Pham Ngu Lao Street Tours and Activities

Pham Ngu Lao Street which includes street scenes, night scenes and shopping
Pham Ngu Lao Street
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 outdoor eating, a bar and nightlife


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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Best Lodging Options Near Pham Ngu Lao Street

New World Saigon Hotel

New World Saigon Hotel

5 out of 5
76 Le Lai Street, District 1, Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City
New World Saigon Hotel
Hotel Nikko Saigon

Hotel Nikko Saigon

5 out of 5
235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Nikko Saigon
California Saigon Hotel & Rooftop Pool

California Saigon Hotel & Rooftop Pool

3.5 out of 5
52 Thu Khoa Huan, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh
California Saigon Hotel & Rooftop Pool
Sherwood Residence

Sherwood Residence

5 out of 5
127 Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Sherwood Residence
Hotel Grand Saigon

Hotel Grand Saigon

5 out of 5
8 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Grand Saigon
Hotel Majestic Saigon

Hotel Majestic Saigon

5 out of 5
01 Dong Khoi Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Majestic Saigon
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
La Siesta Premium Saigon Central

La Siesta Premium Saigon Central

5 out of 5
No 47-51 Le Anh Xuan street, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh city
La Siesta Premium Saigon Central
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
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 an array of activities such as guided tours, shopping, and leisurely walks. Visitors can indulge in culinary programs, including exciting cooking classes that showcase Vietnamese cuisine. This lively area is perfect for those looking to experience the local culture and flavours while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the city.

Shopping

For shopping near Pham Ngu Lao Street, visit Ben Thanh Market (322m) for local goods, Saigon Square (483m) for family-friendly options, and Saigon Tax Trade Center (805m) for a variety of city vibes and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience Snow Town Saigon, a unique recreation centre where you can enjoy a winter wonderland vibe with snow activities. For sports enthusiasts, Thong Nhat Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for various events. Alternatively, unwind at Golf Club South Saigon, where you can indulge in outdoor golfing amidst beautiful greenery.

Adventure

Dam Sen Water Park, located 6.4km from Pham Ngu Lao Street, offers thrilling slides and refreshing pools, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. Suoi Tien Amusement Park, 16.1km away, boasts exciting rides and vibrant entertainment, ensuring a fun-filled day for everyone!

Nightlife

The nightlife on Pham Ngu Lao Street is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a cultural experience at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, or catch a film at Galaxy Nguyen Du. For some fun, visit PowerBowl for entertainment and games, making for an unforgettable evening in Ho Chi Minh City.

Find the best attractions near Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street in Ho Chi Minh City offers a vibrant mix of attractions, from bustling streets to impressive skyscrapers and relaxing urban parks. This area is perfect for travellers seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and a taste of city life. Whether you're exploring local eateries or enjoying the lively atmosphere, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this dynamic part of the city.

  • Bui Vien Walking Street: Located 644m from Pham Ngu Lao Street, Bui Vien Walking Street buzzes with vibrant city energy. This lively street is renowned for its bustling nightlife, street food, and eclectic mix of shops, making it a perfect spot to experience the local culture.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Opera House: Situated 966m away, the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is a stunning architectural gem. With its romantic atmosphere, it hosts various cultural performances, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage and entertainment scene.
  • War Remnants Museum: Located 1.1km from your base, the War Remnants Museum provides a profound insight into Vietnam’s history. This museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Vietnam War, showcasing powerful exhibits that resonate with cultural significance.

Best time to go to Pham Ngu Lao Street

Visitor numbers around Pham Ngu Lao Street is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January80.4°F (26.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February82.0°F (27.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
March84.4°F (29.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly 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 CloudySlightly LowAverage
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 SunnySlightly HighAverage
December79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pham Ngu Lao Street

When visiting Pham Ngu Lao Street in Ho Chi Minh City, you can save money by taking advantage of free attractions like Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Walking Street, and Saigon Square. For accommodation, plan your stay during the cheaper months of May to June or September, and aim to book about a month in advance. Saturday typically offers the lowest hotel rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, filter by budget and preferences, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings.

  • 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 Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodations first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay on Pham Ngu Lao Street with your flights and activities.