Why Expats Love Renting Apartments in Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

Moving to a new country is never easy, but choosing the right place to live can make a world of difference. For many expats in Ho Chi Minh City, that place is Thao Dien.

Nestled in District 2, just across the Saigon River from the hustle and bustle of District 1, Thao Dien has become a magnet for foreigners searching for comfort, community, and a lifestyle that balances modern convenience with peaceful surroundings. But what exactly makes this neighborhood so special? Why do expats rent apartments in Thao Dien more than almost anywhere else in the city?

Let’s dive into the unique characteristics that make Thao Dien - the best area for expats in Ho Chi Minh City and why you might fall in love with it too.

1. A Welcoming International Community

One of the most striking aspects of Thao Dien is its cultural diversity. It’s not unusual to walk down the street and hear a blend of English, French, Korean, and other languages being spoken. This multicultural vibe makes it easy for new arrivals to settle in, meet people, and feel at home.

The international community here is vibrant and active, with expats from all over the world calling this area home. Many choose Thao Dien not only for its amenities but also for the availability of high-quality expat housing in Thao Dien and the strong sense of belonging it offers. This is especially comforting for solo travelers or families making the move to Vietnam for the first time.

Read more: Thao Dien: A Friendly Community for Expats

There are many expat-run cafes, social groups, and community events that help people integrate and build friendships quickly. Whether you're looking to network, find a playgroup for your kids, or simply enjoy brunch with new friends, Thao Dien is a great place to do it.

2. Top International Schools at Your Doorstep

If you're moving with children, finding quality international education is likely at the top of your priority list. Luckily, Thao Dien is home to some of the best international schools in Ho Chi Minh City, including:

• British International School (BIS)
• International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
• European International School (EIS)

These schools follow globally recognized curricula and offer state-of-the-art facilities, experienced international teachers, and multicultural learning environments that help children thrive both academically and socially.

Living nearby means you can avoid long commutes through city traffic and give your children more time to enjoy extracurricular activities and family time. It also provides parents peace of mind — a huge plus when adjusting to life in a new country.

Read more: International Schools in Thao Dien – Advantage for Expats

3. A Wide Range of Modern Apartments

Whether you're a digital nomad looking for a cozy studio or a family in search of a spacious three-bedroom apartment, Thao Dien offers a wide range of modern apartments for rent. The neighborhood is filled with newly built apartment complexes that come with resort-style amenities and expat-friendly services.

You'll find options such as:

• Serviced apartments with daily cleaning and front desk support
• Pet-friendly apartments with outdoor spaces or balconies
• High-rise buildings with rooftop pools, gyms, and 24/7 security
• Riverside apartments with scenic views of the Saigon River

What sets rental apartments in Thao Dien apart is their quality and thoughtful design. Many properties feature Western-style kitchens, bright open layouts, and modern furnishings that cater to expat lifestyles — truly creating a home away from home.

At JHouse, we specialize in helping expats find their ideal apartment for rent in District 2 HCMC, especially in Thao Dien — from affordable serviced studios to luxury riverfront residences.

See more: Top Comfortable Apartments with Full Amenities in Thao Dien

4. Family-Friendly and Safe Environment

Thao Dien is often described as a small town within the city — and that’s exactly how it feels. With tree-lined streets, minimal traffic, and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s ideal for families with kids or anyone who values a quieter lifestyle.

Safety is another big factor. Many apartment buildings come with 24/7 security, gated access, and private parking. The community also looks out for one another, which adds another layer of comfort.

Parks, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces are abundant. On weekends, families enjoy riverfront walks, bike rides along quiet streets, or relaxing afternoons at local cafes. All of this makes Thao Dien one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City.

5. Restaurants, Cafes, and a Vibrant Lifestyle

If you’re a foodie or a coffee lover, you’ll feel right at home in Thao Dien. The area is full of diverse culinary experiences — from French patisseries and Japanese ramen spots to vegan cafes and high-end steakhouses. You’ll also find hidden gems serving authentic Vietnamese dishes like phở, bún thịt nướng, or fresh bánh mì – perfect for anyone wanting to taste the local flavors.

Popular spots include:

• The Deck: riverside fine dining with stunning sunset views
• Basta Hiro: a go-to for Italian comfort food
• The Loop: perfect for brunch or working remotely
• “Phở Bùi Gia”: a well-known spot for authentic Vietnamese pho

The area also features local markets, organic grocery stores, boutique gyms, yoga studios, and co-working spaces. Whether you’re into fitness, the arts, or just good food, the Thao Dien lifestyle is hard to beat.

Read more: Outstanding Amenities When Renting an Apartment in Thao Dien

For expats who value convenience and leisure, it’s no surprise that so many choose to rent apartments in this part of the city.

6. Convenient Location & Easy Access to the City

While Thao Dien feels like a peaceful retreat, it’s incredibly well-connected to the city center. With the Saigon Bridge just minutes away and the newly operational Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien), commuting to District 1 and other business hubs is fast and hassle-free.

Read more: Thao Dien – Ideal Urban Area with Modern Public Transport System

This makes Thao Dien an ideal choice for those working in the central business district but craving a more peaceful place to live, It offers the perfect solution. You’ll enjoy short commutes and come home to tranquility.

Many residents describe it as the best of both worlds — close enough for convenience, far enough for comfort.

7. Riverside Living in Saigon

One of Thao Dien’s most appealing features is its location along the Saigon River. Riverside living offers not just scenic beauty, but also a sense of calm that’s rare in a city like Ho Chi Minh.

Whether you enjoy morning walks, riverside cafes, or panoramic sunset views, the lifestyle here delivers a resort-like experience just minutes from the city center.

Several high-end serviced apartments in Thao Dien are designed to embrace this riverside charm — with features like open balconies, lush garden spaces, and natural light that promote wellbeing and comfort.

8. Long-Term Value for Expats Living in Thao Dien

Thao Dien isn’t just ideal for short visits — it’s built for long-term living. Many expats who initially come for work or travel end up staying far longer than expected.

The neighborhood offers reliable infrastructure like high-speed internet, international clinics, supermarkets, and banks — all essential for everyday convenience. It’s a place where you can truly settle down and feel at home.

Expat housing in Thao Dien is also designed for longevity. Many apartments offer long-term contracts, quality maintenance, and services tailored to foreign residents. Whether you're a solo professional or a growing family, you’ll find rental options in District 2 HCMC that match your lifestyle and budget.

Final Thoughts: Why Thao Dien Is the Right Choice for Expats

Looking for a place that combines comfort, convenience, and community? Thao Dien stands out as the top destination for expats in Ho Chi Minh City.

From high-quality serviced apartments to vibrant international living, this neighborhood offers everything you need — modern amenities, safe surroundings, excellent schools, and riverside charm. Start exploring available apartments today and discover your perfect home in Thao Dien!

JHouse Content Team

The in-depth content development team on housing services for foreigners & Vietnamese in Vietnam. The content is simple, easy to understand, and logically arranged to bring readers useful topics and information from real experiences.

Accommodation Services: What are they? 17 Popular Types of Accommodation Facilities in Vietnam

Accommodation Services?

Accommodation services are businesses that provide short-term and long-term lodging options for individuals in need. These accommodation facilities can include apartment buildings, serviced apartments, private homes, villas, hotels, guesthouses, and more. Based on the duration of stay, accommodation services can be divided into two types:

1. Short-term accommodation services include hotels, motels, hostels, homestays, serviced apartments, condo-hotels, apart-hotels, farmstays, bungalows, etc.
2. Long-term accommodation services include apartment buildings, serviced apartments, office-tels, villas, private homes, and serviced condominiums.

The target audience or users of accommodation services can vary and may include foreigners, business travelers, tourists, medical visitors, students, office workers, and more. Users of accommodation services pay a certain amount of money to the lodging establishments for the "Right to Use" the accommodation and its amenities. Compliance with the rules and regulations set by the accommodation facility is mandatory. However, users do not have ownership rights over the accommodation. In addition to providing lodging, accommodation facilities also offer additional services and amenities such as dining, entertainment, health facilities, experiential activities, education, and more.

16 popular types of accommodation facilities in Vietnam

Accommodation services in Vietnam are widely available in many provinces and are extensively utilized to tap into the tourism potential and meet local lodging needs. These accommodation facilities go by various names but can be broadly categorized into 16 popular types. Let's explore them, and you will find valuable information.

1. Chung cư (Apartment)

Chung cư (Apartment) refers to residential units located within apartment buildings (Chung cư), which are housing complexes comprising multiple households. These apartments can be fully furnished, partially furnished, or unfurnished. Apartments are popular in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Can Tho, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc, etc. Accommodation facilities in the form of apartments are typically equipped with full or basic furniture. Additionally, apartment residents can enjoy shared amenities within the apartment building, such as swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, table tennis courts, spas, convenience stores, parks, etc. Apartment units come in various flexible designs, including studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, duplexes, penthouses, dual-key units, etc., offering enclosed and separate living spaces. You can find apartment rentals or leasing options with detailed information and individual photos on the website: https://jhouse.vn/

2. Serviced Apartment

Serviced apartments are residential units located within apartment buildings or dedicated serviced apartment buildings. They are fully equipped with appliances, furniture, and kitchens. Additionally, serviced apartments provide extra services such as housekeeping, bed linen and towel changes, cable TV, internet, laundry, dishwashing, etc. These additional services distinguish serviced apartments from regular apartments. Serviced apartments are popular in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Can Tho, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc, etc. They are designed with flexibility and often come with additional amenities like swimming pools, gyms, saunas, etc., to enhance the experience and convenience for customers. You can find serviced apartment rentals or leasing options with detailed information and individual photos on the website: https://jhouse.vn/.

3. Villa

A villa is a standalone residential property with a garden, fence, and separate entrance, typically comprising no more than three main floors. Villas have a spacious floor area and living space. They are fully equipped with appliances, amenities, and furnishings. The privacy of a villa is higher compared to apartments and serviced apartments. We often find individual villas in city centers, detached or semi-detached villas in residential areas or real estate projects. There are also mini-villas, garden villas, villas with swimming pools, beachfront villas, resort villas, etc. Villas are quite common in large cities and coastal areas. You can find villa rentals or leasing options with detailed information and individual photos on the website: https://jhouse.vn/.

4. Private House

Private houses, also known as townhouses, are standalone houses located in the city center. Most of them are unfurnished, without furniture. A few are furnished to cater to foreign customers or high-income individuals. Private houses are primarily used for long-term stays of one year or more. You can find townhouse rentals or leasing options with detailed information and individual photos on the website: https://jhouse.vn/.

5. Boarding House - Shared Room - Studio Apartment

Boarding houses, shared rooms, and studio apartments are small-sized accommodations ranging from 12m2 to 25m2, with or without a loft. Most of these accommodations are unfurnished and cater to customers such as students, new employees, workers, and individuals with low income. Boarding houses are popular long-term lodging options in large cities or near industrial zones and schools.

6. Officetel

Officetel is a combination of "office" and "hotel," representing a mixed-use concept that combines office space with hotel amenities. It is a versatile type of apartment that serves both residential and office purposes. The typical size of an officetel unit ranges from 30m2 to 50m2, although some projects offer larger officetel units. Officetel is an upgraded version of traditional apartments, hotels, and offices. It provides users with a comfortable and convenient living and working environment. Officetel buildings are often located within residential or urban areas, allowing residents to enjoy the amenities and facilities within the complex. This enables officetel residents to have a comfortable living space similar to traditional apartments.

7. ApartHotel

An ApartHotel is a combination of an apartment and a hotel, offering the luxury and amenities of a five-star hotel within an apartment-style setting. It can be understood as a hotel-standard apartment or the fusion of exceptional service and top-notch facilities of an internationally recognized luxury hotel with the comfort and convenience of a premium apartment. All the facilities and amenities are shared among all the guests, such as swimming pools, gyms, massage rooms, spas, saunas, and more. This is what sets ApartHotels apart from other types of resort properties. A typical example of an ApartHotel project in Vietnam is the SunBay Park Hotel & Resort in Phan Rang, Ninh Thuan, developed by Crystal Bay Group. Another project is the Mui Dinh Ecopark in Ninh Thuan, developed by F.I.T Group and Crystal Bay Joint Stock Company.

8. Condotel

Condotel is a term derived from "condo" and "hotel," meaning a combination of a condominium and a hotel. Condotels are commonly found in coastal areas with significant tourism potential. A condotel is designed like a condominium, with fully equipped facilities such as a kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc., including cooking appliances, allowing guests to go grocery shopping and experience a lifestyle similar to being in their own home. Condotels also function as hotels, offering a reservation system and hotel services such as swimming pools, fitness clubs, nightclubs, restaurants, shops, concierge services, and 24/7 room service.

9. Hometel

Hometel is a combination of a residential apartment and a hotel, creating a new type of Hometel that provides long-term ownership and full-service amenities similar to a hotel. Hometels can be used for long-term residential purposes like apartments while also serving as hotels to accommodate the lodging needs of travelers.

10. Hotel

A hotel, known as "khách sạn" in Vietnamese, is a business establishment that provides accommodation services with full amenities. Hotels can range in size from a few dozen to thousands of rooms, offering various standards and types of rooms. In addition to lodging services, hotels also provide additional services such as dining, transportation, spa, sauna, buffet, housekeeping, conference facilities, etc. Hotels are typically built in city centers or prominent tourist areas.

11. Hostel - Popular Accommodation Option

A hostel is a budget accommodation typically catering to backpackers and primarily serving short-term guests. The characteristic feature of hostels is bunk beds, similar to those in student dormitories. Hostels have various types of rooms, including 4-bed, 6-bed, and 10-bed dormitories. Guests at hostels often do not have gender segregation, and both men and women can stay in the same room. Beds that require privacy usually have curtains for separation.

12. Motel - Short-term Lodging Service

The term "motel" refers to small-scale, budget accommodations with limited amenities. Motels are typically located along highways and are built in a relatively simple manner. In general, a motel can be understood as a temporary resting and overnight accommodation option for travelers and transient guests. The term "motel" is derived from the combination of "motor" and "hotel" and was developed by an American individual in the 1950s.

13. Boutique Hotel

A boutique hotel is a small-scale hotel with a range of 10-100 rooms. The highlight of a boutique hotel is its unique, youthful, and artistic decor style. Each room has its own distinct style, often leaning towards classic, elegant, and luxurious trends, and is fully equipped with amenities and furnishings. Boutique hotels can operate independently or be a small part of larger hotel chains.

14. Homestay

Homestay is a form of lodging service where travelers stay and live with local residents, experiencing and living as a member of their family. Even though they live and interact together, tourists also need to know how to respect the rules and privacy of the host family. Homestay is a community-based form of tourism that helps visitors discover, experience, and learn about the customs, traditions, and cultural life of a specific region or locality.

15. Farmstay

Farmstay is a type of agricultural tourism where guests are welcomed to stay on a farm for sightseeing, relaxation, and engaging in practical and enjoyable activities such as farming, harvesting crops, processing, and enjoying rustic meals made from the farm's own produce. Tourists can participate in the daily work of farmers and workers, experiencing their regular tasks firsthand.

16. Bungalow

A bungalow is a single-story house designed to be separate and unique, with a small footprint and a relatively simple yet fully equipped and furnished structure. Bungalows are built using traditional materials such as bamboo, thatch, wood, palm leaves, etc., creating a close connection with nature and providing a relaxing atmosphere for guests.

17. Tourist Guest House

A tourist guest house is a small-scale lodging facility that offers affordable prices and essential amenities to serve tourists, similar to a hotel but without meeting hotel rating standards. Running a lodging service has both potential and challenges. Therefore, having a firm grasp of concepts and terminology in the accommodation industry is crucial. Hopefully, the above article has provided basic information about lodging services and popular types of accommodations for you.

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