In developing countries, rapid urbanization involves massive migrations of work-ers who seek economic opportunities in cities. Migrant workers often encounter housing problems due to high housing prices and a lack of affordable housing options. This study examines the factors influencing the housing choice be-haviors of migrant workers through the lens of the housing pathway framework introduced by Clapham (2005). Through in-depth interviews conducted with mi-grant workers in Ho Chi Minh City, this study presents the housing trajectories of these workers since their arrival in the city. During the interviews, life histo-ry mapping of the interviewees is also collected. Subsequently, the underlying factors that affect migrants’ housing tenure and location choices are identified through the coding of the interviews using the phenomenological research ap-proach. The study engages in a detailed discussion regarding the housing afford-ability within the context of their social integration in metropolitan areas, includ-ing rental houses/rooms (nhà trọ), which is the most preferred housing type among migrant workers. This study provides a better understanding of the hous-ing choice behaviors of migrant workers, and proposes policy implications aimed at facilitating the provision of affordable housing and the creation of inclusive communities tailored to the specific needs of migrant workers. These recommen-dations are particularly relevant within the South Asian country context