Pham Ngu Lao Street is the centre of Ho Chi Minh City’s backpacking culture and has long been a favourite destination. Situated in District 1, many of the city’s bars, cafés and restaurants are within the area which makes it a popular place both day and night. The district is also known for its bustling markets selling almost everything imaginable and is in an excellent strategic location for what central Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.
The street is home to a diverse collection of restaurants and cafés that stay busy both day and night. In addition to the chance to enjoy some of the local culinary delights, Pham Ngu Lao Street is also a thriving nightlife spot with many bars. One of the most famous qualities of the Pham Ngu Lao Street is its various open and indoor marketplaces selling all kinds of goods such as clothes and electronics.
Travellers flying into the city can arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport which serves over 23 million passengers each year. The airport is situated only 8 kilometres from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City and is linked to the city by an airport bus or taxi service. Within the city itself, the most convenient way to get around is by taxi, although motorbikes are extremely popular and can be rented easily.
Pham Ngu Lao Street is named after the national hero Pham Ngu Lao, a general born in 1255. A lot of the architecture in and around the street is from its colonial past, while the street is only a brief trip to some of the city’s best-known attractions including Mariamman Hindu Temple and Reunification Palace.