Approaching our visa limit in Cambodia prompted a move to Vietnam, a straightforward choice offering a free two-week visa for UK citizens. Despite hearing discouraging reports from fellow travelers about Ho Chi Minh City—suggestions to enter and exit quickly due to it not being a pleasant place to linger—we decided to see for ourselves. We were pleasantly surprised, finding ourselves drawn back to the city multiple times during our trip, using it as a vibrant base.
While the people might not exhibit the overt friendliness of Cambodians, which seemed more a cultural difference than a reaction to our presence, we found immense joy in the city’s offerings. The street food was incredible, and days were filled exploring markets, colonial architecture, and significant war museums. This area, specifically the heart of Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers, became our unexpected haven.
Finding Your Base: Staying in Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers Area
Deciding where to stay in a sprawling city with numerous districts can be challenging. I dedicated considerable time reviewing online maps and blogs to pinpoint the ideal location, feeling the pressure to choose a spot we’d both enjoy. Ultimately, we settled on a small side street just off Phạm Ngũ Lão, commonly known as the main “Backpacker Street,” located in District 1. This area felt immediately right for Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers, offering easy access to everything while being slightly set back from the main thoroughfare.
Entrance off Backpacker Street to accommodation in HCMCNavigating our narrow lane off the main Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers street required vigilance for passing scooters. Our chosen hotel provided rooms catering to various budgets, from basic to more luxurious options with balconies. As budget flash-packers, cost is key. Our room was a standard double with a small shower room, costing $22 per night via Agoda. It was situated in a narrow four-story building. The desk clerk had sufficient English skills, making the check-in process smooth, which was fortunate given our lack of Vietnamese language proficiency.
Thao Nhi Hotel at 185 / 20 Backpacker Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, provided a much-appreciated upgrade from some of our previous accommodations. Unlike rooms in Cambodia that lacked basic amenities, this room featured a wardrobe, hangers, a chair, and a table – simple comforts that make a difference. A fridge was a welcome bonus. Though, honestly, I could have done without the mirror, having grown accustomed to not constantly seeing my appearance after a day of sightseeing or heading out in familiar travel clothes.
Regardless of budget, the Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers area is packed with guesthouses and hotels. On our second visit to the city, confident we could find accommodation easily, we ended up returning to Thao Nhi Hotel. We loved the location and the staff. The room was clean, the shower was hot and powerful, and we received a discounted rate by booking directly. This area truly embodies the spirit of Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers.
Phạm Ngũ Lão & Bùi Viện: The Heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers Scene
District 1, particularly the Phạm Ngũ Lão area, is an ideal base for Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers. It functions as a major travel hub, with numerous travel agents lining the main road. From here, you can easily book day trips, arrange onward travel throughout Vietnam, or find buses back to Cambodia. The concentration of services makes planning the next leg of your journey incredibly convenient.
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We visited several agents along Phạm Ngũ Lão and found one whose agent spoke excellent English. We used her services to book our trip to Nha Trang and later, upon our return to the city, to arrange our overnight bus to the island of Phú Quốc in the south. This personal connection made the booking process much easier and instilled confidence.
Phạm Ngũ Lão, the primary street for many Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers, is constantly bustling, day and night. Its location was perfect for us as the Giant Ibis bus from Phnom Penh dropped us off nearby, resulting in just a short walk to our hotel. This immediate accessibility is a major plus for weary travelers arriving in the city.
Our narrow side street was filled with small businesses, coffee shops, and accommodation options. Best of all, it was only a few minutes’ walk from the pedestrian walking street, Bùi Viện (Phố đi bộ Bùi Viện), the epicenter of the Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers social scene.
Bùi Viện Walking Street
Entrance sign to Bui Vien Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers areaBùi Viện is often promoted as a backpacker paradise, offering an abundance of bars, restaurants, and shops. I initially worried it might be overrun solely by tourists, lacking local authenticity. My concerns were unfounded. While popular with visitors, Bùi Viện is party central for everyone, particularly on weekends. Huge crowds of Vietnamese locals join tourists, celebrating late into the night. Bars and restaurants set up low plastic tables and chairs directly on the street, causing the walkable space to shrink considerably as the evening progresses.
Bustling scene on Bui Vien Walking Street, a core area for Ho Chi Minh City BackpackersIt remains a marvel how the waitstaff manage to navigate this dense throng to provide table service. We walked down Bùi Viện a couple of times, often opting for quieter spots slightly off the main drag to avoid the most congested and noisy areas.
We discovered a trendy bar called Ong Cao Craft Beer, which was pricier than the typical backpacker bars but offered a refreshing oasis from the crowds. Located towards the far end of Bùi Viện, Ong Cao served a wide selection of local Vietnamese craft beers and ciders, accompanied by hip-hop and RnB music. The staff were young and friendly, and conversations with the owners revealed their genuine passion and deep knowledge of the craft drinks they served.
Enjoying a simple craft beer at Ong Cao near the Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers hubMy Saigon Cider was fruity but not overly sweet, a perfect alternative. While Ong Cao offered a refined experience, many smaller side streets near Bùi Viện provided a much more relaxed atmosphere. These still featured outdoor tables and chairs, perfect for enjoying a beer and people-watching away from the main commotion. The local Saigon beer, with its red and green labels, was a much cheaper and equally satisfying alternative – drinkable, thirst-quenching, and very budget-friendly for Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers.
Affordable local beers available in the Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers areaWe found one of our favorite bars located conveniently at the end of our alley, offering a local feel. Exploring these smaller lanes revealed different facets of the area’s nightlife, proving that the Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers experience isn’t limited to the intensity of the main walking street.
Enjoying the Chaos: Embracing the Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers Vibe
Bùi Viện is undeniably packed, noisy, and chaotic, especially on weekends. Despite this, it’s incredibly fun to wander through at night. However, after a while, the constant pushing, shoving, and groups stopping abruptly in the middle of the walkway can become slightly annoying. Finding a pavement bar to observe the spectacle from a distance often feels less stressful and equally entertaining. Sometimes, being an observer in the Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers scene is more rewarding than being fully immersed in the thick of it.
A quieter alley offering a break from the main Bui Vien Walking Street crowdWe chatted with a diverse group of global travelers in the area. Younger Vietnamese locals often struck up conversations, eager to practice their English. Many live in different parts of the city but gravitate towards this area at the weekend for its reputation as the fun hub.
Ho Chi Minh City presents a constant hustle. You’re surrounded by scooters, people, and a mix of smells unique to Southeast Asian cities. This city can push you beyond your typical comfort zone. However, it’s not long before you adapt and become part of the vibrant, teeming activity. Just when the heat and noise feel overwhelming, you might stumble upon one of the city’s many delightful French bakeries. A strong black coffee, a sweet pastry, and a blast of air conditioning offer a perfect respite, preparing you for your next adventure along the city streets. It’s genuinely hard not to love Ho Chi Minh City and the lively Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers district; we would return in a heartbeat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers
What is the main Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers area called?
The main backpacker area is centered around Phạm Ngũ Lão street and the adjacent Bùi Viện Walking Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Bùi Viện Walking Street safe for backpackers at night?
While generally safe, Bùi Viện can be very crowded and chaotic, especially on weekends. Be mindful of your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. It’s best enjoyed with friends or by finding a pavement bar to observe from a distance if the crowds are too intense.
What kind of accommodation is available for Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers?
The area offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and guesthouses to slightly more upscale budget hotels, catering to various price points common among backpackers and flashpackers.
How can Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers get around the city?
Within District 1, many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, taxis (use reputable apps like Grab), ride-hailing scooters (also via Grab), and local buses are readily available and affordable.
Is Ho Chi Minh City good for budget travel?
Yes, Ho Chi Minh City is excellent for budget travelers. Accommodation, delicious street food, local transportation, and activities can all be very affordable, making the Ho Chi Minh City Backpackers experience accessible on a tight budget.