Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ho Chi Minh City: Things to Know
While Hanoi is famous for its iconic walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh City boasts an equally vibrant destination: Nguyen Hue Walking Street. During the day, it may appear like any ordinary street, but by night—especially on weekends—it transforms into a lively hub buzzing with activity. Visitors flock here to enjoy the electric atmosphere and take advantage of the many entertainment options on offer.
Join SVietnam Travel as we explore this vibrant street, which spans less than a kilometer yet is brimming with exciting attractions and experiences waiting to be discovered.
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Overview of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is located in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Spanning a total length of 670 meters and a width of 64 meters, this open and spacious street connects Ton Duc Thang Street with Le Thanh Ton Street. Officially inaugurated on April 29, 2015, the walking street features Nguyen Hue Square at its center, a venue that regularly hosts major city events. Additionally, the street is flanked by two lanes for vehicular traffic.
The entire square is beautifully paved with granite tiles, while rows of green trees along the sides create a pleasant atmosphere. Two grand fountains grace the area, and beneath the square lies a control center for water displays, lighting, surveillance cameras, and public restrooms.
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Visitors to Nguyen Hue Walking Street can rent public bicycles to explore nearby attractions and dining spots. The rental fees are 5,000 VND for 30 minutes and 10,000 VND for 60 minutes. On weekends, this activity becomes quite popular, and bicycles may occasionally run out.
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How to Get to Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Being centrally located, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is easily accessible. You can reach it using personal vehicles like motorbikes or cars, or opt for taxis and buses. Bus routes with stops near the street include numbers 3, 4, 124, 152, 19, and 93. If you’re unsure of the way, Google Maps can provide detailed directions to Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Activities at Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Strolling and Photography
Taking a stroll and capturing photos is perhaps the most popular activity here. You can easily find picturesque spots along this modern and organized street. The fountains, shopping centers, and unique cafes and restaurants create the perfect backdrop for stunning photos.
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Exploring 42 Nguyen Hue Apartment Building
This 9-story building, originally an old apartment complex, has been refurbished and transformed into a hub for businesses, including cafes, restaurants, and fashion boutiques. Visitors can choose to use the stairs or the elevator, which costs 10,000 VND per trip. Each floor features different establishments with unique and eye-catching decorations. Some cafes also attract visitors with balconies offering direct views of Nguyen Hue Walking Street below.
Discovering Ho Chi Minh City on a Double-Decker Bus
- Ticket location: 92-96 Nguyen Hue, opposite the Opera House.
From Nguyen Hue Walking Street, you can enjoy a city tour on a double-decker bus, available daily from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM. The 13-kilometer journey takes you through District 1 and District 3, covering 30 iconic attractions. Each trip lasts about 60 minutes, with 22 trips operating daily. The buses are equipped with multilingual audio guides providing information about the sights, along with maps, free Wi-Fi, and live guides.
Enjoying Nighttime Street Performances
On weekend evenings, you can easily spot groups of street artists performing along Nguyen Hue Walking Street. These could be local music groups playing lively folk tunes or young bands delivering energetic pop and rock performances. The music fills the air, creating a vibrant and friendly atmosphere as artists and audiences interact. Compared to large-scale music events, street performances offer a more intimate and authentic experience for both performers and spectators.
Attending Events During Festivals and Holidays
- Light Festival: Held annually, this festival features stunning LED decorations and light shows, adding a romantic and colorful charm to the walking street.
- New Year Countdown: The lively countdown event to welcome the new year is a highly anticipated celebration on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, drawing large crowds with its exciting atmosphere.
- Art Exhibitions: Regular art exhibitions showcase works by contemporary Vietnamese and international artists, attracting art enthusiasts and adding cultural depth to the walking street.
Experiencing the Cuisine of Nguyen Hue Walking Street
In addition to renowned high-end restaurants, Nguyen Hue Walking Street offers a wide variety of enticing street food options. Savoring iconic street snacks is a must when visiting Ho Chi Minh City, and the walking street is no exception. Indulge in a colorful array of delicacies such as banh trang tron (rice paper salad), banh trang nuong (Vietnamese pizza), bingsu (shaved ice dessert), peach tea, bubble tea, and many other popular snacks. These vibrant culinary offerings promise to satisfy your cravings and enrich your visit.
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Address and Operating Hours of Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is open all day. From Monday to Friday, vehicles are allowed to pass through the area. However, on Saturdays and Sundays, the street becomes pedestrian-only from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, providing a dedicated space for walkers.
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Tips for Visiting Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Follow these tips to ensure the best experience during your visit:
- Parking Tips: If you need to park your motorbike or car, make sure to ask about the parking fee and the time you need to retrieve your vehicle to avoid overcharges.
- Stay Alert: The walking street can get crowded, and pickpockets may be present. Keep a close watch on your belongings.
- Capture Memories: Bring a fully charged phone or camera to take plenty of photos.
- Check Prices: Always confirm the price before using any services or purchasing items.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Opt for sneakers or strap-on sandals to make walking more comfortable.
Why Visit Nguyen Hue Walking Street?
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a perfect destination for all visitors. Here, you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, capture stunning photos as keepsakes, savor delicious food and drinks, and enjoy a variety of fascinating art performances. With everything it offers, along with Bui Vien Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is undoubtedly a must-visit spot when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City is also included in most of our tour packages. Please contact SVietnam Travel’s team to plan your Vietnam trip, receive expert advice, and take advantage of early booking discounts.
