Known as a foreigners’ street, Bui  Vien is located in Ho Chi Minh City’s central district 1. As the city’s second walking street besides Nguyen Hue, lovely and tidy Bui Vien offers convenient services for tourists.

Visiting Bui Vien, tourists will enjoy the four free things: wifi, public toilets, information and support services, and smiles (source: Tuoitre.vn).

The 1,400m-long street with granite pavement and a good lighting system is well organised with stalls selling a wide variety of goods to meet the diversified demands of visitors.

Located in  Pham Ngu Lao ward, the destination for foreign backpackers recommended by  the Lonely Planet travel guide book for its numerous  hotels, restaurants, stores, bars, café, and tourists services, Bui  Vien  street has increasingly grown into a  favourite rendezvous for young Saigonians and  national and foreign tourists.
   

Bui Vien pedestrian street is a good destination for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.   The street has about 20 alleys leading to other streets.  Art performances at weekends please locals and visitors.   Ao dai show on the walking street. A traditional classical opera (tuong) performance. A circus performance on Bui Vien street.  Foreign visitors interact with artists.

   
The pedestrian street is open from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am on weekends. There are stages at both ends of the street where Vietnamese and foreign artists perform and directly interact with the audience. The local authority is considering organising events and street performances to create cultural diversity for this little corner of Saigon.

Cuisine is a must-try feature of Bui Vien where one can find dishes from all over the world with a host of eateries, bars and restaurants from ordinary to luxurious. Visitors can taste grilled chevon, beef, chicken and seafood, Vietnamese local specialties such as Pho, Quang noodles and Hue beef noodles, or Indian, Korean, Mexican, Thai or French food. Prices of all food and services are posted up clearly.
      

The walking street lures a lot of visitors at night.  Free beer stall at the opening ceremony of the walking street.  Grilled food prepared on the street to serve customers.  Foreign visitors can find special dishes on Bui Vien.  Typical food of Saigon is sold on the street. A shop selling distinctive items of Saigon. Shopping on the walking street.  Typical souvenirs of Vietnam.  Foreign tourists on the street.

A friendly destination for visitors, Bui Vien street has become a place that connects locals with tourists and has both Vietnamese and international cultures. 
 

Story: Nguyen Oanh - Photos: Thong Hai