Bui Vien Street, Ho Chi Minh city: Address & Nightlife Activities
Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City is a popular nightlife destination for international travelers, especially young people looking for a place to unwind, meet friends, and escape from daily stresses. Known as the “sleepless street,” Bui Vien comes alive on weekends with vibrant street performances, a wide variety of eateries, and lively bars and pubs lining both sides of the road. Join us as we delve into the details of this bustling street, a favorite among many foreign visitors.
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Overview of Bui Vien Street, Ho Chi Minh City
Bui Vien Walking Street is a vibrant and popular entertainment destination in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, drawing in young locals and visitors from around the world. Spanning roughly 850 meters and intersecting with De Tham and Pham Ngu Lao streets, Bui Vien is famously known as a “sleepless street,” especially bustling in the evenings and on weekends.
Before 1975, this area was unofficially called the “International Crossroads,” a name that reflected the multicultural character of its five main streets: Bui Vien, De Tham, Pham Ngu Lao, Do Quang Dau, and Tran Hung Dao. Today, Bui Vien has been developed into a dedicated pedestrian street, attracting countless international visitors, particularly backpackers from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
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Though relatively narrow, Bui Vien Street is always packed with people of various cultures and backgrounds. On weekends, it is livelier than ever, featuring street performances, unique food stalls, and delicious dishes that create a lively atmosphere. Bars, pubs, and cafes line both sides of the street, lit by vibrant lights and filled with lively music, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors.
From 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday nights, a 500-meter stretch from De Tham to Do Quang Dau is closed to traffic, making way for entertainment and shopping activities. Tourists can enjoy the “four free” offerings here: public restrooms, Wi-Fi, tourist information support, and the locals’ friendly “free smiles.”
Bui Vien Street also stands out with various street performances, from sidewalks to the street itself, along with traditional games like rope jumping and “o an quan” that many foreign visitors enjoy. Most businesses on Bui Vien Street are in the service industry, including restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, karaoke spots, and hotels, along with essential services like pharmacies, health centers, and motorbike rentals. These establishments often remain open throughout the night, contributing to the street’s unique appeal.
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Bui Vien Walking Street is truly a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the vibrant, multicultural, and lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City.
How to Get to Bui Vien Street
Located in the center of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Bui Vien Walking Street is easily accessible by various means, including motorbike, bus, taxi, or ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Be, and Xanh SM.
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By Motorbike or Car:
If you choose to ride a motorbike, be sure to park at one of the nearby parking areas for convenient access to the street. Popular parking spots include the parking lot at the Museum of Fine Arts, 23/9 Park, Galaxy Nguyen Du, and the intersection of Do Quang Dau and Pham Ngu Lao streets. On weekend nights, Bui Vien can become very crowded, with certain sections closed to traffic, so parking at 23/9 Park and walking to the street is recommended. For those driving their own car, there’s also a reasonably priced parking lot available on Le Lai Street.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing App:
This is an ideal option if you’re traveling in a group or prefer not to worry about parking. You can opt for a traditional taxi or use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, and Xanh SM. These options offer the convenience of flexible pick-up and drop-off, allowing you to fully enjoy your visit.
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By Bus:
For budget-conscious travelers, taking a bus is an affordable way to get to Bui Vien. Several bus routes reach this area, including:
- Routes 152, 109, and 49, which stop near Bui Vien.
- Route 03, with a stop at De Tham Street.
- Route 13, stopping at the Saigon Bus Station (a 5-minute walk to Bui Vien).
- Route 139, with a stop at Tran Hung Dao Theater.
- Other routes like 28, 45, 56, and 93 also pass near this area.
These options provide flexibility and ease, making it simple to enjoy everything Bui Vien Street has to offer.
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Things to Do in Bui Vien Walking Street
Enjoy Street Performances
A visit to Bui Vien Walking Street wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its vibrant street performances, especially during weekend nights and major holidays. These lively shows are a unique highlight of this bustling street, offering unforgettable cultural experiences for visitors. The performances are diverse and colorful, ranging from lively music and traditional lion dances to magic acts and engaging folk games. Together, these create an energetic atmosphere that draws large crowds.
Some notable acts include the street band Buc Tuong, performing energetic rock songs, the impressive lion and dragon dance by the Phuoc Long Lion Dance Troupe, and the thrilling magic shows by magician Minh Hieu.
Drink Beer and Enjoy Music at Bars and Pubs
In such a lively setting, it’s no surprise that beer is one of the most popular drinks on Bui Vien. You have two options: relax inside a bar or club with live music, or sit at one of the outdoor tables on the sidewalk to chat with friends.
Each bar and pub here has its own unique design and charm to attract visitors, with drinks that are creatively crafted and visually appealing. DJs perform live every night, creating an upbeat atmosphere. Well-known bars include The View Rooftop Bar, Ocean Bar & Lounge, Champion Sports Bar, Corner Sky Bar, Hair of the Dog, Donkey Bar, and Lost In Saigon Bar.
Explore the Cuisine
Bui Vien Walking Street is packed with restaurants and eateries, from casual street food stalls to upscale dining, featuring a wide range of international dishes. You can also enjoy seafood, BBQ, smoothies, or sample street food at affordable prices. Ba Sau Grilled Village and Co Le Grill are two famous and crowded BBQ spots on this street.
For those who enjoy street snacks, try dishes like mixed rice paper, sautéed corn, grilled eggs, tofu with boba pearls, smoothies, and lemon tea from small vendors and street carts along the street. Prices for these snacks range from 20,000 to 40,000 VND.
With so many options, Bui Vien Street offers something for everyone’s taste. Take some time to explore the side streets and alleys to find a meal that suits you.
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Accommodation Services
Aside from its restaurants, bars, and cafes, Bui Vien Walking Street also has a variety of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to suit different budgets. If you prefer a quieter environment, you can choose accommodations on nearby streets. However, if you want to be in the heart of the action, surrounded by restaurants, massage spas, and street performances, staying on Bui Vien Street is very convenient. Some popular budget-friendly options include Spring House Hotel, Sogo Hotel, Bui Vien Hostel, Saigon Backpackers Hostel, and Beautiful Saigon Boutique Hostel.
Bui Vien Street truly has it all, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the lively nightlife, local flavors, and unique energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
Address and Opening Hours of Bui Vien Walking Street
Address: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
You can visit Bui Vien Street at any time during the week, although there are specific hours during which traffic is restricted to make it a pedestrian-only street. Bui Vien Walking Street operates as a pedestrian zone from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) to accommodate entertainment, dining, and street performances. On other days, the street remains open but allows regular traffic flow.
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Tips for Visiting Bui Vien Walking Street
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to Bui Vien Street:
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore Bui Vien is on weekend evenings when the street is lit up and bustling with visitors from around the world. Weekends offer an array of street performances, delicious food options, and unique entertainment spots.
- Transportation: With such a vibrant atmosphere, it’s hard to resist having a few beers. To fully enjoy the music and nightlife without worry, avoid driving and instead take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the street.
- Safety: Bui Vien gets very crowded on weekends, so be mindful of your money and personal belongings to avoid pickpockets. However, rest assured that security is well-maintained in the area.
- Service and Prices: When using services, check the menu and prices beforehand to avoid any surprises with higher charges.
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Bui Vien Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique experience with its lively, multicultural atmosphere and array of exciting activities. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in street performances, savor diverse cuisine, and relax in bustling bars and pubs. With its central location and engaging services, Bui Vien is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the dynamic culture and rhythm of Saigon.
If you’re planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to visit Bui Vien Street on a weekend to enjoy everything it has to offer. Don’t hesitate to reach out to SVietnam Travel for expert advice and special offers when booking early tours.
