Bui Vien Walking Street
The city's electric nightlife pulse.
4.3 ⭐ (22K)
Introduction
Bui Vien Walking Street (Phố đi bộ Bùi Viện) is a street and nightlife district located in Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. As the core of the city's long-standing backpacker area, it transforms from a regular downtown street by day into a major entertainment hub by night. It is known for its high concentration of bars, clubs, street food, and a loud, energetic atmosphere that attracts both locals and international travelers.
The Main Strip: Sensory Overload
The main stretch of Bui Vien is an intense mix of sights and sounds. This is where you'll find the largest clubs and bars, each competing with their own loud music, neon lights, and street-side seating. The main activity here is grabbing a seat at a bar, ordering a drink, and watching the endless parade of people and street performers, including fire dancers and magicians.
The Side Alleys
Branching off the main street are numerous small alleys, known locally as "hẻm". Exploring these offers a slight reprieve from the chaos of the main strip. Here, you can find smaller, often cheaper bars, local eateries with more authentic Vietnamese food, and a slightly more relaxed environment for a conversation away from the loudest speakers.
Street Food & Drink Culture
The experience is incomplete without sampling the food and drink offered by street vendors. You can find everything from grilled seafood and meats on skewers to bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese pizza) and fresh fruit smoothies. A quintessential activity is sitting on the small plastic stools that spill out onto the pavement to enjoy inexpensive local beer while soaking in the surroundings.
Getting there
From Ben Thanh Market in District 1 (approx. 1.5 km):
🚗 Taxi: 5-10 mins | 30,000 - 50,000 VND ~ $1.20 - $2 USD
🚘 Ride-Hailing App (Grab/Xanh SM): 5-10 mins | 25,000 - 45,000 VND ~ $1 - $1.80 USD
🚌 Public Bus: 10-15 mins | 5,000 - 7,000 VND ~ $0.20 - $0.28 USD. Key routes: 03, 04, 152, 19.
🛵 Motorbike: 5 mins
🚶 Walking: 15-20 mins
⚠️ Walking is a great option as it's a short distance and allows you to see more of the area. Be aware that traffic in District 1 can be heavy, especially during evening peak hours. At night, it's best to be dropped off at the edge of the walking street as vehicles are not permitted.
Hours & Admission
🕗 Opening hours:
- The street itself is open 24/7.
- Bars and restaurants operate daily, typically from late afternoon until late (2 AM or later).
- The official "Walking Street" hours, when the road is closed to traffic, are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
🎫 Ticket prices:
- There is no entrance fee to access the street. All costs are for food, drinks, and entertainment you choose to purchase.
🚶 Best time to visit:
- For the full, high-energy experience, visit between 9 PM and midnight on a Friday or Saturday. The street is closed to traffic, the crowds are at their peak, and all venues are in full swing. For a much calmer experience focused on food, visit in the early evening around 6 PM - 7 PM.
⌚ Recommended duration:
- Allow for 2 to 3 hours to walk the length of the street, have a drink or two, and sample some street food. Those planning a longer night out at a specific club may stay longer.
Tips from locals
Local tips
👟 Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. The street is crowded and can be littered with debris, so protecting your feet is a practical measure for navigating the dense crowds safely and comfortably.
💰 Carry small denomination cash (VND). While some larger bars accept cards, the majority of street food vendors, small drink stalls, and convenience stores operate on a cash-only basis. Having small bills makes transactions quicker and avoids issues with vendors not having enough change.
🗺️ Venture into the small side alleys off the main street. These "hẻm" often host smaller, less chaotic bars and local eateries with more reasonable prices and a different atmosphere, giving you a break from the sensory overload of the main strip.
💡 Before sitting down at a streetside bar, discreetly check the prices on a menu. Prices can vary widely from one place to the next, even for the same local beer. A quick check can prevent you from unknowingly choosing one of the more expensive spots.
Be aware
👜 Keep your valuables secure and out of sight. The dense crowds make it a prime location for pickpockets and phone snatchers. Avoid carrying bags that don't zip and never leave your phone sitting on an outdoor table.
🧾 Always double-check your bill at bars and restaurants before paying. While most establishments are honest, instances of overcharging or "mistakenly" added items can occur. It's wise to keep a mental tally of what you've ordered.
🔊 Be prepared for extreme noise levels. The sound from competing bars creates a wall of music that makes conversation difficult. If you are sensitive to loud noise or looking for a place to chat, this is not the ideal location.
FAQs
Is Bui Vien Walking Street open every night?
The bars and restaurants on the street are open every night, but it only officially becomes a vehicle-free "walking street" on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
What are the official hours for the walking street?
The road is closed to traffic from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Is it safe to visit Bui Vien at night?
It is generally safe, but due to the large crowds, you must be very vigilant about your belongings to avoid petty theft like pickpocketing.
How much does a beer cost on Bui Vien?
Prices vary. A local bottled beer like a Saigon or 333 might cost 20,000 - 40,000 VND (~$0.80 - $1.60 USD), while imported beers and cocktails at clubs will be significantly more.
Is Bui Vien family-friendly?
No, it is not recommended for young children, especially in the evening, due to the extreme noise, huge crowds, and adult-oriented party atmosphere.
What is the best time to go to Bui Vien?
For the peak party scene, the best time is between 9 PM and midnight on a weekend.
What kind of food can I find there?
You'll find a wide mix of Vietnamese street food (like grilled seafood, BBQ skewers, Vietnamese pizza) alongside Western options like pizza, burgers, and kebabs.
Do I need cash on Bui Vien?
Yes, cash is highly recommended. Many street vendors and smaller bars do not accept credit cards.
Can you walk to Bui Vien from Ben Thanh Market?
Yes, it is a straightforward walk of about 15-20 minutes (around 1.5 km).
What is the difference between Bui Vien and Nguyen Hue Walking Street?
Bui Vien is a loud, chaotic nightlife street focused on bars and partying. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a wide, modern, family-friendly promenade with fountains and light shows, better for a relaxed evening stroll.
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