January
26.9°C ~ 80°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Bui Vien Walking Street
Saigon’s backpacker street, packed with bars, street food and live music from evening until late at night.
- Location
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Time needed
- From 1 hour
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Dec – Apr
Overview
Bui Vien is the main backpacker area of Ho Chi Minh City and the city’s best-known nightlife street. From late afternoon, bars and restaurants spill into the road, and the street turns into a loud and colourful party.
It is not for everyone, but it is a lively place to eat cheaply, meet other travellers and see a very different side of the city. Daytime visits are quiet and mostly about tour agencies and cafes.
Highlights
- Try street food and a cold beer at the plastic stools
- Listen to live music and DJs along the street
- Meet other travellers in the hostels and bars
- Compare tours at the many local travel agencies
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Open all day; walking street from about 19:00 until late |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 1 – 2 hours |
| Best time of day | Evening to night |
| Good for | Solo travellers, backpackers, night owls |
| Accessibility | Flat, but very crowded at night |
| Facilities | Bars, restaurants, cafes, ATMs, travel agencies |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City by month.
February
27.6°C ~ 82°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
28.6°C ~ 83°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
29.3°C ~ 85°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
28.8°C ~ 84°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
27.7°C ~ 82°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.9°C ~ 80°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
26.7°C ~ 80°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
26.8°C ~ 80°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
26.5°C ~ 80°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Ho Chi Minh City centre
Bui Vien is in the Pham Ngu Lao area of District 1, about 15 minutes’ walk from Ben Thanh Market and 10 minutes by Grab from most central hotels.
- Bui Vien Walking Street
Tips before you go
- Keep valuables and phones in zipped bags
- Agree prices for food and drinks before ordering
- Avoid buying from street vendors who push you hard
- Come early in the evening if you want a quieter visit
Location
Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
More attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs
Is Bui Vien safe at night?
It is generally safe but crowded, and petty theft such as phone snatching happens. Keep your belongings secure and watch your drinks.
What time does it get busy?
From about 19:00 the street fills up, and the busiest time is between 21:00 and midnight.
Is it good for families?
Early evening is fine, but the street becomes loud and crowded later, so many families prefer Nguyen Hue instead.