Ho Chi Minh City: The Next Luxury Battleground

Ho Chi Minh City is experiencing a luxury hotel renaissance. This week, reports indicate the city is undergoing a major shake-up, with several prominent international hospitality brands targeting the market with new hotels, branded residences, and resort developments. The expansion signals a pivotal shift for Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, moving beyond traditional hotel offerings into lifestyle concepts and large-scale leisure destinations.

While the city center remains a focal point for investment, new luxury developments are also emerging along the Saigon River and towards Can Gio on the urban periphery. The investment climate appears robust: Avison Young Vietnam data, as cited by travelmole.com, reveals five-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City commanded an average daily rate of US$197 in Q1 2026, coupled with strong occupancy rates between 75% and 80%.

Notable arrivals include the Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Ho Chi Minh, slated for a 2026 opening. This District 1 property will feature 135 rooms and suites within a 40-story mixed-use tower, complete with a rooftop pool, fitness center, and its signature Nobu restaurant on the seventh floor.

The Okura Prestige Saigon marks the Japanese luxury brand’s debut in Vietnam. Expected around October 2026, this District 1 address will offer 250 rooms as part of the Satra Tax Plaza development, providing Japanese dining, all-day options, and a rooftop bar.

Outside the central business district, the Kempinski Saigon River stands out. Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, Kempinski's inaugural Vietnamese property, planned for 2027, will house 90 guestrooms and 10 suites. Its design draws from local rural architecture and the riverine environment, featuring a 1,500-square-meter spa, multiple restaurants, and a riverside bar. Guests can anticipate a 45-minute speedboat transfer from central Ho Chi Minh City.

Finally, The Ritz-Carlton, Saigon, is slated for One Central Saigon, opposite Ben Thanh Market. This late-2020s project will introduce 231 rooms alongside a substantial collection of Ritz-Carlton branded residences, though an exact opening date remains unconfirmed.

Our take: Ho Chi Minh City has long been a vibrant commercial hub, but its luxury hospitality sector has, at times, lagged behind regional competitors. The sheer volume and caliber of these incoming brands signal a maturing market and a clear intent to elevate the city's global luxury appeal. This isn't just about adding rooms; it's about establishing Ho Chi Minh City as a top-tier destination for discerning travelers, demanding the bespoke experiences these brands promise.