Famous Streets in Ho Chi Minh City: A Travel Guide

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Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest and most dynamic city in Vietnam. It is a place where the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the east and the west coexist and blend together. One of the best ways to experience the diversity and vibrancy of this city is to explore its famous streets, where you can find everything from historical landmarks and cultural attractions to shopping malls and street food stalls. In this blog post, we will cover 7 of the best streets in Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City and what they have to offer. 

1. Bui Vien Street – The Backpacker’s Paradise

Bui Vien Street is the most popular place for foreign tourists and expats in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s actually famous as the go-to spot for budget travelers and backpackers. You’ll find plenty of options for cheap accommodation, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and exciting entertainment here.

 This street, situated in District 1, is the central of the city, making it a convenient and accessible place to stay. The vibrant atmosphere of Bui Vien Street is evident with its numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and street vendors. It’s the perfect place to soak in the local culture, have a great time at night, and meet fellow travelers from all over the globe. Additionally, if you need to book tours, rent motorbikes, or exchange currency, Bui Vien Street has you covered. 

On weekends, from 7 pm to 2 am, the street is closed to traffic, allowing you to stroll around freely and safely. So, if you’re searching for an enjoyable and affordable place to stay and have a fantastic time in Ho Chi Minh City, Bui Vien Street is definitely the place to be!

2. Nguyen Hue Walking Street: The Local Gathering Spot

If you want to experience how the locals spend their free time, visit Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City. This popular tourist spot stretches from the City Hall to the Saigon River, showcasing a blend of beautiful colonial buildings, modern skyscrapers, and lush green spaces. 

While the street is open to pedestrians throughout the day, it truly comes alive in the evenings and on weekends when it transforms into a hub of cultural and entertainment activities. Here, you can witness local artists showcasing their talents in music, dance, magic, and comedy. Join in with the locals as they play chess, badminton, or go roller skating. 

Don’t miss the breathtaking views of the city skyline, the river, and the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest building in the city. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a great place to experience the energy and spirit of Ho Chi Minh City. 

3. Pham Ngu Lao Street: The Budget Shopping Paradise

Located near Bui Vien Street, but Pham Ngu Lao is quieter and less crowded. Pham Ngu Lao Street is also a part of the “backpacker district” that offers a lot of cheap and convenient services for travelers.

However, unlike Bui Vien Street, which is more focused on food and drinks, Pham Ngu Lao Street is more focused on shopping and services. Here, you can find a plethora of shops selling clothes, shoes, accessories, electronics, souvenirs, and more, at bargain prices. 

Pham Ngu Lao Street is a good alternative to Bui Vien Street if you want a more peaceful and relaxing place to stay and explore in Ho Chi Minh City. 

4. Nguyen Van Binh Street – The Book Street

Nguyen Van Binh Street is a special street for book lovers and readers in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in District 1, near the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office, Nguyen Van Binh Street is a pedestrian-only street that is dedicated to books and reading.

You’ll come across many bookstores and stalls selling a wide range of new and old books, including different genres, magazines, newspapers, and stationery. Additionally, you can find cafes, libraries, and cultural centers that organize various book-related events and activities like book launches, signings, readings, discussions, and workshops. Nguyen Van Binh Street in Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal location to immerse yourself in the rich reading culture and passion.

5. Tran Nhan Ton Street – Where to Find Disappearing Old Books in Saigon

Tran Nhan Ton is a long and narrow street that is filled with hundreds of bookstores and stalls that sell old and new books of all kinds and genres from Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese, Japanese, to other languages here, as well as magazines, comics, newspapers, and maps. 

You can find rare and antique books from the colonial era and war period. The prices of these books vary based on how well-preserved and uncommon they are, but you can negotiate and find a great deal. Tran Nhan Ton Street is a haven for book lovers who want to explore, purchase, or sell books in Ho Chi Minh City.

6. Le Cong Kieu Street: The Antique Collector’s Dream

If you are interested in antiques and vintage items, Le Cong Kieu Street is the place to go. This street is located in District 1, near the Ben Thanh Market, and is one of the oldest streets in the city. People often refer to it as the “antique street” or the “curio street” because it’s a hub for various shops and stalls.

When you wander through Le Cong Kieu Street, you’ll be captivated by the incredible assortment of fascinating items they have to offer. From ceramics, porcelain, and silverware to jewelry, coins, stamps, paintings, and furniture, the options are endless. The street is like a treasure trove representing different periods and regions such as the French colonial era, Chinese dynasties, Vietnamese kingdoms, and even the Indochinese wars.

What makes this street truly remarkable is its rich cultural and religious diversity. You’ll come across a vibrant mix of Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, and Christian artifacts. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Vietnam and Asia’s captivating history and art. 

7. Dong Khoi Street – The Luxury Shopping and Dining Destination

This one-way avenue is Ho Chi Minh City’s major thoroughfare. Connecting French colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers, Dong Khoi is the bustling heart of Saigon with a history spanning over 150 years. It has witnessed the city’s highs and lows.

At night, the street comes alive with vibrant lights, showcasing its grandeur and elegance.  You’ll discover numerous high-end brands, boutiques, jewelry stores, art galleries, and souvenir shops in this area. It’s also home to some of the finest hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars in the city. 

Dong Khoi Street holds both historical and cultural significance, having served as the hub of French colonial administration and witnessed many significant events during the Vietnam War. Take the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Continental Hotel, Caravelle Hotel, and Saigon Central Post Office.

Conclusion

These are just some of the famous streets in Ho Chi Minh City that you should visit on your trip. There are many more streets that have their own charm and character, and that offer different experiences and attractions. Ho Chi Minh City is a city that never sleeps, and that always has something new and exciting to offer. 

So, don’t hesitate to explore its streets, and to immerse yourself in its culture and lifestyle. You will surely have a memorable and enjoyable time in this amazing city.

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