Recommended Cheap and Good Hotels in Pham Ngu Lao Area Ho Chi Minh

Affordable and quality hotels in the Pham Ngu Lao area of Ho Chi Minh by mr.hotsia

When talking about traveling in Ho Chi Minh City, or as many still call it Saigon, the area most popular among backpackers and independent travelers is none other than “Pham Ngu Lao street.” This neighborhood is full of budget accommodations, local restaurants, bars, and many tour companies, making it truly convenient for transportation, finding food, and exploring the city.

I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to stay in Ho Chi Minh for two nights. I chose to stay atbi Saigon hotelwhich is located in a small alley off Pham Ngu Lao street. This hotel was much more comfortable than I expected because it has an elevator, is very clean, and what impressed me the most was the artwork on the walls in the rooms. It felt charming and warm, just like being at home.

The hospitality of the staff at bi Saigon was excellent. Even though I arrived at 4 a.m. and checked in again after going out, the staff still opened the door and prepared the room without a single complaint. This kind of attentive and warm service made me feel that even in a busy big city like Ho Chi Minh, there is still a lot of friendliness.

Additionally, there is a dining area where the owner is a woman who speaks good English, making it easy for me to order food or ask for recommendations of special dishes. She was friendly and very helpful, which is another highlight of this accommodation that I want to recommend to all travelers.

Tips for Finding Budget Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh by mr.hotsia

Many people ask me how to easily find cheap accommodation in a big city like Ho Chi Minh. I have a tip that works well in every city I visit: “Open Google Maps and search for the word hotel or guesthouse.” Then you will see a variety of accommodation options with approximate prices displayed. The trick is to choose to stay in areas with many hotels, such as Pham Ngu Lao, because it is where most tourists stay. Transportation within the city, food, and activities will be much more convenient.

For me, mr.hotsia, I usually look for accommodation myself without booking online in advance because I want to check cleanliness and the real atmosphere of the place before deciding. I used this method in Ho Chi Minh as well, which allowed me to find budget accommodation with good service like bi Saigon hotel mentioned above.

Pham Ngu Lao Area and Interesting Activities

Pham Ngu Lao is not only a cheap and convenient accommodation area but also a hub of nightlife and local culture. From delicious Vietnamese restaurants, massage shops, to small beer bars where you can chill and chat with travelers from around the world.

If you want to try authentic street food in Ho Chi Minh, I recommend walking around the small alleys near Pham Ngu Lao street. You will find restaurants with the aroma of spices and fresh herbs, such as grilled button squid with intense flavor or Vietnamese chicken biryani, which is hard to find in Thailand.Watch the Vietnamese Grilled Button Squid videoandVietnamese Chicken Biryanithat I have filmed will surely increase your appetite.

Interesting Travel and Tours Around Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh is a central city for tours in southern Vietnam. You can easily find tours to important attractions such as the Cu Chi Tunnels or Cao Dai Temple, which is a new world religion. Around Pham Ngu Lao street, there are many tour companies to choose from at your convenience.Buy Tours in Ho Chi Minhis a good option for those with limited time.

If you like to explore by walking, I recommend finding quiet spots in the city, visiting local markets, or stopping by temples to experience the real Vietnamese lifestyle. Ho Chi Minh is a crowded city like Pattaya in Thailand but still has its own charm waiting for you to discover.

Connect Your Experience with Hanoi

As many may confuse, Ho Chi Minh is not the capital of Vietnam; Hanoi is the capital located in the northern part of the country. Hanoi has a distinctly different atmosphere from Ho Chi Minh, with cooler weather and serves as a base for trips to northern attractions like Sapa and Ha Long Bay.Travel Hanoiis an experience I, mr.hotsia, recommend because it will give you a broader perspective of Vietnam.

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh to other places is also convenient, such as using buses that connect to nearby tourist cities like Vung Tau.Bus Travel from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tauis another good option for budget travelers.

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

If you are looking for cheap, clean, and comfortable accommodation in Ho Chi Minh, the Pham Ngu Lao area is the best answer. I recommend bi Saigon hotel where I stayed, which offers excellent service and a warm atmosphere like a second home. Traveling and exploring this area will let you experience the real lifestyle of southern Vietnamese people and make it easy to find tours or interesting activities.

For more information about traveling in Ho Chi Minh or trips in northern Vietnam like Hanoi, you can read more atBackpacking Ho Chi MinhandBackpacking Hanoi 2016which I have written in detail with firsthand experience.