13:24 02/11/2013 Looking at Google map from/to, our accommodation was just approximately one kilometer or 15 minutes away from Ben Thanh Market. Its proximity to this famous market gave us a nod to stride despite the unwelcoming tropical heat of Saigon. “Head straight towards Pham Ngu Lao turn left after the 3rd intersection then turn left on the first alley”. That was supposedly a direction we’re vying for. Instead we got baffling Vietnamese translation respond from locals. Whew! Language barrier it is. It’s one of biggest hurdle whenever travelling to SEA. Anyhow, we end up relying on our judgment and that means getting lost.
Prior to booking of this temporary abode, we’re already acquainted with Nguyen Khang Hotel through Marx (Marxtermind.com) and Mai (Budgetbiyahera.com). Reading of their good experience from this budget hotel, we’d instantly sold out. So we book right away through Agoda.
Location
Nguyen Khang Hotel
283/25 Pham Ngu Lao Street District 1 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Nguyen Khang Hotel is located at Pham Ngu Lao district known as backpackers haven in Saigon. It’s equivalent to Khao San Road in Bangkok but less chaos and crowd. There are numerous restaurants outside of Hotel’s alley, at the main street of Do Quang Dau catering Western and Vietnamese cuisine. During night time, the whole stretch becomes vibrant. It’s the best time to catch with locals and enjoy Saigon beer.
Check In
We’re greeted and welcomed nonetheless by the hotel owner (we completely forgot the name) at the alley. He guided us upstairs and had us settled in the Guest area. While offering us a refreshing healthy Green Lemon Tea. Just what we need after a long walk from Ben Thanh.
Early check-in is allowed (10AM of Check-in Date) with no extra cost. They also allowed late check-out but comes with an additional fee. If check out until 5PM will be charged (1/2 daily rate) and 8PM (3/4 daily rate).
Check in Time : 1:00 PM (Saigon Time)
Check out Time : 12:00 PM (Saigon Time)
Our Room
Someone had requested a late check-out,so our room wasn’t ready to be occupied. Since we can’t wait until 5PM, they give us option to move to its sister accommodation Ngoc Minh Hotel which is stone away from Nguyen Khang Hotel. The transition was swift and made sure we’re comfortable to our transferred hotel.
The room was bit spacious for a budget hotel and it doesn’t compromise from our expectation. The bed was fitted with fresh laundry sheets complemented with mocha themed pillows and comforter.
Room Amenities
The rooms had it’s all basic necessities of a typical hotel. Wooden cabinet for wardrobes, vanity table with chair, small refrigerator, Flat Screen TV with Cable Channels, and AC.
We’d our own private comfort room with almost complete bathroom fixtures. The shower is bit old but still functioning. We’re provided with clean bath and face towels, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and shampoo all good for two persons.
Breakfast
Each accommodation had a complimentary breakfast. There are 3 different menu sets and can be paired with Tea or Coffee. We settled for baguette, sausage, egg and Vietnamese Coffee.
Hotel Staff
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Thi, Owner and Sky |
The staff of Nguyen Khang Hotel is courteous and accommodating. They’d exceeded our expectation of how budget traveler guests should be treated.
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Thi with Sky and Summer |
Thi (the female staff) by far the friendliest and quirky receptionist we ever met. Don’t be fooled by her meek smile, she uttered “Oui and Au Revoir” with a resounding French accent. She’s very conversant and attentive to every guest needs. Bit sad though she’s no longer connected with Nguyen Khang Hotel as of this writing. She’s also bitten by travel bug as well. Hehehe
We’d a pleasant stay in Nguyen Khang Hotel and high recommend it for couples or travelling in group looking for a decent and budget stay in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam.
If you need more information check their official website
Tel: (84+8) 38373566
Email: info@nguyenkhanghotel.com
Book through Agoda and avail awesome discounts like we enjoyed, click below.
Note:
This is not a sponsored post but our way of appreciation with our good stay in this Budget Hotel
Nguyen Khang Hotel Fan,
Sky and Summer