Pham Ngu Lao Street Tours and Activities

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


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.

Plan a trip to see Pham Ngu Lao Street

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Lotus SaiGon Hotel
M Village Hotel Hai Ba Trung
La Vela Saigon Hotel

Tours & day trips

See all 727 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 235 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 41 activities

Water activities

See all 29 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 25 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Pham Ngu Lao Street Hotel & Accommodation 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
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 such as engaging tours, local shopping, and leisurely walks. Visitors can explore Ho Chi Minh City through exciting sightseeing trips and experience the lively nightlife that the area is known for. Insider tips can enhance your adventures, making this destination a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the city's rich culture and dynamic atmosphere.

Shopping

In Pham Ngu Lao Street, you can visit Ben Thanh Market, a vibrant public market just 322m away, perfect for local gifts. Saigon Square is 483m away, offering a mix of entertainment and shopping. For a larger experience, Saigon Tax Trade Center is 805m away, ideal for family shopping.

Recreation

At Thong Nhat Stadium, immerse yourself in vibrant sports energy with various activities. Enjoy a serene escape at Snow Town Saigon, where wellness meets relaxation in a tranquil environment. For outdoor enthusiasts, Golf Club South Saigon offers a fantastic golfing experience amidst lush greenery.

Adventure

At Dam Sen Water Park, located 6.4km from Pham Ngu Lao Street, you can enjoy thrilling water slides, wave pools, and family-friendly attractions. Suoi Tien Amusement Park, situated 16.1km away, offers a unique blend of water fun and cultural experiences, making it an adventurous day out for everyone.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Pham Ngu Lao Street is vibrant and diverse. Catch a film at Galaxy Nguyen Du, just 483m away, or enjoy cultural performances at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, 966m away. For a fun-filled evening, head to PowerBowl, located 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 experiences like the opera. Perfect for travellers seeking a taste of local culture, family-friendly activities, and the excitement of city life, this area is an ideal starting point for your Vietnamese adventure. Don't miss the chance to explore its unique offerings and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

  • Bui Vien Walking Street: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bui Vien Walking Street, just 644m from Pham Ngu Lao Street. This bustling street is known for its lively nightlife, with an array of bars, restaurants, and street food vendors, making it a perfect spot to experience 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. Enjoy a night of culture and romance as you take in a performance in this grand venue, which showcases the best of Vietnamese and international arts.
  • War Remnants Museum: Situated 1.1km from your base, the War Remnants Museum offers a poignant look at Vietnam's history. With its powerful exhibits, this museum provides deep cultural insights and reflections on the impact of war in the region.

Best time to go to Pham Ngu Lao Street

The best time to visit Pham Ngu Lao Street is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average 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 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 on your trip to Pham Ngu Lao Street, consider visiting during the off-peak months of May to June or September for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. For transport, walking is the most economical option, as the area is easily navigable on foot. Additionally, look for package deals on Expedia to combine flights and accommodation for better 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 Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best bargains and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some dollars by combining your hotel stay on Pham Ngu Lao Street with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia