Pham Ngu Lao Street Tours

Pham Ngu Lao Street which includes night scenes, shopping and street scenes
Pham Ngu Lao Street showing a city, street scenes and food
Pham Ngu Lao Street showing a city, markets and street scenes
Pham Ngu Lao Street which includes food and markets
Pham Ngu Lao Street which includes street scenes, nightlife and outdoor eating


Travelers on a budget flock to this area of Ho Chi Minh City, which offers up quality rooms, delicious food and a variety of goods for very reasonable prices.

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be. 

Pham Ngu Lao is named after a celebrated military general from the 13th century. Tourists, and even locals, flock to its bustling open air and indoor markets. Buy clothing, electronics and souvenirs for extremely cheap prices. Bargaining is part of the shopping experience at Vietnamese markets, so come prepared to haggle with vendors.

Find a huge range of budget accommodation options within Pham Ngu Lao. Because of this, room rates are easily negotiable and you never have to settle for a subpar room. Cable television, Wi-Fi and other luxury amenities are available in most places. Note that the best deals on rooms can be found in the alleyways that connect the main streets.

Pham Ngu Lao offers just about any kind of food imaginable, from local fare to more mainstream dishes. Stop at a cart for some street food or pop into a café for a tea. Many pho eateries are open around the clock so you can enjoy some noodles after a late night on the town. Visit the area’s bars and clubs for cheap beer, cocktails and live music.

The district of Pham Ngu Lao comprises two parallel streets, plus several interconnecting alleyways. It is located in District 1, the central area of Ho Chi Minh City. Parks, markets and many of the city’s major landmarks are within easy walking distance. In less than 15 minutes, you can reach the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Basilica and Reunification Palace.

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The Hammock Hotel Fine Arts Museum
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Boutique Saigon

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Best Lodging Options Near Pham Ngu Lao Street

GRAND HOTEL du LAC Boutique Saigon

GRAND HOTEL du LAC Boutique Saigon

5 out of 5
40 - 42 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh ward,D1, Ho Chi Minh City
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Boutique Saigon
Hotel Nikko Saigon

Hotel Nikko Saigon

5 out of 5
235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Nikko Saigon
New World Saigon Hotel

New World Saigon Hotel

5 out of 5
76 Le Lai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
New World Saigon Hotel
Hotel Majestic Saigon

Hotel Majestic Saigon

5 out of 5
01 Dong Khoi Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Majestic Saigon
Fusion Original Saigon Centre

Fusion Original Saigon Centre

5 out of 5
65 Le Loi, Ward Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Fusion Original Saigon Centre
Rex Hotel

Rex Hotel

5 out of 5
141 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Ho Chi Minh City
Rex Hotel
The Reverie Saigon

The Reverie Saigon

5 out of 5
22 - 36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, 57 - 69F Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The Reverie Saigon
Park Hyatt Saigon

Park Hyatt Saigon

5 out of 5
2 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Park Hyatt Saigon
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint

Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint

4 out of 5
59 - 61 Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street in Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant hub for tourists, offering a variety of activities like guided tours, shopping experiences, and leisurely walks. Visitors can explore the city's attractions, indulge in nearby spa treatments, and embark on sightseeing trips for an immersive adventure. This lively area is perfect for a day of exploration and relaxation, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the essence of the city.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Pham Ngu Lao Street, visit Ben Thanh Market (322m) for local goods, Saigon Square (483m) for a mix of entertainment and shopping, and Bến Thành Street Food Market (805m) for delicious street food and family vibes.

Recreation

Thong Nhat Stadium, located 3.2km from Pham Ngu Lao Street, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Snow Town Saigon, 6.4km away, provides a calming retreat with wellness activities. For outdoor recreation, visit Golf Club South Saigon, situated 4.8km from the street, perfect for golf lovers.

Adventure

Dam Sen Water Park, located 6.4km from Pham Ngu Lao Street, offers thrilling water slides, wave pools, and family-friendly attractions for a fun-filled day. Suoi Tien Amusement Park, situated 16.1km away, combines cultural themes with exciting rides and water activities, providing an adventurous experience for all ages.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Pham Ngu Lao Street is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy the cultural experience at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, indulge in films at Galaxy Nguyen Du, or have fun at PowerBowl. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable evening in Ho Chi Minh City.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including bustling streets, impressive skyscrapers, and urban parks, perfect for travelers seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. Nearby, visitors can explore local points of interest and take in the lively atmosphere reminiscent of Hong Kong. This area is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the city's unique blend of culture and urban life.

  • Bui Vien Walking Street: Experience the vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere of Bui Vien Walking Street. This lively area is filled with street food vendors, bars, and shops, offering a taste of local culture and entertainment just 644m from Pham Ngu Lao Street.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Opera House: Marvel at the stunning architecture and rich history of the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, located 966m away. This cultural gem hosts a range of performances, making it a romantic spot for an enchanting evening.
  • War Remnants Museum: Discover the poignant history of Vietnam at the War Remnants Museum, situated 1.1km from your location. This museum offers a deep insight into the Vietnam War, showcasing powerful exhibits and fostering a greater understanding of the country's past.

Best time to go to Pham Ngu Lao Street

The best time to visit Pham Ngu Lao Street is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.4°F (26.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February82.0°F (27.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
March84.4°F (29.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April85.5°F (29.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May85.1°F (29.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
June82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
July81.3°F (27.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August81.7°F (27.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September81.0°F (27.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October80.6°F (27.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pham Ngu Lao Street

To save money during your visit to Pham Ngu Lao Street, consider traveling in the off-peak months of May to June and September, when accommodation prices drop. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can also lead to significant savings. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Utilize public transport or explore the area on foot for free activities, and look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for the best overall value.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Pham Ngu Lao Street are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Pham Ngu Lao Street is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Pham Ngu Lao Street is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Pham Ngu Lao Street is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Explore Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay on Pham Ngu Lao Street with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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