Pham Ngu Lao Street

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


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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Things to do near Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street offers a vibrant array of activities for tourists, including engaging Ho Chi Minh tours, a stroll along the lively Bui Vien Walking Street, and a variety of shopping opportunities. For a unique experience, consider a boat trip to explore the waterways. This lively area is perfect for those seeking adventure and immersion in local culture.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping atmosphere of Pham Ngu Lao Street with nearby Ben Thanh Market, just 322m away, offering local goods. Saigon Square, 483m away, is perfect for family fun, while Saigon Tax Trade Center, located 805m away, caters to all your shopping needs.

Recreation

At Thong Nhat Stadium, immerse yourself in a vibrant sports atmosphere, just 3.2km from Pham Ngu Lao Street. For a serene escape, visit Snow Town Saigon, located 6.4km away, where wellness and relaxation take centre stage. Enjoy outdoor sports at Golf Club South Saigon, 4.8km from the street.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water slides and wave pools at Dam Sen Water Park, located 6.4km from Pham Ngu Lao Street, perfect for family fun and adventure. Alternatively, enjoy the rides and attractions at Suoi Tien Amusement Park, situated 16.1km away, offering an exciting atmosphere for all ages.

Nightlife

In Pham Ngu Lao Street, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. Galaxy Nguyen Du cinema offers romantic films, while the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre enchants with cultural performances. For a fun twist, PowerBowl provides entertainment for all, ensuring an unforgettable evening in this vibrant area.

*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 lively streets, impressive skyscrapers, and cultural opera venues. Ideal for travellers seeking a blend of culture, urban experiences, and family-friendly activities, this area is perfect for exploring the city's rich heritage and lively atmosphere. Enjoy the unique charm that this bustling locale has to offer during your visit.

  • Bui Vien Walking Street: Experience the vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere of Bui Vien Walking Street, just 644m from Pham Ngu Lao. This lively street is filled with bars, restaurants, and street food vendors, making it a perfect spot to indulge in local delicacies and enjoy the city's energetic vibe.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Opera House: Located 966m away, the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is a stunning architectural gem. Immerse yourself in the city's culture and entertainment by attending a performance in this romantic setting, where history and art come alive.
  • War Remnants Museum: Situated 1.1km from your starting point, the War Remnants Museum offers a poignant insight into Vietnam's history. Discover powerful exhibits that reflect the impact of war and promote a deeper understanding of the country's cultural heritage.

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 on your visit to Pham Ngu Lao Street, consider travelling during the off-peak months of May to June and September when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Saturday is the most economical day to stay, while Wednesday tends to be pricier. Utilise Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly options and combine hotel reservations with flights for additional savings. Walking is a budget-friendly way to explore the area, as many attractions are within easy reach.

  • 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 hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, currently available for booking. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservations on Pham Ngu Lao Street with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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