How long does it take to walk from Ben Thanh Market to Bui Vien?

The direct walk takes about 15 minutes, covering roughly 1.2 kilometers. However, this scenic route via the Bitexco Tower and Nguyen Hue takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes including photo stops.

Is it safe to walk in Ho Chi Minh City at night?

Yes, District 1 is generally very safe for pedestrians. You should stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas like Bui Vien to avoid pickpockets and be cautious when crossing streets with heavy motorbike traffic.

What is the best time to see the neon lights in Saigon?

The neon lights are most vibrant between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. This is when the 'Apartment Cafes' on Nguyen Hue are fully lit and the street life at Bui Vien is at its peak.

Can I do this walk with a stroller?

Most of the route is stroller-friendly as it follows wide sidewalks on Ham Nghi and Nguyen Hue. However, the end of the route at Bui Vien can be very congested, making navigation difficult.

Are there any fees for this walking route?

The walk itself is free as it takes place on public streets. You only need to pay if you choose to enter attractions like the Bitexco Skydeck or buy food at the markets.

Where are the best photo spots on this route?

Top spots include the clock tower at Ben Thanh, the 'Apartment Cafe' building at 42 Nguyen Hue, and the illuminated City Hall. The neon signs of Bui Vien also offer great street photography opportunities.

Is Bui Vien Street worth visiting?

It is worth visiting if you enjoy high energy, neon lights, and a party atmosphere. If you prefer quiet walks, you may find it overwhelming, but it remains an essential part of the city's modern identity.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 50 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

As the tropical sun dips below the horizon, Ho Chi Minh City undergoes a dramatic transformation. The chaotic daytime hum of motorbikes softens into a rhythmic pulse, and the city’s skyline ignites with a billion neon lights. This self-guided walk invites you to witness the city's neon-drenched evolution, moving from the historic core of District 1 to the dizzying heights of its modern financial district, finally ending in the sensory overload of its most famous nightlife strip. This neighborhood stroll is designed for those who want to capture the essence of 'Saigon by night' through a lens or simply soak in the electric atmosphere at their own pace. Your journey begins at the iconic Ben Thanh Market, where the daytime commerce spills out into a vibrant night market filled with sizzling street food and local crafts. From here, you will transition through the grand boulevards of the colonial era toward the Bitexco Financial Tower, a lotus-shaped skyscraper that symbolizes Vietnam’s rapid economic ascent. Along the way, you will explore the wide pedestrian expanse of Nguyen Hue, a favorite local gathering spot where fountains dance and the illuminated City Hall provides a stunning backdrop for photography. This walking route Ho Chi Minh City offers a perfect blend of high-end rooftop elegance and the gritty, neon-soaked energy of the backpacker district. Whether you are looking for the perfect long-exposure shot of traffic trails or want to discover hidden bars tucked inside old apartment buildings, this self-guided adventure provides the flexibility to linger where the light is right. You will experience the architectural contrast of the historic Caravelle Hotel against the sleek glass of modern towers, concluding your evening in the riotous colors and sounds of Bui Vien Street. This is not just a walk; it is an immersion into the soul of a city that truly never sleeps. Explore the vibrant nightlife and discover why this metropolis is the beating heart of Southeast Asian energy. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The glowing clock tower of Ben Thanh Market
Panoramic views of the lotus-inspired Bitexco Tower
The fountain displays and street life of Nguyen Hue
Historic war-era stories at the Caravelle Hotel
The neon-soaked chaos of Bui Vien Walking Street
Hidden 'Apartment Cafes' glowing with colorful signage

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Ben Thanh Market

Start your evening at the southern gate of Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of the city since 1914. While the main hall closes in the late afternoon, the surrounding streets transform into a lively night market. The iconic clock tower, illuminated against the night sky, serves as the perfect starting point for your photography. Notice the vendors expertly setting up stalls in a matter of minutes, offering everything from 'pho' to local lacquerware. This area captures the traditional commerce of Saigon, providing a sharp contrast to the sleek skyscrapers you will see later on this walking route. Take a moment to capture the motion of the motorbikes circling the roundabout, creating ribbons of light in your photos.

2

Hàm Nghi Boulevard

As you walk down Hàm Nghi, you are traversing one of the city's most important financial arteries. Historically, this broad boulevard was a canal used for transporting goods into the city center. Today, it is lined with banks and colonial-era buildings that have been repurposed for modern commerce. At night, the trees lining the street are often draped in fairy lights, creating a soft glow that leads your eye toward the river. This stretch offers a quieter moment to appreciate the urban layout of District 1 before you reach the towering heights of the financial district. Look up to see the interplay of old French shutters and modern glass windows.

3

Bitexco Financial Tower

Standing before you is the Bitexco Financial Tower, once the tallest building in Vietnam. Its unique shape, designed by architect Carlos Zapata, is inspired by the lotus, Vietnam’s national flower. The most striking feature is the cantilevered helipad on the 52nd floor, which looks like a petal reaching out over the city. At night, the tower is often lit with shifting colors. For photographers, the base of the tower offers dramatic upward-angle shots, while the surrounding streets provide a great perspective of how this modern giant sits among older shophouses. If you have time, the Skydeck offers a 360-degree view of the city’s glowing grid below.

4

Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street

Turn onto Nguyen Hue, the city’s premier pedestrian promenade. This is the heart of local life in the evening. To your left and right, look at the 'Apartment Cafes'—old residential blocks where dozens of tiny boutiques and coffee shops glow with individual neon signs like a vertical patchwork quilt. At the far end stands the People’s Committee Building (City Hall), a masterpiece of French colonial architecture that is beautifully floodlit at night. The central fountains often host light shows, and the atmosphere is filled with street performers and families. It is the best place in the city to capture the blend of historic prestige and youthful, modern energy.

5

Caravelle Hotel

The Caravelle Hotel is a landmark steeped in history. During the Vietnam War, it was the base for many international news bureaus and war correspondents. The rooftop bar, Saigon Saigon, has remained largely unchanged since the 1950s and offers a classic view over the Opera House. Even from the street, the hotel’s warm lighting and elegant facade represent the 'Old Saigon' luxury that still exists in the heart of the city. The contrast between the hotel's classic lines and the neon-lit 'walking street' you just left highlights the layers of history that define District 1. It’s a perfect spot for a brief pause to appreciate the city's resilience and evolution.

6

Đường Bùi Viện

Finish your self-guided walk at Bui Viện, the legendary 'Backpacker Street.' This is a total sensory shift. The air is thick with the smell of grilled seafood and the sound of competing music from dozens of bars. Every inch of the street is covered in neon signage, creating a kaleidoscope of color. While it can be chaotic, it is the undisputed capital of HCMC nightlife. Keep your camera ready for the vibrant street life, but stay mindful of the crowds. Whether you choose to grab a plastic stool and a local beer or just wander through the neon canyon, Bui Vien is the ultimate expression of the city’s high-octane energy. Please note: the street art and specific bar signs here change frequently, adding to the area's ephemeral charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there are many options, a self-guided route through District 1 is often best. It allows you to see Ben Thanh Market, the Bitexco Tower, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule.