Bui Vien Walking Street is the most famous entertainment area in Ho Chi Minh’s nightlife. This walking street includes chains of bars, pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and spa services, favorite by countless foreigners and young Saigonees.
Coming to Bui Vien, Indian tourists will enjoy the vibrant space and experience the culture of many different countries. In this article, we share a complete guide to exploring Bui Vien walking street, including its history, exciting night activities, and valuable tips for Indian visitors.
What To Know About Bui Vien Street
Historical Background
In the 19th century, Bui Vien Walking Street was just a small alley with motels and grocery stores in the heart of Saigon. By the mid-20th century, it had evolved into a bustling hub, attracting journalists, writers, and artists who congregated to discuss both local and international news.
After 1975, the street transformed into a tourist hotspot, especially among backpackers, giving it another name: Western Street. At that time, most tourists arriving at Bui Vien Street were from Britain, America, and France. In 2017, Bui Vien was officially designated as a walking street, becoming the second in Saigon after Nguyen Hue walking street.
Nowadays, the area is known as a multicultural area with many travelers and residents coming from around the globe. The walking street offers various services, including hotels, spas, cafes, restaurants, bars, and pubs.
Nightlife on Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien Street is the lively heart of Saigon, bustling with locals and tourists alike. With numerous bars, restaurants, and hotels, it’s the perfect place to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city and meet people from all over the world.
Location
Bui Vien Walking Street is located at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, intersecting with De Tham, Pham Ngu Lao, and Do Quang Dau Streets in District 1.
How To Get There
- By bus: Bus numbers 152, 109, and 49 have routes passing by the walking street.
- By motorbike or bicycle: If your hotel is in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, consider using a motorbike or bicycle.
- By car: Traditional taxis or ride-hailing services are available for your choice.
- Book a tour package: This is the most convenient option for Indian tourists, with our experienced local guides ensuring a perfect night out on Bui Vien Street.
Opening Time
Bui Vien Walking Street opens from 07:00 PM to 12:00 AM on weekdays and from 07:00 PM to 02:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.
On Saturdays and Sundays, all vehicles are not permitted on Bui Vien Walking Street. Besides, there are many captivating performances which take place here on the weekends.
What To Expect When Visiting Bui Vien Walking Street
Vibrant Atmosphere
Bui Vien Walking Street is a must-visit destination for foreign tourists and the younger generation of Saigon when night falls. Upon arrival, Indian tourists will immediately sense the lively ambiance of the street, with chatter, laughter, and music filling the air from bars, pubs, and clubs.
There are countless exciting activities to experience here, from sampling local foods to enjoying beers with friends, witnessing dancing performances, and listening to Vietnamese and English songs sung by professional singers.
Weekends bring even more vibrancy to Bui Vien with street art performances and folk games. During festivals like Halloween, the street is filled with young people in creative costumes, adding to the festive vibe.
Craft Beer
Bui Vien Walking Street is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of Vietnamese craft beer, known for its unique and high-quality flavors. Each type of craft beer has the distinctive taste of local ingredients and innovative brewing techniques. Indian tourists can soak in the lively atmosphere and savor craft beer at Rooster Beers or Hop Craft Beer.
Street Cafes
If you just want to have non-alcoholic drinks and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Bui Vien, the coffee shops here are perfect for you. These cafes boast unique interior designs, ranging from classic to modern to street style. Their menus feature a variety of drinks, including fruit teas, milk teas, coffees, yogurts, and smoothies, priced between 30,000 VND ($1.2) and 100,000 VND ($4) per drink.
Here are some suggestions for coffee shops on Bui Vien Street:
- Santo Cafe Saigon: 1 Bui Vien Street; Open 24 hours daily
- Gemini Coffee: 40 Bui Vien Street; Open from 7 AM to 11 PM
- Kute Donuts: 203 Bui Vien Street; Open from 9 AM to 11 PM
Street Performances
On weekends, Bui Vien Street features captivating street performances that attract hundreds of tourists. Typical shows include Dragon Dance, Hat Tuong, circus acts, and Ao Dai performances, offering international visitors a deep insight into Vietnamese culture.
Street Food
Bui Vien offers a diverse selection of restaurants catering to all tastes, including local cuisine, Asian dishes, and Western fare. At the local food courts, you can enjoy hotpots, seafood, grilled meat, fried rice, beef pho, and more. The restaurants here can offer opening space on the sidewalks or a chill atmosphere on the rooftop.
For Indian visitors craving familiar flavors, several renowned Indian restaurants can be found on Bui Vien Street
- Baba’s Kitchen Indian Restaurant: 274 Bui Vien Street; Open from 11 AM to 10:30 PM
- Namaste India Restaurant: 189 Bui Vien Street; Open from 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM
- Taj Mahal Restaurant and Hotel: 31 Bui Vien Street; Open from 11 AM to 1:30 AM
Bars and Clubs
Bui Vien Walking Street is renowned for its diverse entertainment offerings, ranging from live music performances and DJ sets to karaoke bars. The bars on Bui Vien offer many kinds of alcoholic drinks, such as commercial beers, craft beers, and cocktails.
Many bars, pubs, and clubs with various spaces serve customers’ demands. Whether you prefer sidewalk seating with live dancers or indoor spaces with pulsating DJ music, there’s something for everyone.
Additionally, some bars in prime locations offer breathtaking panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City at night. For Indian tourists seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, live music bars are the perfect choice. Here, talented singers accompanied by international bands provide relaxing moments and unforgettable experiences.
Here are some recommendations for your visit:
- Miss Saigon Restaurant and Bar: 158 Bui Vien Street; Open from 4:20 PM to 4:20 AM
- Station Sport Bar: 135 Bui Vien Street; Open 24 hours daily
- Le’Fê Rooftop Bar: 198 Bui Vien Street; Open from 5 PM to 1 AM
Red Light District
Aside from its vibrant nightlife offerings, Bui Vien Street is also known as the “Red light district” of Ho Chi Minh City. Late at night, alluring women entice men with offers of various services. These may include hostess girls in bars, massage girls, and even freelance girls found in clubs or on the streets. It’s important to note that engaging in prostitution is illegal in Vietnam. Therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid participating in these activities.
Hotel Recommendations Nearby
In addition to happy times in bars and restaurants, Indian tourists can experience a comfortable stay at the hotels on Bui Vien Street. The hotels here offer necessary amenities and friendly customer services.
Here are some suggestions of hotels on Bui Vien walking street:
- Sai Gon Hotel: 40/13 Bui Vien Street
- The Rice Hotel: 40/9 Bui Vien Street
- Kim Hotel: 40/18 Bui Vien Street
Notes When Visiting Bui Vien Walking Street
- Large numbers of locals and international tourists flock to this street every night making it hard for police to ensure 100% security conditions.
- Be careful of pickpockets, prostitution, and other illicit activities.
- Go with an experienced local guide to have a safe experience and enjoyable moments.
Attractions Nearby
- Notre Dame Cathedral: One of the world’s 19 most majestic cathedrals, the sole representative of Southeast Asia.
- Independence Palace: The combination among unique architecture and marks the historical events of Vietnam’s reunification.
- Jade Emperor Pagoda: A renowned ancient pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City that gained international attention when it was visited by US President Obama in 2016.
- War Remnants Museum: A must-visit museum in Ho Chi Minh City, exhibiting war crimes and Vietnamese sufferings in the invasions of foreign forces.
- Ben Thanh Market: The most renowned market in Ho Chi Minh City. It has a distinctive French architectural style and offers various kinds of products.
- Saigon Central Post Office: Top splendid architecture, blending Asian and European influences seamlessly.
Bui Vien Walking Street is one of the most exciting destinations in Ho Chi Minh City at night. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the most dynamic city with our Vietnam tourism packages. Plan your trip to Ho Chi Minh now, and let us ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout your stay in Vietnam!
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