Bui Vien is sometimes called walking street. It is the entertainment center, the backpacker area and at least in parts, a red-light district. Prostitution is a part of the scene with many happy-ending massage parlors and lounges with bar girls. Though safe as far as violent crimes go (there is a police branch on Bui Vien), your camera, phone, etc. should be protected.
The street’s evolution began during the late 1990s when budget travelers discovered its affordable accommodations. Local families began converting their traditional tube houses into guesthouses and hostels, gradually establishing the area’s reputation as a backpacker haven.
The street’s landscape is dominated by neon signs, string lights, and large advertising banners that create a colorful atmosphere after sunset. During recent renovations, the city widened the sidewalks and installed consistent paving, making the area more pedestrian-friendly. The street features several small alleyways (hems) branching off the main thoroughfare, leading to hidden bars, restaurants, and guesthouses.
Address: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Operating Hours:
- General street access: 24/7
- Most shops and restaurants: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Bars and nightclubs: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Walking street hours (weekends only): 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
The street is particularly photogenic during the “blue hour” (just after sunset) when the neon lights contrast with the darkening sky. For photographers, the best vantage points include rooftop bars, such as the one atop Crazy Buffalo Bar, which offer panoramic views of the street’s illuminated landscape. The numerous alleyways also provide interesting compositions, especially when capturing the contrast between quiet residential life and the lively main street. There is a long view of the Bitexco tower from the main street that works well with the compression of a telephoto lens.
