Differences between Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien Walking Streets

Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien Walking Streets are famous among locals and tourists. They play important parts in cultural links and tourism development in Ho Chi Minh City. The streets have attracted hundreds of people coming for walking, relaxing, entertaining, eating, and learning more about the unique culture of Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon). There are a few differences between Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien Walking Streets.

Nguyen Hue walking street by day – Photo by Scooter Saigon Tour

Nguyen Hue walking street became spring flower street (festival) at Tet festival – Photo by Scooter Saigon Tour

Bui Vien walking street is very crowded and busy at night, especially on weekends – Photo by Scooter Saigon Tour

1. Opening day:

Nguyen Hue: 29 April 2015.

Bui Vien: 20 August 2017.

2. Total area:

Nguyen Hue: The walking street is 670 m long, 64 m wide.

Bui Vien: The total length of Bui Vien Street is 1.4 km, the pedestrian area is 850 m long. The street is around 6 m wide.

3. Location:

Nguyen Hue: Ben Nghe Ward.

Bui Vien: Pham Ngu Lao Ward.

4. Investment:

Nguyen Hue: 430 billion VND.

Bui Vien: 10.8 billion VND.

5. Design:

One of the main differences between Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien Walking Streets is design.

Nguyen Hue:

The walking street comprises of 2 parts: Ho Chi Minh President Statue Park from Le Thanh Ton Street to Le Loi Boulevard, Nguyen Hue Square from Le Loi Boulevard to Ton Duc Thang Street. The street is lined with many buildings and skyscrapers which are home to luxurious hotels, restaurants, cafes, offices of many big companies. Nguyen Hue Walking Street crosses many main streets. The street features granite tiles 2 fountains, lots of green trees, modern underground restrooms, music and light center, lotus fountain.

Bui Vien:

Built in the existing Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh Backpacker Area. Electronic welcome gates with the symbol of conical hat are set at the beginning and the end of the pedestrian street. The street and its alleyways are full of budget restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels, convenience stores, and many houses of local people. The pavements are restored with granite tiles.

6. Activities:

Nguyen Hue:

The Nguyen Hue walking street is open 24/24. Vehicles are allowed 24/24 from Monday to Friday on 2 streets. Vehicles are not allowed from 19:00 to 23:00 on 2 side streets. Many large-scale cultural and entertaining programs and events are held in this street.

Bui Vien: Bui Vien walking street is open from 19:00 to 2:00 (on the next day) on weekends. Street musical performances and small-scale cultural and entertaining programs are held in this street.

7. Cuisine:

Nguyen Hue: Luxurious and budget restaurants and cafes, no street foods.

Bui Vien: Budget restaurants and cafes, moving carts, street food stalls, bars, pubs. Customers sit right on the pavements.

8. Capacity:

Nguyen Hue: 5,000 – 6,000 visitors.

Bui Vien: 500 – 1,000 visitors.

Read more about Ho Chi Minh Backpacker Area Guide.