Bui Vien street – A place to go in Ho Chi Minh City

General information about Bui Vien street

What truly makes Bui Vien street a tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh city? A full of nightlife paradise, a hub for backpackers and party-going tourists, a youth atmosphere, Western features, and diverse street food define what Bui Vien street is, the most well-known street in this lively city! However, every coin has two sides! Some see this street as a paradise of exhilarating entertainment activities, while others can feel annoyed and disdainful. So, which side of the fence do you find yourself on? Let’s go with us to see more about Bui Vien street before making your own decision!

A little history of Bui Vien street

In the first half of the 19th century, Bui Vien street was only a usual trail where people lived in Tan Hoa village. In 1955, the street was called “Bui Vien” becoming the official name until now and familiar to citizens and foreign tourists. The word “Bui Vien” was named after a Vietnamese officer who was dispatched to America to establish diplomatic relations.

Before the nineties, there was nothing special about this Western street, and both sides of this street were poor with substandard housing crowded. However, thanks to the first shift “Renovation in 1986”, this street evolved more famous and welcomed the first foreign tourists. To meet the changes, restaurants, hotels, etc., grew along the street and quickly became a bustling place.

In 2017, Ho Chi Minh city government decided to change the meat of Bui Vien street. This transformation was a milestone that brought Bui Vien street to a whole new level within 20 years and turned it into a multicultural area full of noise and endless parties!

Location

This very tourist street of Ho Chi Minh City is an area comprising De Tham street, Bui Vien street, Pham Ngu Lao street, and Do Quang Dau street in District 1.

How to get there & Time

Way to go: Because of the location in the city’s heart center, it is easy to reach this bustling street on foot or by other transport depending on your stay place. A taxi, a bus, or driving a bike is all ideal choice for tourists.

Time:

• Best at night: The street gets busy early in the evening, from around 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM or even later.
• Year-round

All about Bui Vien street

Bui Vien walking street

When the night falls, it’s time for Bui Vien street to shine with colorful lights and vivid lines of people. That makes this street a crowded street with multi-tone skin, hair colors, and multi-ethnic from tourists all over the world.

Coming to this street, tourists can enjoy diverse forms of night entertainment activities. There are performances by street artists, traditional or contemporary music shows, and other exhilarating activities to satisfy public mental needs. Moreover, the street also facilitates interactions with non-Vietnamese friends and world cultural integration.

However, the secrets that make Bui Vien fascinating don’t stop there. We would say that no other street in Vietnam is seen with such polarization as this one, where noise and tranquility are encountered. If you don’t belong to the craziness and loudness of hedonistic parties, a restaurant surrounding this street with an ideal terrace on high separates you but still feel this street’s atmosphere. Simpler, sitting in a coffee shop is also a choice for quietly enjoying Bui Vien’s nightlife.

Is Bui Vien street safe for tourists?

Actually, the absolute safety of tourists has still been questioned. It is unfortunate to say that Bui Vien street is not always safe because it’s extremely crowded. The fact that such a large number of people makes it hard for authorities or police to closely control activities happening there. This Western street may look energetic attraction but its hidden prostitution, pickpockets, drug dealers, and other illicit activities. However, it is not likely that you will be victimized by illegal activities if be careful and keep far away from something fishy.

Coffee shops

Bui Vien street is usually attached to a fast-paced lifestyle, endless noise, and hedonistic stimuli. Amid of loudness seemingly non-stop, however, there are surrounding different coffee shops from branded chains or simply sidewalk cafes nestling in empty and tumultuous alleys, waiting for tourists. If one is looking for a secluded place to enjoy solitude, quietly watch and listen to people or solely reflect on pasts, this street can afford these opportunities.

Recommend places:

- Cong Cafe: 127-129 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

- Goc Ha Noi: 165/3 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Massage

After a long tiring journey to Vietnam, massage is a good choice for easing pain in the body, muscles, joints, and mind as well. It would say that there’s nothing Bui Vien cannot offer to amuse tourists! Here, tourists can easily find massage spas or salons to relax and wash the dust away. Imagine that all your body is tired and there’s no desire to go anywhere, but just by some massage actions, you are comfortable with a vitality mind.

Tourists can choose several types of massage like a foot massage, back massage, full-body massage, and so on. Moreover, wifi is free and available for all tourists to kill time or entertainment while massaging or waiting for their turn. So, stopping by a massage parlor is worth trying, isn’t it?

Tips:

- Check prices in advance

- It would be better if choose a full-body massage with oil

Eating in Bui Vien street

A good restaurant you can consider is Sen Dai Viet restaurant. With a wide range of authentic Vietnamese food, this place is a nice place for you to enjoy and view Bui Vien Street from the restaurant’s window.

*How to get there:

• Address: 226 - 228 Bui Vien street, Pham Ngu Lao ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city.
• Opening hours: 24/7
• Hotline: +84 902 344 455

Another factor why Bui Vien street is famous among locals and tourists alike is the various rich cuisines from Vietnam and other countries. Here, tourists can easily find restaurants and eateries from high-end to low-end types.

Street food stalls are popular, and some vendors expand their stalls into sit-down restaurants offering tables and seats. The dishes here are mouth-watering, flavourful, and with a delicious smell that no one can ignore at every opportunity to try.

Recommended food:

- Grilled food and BBQ from chicken, pork, beef, and seafood. The combination of a hot meat slice served with a tasty dipping sauce, airy space, and small tables and seats bring a familiar and intimate feeling.

- Boiled snail is a must-try food when tourists are in Vietnam. The best eateries are at the end of Bui Vien street, offering a variety of delicious boiled snails, crabs, and clams. Don’t forget to taste it with the magic sauce - the soul of all types of seafood!

The ubiquitous in Bui Vien street is a specialty “cold beer” that is always the first choice of the young in Saigon. What would it feel like when gathering with friends, catching something up, and enjoying the music while drinking some bottles of cold beers on Bui Vien street? It has to be unforgettable and literally chill!

If one opts for some healthy drinks or sweets, smoothies - a combination of thick fresh fruit pieces on the top with a smooth texture, ice creams, juices, or yogurt are already there to serve them.

With numerous such choices of food, Bui Vien street can satisfy and cater to any picky and fastidious tourists eating!

Bars & Clubs

As the name “Western street”, this street has typical Western characteristics - a vibrant night out - with a series of unique and exciting pubs and bars. Its appearance also follows the Western-style decoration with shimmering lights. To welcome people from all over the world, billboards and menus of bars and clubs are in the English version.

And it would be deficient if don’t mention to the bar’s DJ team, who is always on fire to turn Vietnamese EDM music or Vinahouse into the best-remixed version for their customers.

Some bars here have a panoramic view of the city at night. Tourists can taste a glass of fresh beverage directly made by professional bartenders or try some new mixed flavors. Other bars also offer some thrilling games such as billiards or darts.

10 closest hotels to Bui Vien street

1. C Central Hotel

• 216 De Tham | Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

1. Elios Hotel

• 233 Pham Ngu Lao St. | Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City

1. Duc Vuong Hotel

• 195 Bui Vien St, Pham Ngu Lao ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City

1. Prague Hotel

• 175/10-12 Pham Ngu Lao | Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City

1. Liberty Hotel Saigon Parkview

• 265 Pham Ngu Lao | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

1. Liberty Hotel Saigon Greenview

• 187 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1 | Across from Taka Plaza & Asiana Food Town, Ho Chi Minh City

1. Kim Hotel

• 18 40, Bui Vien Street | Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

1. New World Saigon Hotel

• 76 Le Lai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

1. Vien Dong Hotel

• 275A Pham Ngu Lao | Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

1. Pullman Saigon Centre

• 148 Tran Hung Dao | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Tips for a nice trip to Bui Vien street!

For a nice trip:

Don’t miss out on the open-air art shows on Bui Vien Street for cultural exchanges among people from other countries!

Travel agencies in Bui Vien Street - A trustworthy choice for those wanting to travel more!

For staying safe in Bui Vien nightlife:

1. Don’t let your personal belongings be targeted by bad. Never leave your wallet or other valuable items unattended!
2. Can’t trust leaving your valuables at the hotel, a belt bag is the right choice to keep your property and cash safe.
3. You should wear your backpack in front of you to protect yourself from thieves or pickpockets. Remember to keep everything within your sight like where your valuables are stowed.
4. Make sure everything is secure and carefully checked if taking a seat on a cyclo, a Xe om (Vietnam motorcycle ride), or a taxi.
5. Be careful with people who are friendly, especially hugs from children. Keep in mind that Vietnamese people welcome foreign tourists with nice smiles and warm-heartedness but never overreact!
6. In case you might want to high up with your friends in this such joyful place. Drug dealers are always there to amuse you with whatever you’re looking for. Remember to check which drugs are legal before buying anything on Bui Vien street!
7. Are there some people being aggressive? You’d better get out of there because everything escalates very quickly. If you are in a bar or club, ask for help from the staff, and they will cover your back if things get wild.
8. This street is also known as a “RED LIGHT DISTRICT”. Be careful with prostitution because it’s kind of common here. You are more than likely to be set up in a sting. So, just leave a rest safe in your hotel or a secure location after partying hard.
9. Do not walk alone in deserted alleys. Pickpockets and scammers are always waiting to prey. We cannot say what will happen, that’s why you need to be aware and careful. Especially the colorful signs in small alleys because it would definitely lure you in!
10. Last but not least, watch your drinking, especially in a bar or club! Bad individuals are just preying on naive tourists who are inebriated. Don’t let a moment of dropping your guard end up being a lifetime of regret.