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Region: Saigon And Surrounds> Province: Ho Chi Minh City> Location: Ho Chi Minh City

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Pham Ngu Lao
Central Saigon
Co Giang and Co Bac St

Pham Ngu Lao guesthouses and hotels

The heart of Saigon's backpacker district, Pham Ngu Lao refers to an oblong-shaped area bordered by Pham Ngu Lao to the north and Bui Vien to the south. The namesake street for the entire area is lined with more than 20 mostly flashpacker to midrange hotels. This area gets more than its fair share of traffic noise, yet remains good value and is particularly popular with organised tour groups.

De Tham St is the heart of the Pham Ngu Lao district and is mainly given over to bars, restaurants and travel agents. A few guesthouses and hotels remain, some of which are quite good value. The racket from the street is quieter than either Pham Ngu Lao or Bui Vien and it doesn't get more central than this.

Mini-Hotel Alley runs parallel to De Tham St a block east towards Nguyen Thai Hoc St. More than 30 mini-hotels are dotted along its 100m -- hence the name. A lot less noisy than Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien, this is a good option for those who want creature comforts with a touch of serenity. While prices are comparable place to place, in low season you'll be able to drive rates right down with a bit of bargaining as the glut of rooms creates fierce competition.

Bui Vien St runs parallel to Pham Ngu Lao along the southern end of De Tham and is home to a bunch of budget mini-hotels that have developed into a popular choice for backpackers who can't be bothered walking down to the area around Miss Loi's. Many of these places are tall, with six to seven floors being the norm, but few have an elevator -- if you're off to Nepal next, any place on Bui Vien should provide you with some excellent training.

Lastly, Lung Quynh and Do Quang Dao Sts run parallel to the west of De Tham and, particularly in the case of Do Quang Do St, offer a sleepy alternative to De Tham. The range of guesthouses is more varied, and the traffic noise not too bad at all. Neither of these streets are packed with mini-hotels, and both have a slightly more local feel to them.

Midrange
US$20 to 50

AnAn HotelAnAn Hotel - Outstanding midrange value

Online booking is not available 
40 Bui Vien St, District 1
Tel: (08) 837 8087; Fax: (08) 837 8088

AnAn is a step above its surrounding competitors. Of course the price is higher, but so it should be. Located on Bui Vien, where Mini-Hotel Alley empties out, the AnAn is spitting distance from De ... AnAn Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$20 to 50

Bi Saigon - Splash out on suite

Online booking is not available 
185/26 Pham Ngu Lao St, District 1
Tel: (08) 8360 678; Fax: (08) 8367 947

Bi Saigon is an interesting guest house with a popular and comprehensive restaurant on the ground floor. The real attraction here comes in the form of some surprising and almost novelty rooms. For ... Bi Saigon complete profile


Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Happy InnHappy Inn - Happy indeed!

Online booking is not available 
Mini-Hotel Alley, 40/13 Bui Vien St, District 1
Tel: (08) 836 9048;

Happy Inn has two locations on Bui Vien. This one, on Mini-Hotel Alley, has 10 rooms. The guesthouse lobby actually looks like a real hotel, suggesting you may have successfully avoided a 'backpacker ... Happy Inn complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Kim HotelKim Hotel - Friendly and family-run, quite new

Online booking is not available 
Mini-Hotel Alley, 40/18 Bui Vien St, District 1
Tel: (08) 836 7497;

Kim Hotel is one of the newest on Mini-Hotel Alley, but that isn't saying much seeing how old some of the others are. It's run by friendly Mrs Kim who is more than happy to help with queries. Small ... Kim Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Ngoc Dang HotelNgoc Dang Hotel - Excellent streetside terraces

Online booking is not available 
254 De Tham St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 837 1896; Fax: (08) 836 9419

The real attraction at the Ngoc Dang Hotel is the large garden terrace attached to each of the rooms overlooking De Tham. While the furnishings throughout the hotel are no great shakes, what swings ... Ngoc Dang Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Quyen ThanhQuyen Thanh - Something a little different

Online booking is not available 
212 De Tham St, District 1
Tel: (08) 836 8570; Fax: (08) 836 9946

Quyen Thanh is housed above a handicrafts souvenir shop run by the hotel owners. All rooms face onto the street and open onto balconies that run around the length of the building -- from where you ... Quyen Thanh complete profile

Midrange
US$20 to 50

Saigon Mini Hotel - A more professional sleep

Online booking is not available 
102/1A Cong Quynh, District 1
Tel: (08) 836 1008; Fax: (08) 838 9599

Saigon Mini Hotel is close to the central backpackers area but secluded enough to be away from the noise and disturbances. Marketed as a business hotel, Saigon Mini opened in April 2008 and boasts a ... Saigon Mini Hotel complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10

The TrinhThe Trinh - Excellent value

Online booking is not available 
28/2 Do Quang Dao St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 836 8311;

The Trinh is set about half-way down Do Quang Dao and has immaculate, pastel-coloured rooms with spotless bathrooms, TV and a choice or air-con or fan. The fan rooms are set on the corner of the ... The Trinh complete profile

Toprange
US$50 to 100

Vien Dong HotelVien Dong Hotel - Reasonable midrange value

Online booking is not available 
275A Pham Ngu Lao St
Tel: (08) 836 8941; Fax: (08) 836 8812

The slightly higher prices than nearby competitor the Elios, which opened around the same time, must be due to the Vien Dong's slightly more impressive facilities. The rooms themselves are similar -- ... Vien Dong Hotel complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10

Yellow House HostelYellow House Hostel - Labyrinth with a youth hostel

Online booking is available 
31 Bui Vien St, District 1
Tel: (08) 836 8830; Fax: (08) 836 8829

Yellow House has an all-round great service for the needy traveller. Based over two locations, this is the Bui Vien building. The lobby contains a foreign exchange desk, a tour/travel desk including ... Yellow House Hostel complete profile

Toprange
US$50 to 100

Elios Hotel - Just what Pham Ngu Lao needed

Online booking is not available 
231-235 Pham Ngu Lao St, District One, Saigon
Tel: (08) 838 5585; Fax: (08) 838 5583

Opening its doors in 2007, the Elios could well be what the area was screaming for -- midrange options that aren't run down. This is the kind of place found in Nha Trang or Mui Ne, not the backpacker ... Elios Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Hoang Linh HotelHoang Linh Hotel - Long running and popular

Online booking is not available 
256 De Tham St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 836 8372;

Owner Mr Hoang has a seemingly endless supply of glowing recommendation books, and with his collection of 16 spotless rooms, it is easy to see why. The rooms are no-frills, with Ikea-style ... Hoang Linh Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Hong Hoa HotelHong Hoa Hotel - Clean, with complimentary internet

Online booking is not available 
250 De Tham St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 836 1915; Fax: (08) 837 9109

The Hong Hoa Hotel faces onto both De Tham and mini-hotel alley and has clean and spacious rooms. The rooms are well-kept, though just the one has an open-air veranda. All have a writing desk and ... Hong Hoa Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Huong Mini HotelHuong Mini Hotel - Huge rooms make this a great choice for groups

Online booking is not available 
Mini-hotel alley, 40/19 Bui Vien St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 836 9158;

If you're travelling in a group, the massive streetside rooms at Huong Mini Hotel could swing the deal as the standards easily sleep four, if not eight to a dozen in a squeeze. Spacious verandas ... Huong Mini Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Phoenix 74 HotelPhoenix 74 Hotel - Allround good choice

Online booking is not available 
74 Bui Vien St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 837 0538; Fax: (08) 836 9591

The very good value Phoenix 74 is a stand out in the row of mini-hotels on Bui Vien St, due in no small part to its having an elevator. Rooms are clean and have a few extra sticks of furniture thrown ... Phoenix 74 Hotel complete profile

Toprange
US$50 to 100

Que Huong Liberty FourQue Huong Liberty Four - Three star quality, inflated rates

Online booking is not available 
265 Pham Ngu Lao St, District 1
Tel: (08) 836 4556; Fax: (08) 836 5435

The ever inflated prices of Saigon hotels may lead you to question the value of your room at the Liberty Four, considering some of the excellent mid-range options elsewhere in Saigon, but if you're ... Que Huong Liberty Four complete profile

Midrange
US$20 to 50

Orient HotelOrient Hotel - Popular choice with tour groups

Online booking is not available 
274-276 De Tham St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 920 3993; Fax: (08) 836 9886

This large hotel, situated at the northern end of De Tham Street, has very Chinese-style furnished rooms with ornate heavy wooden doors and fittings throughout. Very popular with tour groups and ... Orient Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Phan Lan GuesthousePhan Lan Guesthouse - Popular

Online booking is not available 
70 Bui Vien St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 836 9569; Fax: (08) 836 9569

As with most of the mini-hotels on Bui Vien, the Phan Lan has reasonable-sized rooms that are clean and well-furnished -- the streetside rooms cop a lot of noise, the back rooms are quieter. The Phan ... Phan Lan Guesthouse complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10

Phi LongPhi Long - A techie's spot

Online booking is not available 
38 Bui Vien St, District 1
Tel: (08) 836 4897; Fax: (08) 920 2343

The rooms at Phi Long are backpacker standard and the hotel itself is in need of a paint job. The bathrooms are just okay, but they do include bathtubs -- one single has a huge corner bath. You pay ... Phi Long complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Thai Nhi Mini HotelThai Nhi Mini Hotel - Tiny verandas

Online booking is not available 
Mini-hotel alley, 40/4 Bui Vien St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 837 7480;

The walls are hardly scuffed at this smart and clean mini-hotel, which features baby blue and white trim throughout. The Thai Nhi has well-kitted out bathrooms complete with bathtub, but the balcony ... Thai Nhi Mini Hotel complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10

Vinh Guest HouseVinh Guest House - Very friendly, basic lodgings

Online booking is not available 
269 De Tham St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 836 8585; Fax: (08) 836 8787

Vinh Guesthouse is associated with the larger Le Le Hotel on Pham Ngu Lao St. This friendly guesthouse has reasonable value budget rooms for the location, which while not new are clean and well ... Vinh Guest House complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Duna HotelDuna Hotel - Frumpy rooms

Online booking is not available 
167 Pham Ngu Lao St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 837 3699; Fax: (08) 837 6606

The Duna Hotel has frumpy rooms with fluorescent blankets and aged pine chipboard furniture. The cheapest rooms have mismatched furniture and are quite poor value. The bathrooms throughout are ... Duna Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$20 to 50

Giant Dragon Hotel - Badly in need of a refurbishment

Online booking is not available 
173 Pham Ngu Lao St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 836 1935; Fax: (08) 836 7279

It's difficult to pick the biggest selling point here: the giant plastic red tree in the superior rooms, the plastic hanging gardens in the standards, or perhaps the sprawling chandeliers in both. ... Giant Dragon Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Hai Ha HotelHai Ha Hotel - Good for groups

Online booking is not available 
76-78 Bui Vien St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 836 7256; Fax: (08) 920 5143

Hai Ha Hotel, like its neighbours, has standard issue, featureless, rooms with Ikea-style furniture that are more than adequate but nothing that will leave you shedding a tear when the time comes to ... Hai Ha Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Le Trung HotelLe Trung Hotel - Long climb to the top

Online booking is not available 
62 Bui Vien St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 836 4852;

The Le Trung hotel thankfully has a winch set-up to lift your bags to the higher floors -- what a crying shame they don't have a similar set-up for the guests, as it is a long climb to the higher ... Le Trung Hotel complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Tram AnhTram Anh - Wasted verandas

Online booking is not available 
Mini-hotel-alley, 185/24 Pham Ngu Lao St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 837 1004; Fax: (08) 836 7339

Set towards the northern end of mini-hotel alley, the large verandas at this family-run mini-hotel are unfortunately taken up by two large and clunky air-con units, so don't plan on lounging around ... Tram Anh complete profile


Central Saigon guesthouses and hotels

The busiest area of District One is also Saigon's luxury hub -- bordered by the Saigon River to the east, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia to the west and Le Duan to the north. Aside from top hotels, there's also a bounty of fine eating, shopping and sightseeing to be had. While the bulk of the accommodation is in the higher price bracket, a few bargains can be had.

Luxury
US$100+

Hotel MajesticHotel Majestic - A great spot -- oozes charm

Online booking is not available 
1 Dong Khoi St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 829 5517; Fax: (08) 829 5510

Dating back to 1925, the Majestic sits on what was once Rue Catinat (now Dong Khoi St) and Quai de Belgique Street (now Ton Duc Thang St) -- an area both historic and very well suited for ... Hotel Majestic complete profile

Luxury
US$100+

Park Hyatt SaigonPark Hyatt Saigon - Quite simply Saigon's best hotel

Online booking is not available 
2 Lam Son Square, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 824 1234; Fax: (08) 823 7569

Quite simply, the Park Hyatt is Saigon's best hotel. Opened in 2005, the Saigon Park Hyatt was a decade in the making and it was certainly worth the wait. Everything from the wooden plantation ... Park Hyatt Saigon complete profile

Luxury
US$100+

Caravelle HotelCaravelle Hotel - One of the top 100 luxury hotels in the world

Online booking is not available 
19 Lam Son Square, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 823 4999; Fax: (08) 823 4999

Voted one of the top 100 luxury hotels in the world by the Robb Report, the Caravelle Hotel, set on Lam Son Square opposite the Saigon Opera House, is one of the top properties in Saigon. The ... Caravelle Hotel complete profile

Luxury
US$100+

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & TowersSheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers - One of Saigon's top hotels

Online booking is not available 
88 Dong Khoi St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 827 2828; Fax: (08) 827 2929

Named Best Business Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City 2006 by Business Traveller Magazine, the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers is one of the most popular hotels among business travellers to Saigon. After ... Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers complete profile

Luxury
US$100+

Sofitel Plaza SaigonSofitel Plaza Saigon - Good choice - excellent staff

Online booking is not available 
17 Le Duan Blvd, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 824 1555; Fax: (08) 824 1222

The Sofitel Plaza Saigon stands on the lovely tree-lined Le Duan Boulevard. As with the Caravelle and Renaissance, there's little in the way of a nod to colonial charm in this glass and brass ... Sofitel Plaza Saigon complete profile

Midrange
US$20 to 50

Thang Long Hotel - Good value

Online booking is not available 
48 Mac Thi Buoi St, District 1
Tel: (08) 822 2595; Fax: (08) 824 5220

The tall and narrow Thang Long Hotel is one of the cheapest options for those wishing to be just a few minutes from the centre of the action, somehow managing to resist the price hikes that have ... Thang Long Hotel complete profile

Toprange
US$50 to 100

The Grand HotelThe Grand Hotel - A colonial classic -- opt for the old wing only!

Online booking is not available 
8 Dong Khoi St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 823 0163; Fax: (08) 823 5781

The Grand, along with the Continental and the Majestic, is the third of Saigon's classic colonial-style hotels. Originally dating back to 1930, the hotel was extensively renovated in 1995 and while ... The Grand Hotel complete profile

Toprange
US$50 to 100

Huong Sen Hotel - Popular with groups

Online booking is not available 
66-68-70 Dong Khoi St, District 1
Tel: (08) 829 1415; Fax: (08) 829 0916

Well-located on the corner of Dong Khoi and Mac Thi Buoi Sts, the five-floor Huong Sen Hotel has standard three-star rooms with the pick of the bunch being the street side deluxe rooms which while ... Huong Sen Hotel complete profile

Luxury
US$100+

New World Hotel SaigonNew World Hotel Saigon - Tour group favourite

Online booking is not available 
76 Le Lai St, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 822 8888; Fax: (08) 823 0710

A tour group and mid-range business traveller favourite, the New World Hotel's location is convenient for both Saigon's famous Ben Thanh market and the backpacker area around Pham Ngu Lao St -- it's ... New World Hotel Saigon complete profile

Midrange
US$20 to 50

Ordinary B&B - Original

Online booking is not available 
25 Dong Du St, District 1
Tel: (08) 824 8262; Fax: (08) 823 8436

Ordinary may lay claim to Saigon's first boutique hotel. It has an outstanding location slap bang in Saigon's poshest area, under a minutes walk to Dong Khoi's art galleries and fashion shops. The ... Ordinary B&B complete profile

Luxury
US$100+

Rex HotelRex Hotel - One of Saigon's best known hotels

Online booking is not available 
141 Nguyen Hue Blvd, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 829 2185; Fax: (08) 829 6536

One of Saigon's best known hotels, the venerable Rex Hotel is a rambling affair bringing together the best and the not-so-best of Vietnamese hospitality and hotel facilities. Many US officers were ... Rex Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$20 to 50

Thien Hoa Hotel - Best minihotel near Ben Thanh market

Online booking is not available 
313 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1
Tel: (08) 822 5465; Fax: (08) 822 0415

Thien Hoa is probably one of the best of the slew of mini hotels that scatter the area behind Ben Thanh Market. Situated on the lower end of Ly Ty Trong and surrounded by motorcycle showrooms, a few ... Thien Hoa Hotel complete profile

Midrange
US$20 to 50

Chuong Hoang Yen Hotel - Longer-stay choice

Online booking is not available 
8A/6d2 Thai Van Lung St, District 1
Tel: (08) 823 8764; Fax: (08) 823 8761

The Chuong Hoang Yen Hotel / Medal Hotel is well-located for many of District One's bars and restaurants and draws a longer-stay, business-orientated crowd -- many of whom are working in Saigon. ... Chuong Hoang Yen Hotel complete profile

Luxury
US$100+

Continental HotelContinental Hotel - Has but a slither of its past charm

Online booking is not available 
132 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Saigon
Tel: (08) 829 9252; Fax: (08) 824 1772

One of Saigon's historic hotels, the 1880-built Continental is probably best-known for its starring role in the Graham Greene classic The Quiet American. The Continental Shelf has long gone and ... Continental Hotel complete profile

Toprange
US$50 to 100

Saigon Hotel - Old style Saigon

Online booking is not available 
41-47 Dong Du St, District 1
Tel: (08) 829 9734; Fax: (08) 829 1466

The ageing Saigon Hotel dates back to 1968 and if you give the friendly receptionist a chance, she'll rattle off the entire convoluted history of the place. Very much an old-style hotel, the Saigon ... Saigon Hotel complete profile

Toprange
US$50 to 100

Bong Sen Hotel - Looks fine but disappoints

Online booking is not available 
117-123 Dong Khoi St, District 1
Tel: (08) 829 1721; Fax: (08) 829 8076

The centrally-located Bong Sen looks like a pretty good deal from outside, with a pleasing street front look, but we found the rooms to be just average. The deluxe rooms are set street side, while ... Bong Sen Hotel complete profile


Co Giang and Co Bac St guesthouses and hotels

This excellent alternative to the Pham Ngu Lao ghetto houses a cluster of guesthouses which appeal to those looking for a more hassle-free environment, or longer term visitors to Saigon. Still within easy reach of the backpacker district, a growing range of guesthouses have sprung up on this small alley running between Co Bac and Co Giang Streets.

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

California Guest HouseCalifornia Guest House - Light and airy

Online booking is not available 
171A Co Bac, District 1
Tel: (08) 837 8885;

California Guest House is a welcoming place with a light, breezy lobby area to relax and read the morning newspaper or write emails on the internet provided. The whole house is decorated with a ... California Guest House complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10

Miss LoiMiss Loi - Popular choice

Online booking is not available 
178/20 Co Giang Street, District 1
Tel: (08) 837 9589; Fax: (08) 836 7973

Miss Loi was the first guesthouse to open in this area many years ago. A sprawling foyer area works well for casual evening meetings, a game of pool, or some essential planning. The 12 air-con rooms ... Miss Loi complete profile

Flashpacker
US$10 to 20

Xuan ThuXuan Thu - The family touch

Online booking is not available 
178/17 Co Giang St, District 1
Tel: (08) 836 9335;

Stepping into Xuan Thu feels like walking into someone's house, and a cosy house at that. A modern kitchen and a pleasant water feature sit on the ground floor and a squeaky clean staircase leads to ... Xuan Thu complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10

Kim KimKim Kim - A hostel flavour

Online booking is not available 
178/13 Co Giang, District 1
Tel: (08) 837 4693;

Kim Kim is housed in a large airy building in a sleepy corner of Co Giang Street. It has a youth hostel atmosphere: services available to guests are limited and no breakfast is provided. Rooms are ... Kim Kim complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10

Ngoc SonNgoc Son - Moving down market

Online booking is not available 
178/32 Co Giang Street, District 1
Tel: (08) 836 4717;

Ngoc Son is a family-run guesthouse located in a tall narrow building on Co Giang Street. The eight rooms are all equipped with air-con and fan. Rooms are two to a floor, and everything seems to be ... Ngoc Son complete profile

Backpacker
Under US$10

Kim LoanKim Loan - You get what you pay for

Online booking is not available 
171/1 Co Bac, District 1
Tel: (08) 836 8351; Fax: (08) 836 8351

The rooms here smell like mothballs, and the foam mattresses make for very soft beds. Rooms are sparsely decorated and quite small although they do have a fridge and cable TV -- a telescope may be ... Kim Loan complete profile

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