Pham Ngu Lao Street
everything you need to know

"Perhaps, this chaotic street is one of a few places in Ho Chi Minh City that still keeps reminiscence of old Saigon. The rest of Ho Chi Minh City has transformed itself very quickly beyond the reach of backpackers. Frankly, nothing special in terms of dining experience or staying experience in this street. But the chaos with a certain sense of sensuality and cheap price tag presents a unique culture. Interesting contrast can be made to the Le Thanh Ton / Ngo Van Nam street area. While Pham Ngu Lao primarily appeals to westerners, the latter to Japanese/Korean. Both worth visit."

Pham Ngu Lao Street

          Pham Ngu Lao Street - is the street that should not be missed as a backpacker or a tourist. The street is located in the western part of District 1, known as the street where most travellers stay on their backpack vacation. If you've landed on Sot Tan Nhat International Airport you reach Pam Ngu Lao in 25 minutes by taxi. It consists of a large number of streets and alleys, which are between Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, Bui Vien and Do Quang Dao.
 

In these streets you can find western restaurants, coffee houses and international bars, numerous travel agencies and kiosks, affordable motels, hostels and guesthouses (as many so-called 'mini-hotels' buildings usually have six to seven storeys, but rarely have an elevator) , internet cafes, pharmacies and souvenir shops

Pham Ngu Lao street is not only suitable for low-budget travelers. Any visitor to the city should take a look here. Whether you're staying in five-star hotel or stay in a guesthouse. It has its own unique atmosphere and attracts people from everywhere. This is also due to its central location, it's close to the major sights of Ho Chi Minh City. There is always something going on in Pham Ngu Lao Street. Many visitors prefer watching the local people or enjoying the local food. You can also enjoy an amazingly cheap Bia Hoi beer on a terrace. Although Pham Ngu Lao has developed rapidly over the past decade, there are still plenty of charming colonial buildings, where families have been living long for generations.

The street scene can seem a little crazy. Vendor try to bring everything to the man, ranging from cigarettes to massage services. Price-conscious travellers choose to stay in hotels in the Pham Ngu Lao for its convenient location near many city attractions and places of interest. The famous Ben Thanh Market and Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts Museum are within 10 minutes walk from the backpacker district. The Reunification Palace and Mariamman Hindu Temple are less than 10 minutes by taxi.

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Food along the street is a "must" if you visit this city for the first time. You can enjoy local favourites such as "Banh Mi sandwiches" with all the trimmings, "Bahn Xeo" (pancakes), "Pho" (the most common and popular noodle soup), "Bun Bo Hue" (a noodle thicker than soup pho), and local coffee. Enjoy the restaurants in the area of Pham Ngu Lao street. They are known for their delicious and well priced food. There are many shops that sell strong Vietnamese coffee, usually they also have high-speed Wi-Fi.

"Conical hats" (conical hats, the unofficial national symbol), art, paintings, silk products, T-shirts, rice, tea, coffee, coffee pots, coconut candies and tropical fruits, you find all in Pham Ngu Lao Street. There are numerous lively street markets and modern shopping centres nearby. There are also boutiques and galleries in the narrow streets of Pham Ngu Lao. Note there, while having so much fun shopping for attractive prices, it is still wise to bargain the price and purchase your first by comparing it with other stores.

If you want to immerse yourself in the life of the Vietnamese, we highly recommend getting up early and visit to make one of the parks. It is interesting to see the Tai Chi-like training sessions (and even to join). Another "must-do" is a visit to the morning markets such as Ben Thanh Market, which sells a wide range of fresh products, household items, and Vietnamese food and all at attractive prices. Pham Ngu Lao is not such a large area, it is the perfect place to explore on foot. The best time to do this is in the morning or late afternoon. The weather can be scorching hot at the height of the day.

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Around Pham Ngu Lao also takes place the nightlife, which is one of the best in Ho Chi Minh. There are throngs of street vendors, Bia Hoi stalls, bars, and clubs with "live music". You'll find interesting nightlife in The View Rooftop Bar, Seventeen Saloon, Go 2 and Crazy Buffalo Nightclub. But there are also many smaller pubs, which are known for their cheap drinks and happy hour promotions. It is also common to meet friendly travellers here, to talk and to share with your tips on travelling in Vietnam.
 

"We had a great experience walking down this famous backpacker's spot in Saigon. There are a lot of local foods in every corner! My favourite is nothing but a duo of bahn mi and ca phe sua da! Really liked munching on it while enjoying the street lights at night and those see of motorbikes!
Can't wait to go back!"