Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street showing shopping, night scenes and street scenes
Pham Ngu Lao Street
Pham Ngu Lao Street showing street scenes, markets and a city
Pham Ngu Lao Street featuring markets and food
Pham Ngu Lao Street showing street scenes, a bar and night scenes


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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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

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
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New World Saigon Hotel

New World Saigon Hotel

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

Hotel Majestic Saigon

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

Fusion Original Saigon Centre

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

Rex Hotel

5 out of 5
141 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Ho Chi Minh City
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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
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint

Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint

4 out of 5
59 - 61 Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
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Park Hyatt Saigon

Park Hyatt Saigon

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

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Pham Ngu Lao Street, where you can indulge in city attractions, enjoy leisurely shopping, and embark on sightseeing trips. Treat yourself to nearby spas for relaxation, or explore the local culture on walking tours. This lively area offers a perfect blend of adventures and leisure activities, making it an ideal base for your exploration of Ho Chi Minh City.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience, visit Ben Thanh Market, only 322m away, offering a bustling atmosphere. Saigon Square, at 483m, features a mix of entertainment and family vibes. Additionally, Bến Thành Street Food Market, 805m from Pham Ngu Lao, is perfect for local delicacies.

Recreation

Snow Town Saigon offers a whimsical escape with its snowy landscapes, perfect for relaxation and fun. For outdoor enthusiasts, Long Thanh Golf Club provides an excellent golfing experience amid picturesque scenery. Thong Nhat Stadium hosts various sports events, immersing you in the local athletic culture.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Dam Sen Water Park, located 6.4km from Pham Ngu Lao Street, offering exciting water slides and family-friendly attractions. Alternatively, explore Suoi Tien Amusement Park, situated 16.1km away, where adventure awaits with its vibrant rides and entertaining shows for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife on Pham Ngu Lao Street with a visit to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre for a unique cultural performance, or catch a film at the nearby Galaxy Nguyen Du cinema. For more drama, the Hoa Binh Theater offers captivating shows just a short distance away.

*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 urban experiences, including bustling streets, impressive skyscrapers, and serene urban parks. This area is perfect for travellers seeking cultural immersion and outdoor adventures. Nearby, visitors can explore attractions reminiscent of Hong Kong's lively atmosphere, providing a unique blend of local charm and international flair. Whether you're wandering through the streets or relaxing in a park, Pham Ngu Lao Street promises an engaging experience for all.

  • Bui Vien Walking Street: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City at Bui Vien Walking Street, where the air is filled with laughter and music. This lively street is bustling with bars, restaurants, and street vendors, making it the perfect spot to soak in the city's energetic atmosphere.
  • War Remnants Museum: Delve into Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum, which showcases the impact of the Vietnam War through poignant exhibits and photographs. It offers a profound cultural experience, highlighting the resilience of the Vietnamese people.
  • Saigon Central Post Office: Admire the stunning architecture of the Saigon Central Post Office, a historic building that reflects the city's colonial past. Its grand interior and intricate details make it a must-visit cultural landmark.

Best time to go to Pham Ngu Lao Street

The best time to visit Pham Ngu Lao Street can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Pham Ngu Lao Street falls in April, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Pham Ngu Lao Street falls in December, 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

For a budget-friendly visit to Pham Ngu Lao Street, consider travelling during the low season from May to June and September, when accommodation prices drop. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help secure the best deals, especially if you utilise Expedia's last-minute offers. Saturday is the cheapest day to stay, while Wednesday tends to be the most expensive. To save further, combine your hotel booking with flights and activities for additional discounts, and use price filters to find the most affordable options tailored to your budget.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Pham Ngu Lao Street about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to customise your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation on Pham Ngu Lao Street with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.