Tip from Esther Loh
Take a nighttime stroll past loud bars and neon signs. Watch street performers putting on fire shows on the lively roadway.
Bùi Viện Street
Đường Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open in Google Maps
Overview
Bùi Viện Street creates a major nightlife and entertainment hub. It sits in Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. This street centers the area locals call the “Backpacker Quarter.” Adjacent Đề Thám and Phạm Ngũ Lão streets also join this area. Bùi Viện features many bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Restaurants, street food stalls, and souvenir shops also line the road.
On weekend evenings, the street becomes a pedestrian-only zone. Authorities ban vehicles from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. During these hours, businesses expand onto the pavement. They offer outdoor seating. Street performers and live music acts appear along the road. Loud music from multiple venues fills the air. Neon lights and large crowds of tourists and locals define the atmosphere.
Historically, the area earned the name ‘International Intersection’ before 1975. It served as a district for newsrooms and printing houses. The street began attracting international travelers after the 1970s. The city officially designated Bùi Viện its second walking street on August 20, 2017. The street honors a 19th-century Vietnamese diplomat and reformer. Establishments include small, open-fronted beer stalls. It also features multi-level clubs and rooftop bars.
The street offers many food and drink options. Vendors sell local street food. Visitors find grilled skewers and seafood. Bars serve both local beer and international cocktails. The area caters heavily to tourists. Many services are available in English. It remains one of the city’s most active nightlife destinations. Businesses operate late into the night.
Seen on YouTube
What reviewers say
Google reviews
4.3
27,529 reviews
Reviewers describe Bùi Viện Street as a loud, high-energy nightlife strip packed with neon-lit bars, street food vendors, DJs, and live performances. Visitors enjoy drinking affordable roadside beers on low plastic stools while taking in the bustling crowd and party atmosphere late into the night. Common trade-offs include intrusive touts promoting clubs, persistent requests for massage tips, dense crowds requiring caution with personal belongings, and occasional motorbike traffic on what is nominally a walking street.
Bùi Viện Street is rated 4.3 out of 5 on Google from 27,529 reviews. Summary written by PinGuide from Google reviews, figures as of 3 Oct 2026. Read on Google ↗
8 insider tips
Tip from Nichole Hoang
Arrive in the early evening before the bars pack out to take photos beneath the bright neon signs.
Tip from Mr.Pin
This street is known as the heart of the
Tip from Mr.Pin
Bùi Viện Street is the heart of the
Tip from Ishita Khanna
Experience the vibrant nightlife on this busy street. It features numerous cafes, restaurants, bars, and street food stalls. The area becomes very crowded at night.
Tip from Leon and Kathy
This street is known as Ho Chi Minh City's party street. It is very touristy and often packed with backpackers. Experience the vibrant nightlife scene here.
Tip from losterah
This street is known for its loud and chaotic atmosphere. It is a unique experience. During the day, it has a different feel without the neon lights and music.
Tip from Trip Moito
Experience Ho Chi Minh City's famous nightlife area. It is a vibrant, international hub. Enjoy rooftop bars, street beer vendors, and live music.
1 / 8
Where it is
Đường Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Questions & Answers
What is Bùi Viện Street known for in Ho Chi Minh City?
Bùi Viện Street is renowned as a major nightlife and entertainment hub in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly popular among tourists and locals for its bars, pubs, nightclubs, and diverse food options.
Where is Bùi Viện Street located?
Bùi Viện Street is situated in Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, forming the heart of what locals refer to as the "Backpacker Quarter."
What are the pedestrian-only hours for Bùi Viện Street?
Bùi Viện Street becomes a pedestrian-only zone from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, during which vehicles are banned.
What kind of entertainment can I find on Bùi Viện Street?
Visitors to Bùi Viện Street can find a wide range of entertainment, including street performers, live music acts, and loud music from numerous venues, alongside various bars and clubs.
Are there food options available on Bùi Viện Street?
Yes, Bùi Viện Street offers numerous food options, including restaurants, street food stalls selling local delicacies like grilled skewers and seafood, and bars serving both local beer and international cocktails.
Is Bùi Viện Street primarily for tourists or locals?
Bùi Viện Street caters heavily to both tourists and locals, providing a vibrant atmosphere and many services available in English to accommodate international visitors.
What is the atmosphere like on Bùi Viện Street?
The atmosphere on Bùi Viện Street is characterized by neon lights, large crowds, and loud music emanating from multiple venues, especially during its pedestrian-only weekend hours.
When did Bùi Viện Street become an official walking street?
Bùi Viện Street was officially designated as Ho Chi Minh City's second walking street on August 20, 2017.
How late do businesses operate on Bùi Viện Street?
Businesses along Bùi Viện Street generally operate late into the night, reflecting its status as one of the city's most active nightlife destinations.
What types of establishments are on Bùi Viện Street?
Establishments on Bùi Viện Street range from small, open-fronted beer stalls to multi-level clubs and rooftop bars, offering a variety of nightlife experiences.
Part of 7 guides
Mentioned in an article
Article ·
Halloween in Saigon 2026: Where to Party on 30 and 31 October
Halloween in Saigon 2026: Two Nights, Five Parties, Picked by SMF Halloween in Saigon arrives this year on a Friday…