Bui Vien Street is known as the “Western Street” (Pho Tay) because of its Western culture-oriented features. This street is always crowded with backpackers who come here to have fun, try local cuisines, and explore new places during their trip to Saigon. Bui Vien street, which comprises three main streets: Bui Vien, De Tham, and Pham Ngu Lao, is known as the “Backpacker District” by locals, which refers to the large number of backpackers who visit this area of Ho Chi Minh City. The backpackers often compare Bui Vien Street to Khao San (Bangkok’s tourist street) and sometimes call it Khao San Saigon. It is not an exaggeration to say that this walking street has long been a hot spot for tourists from Asia, Europe, Africa, and so on. The factors mentioned above make a tourist area – Bui Vien Street.
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A brief of Bui Vien street history
It was hard to imagine Bui Vien Street Vietnam as such a busy 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: 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.
Exciting tourist activities on Bui Vien Street Saigon
Despite being shorter and narrower than Nguyen Hue Street, Bui Vien Street attracts many visitors and locals. Here are some of the best activities in Bui Vien:
Explore Bui Vien walking street
Bui Vien Walking Street is a popular nighttime destination for foreign visitors and young Saigonese people, making it a crowded multicultural street with tourists from all over the world.
There will be street art performances, traditional and contemporary music shows, and other activities to meet the needs of the public while also facilitating interactions with non-Vietnamese friends and cultural integration.
Today, the streets and alleys surrounding Bui Vien have become a backpacker district, with restaurants, cafes, hotels, hostels, bars, and pubs. Even if you dislike the craziness and loudness of parties, visiting Bui Vien walking street is still recommended because you can go to a restaurant or cafe to quietly enjoy Bui Vien’s nightlife.
Chill at Bui Vien Street coffee shops
As a cultural intersection, Bui Vien is home to both branded coffee chains and local specialty coffee boutiques. If you are looking for convenience, you can’t go wrong with Starbucks, Bobby Brown, Trung Nguyen, or Phuc Long.
On the other hand, if Saigon’s hidden gems attract you, go off the beaten path to the tranquil midst of Hanoi Corner, Nha Co 3 Lau, and Ut Lanh Cafe. Each location exudes a distinct vintage, nostalgia, and serenity vibe. Still, you can completely escape the hustle and bustle of the never-ending crowd by sipping a fine egg coffee or Bac Xiu (Vietnamese white coffee).
Experience the dynamic nightlife in bars & pubs
Bui Vien, which has made a name for itself as a Western street, also has a typical characteristic of the Western world – the vibrant nights out – with a variety of unique and exciting pubs and bars. This street is also known as Saigon’s most luxurious “never-sleep” street due to its sparkling lights. The DJs at the bars are always working hard to create the best remixes of typical Vietnamese EDM music. Although often crowded, the bars on Bui Vien Street strive to provide high-quality services.
Some prime-location bars also provide a panoramic, breathtaking view of the city at night. Beverages made by professional bartenders vary, and some are mixed to create new flavors to ensure that customers can always try something fresh. There are also bars where you can play exciting games like billiards and darts.
Enjoy Bui Vien Street at night
The later the night, the more crowded Bui Vien Street becomes, where most of those present are tourists. The streets are completely packed with walking tourists, the flavors and smoke from street food vendors, the sound of chatting, loud music,… making it one of the best nightlife destinations in Ho Chi Minh City.
There are many lively and colorful parties with many exciting things for you to see and try. You should come here to see and experience the most charming time of the day in Bui Vien.
Things to note before visiting Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien Street is always crowded with people, so keep your belongings, such as cell phones, cash, and wallets safe. There have been a few thefts on this walking street.
- At Bui Vien, with alcohol in the air, situations might get tense quickly. If provoked, just ignore it proceed with the crowd, and continue on your journey.
- Most of the locals sit on one side of the street and the expats sit on the other side. You can make more friends if you join them!
- There are two parking lots, one near Do Quang Dau and Pham Ngu Lao Streets and one at the intersection of Nguyen Thai Hoc and Tran Hung Dao Streets. You can also park at the 23-9 lot at Sen Hong Theater on Le Lai Street. The
- parking fee ranges between 15,000 and 20,000 VND.
- If you enjoy singing or watching performances, come to the two small stages on Bui Vien Street, where cultural art is exchanged.
Bui Vien Street’s hustle and bustle and its diversity create its own street culture. It would be a waste to come to Saigon without visiting Bui Vien. This place’s interesting vibe will help you forget about your worries and stress from daily activities.
