Bui Vien Street, often referred to as the ‘Western Street’ (Pho Tay), stands out for its Western culture-influenced characteristics. It’s a bustling hub that attracts backpackers seeking adventure, local delicacies, and new experiences while exploring Saigon
Bui Vien Walking Street spans a length of 1,400 meters and sits at the very heart of District 1. This vibrant district is a favorite among backpackers, boasting an array of restaurants, cafés, hotels, pubs, and bars. It’s been thoughtfully equipped with public Wi-Fi, restroom facilities, and information desks to enhance the visitor experience.
Comprising three primary streets—Bui Vien, De Tham, and Pham Ngu Lao—locals affectionately refer to this area as the ‘Backpacker District.’ It derives this name from the multitude of backpackers who converge on Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets. Some travelers even draw parallels between Bui Vien Street and Khao San Road in Bangkok, occasionally dubbing it ‘Khao San Saigon.’ It’s no exaggeration to say that this walking street has established itself as a hotspot for tourists hailing from Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. With all these elements in play, Bui Vien Street unmistakably ranks as a thriving tourist destination.
It was hard to imagine Bui Vien street Vietnam as such a busy and bustling area as we see today, even for its residents. Before 1975, journalists and artists referred to this area as the International Intersection, referring to the five streets surrounding the Nguyen Van Hao cinema (now called Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theater). The name was popular among journalists and writers because the area used to be densely packed with printing shops and newsrooms.
After 1975, the quarter became a tourist attraction, especially for backpackers, explaining its alternate name: the Western Street. At the time, most visitors to Bui Vien Street Ho Chi Minh came from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. In 2009, the area became more crowded, attracting an increasing number of traders who came to do business.
On 15th July 2017, the street opened to pedestrians. On 20th August 2017, Bui Vien Street was officially designated as a walking street in Saigon. It is the second walking street in Ho Chi Minh City, following Nguyen Hue street. It is one of the most crowded streets in Ho Chi Minh City.
Bui Vien Street, though shorter and narrower than Nguyen Hue Street, remains a magnet for both locals and visitors. Here, you’ll discover a range of engaging activities:
Explore Bui Vien Walking Street: Bui Vien Walking Street comes alive in the evening, drawing foreign travelers and young Saigonese alike. It transforms into a bustling multicultural hub, welcoming tourists from across the globe. Street art performances, traditional and contemporary music shows, and various other activities cater to a diverse audience, fostering cultural exchange and interactions with international friends.
Today, the streets and alleys surrounding Bui Vien have evolved into a vibrant backpacker district, offering an array of restaurants, cafes, hotels, hostels, bars, and pubs. Even if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, Bui Vien’s nightlife can be enjoyed in the peaceful ambiance of a restaurant or cafe.
Experience the Dynamic Nightlife in Bars & Pubs: Bui Vien, renowned as a Western-style street, also embraces the vibrant nightlife culture typical of the Western world. Its nights are illuminated with a dazzling array of unique and exciting pubs and bars, earning it the reputation of Saigon’s ‘never-sleep’ street.
DJs in these establishments work tirelessly to craft remixes of traditional Vietnamese EDM music. Despite the crowds, bars along Bui Vien Street are committed to delivering top-notch service. Some prime-location bars even offer panoramic city views at night. Expert bartenders concoct a diverse range of beverages, including creative mixes to ensure customers always have something fresh to savor. Additionally, some bars feature exciting games like billiards and darts.
Enjoy the Vibrant Nightlife on Bui Vien Street: As the night progresses, Bui Vien Street comes alive with an influx of tourists. The streets become a bustling thoroughfare, filled with wandering visitors, the tantalizing aromas and plumes of smoke from street food vendors, animated conversations, and vibrant music. It has rightfully earned its place as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s premier nightlife destinations.
The street hosts lively and colorful parties, offering a plethora of exciting experiences to explore and savor. It’s a must-visit destination to witness and partake in the enchanting evenings that unfold on Bui Vien Street.
