Int'l tourists praise Ho Chi Minh City's lively, affordable Bui Vien nightlife

Bui Vien, together with nearby De Tham and Pham Ngu Lao Streets, is known as the city's 'backpacker street' for its vibrant nightlife and popularity among international travelers.

Nicole and Gavin, a couple from Ireland planning to spend a month exploring Vietnam, said they were impressed by the energy of the street during their visit on a weekday evening.

"Bui Vien has everything, including lively music, great drinks, and we can sit on the sidewalk and watch people go by," Nicole said.

The couple spent around VND600,000 (US$23) on three beers and three cocktails, describing the cost as reasonable for the lively atmosphere.

Their experience highlights Bui Vien’s appeal beyond its entertainment venues.

The street offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in urban life and observe the diversity of Ho Chi Minh City after dark.

As part of a program organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, its tourism and sports chapter, and relevant partners to explore Bui Vien's nightlife, around 250 tour guides surveyed the street's services, entertainment activities, and appeal to visitors.

Luu Long, a tour guide, said the peak season for European visitors runs from October to May, with tourists from the UK, Germany, and France among the notable groups.

Bui Vien is also a popular stop for visitors exploring the city at night, Long added.

The street has undergone visible changes in its image and business activities as the city promotes the development of its night-time economy.

"Bui Vien is moving toward becoming a more civilized destination, while limiting problems that previously affected visitors’ experiences," he said.

Nguyen Thi Yen, a Spanish-speaking guide, highlighted the street's appeal through its bustling atmosphere, lighting, and entertainment activities.

She said the atmosphere attracts both young Vietnamese and foreigners, making Bui Vien a standout in the city's tourism landscape.

Phung Kim Khanh, CEO of Station Sport Bar and Waikiki Bar & Restaurant, said businesses on Bui Vien offer a wide range of options, from eateries and street-side drinking spots to sports bars, music clubs, and other entertainment venues.

Each type of business caters to a different customer group, he said.

Prices vary by venue and service, with drinks ranging from VND30,000 ($1.15) to VND200,000 ($7.7) and meals from VND80,000 ($3) to VND200,000. 

The menus feature Vietnamese dishes alongside Asian and European cuisine.

Le Truong Hien Hoa, deputy head of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper that the city views the night-time economy as a key driver of tourism growth during the busy final months of the year.

"The night-time economy has significant development potential as tourism businesses are investing in a variety of products for visitors," the official said.

"In the city center, several new offerings have been launched, including performances for tourists."

Authorities are also studying areas farther from the city center as potential venues for future shows, events, and night-time economic activities, with the aim of distributing visitor flows more widely and expanding the city’s tourism space.

The department also encouraged tourism companies and operators to diversify their offerings to extend visitors' stays and increase spending, Hoa said.

Tourism products should go beyond sightseeing destinations and events to include entertainment, shopping, and night-time experiences that meet the needs of different visitor groups, he added.