In short: most apartments near international schools in Ho Chi Minh City are in three clusters: Thao Dien and An Phu (ISHCMC, the British International School and the Australian International School), Thu Thiem next door (AIS Thu Thiem), and Phu My Hung in the old District 7 (Saigon South International School and the Canadian International School). Families usually rent within 10–15 minutes of school, with furnished 3-bedrooms from about 25–45 million VND a month in Phu My Hung and 35–90 million in Thao Dien and Thu Thiem.
For expat families, the school decides the neighbourhood far more often than the office does. The school run happens twice a day, five days a week, in the worst of the traffic. That’s why we always ask families which school first, then look for apartments near it.
Thao Dien and An Phu: the biggest school cluster
The area once known as District 2 – now An Khanh Ward – has the highest concentration of international schools in the city, including the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), the British International School (BIS) and the Australian International School (AIS). Many families live within walking or short driving distance.
- Apartments: Masteri Thao Dien by the metro, plus smaller low-rise buildings in the lanes.
- Houses and villas with gardens, especially along the river.
- Typical rent for a furnished 3-bedroom apartment: 35–60 million VND a month.
Thu Thiem: newer apartments, close to Thao Dien schools
AIS has a campus in Thu Thiem, and Thao Dien’s schools are about 10 minutes away by car. Towers such as The Metropole, The River and Empire City offer large family layouts with pools and playgrounds. Many families choose Thu Thiem to get a newer apartment while keeping the school run short. Read more in our guide to living in Thu Thiem.
Phu My Hung: the southern cluster
Phu My Hung, now in Tan My Ward, is home to Saigon South International School (SSIS), the Canadian International School and several schools serving Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese families. Streets are green and walkable, and rents give more space for the money than in the north-east. Projects include Phu My Hung Midtown and many established buildings with large layouts.
Vinhomes townships with schools on site
Vinhomes Central Park and Vinhomes Grand Park both have Vinschool campuses inside the project – private bilingual schools that some expat and mixed families choose. From Vinhomes Central Park, the Thao Dien schools are also reachable in 15–20 minutes outside peak hours.
Typical family rents near international schools
| Area | 2 bedrooms (VND/month) | 3 bedrooms (VND/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Thao Dien – An Khanh Ward | 22 – 40 million | 35 – 60 million |
| Thu Thiem – An Khanh Ward | 28 – 50 million | 45 – 90 million |
| Phu My Hung – Tan My Ward | 17 – 30 million | 25 – 45 million |
| Vinhomes Central Park – Thanh My Tay Ward | 18 – 32 million | 30 – 50 million |
Tips for renting near school
- Ask the school for its bus routes before you shortlist buildings.
- Do a test drive between 7 and 8am on a weekday.
- Look for buildings with pools, playgrounds and good security – children spend a lot of time at home in the rainy season.
- Time your lease to the school year so you aren’t moving in the middle of a term.
- If you might change schools later, choose a location between two clusters, such as Thu Thiem.
Find apartments near international schools in Ho Chi Minh City
Browse family-sized rentals in An Khanh Ward (Thao Dien, Thu Thiem), Tan My Ward (Phu My Hung) and Thanh My Tay Ward, or tell us the school and we’ll shortlist apartments within easy reach. Comparing the two family favourites? See Thu Thiem vs District 7.
School addresses for apartments near international schools in Ho Chi Minh City now use the new ward names – see Vietcetera’s post-merger guide to Ho Chi Minh City to match them with the districts schools still mention.
Frequently asked questions
Where do expat families live in Ho Chi Minh City?
Mostly in Thao Dien and Thu Thiem in An Khanh Ward, and in Phu My Hung in Tan My Ward, because that is where the main international schools are.
Which international schools are in Thao Dien?
Thao Dien and nearby An Phu are home to ISHCMC, the British International School and the Australian International School, among others.
How much does a 3-bedroom near an international school cost?
A furnished 3-bedroom typically rents for 25–45 million VND a month in Phu My Hung and 35–90 million in Thao Dien or Thu Thiem, depending on the building and view.
Is Thu Thiem close to international schools?
Yes. AIS has a campus in Thu Thiem, and the Thao Dien schools are about 10 minutes away by car.
Do international schools in Ho Chi Minh City have school buses?
Most do, with routes covering the main expat areas. Check the routes before you choose a building.