PHAM NGU LAO STREET

Pham Ngu Lao Street in Ho Chi Minh City is on the western edge of District 1 and is renowned as the place where most backpacking travelers stay during their holiday. A 25-minute taxi ride from Tan Sot Nhat International Airport, it comprises numerous lanes and back alleys through the main thoroughfares include Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, Bui Vien, and Do Quang Dao streets. 

Set along these alleyways are western-style restaurants, coffee shops, and international bars, countless tour companies and kiosks, affordable motels, hostels, and guesthouses (as well as many of the so-called ‘mini-hotel’ buildings usually with six to seven floors, rarely offering an elevator), internet cafes, pharmacies, and souvenir-and-craft shops. The Pham Ngu Lao Street is not limited to only low-budget travelers. Its own unique vibe draws people from everywhere due to its close proximity to prominent landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. As there is always something going on in Pham Ngu Lao Street, many visitors prefer to enjoy local street food or people-watching while enjoying the incredibly cheap Bia Hoi draught beer on the roadside. This lively street is a must-visit spot included in many Vietnam vacation packages for travelers seeking an authentic experience.