Live Like Royalty in Saigon for $40 a Day: A Luxury Condo Experience in Binh Thanh

?? A Return to the Homeland with Curiosity and Hope

When I, Tony, a Vietnamese-American (Vi?t Ki?u), decided to take a break from the hustle of the U.S. and return to Vietnam, I had mixed feelings. I hadn’t lived in Saigon for decades. My memories of Vietnam were dusty streets, loud markets, and a different pace of life. But what I experienced shocked me—in the best way possible.

This isn’t just a story about nostalgia. It’s a story about how I lived a truly luxurious life in Saigon—with just $40 a day. And I’m here to walk you through exactly how that’s possible.

? The Hidden Gem: A Luxury Condo in Bình Th?nh

Let’s start with where I stayed—a condo in Bình Th?nh District, one of the most rapidly developing areas of Ho Chi Minh City. I found it through a Facebook rental group called “C?n h? d?ch v? Sài Gòn” (Saigon Serviced Apartments). Within a day, I had booked a place at a modern high-rise complex near Vinhomes Central Park—just a stone’s throw from Landmark 81.

For about 950,000 to 1.1 million VND per night ($40–$45), I got:

• A fully furnished studio apartment
• Clean, modern décor with air conditioning and fast Wi-Fi
• A private kitchen with induction stove and cooking utensils
• A clean bathroom with a washing machine and hot water
• Beautiful city views and a quiet, safe environment

And the best part? The entire complex felt like a small city. Pharmacies, convenience stores, restaurants, coffee shops, clinics, and even international schools were within walking distance.

? Morning Routine: Wellness and Comfort Combined

Every morning, I’d walk out of my condo and stroll around the Central Park right next to Landmark 81. The walking trails, exercise stations, and lush greenery made it a perfect place to start the day.

I wasn’t the only one enjoying it—there were joggers, yoga groups, seniors taking in the air, and young families walking dogs. It felt peaceful and safe.

Cost? Absolutely free. But the value it added to my mental and physical wellness was priceless.

After the walk, I’d grab breakfast:

• A hot bowl of ph? or bún bò: 80,000–100,000 VND ($3–4)
• A traditional iced coffee (cà phê s?a ?á): 30,000 VND ($1.25)

? Daytime Work & Play

If you’re a remote worker like me, Vietnam’s cafés are heaven. I’d head to a nearby café (The Coffee House, Trung Nguyên Legend, or a local favorite) and work for a few hours using their reliable Wi-Fi and sipping on a smoothie or cappuccino.

Lunch was just as affordable and delicious:

• Rice with grilled pork, vegetables, and soup: 40,000–60,000 VND ($1.50–2.50)
• Or sushi or pasta from a more upscale place: 120,000–180,000 VND ($5–7)

Afternoons were usually for errands or relaxing in the condo, watching the skyline transform as the sun set.

? Evenings in the City: Glamour Meets Affordability

One of the things that truly amazed me was how much Sài Gòn comes alive at night—and how easily you can enjoy it on a small budget.

Here’s what I typically did in the evenings:

1. Visit Nguy?n Hu? Walking Street

Just 10 minutes and $1 by Grab bike from Bình Th?nh, Nguy?n Hu? is a wide promenade surrounded by colonial architecture, neon lights, and music. Families, couples, and tourists all gather here.

You can:

• Watch street performers
• Try local snacks
• Visit the famous Café Apartment building

Total cost: Less than $3 unless you shop or eat a lot.

2. Buffet on the Indochina Queen Cruise

This was a splurge—but worth every penny. I took a dinner buffet cruise on the Indochina Queen, which sails along the Sài Gòn River from B?n B?ch ??ng Pier (just 10 minutes away).

• Buffet price: 450,000–700,000 VND ($18–28)
• 2-hour cruise with live music and panoramic city views
• A romantic and unforgettable experience

3. Quick Stop at B?n Thành Market or Notre-Dame Cathedral

Depending on my mood, I’d sometimes swing by B?n Thành Market, open late with vibrant night stalls, or admire the illuminated facade of the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. These are all within 10–12 minutes of my condo, costing only $1.50–$2 by Grab.

? Transportation: Easy, Safe, and Cheap

Vietnam’s ride-sharing apps like Grab or Be made transportation so smooth:

• GrabBike: 15,000–30,000 VND ($0.60–$1.25) per ride
• GrabCar: 50,000–80,000 VND ($2–3.25) per ride across town

No need to rent a motorbike, no need to risk getting lost. Everything was accessible.

? Groceries, Essentials, and Shopping

If you want to cook for yourself, WinMart, Co.opFood, and AEON Express are within walking distance. I’d spend about:

• 150,000 VND ($6) for 2–3 days’ worth of food
• 10,000–20,000 VND ($0.40–$0.80) for essentials like water or snacks

Even shopping for clothes or gifts is affordable—Vietnam has countless local brands and markets.

? Tips for Renting a Condo in Vietnam (Especially for Vi?t Ki?u)

If you’re planning to stay longer, here’s what I learned:

? 1. Use Facebook Groups or Zalo

Most locals and agents list apartments on Facebook. Look for groups like:

• “Cho thuê c?n h? qu?n Bình Th?nh”
• “Apartment for Rent in Saigon – Expats”

? 2. Always Ask for:

• Real photos of the apartment
• Clear breakdown of rent vs. electricity, water, and internet fees
• Short-term contract options (weekly or monthly)

? 3. Don’t Overpay

Some agents may quote high prices to foreigners. Benchmark:

• Studio: 10–13 million VND/month ($400–520)
• 1-bedroom: 13–17 million VND/month ($520–700)
• 2-bedroom: 18–25 million VND/month ($720–1,000)

?? Final Thoughts: What 40 Dollars a Day Bought Me

Here’s a breakdown of my average daily expenses:

But if you rent long-term and eat more home-cooked meals, it easily drops below $40/day—with all the perks of modern living.

? Message to My Fellow Vi?t Ki?u and Travelers

If you’re a Vi?t Ki?u thinking about coming back—whether for a short visit or to explore living here again—I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Vietnam has changed, and in many ways, for the better. Infrastructure is better, services are efficient, people are kind, and the cost of living remains manageable—especially compared to the West.

You don’t need thousands of dollars to live well here. Just $40 a day can give you peace, comfort, beauty, and even luxury.

? Final Note – Subscribe, Connect, and Explore

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Let’s build a community of curious, open-minded travelers and Vi?t Ki?u rediscovering the magic of our homeland. Sài Gòn is calling—you just have to answer.

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