Bui Vien Walking Street Guide

What and where

Bui Vien Street runs through the Pham Ngu Lao area of District 1, the city's traditional backpacker quarter. It became an official walking street in 2017. During the day it is an ordinary, busy city street; in the evening, and especially at weekends, it closes to traffic and fills with bars, food stalls, street performers and crowds spilling off the footpaths.

When to go

Published hours for the pedestrian zone vary between sources, but the common pattern is weekend evenings from around 7pm until 2am, with the street at its busiest from about 9pm. Weeknights are quieter but still lively. The street generally winds down by 2am, although some bars stay open later.

What it costs

This is the cheapest drinking in the city centre. Draught beer on Bui Vien often sells for well under a dollar a glass, and street food such as banh mi and spring rolls runs late. Prices are rarely displayed, so ask before you order, especially for buckets and cocktails.

How golf groups do it best

• Have dinner elsewhere first, then arrive around 9pm for an hour or two of people-watching.
• Pick one bar with a street-facing terrace and settle in, rather than bar-hopping in a crowd of twelve.
• Keep phones and wallets secure; pickpocketing happens in the densest crowds.
• Agree prices before ordering and keep small notes handy.
• Use Grab or a booked car to get back to the hotel. Do not plan a Bui Vien night before an early tee time.

Common questions

Is Bui Vien suitable for couples or older travellers?

Yes, as a short visit. It is loud and crowded rather than unsafe. Many couples walk the length of it, have one drink and head to a quieter rooftop.

Is it worth it if we are only in Saigon for two nights?

For one hour, yes. It is a genuine part of the city. For a whole night, most golf groups prefer the rooftops and craft beer bars in our Saigon nightlife guide.