Overview
Pham Ngu Lao Street is a vibrant and bustling area in Ho Chi Minh City, renowned for its backpacker-friendly atmosphere, budget accommodations, and a wide array of restaurants, bars, and street food vendors. It's a popular spot for travelers looking to experience the city's lively nightlife and diverse cuisine.
A cultural hub for backpackers and tourists, offering an authentic taste of Vietnamese street life and cuisine.
Location
Address
Pham Ngu Lao, Ho Chi Minh
Neighborhood: District 1
Coordinates
10.776800, 106.698600
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
November to February
Best Time of Day
Evening
Vibrant nightlife and cooler temperatures
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
Warm and pleasant
- • Lunar New Year celebrations
- • Flower markets
summer
Hot and humid
- • Outdoor dining
- • Night markets
autumn
Pleasant and cool
- • Cooler evenings
- • Harvest festivals
winter
Cool and dry
- • Christmas decorations
- • Holiday markets
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Carry cash for street vendors
- Bargain for prices
- Be cautious of pickpockets
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Low
- • Stay hydrated
- • Be cautious of street food hygiene
Medical facilities: Clinics nearby
Payment Information
Accepted
Cash, Cards
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Casual, Comfortable clothing and shoes, Walking shoes, None
Booking Tips
- • 1-2 days for accommodations
- • Online travel websites, hostel booking sites
- • Varies by accommodation
- • Not applicable
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Ho Chi Minh City Guide
Size: 30 MB
Features: Map, Restaurant recommendations, Event listings
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Cafes, Hostels, Restaurants
Charging Stations: Many cafes and restaurants
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Distance: 7 km
Travel Time: 20 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 2 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: A lively and authentic representation of Vietnamese street life
Historical Significance: Developed as a hub for backpackers and budget travelers
Insider Tips
- Best street food can be found in the early evening
- Local cafes offer great Vietnamese coffee
Local Recommendations
- • Try pho and banh mi from street vendors
- • Visit nearby Ben Thanh Market for more shopping
- • Experience the nightlife at Bui Vien Walking Street
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Vietnamese
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Bui Vien Walking Street
Best Time: Evening
Tips: Capture the vibrant neon lights
Result: Lively nightlife shots
Pham Ngu Lao Street Food Stalls
Best Time: Night
Tips: Focus on colorful dishes and bustling activity
Result: Authentic street food photography
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Ben Thanh Market
Distance: 500m
Walking: 7 min
Type: Market
War Remnants Museum
Distance: 1km
Walking: 15 min
Type: Museum
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Distance: 800m
Walking: 10 min
Type: Historical Site
Reviews
Based on 5,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Try local street food"
- "Visit during the evening"
- "Bargain for prices"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Small-group Saigon City Tour: 4-Hour Must-see Iconic Landmarks
Half-day Ho Chi Minh City History And Culture Tour
Small-Group Cu Chi Tunnel Half-day Tour: Morning or Afternoon
Private Hanoi City Half-Day Tour with Train Street Visiting
Ho Chi Minh City: Half-day Underground Secrets Of Cu Chi
Water Puppet Show-Cyclo & Dinner On Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City
Classic Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Floating Market Enjoy 1 Day from Ho Chi Minh
Small-Group 1-day: Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai Temple & Ba Den Mount
Small-Group 1-Day Tour: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta
Full-day Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Highlights
From Ho Chi Minh: Mui Ne Sand Dunes Day Tour & Sunset Experience
Half-day Cyclo Journey Through Chinatown
Small-group Saigon City & Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip
Discover Can Gio Mangrove Forest by Scooter full day tour from Ho Chi Minh city
Private Ho Chi Minh City Tour Full day Trip
Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise
3-hour Dinner cruise on Saigon river plus Cyclo & Water puppet show evening
Full-day Da Nang City Highlights And Natural Wonders
️ Hanoi Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive)
Ao dai Vietnam photograph tour with private car
FULL Day - CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET, COOKING CLASS AND EXPLORE THE COUNTRYSIDE
Full-Day Hanoi City History Tour
6 Days Amazing Landscape Of North Vietnam Tour (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay)
The best sightseeing tour of Hanoi
Quick Info
Available Tours
4
Rating
4.3 / 5.0
Reviews
5,000
Adult Entry
Free