Lonely Planet Review

The cheap, welcoming and clean Betty is one of the best budget places in Saigon. The nine rooms are at least what you'd expect for the money and the warm family atmosphere makes it a great place to come home to.

The main man is Mr Tho, and both he and his wife live in the Betty and speak fluent French and good English courtesy of about 20 years in France. They returned in 1993 and set up one of the first budget joints in the Pham Ngu Lao area, which has since become the backpacker mecca. The location is not quiet but it is away from the intensity of Ð De Tham. Rooms at the front have a balcony but they do get noisy. Other rooms don't have windows, but all have soft beds, cable TV, fridge and air-con. Decoration includes a Mona Lisa copy and plenty of other kitsch, but it all seems right at home here. And that's probably how you'll feel, especially if it's around Christmas or New Year, when Mr Tho throws parties for the guests. He even arranged a wedding for one long-term guest, with fellow backpackers filling the makeshift 'pews'.

Review by author Andrew Burke

Map

Facilities

1. Smoking rooms
2. Tea and Coffee maker
3. Tour desk
4. TV in room

1. Wake up service
2. Laundry service
3. Left luggage/storage
4. Linen/Towels supplied

1. Phone/Fax
2. Facilities - Private
3. Safe
4. Air conditioning

1. Children allowed
2. Clothing iron
3. Cafe / Restaurant
4. Communal area - Indoor
5. Internet access