Find the best tings to do in Bui Vien backpackers street
Bui Vien is a walking street, a popular nightlife spot in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), attracts both backpackers tourists and young locals looking to socialize and enjoy the nightlife.
Nicknamed as “Western Street” (Pho Tay by locals) for its strong Western influence, it was once a bustling hub for backpackers seeking fun, new flavors, and a fresh experience in the city before transforming into a walking-friendly area.
Where is Bui Vien street?
Bui Vien Walking Street stretches 850 meters through the heart of District 1, known as a lively backpacker hub filled with restaurants, hotels, massage parlors, pubs, and bars. The area also features public Wi-Fi, restrooms, and information desks for visitors’ convenience.
Reaching the walking street is easy, whether by public bus, private vehicle, or taxi. Just a 10–15-minute walk from the famous Ben Thanh Market, it offers an easy access to Saigon’s nightlife.
Location: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Walking time: 7:00 pm – 2:00 am (Sat & Sun)
History of Bui Vien Street
Before 1975, the area was known as the International Intersection, referring to the five streets surrounding Nguyen Van Hao Cinema (now The Worker Cinema). The name gained popularity due to the presence of numerous printing shops and newsrooms.
While after the 1975, the area slowly transformed into a hotspot for western backpackers, initially, most visitors came from the U.S., UK, and France.
The influence of Western tourists played a key role in shaping Bui Vien’s lively atmosphere. Unlike these days, their higher spending and demand for accommodations, food, and services drew businesses to the area, fueling its rapid economic growth.
Bui Vien Street, also called Western Street, runs through De Tham, Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao, and Do Quang Dau Streets in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Once sparsely populated, the area grew busier around early 2000’s, attracting more businesses and transforming into one of the city’s most crowded streets. Also, the Lonelyplanet guide book introduce bui vien as a backpacker street in their 1993’s edition.
Is Bui Vien Walking Street Safe for visitors?
Bui Vien’s busy crowds, walking traffic and it’s dazzling nightlife raises concerns about traveler safety. While efforts have been made to improve security, the sheer crowd size makes it difficult to monitor all activities closely.
Despite being relatively low in crime, however, issues like pickpocketing, prostitution still occur. Visitors should stay alert and keep a close watch on their belongings.
What to Know about Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien Street, famous for its vibrant nightlife and high energy, has become Saigon’s second walking street. Every evening and on weekends, thousands of local and international visitors flood the area, making it a perfect place to soak in the backpacker side of the city.
Known as a backpacker hub, Bui Vien is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, pubs, and bars. From 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM on weekends, vehicles are prohibited within a 500-meter stretch from De Tham to Do Quang Dau, allowing for a lively walking experience. Visitors can enjoy Vietnamese nightlife scene, street performances, street foods, variety of drinks, and experience bui vien street massage.
Things to do in Bui Vien street
Though smaller than Nguyen Hue Street, Bui Vien backpacker street draws crowds of both locals and tourists. Check out some of the top things to do here:
Explore Bui Vien walking street
Bui Vien Walking Street buzzes with energy at night, drawing foreign tourists and young Vietnamese for a fun night in the heart of the city. This lively, multicultural center welcomes visitors from around the world.
Street art performances, live music—both traditional and modern disco clubs—and various activities keep the crowd entertained while fostering cultural exchange with international visitors.
The surrounding streets and alleys have transformed into a bustling backpacker hub, packed with restaurants, cafes, boutique hotels & backpacker hostels, bars, and massage places. Even if the lively party scene isn’t your thing, Bui Vien is still worth a visit. Grab a seat at a cafe or restaurant and soak in the unique energy of its nightlife at your own pace.
- You may also like: Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Bui Vien street coffee shops
Bui Vien and generally, coffee shops are a main things to do for any Vietnamese, the local cafes, making it a cultural crossroads to sit and chill, stop by any local cafe such as Trung Nguyen, or Phuc Long, or Con cafe and others. If you prefer more local scenes, check with cafes beyond the main street to discover the quiet charm of Hanoi coffee style. Each spot offers a nostalgic, vintage atmosphere, perfect for escaping the city’s nonstop energy. Relax with a cup of rich egg coffee or Bac Xiu (Vietnamese white coffee) and take in a moment of tranquility amid the lively surroundings.
Experience nightlife in bars & pubs
Bui Vien, known as a Western street among the locals, captures the essence of South-East Asian nightlife with its lively pubs and bars just like Khao San road in Bangkok. The street, lit up with dazzling lights, has earned the title of Saigon’s most luxurious “never-sleep” nightlife.
Eating in Bui Vien street
Bui Vien Street offers a wide range of restaurants and local eateries, from high-end to budget-friendly, offering a a great variety of cuisines. Street food stalls are especially popular, and for just USD 3-4, you can get a full local food. Other foods starts from 150.000 VND (USD 6), are dishes from, Indian, Italian, Chinese, and Western restaurants.
Much like Hanoi’s famous Ta Hien beer street, Bui Vien beer is a favorite among locals in Saigon and also among the backpacker for it’s incredible cheap price. I highly recommend gathering with friends and enjoying a few glasses of this cool beer – it’s a must-try experience for visitors to Saigon. While beer is the go-to drink for most, some opt for smoothies made with fruit, milk, ice cream, and yogurt.
Accommodation in Bui Vien Street
Most backpackers are using online platforms like Booking.com and Agoda. These sites allow you to read customer reviews, compare prices, and book rooms in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Accommodation options vary widely, making it easy to find one that suits your needs and budget. Hostels and guesthouses are especially popular among young western tourists, with rooms and dorms priced around US10 per night—ideal for budget travelers. Additionally, several luxurious hotels near Bui Vien Street offer top-notch services and excellent facilities, such as Bui Vien 84 Hotel, Beautiful Saigon Boutique, Lily Hostel, and The Hideout Hostel Saigon. Despite being in the heart of the city, accommodation in this area remains affordable, even for backpackers, so you don’t need to worry about spending too much.
Bui Vien Street Massage
Bui Vien Red Light District
However, engaging with strangers on the street can lead to unexpected situations after the initial encounter. There have been reports of women disappearing along with men’s belonging, phones, and other valuables. It’s advised to stay alert and protect your belongings while experiencing with red ligh district in Saigon.
