and vengeance if so.) Will the other travelers be cool? Will they be loud and annoying? Or, you know, will they be normal humans? The communal aspect could go either way, honestly. It could be a hotbed of fascinating conversations and shared experiences… or a breeding ground for awkward silences and passive-aggressive note-writing about the state of the shared fridge. Only future me knows! Here's a prediction: I’ll probably end up chatting with someone completely fascinating while simultaneously making a complete fool of myself. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.
Imperfections and Unexpected Twists
- Transportation: I will definitely get lost. I will probably have an argument with a motorbike driver over the price. I will probably (definitely) take the wrong bus at least once.
- Food Fails: I’m going to order something bizarre and regret it. I'll eat something amazing and wish I could replicate it at home. I'm going to try to eat with chopsticks and fail hilariously.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Expect moments of pure joy and awe. Expect moments of frustration and homesickness. Expect to question every life choice I've ever made. Expect to fall in love with the city (even with all the weird bits).
The Truth is: I'm going to screw up. I’m going to forget things. I'm going to be an idiot. But that's kind of the point, isn't it? It's the mess that makes travel memorable. It's the unexpected detours, the awkward encounters, the cultural gaffes that create the real stories. So, wish me luck. I’m going to need it. And if you see a slightly frazzled, perpetually hungry woman wandering around Ben Thanh Market, well, that's probably me. Come say hi. And maybe offer a snack.
Escape to Luxury: Disabled-Friendly Chalet in the Heart of Lichtenvoorde!
OYO 746 Ben Thanh: Your Dreamy (Maybe?) Ho Chi Minh City Hostel FAQ?! Buckle Up.
Okay, So... Is OYO 746 *Actually* Dreamy? Because, Let's Be Real, Hostel Websites Can Be... Overly Optimistic.
Alright, alright. Dreamy? That depends on your definition of "dreamy." Look, I'm a seasoned traveler. I've seen *things*. I've slept in places that were basically a glorified pigeon coop. So, compared to *that*, yeah, OYO 746 has moments of dreamy. Like, the air conditioning? Praise be! It's the kind of AC that whispers sweet nothings of coolness to your sweaty backpacker soul. And the location? Freaking GOLD. Ben Thanh Market is a hop, skip, and a slight push away. You can practically smell pho brewing in your sleep.
But… "dreamy" might be stretching it. Let's just say it's got a certain… *charm*. It’s got a bit of that classic Southeast Asian hostel vibe, you know? Slightly scuffed, a little wonky, and full of character that you wouldn’t find in a sterile, corporate hotel. Don't expect perfectly manicured gardens. Expect… well, let's just say there's a bit of a "lived-in" feel. And by "lived-in", I may or may not be referring to that persistent, possibly-phantom smell of mildew I noticed one morning. But hey, it keeps things interesting.
The Location! Everyone Raves About It. Is It *Really* That Good?
Listen, the location is practically a superpower. I mean, I walked out of that hostel *every single day* and immediately thought, "Wow. This is where I'm meant to be." Ben Thanh Market is on the doorstep. Imagine waking up, grabbing a banh mi from a street vendor (trust me, it's mandatory!), and then plunging straight into the organized chaos that is the market. It's sensory overload in the best possible way. Seriously, my first morning was a blur of bright colours, the shouts of vendors, and the smell of EVERYTHING frying. I also spotted a rogue chicken. Don't ask.
Then there's the convenience. Taxis, Grab bikes (get the app, seriously!), and public transport are all easily accessible. You're also walking distance to a ton of other attractions, restaurants, and bars. Need to get to the War Remnants Museum? Easy peasy. Fancy an evening of rooftop cocktails? A short stroll away. It's practically *insane* the convenience, and a huge plus.
Tell Me About The Rooms! Are They… Okay? I’m Not Looking for a Ritz, but I Don’t Want to Share a Room With a Pack of Ants, Either.
Alright, the rooms. This is where things get a bit… *variable*. I stayed in both a dorm and a private room, to give you a well-rounded view. The dorm was… functional. Bunk beds. Lockers. The bare essentials. Don't expect a ton of space, but it's enough to stash your stuff. And the aircon in my dorm? Glorious. I'm pretty sure I became addicted to the cool blast of it, especially after a day of walking around Vietnam's streets.
The private room? More space! Less noise! (Generally!) It had a slightly less "hostel-y" vibe, which I appreciated after a few days of shared bathrooms and dorm room snorers. The bathroom in my private room… let’s just say it had character. The water pressure? Intermittent at best. The hot water? Sometimes a myth. But hey, it all added to the adventure, right? Right?!
The *biggest* thing in this area is: keep your expectations realistic. You are paying hostel prices. If you want the Ritz, you’re looking in the wrong place. The beds are comfy enough, the rooms are cleaned, and the aircon (usually) works. Don't forget your earplugs, though. No matter your room type, you'll probably hear *something* from the streets below.
What About the Staff? Are They Helpful and Friendly? (Or Do They Just Pretend to Be?)
Okay, the staff. This is where OYO 746 really shines. Seriously, they're fantastic. They felt less like employees and more like genuinely nice people who *happen* to work at the hostel. I remember they helped me with a laundry mishap (don’t ask). The staff were super friendly, helpful, and incredibly patient with my atrocious attempts at Vietnamese. From the folks at reception, to the guys working in the common areas, everyone was ready to give you tips and advice, help you book tours, or just have a chat. They're the kind of people who make you feel welcome and at home. And let's be honest, after a long day of exploring, that kind of kindness is priceless.
One of the staff members named (I think it was) "David" was amazing. He was like, a walking encyclopedia of local knowledge. He gave me the best pho recommendation in town, helped me navigate the bus system (Vietnam's bus system, may the odds be ever in your favour), and even offered to teach me a few basic Vietnamese phrases. He single-handedly made my entire trip better. Kudos to David! Give that man a raise!
The Common Areas – Are They Good for Socializing? (I’m Hoping to Meet Some Fellow Travelers).
The common areas? They're… there. They're not exactly the party hub of the century, but they definitely serve their purpose. There's a small lobby with a few tables and chairs. It's a decent spot to chill, read a book, or chat with other travelers. I saw a lot of folks chilling and chatting, swapping travel stories, or planning their next adventures. I even joined a lively debate on the best street food in the city. Good times!
It could use a bit more… pizzazz, perhaps. Maybe a game night? A happy hour? Something to encourage a bit more interaction. Though, to be fair, the Ben Thanh street life outside is pretty much the adventure to have. So, the lack of wild party atmosphere is kind of a non-issue, really.
Food! Is There Food Available at the Hostel? Or Do I Need to Venture Out (and Risk My Stomach’s Wrath)?
Okay, food. There's no dedicated restaurant or kitchen at the hostel itself. But the good news? You are *in* Ben Thanh. Seriously, the food options are insane. Street food stalls, local restaurants, and everything in between are practically on your doorstep. Your stomach will love you. I was in heaven!
My advice? Embrace the street food. Be adventurous. Try everything. Don't be afraid of the little stalls. This is where the real magic happens! Just… maybe pack some Imodium, just in case. (Better safe than sorry, right?)
And, if you're feeling slightly less adventurous, there are plenty of more "Western-Ocean View Inn
