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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Asia
- Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Pham Ngu Lau
Pham Ngu Lau
This area of Saigon, located in District One, stretching along
the streets of De Tham, Pham Ngu Lau and Bui Vien is host to most
of the budget travellers in South Vietnam. Often compared to the
more famous Khao San road of Bangkok, this district, similarly, is
an amalgamation of bars, guesthouses, restaurants, souvenir shops
and small travel agencies. Known also to be an expat playground,
these bars stay open later than most in the city. The prominent Go2
Bar is the most popular among tourists but dozens dot the area. Day
trips to the Mekong Delta or the Cu Chi tunnels are easily
organised in any of the travel agencies as well as transport to
most of Vietnam. Although prices vary the trips usually are the
same despite the agency.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Some
Chinese, English and French are spoken. Tour guides can also speak
Russian and Japanese. Numerous ethnic languages are also spoken in
parts.
Money
The official currency is the Dông (VND). There are no smaller
denominations. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de
change, hotels and on the black market. Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are becoming more widely acceptable, particularly
in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but it is best not to rely on them
elsewhere. It is recommended that visitors bring travellers cheques
in US Dollars, which can be cashed at major banks in the main
cities and tourist areas. US currency acts as unofficial tender and
is useful as a back-up when banks won't cash travellers cheques
outside the main cities, but notes must be relatively new and
unmarked. Dông can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are becoming more
widespread.
Time
Local time in Vietnam is GMT +7.