Bui Vien Walking Street: Saigon's Wild Backpacker Street & Nightlife Hub | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

Bùi Viện is located in the heart of the Phạm Ngũ Lão area, long known as the backpacker district of Ho Chi Minh City. The street was officially converted into a pedestrian-only zone on weekend evenings in 2017, modeled after similar entertainment areas like Bangkok’s Khao San Road. Since then, it has become a major magnet for both international tourists and young Vietnamese looking for fun, food, and nightlife.

• Pedestrian Zone: Vehicle-free from 7 PM to 2 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

• Live performances: Fire dancers, DJs, traditional music, and acrobatics on weekend nights

• Happy hour deals, beer buckets, and cocktails served from bars and curbside plastic stools

• Street food galore, from grilled seafood to bánh mì and spicy noodles

What to Do on Bùi Viện Street

Bar-Hopping and Clubbing

The street is lined with a wild mix of bars, rooftop lounges, and nightclubs. Expect cheap drinks, big crowds, and music blasting from every direction. Many bars offer 2-for-1 happy hour deals before 9 PM.

Late-Night Street Food

Bùi Viện is a street food haven. Food stalls operate well into the night, offering tasty meals for under 50,000 VND (~$2 USD).

Street Performances and Live Music

On weekends, the street becomes a stage. Fire shows, street magicians, break dancers, and even impromptu karaoke fill the air with entertainment. Many bars also feature live bands performing rock, reggae, and Vietnamese pop.

Spa & Massage Parlors

Need to unwind before (or after) the party? There are plenty of budget massage spas offering foot, back, and full-body massages starting at around 150,000 VND (~$6 USD). Some upscale options are also available in nearby alleys.

Safety and Travel Tips

• Police patrol the area regularly, especially on pedestrian nights, to ensure safety and control excessive behavior.

• Keep your belongings close as petty theft can occur in crowded areas.

• Taxis and Grab cars are available just outside the pedestrian zone. Avoid unmarked motorbike taxis.

• Bargaining is common at souvenir stalls, but not at restaurants or bars.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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