Pham Ngu Lao Street

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


Travellers 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 centre 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 traveller 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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Top Pham Ngu Lao Street 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
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
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
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
Au Lac Charner Hotel

Au Lac Charner Hotel

4 out of 5
87-89-91 Ho Tung Mau Street, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Au Lac Charner 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
Rex Hotel

Rex Hotel

5 out of 5
141 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Ho Chi Minh City
Rex Hotel
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
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 offers a vibrant mix of activities for tourists. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls through bustling markets, participate in guided tours to explore the city’s rich culture, and engage in various entertainment options. Additionally, art lovers can discover local galleries, while shopping enthusiasts will find plenty of areas to indulge in retail therapy. This lively street promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Ben Thanh Market, only 322m from Pham Ngu Lao Street, offering vibrant local goods. Saigon Square and Takashimaya Vietnam, both 483m away, provide a range of entertainment and family-friendly shopping options in a bustling atmosphere.

Recreation

Thong Nhat Stadium, a vibrant sports venue, offers a lively atmosphere for sports enthusiasts just 3.2km from Pham Ngu Lao Street. For a more tranquil experience, the Vietnam Golf and Country Club, located 17.7km away, provides stunning outdoor golfing amidst lush landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Suoi Tien Amusement Park, a vibrant waterpark located 16.1km from Pham Ngu Lao Street, offering exhilarating rides and family-friendly attractions. Alternatively, enjoy the fun at Dam Sen Water Park, situated 6.4km away, featuring exciting water slides and adventure-filled entertainment.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Pham Ngu Lao Street is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a romantic film at Galaxy Nguyen Du, just 483m away, or immerse yourself in the cultural experience at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, located 966m away. For a more casual vibe, visit PowerBowl, 1.1km 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 in Ho Chi Minh City offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including bustling streets, impressive skyscrapers, and cultural venues like the opera. This area is ideal for travellers seeking a blend of urban experiences, family-friendly activities, and a taste of local culture. Exploring the lively atmosphere of Pham Ngu Lao Street itself is a must for any visitor wanting to immerse themselves in the city's charm.

  • Bui Vien Walking Street: A bustling hub of nightlife, Bui Vien Walking Street offers an energetic atmosphere with an array of bars, restaurants, and street food vendors. It's the perfect place to experience the city's vibrant culture and mingle with both locals and fellow travellers.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Opera House: This stunning architectural gem, steeped in history, presents a variety of cultural performances. The blend of city life and romance makes it an ideal spot for a sophisticated evening, whether you're attending a show or simply admiring the façade.
  • War Remnants Museum: A poignant reminder of Vietnam's history, this museum showcases the harsh realities of war through powerful exhibits. It's an essential visit for those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the country's past and its impact on culture.

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 average 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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 CloudySlightly LowSlightly 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 while visiting Pham Ngu Lao Street, plan your trip between May to June or September for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel around a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s tools to filter by budget and look for Eco-certified options. Additionally, consider booking a package that combines flights and hotel stays for extra savings. Explore free activities in the area to maximise your experience without overspending.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation on Pham Ngu Lao Street with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.