HCMC turns Bui Vien Street into pedestrian space at weekends

8/21/2017 - 4:15:10 PM

Bui Vien Street, a popular destination with Western backpackers in Ho Chi Minh City, has been pedestrianised and officially opened to the public on the evening of August 20.

Thousands of people turn up on the opening day of the Bui Vien pedestrian street.

This is the second walking street in Vietnam’s southern economic hub after Nguyen Hue Street opened in 2015.

Bui Vien Street is pedestrianised from 7pm to 2am the next day on Saturday and Sunday, during which no motor vehicles are allowed to travel on a 1.4 kilometre long section from the intersection with De Tham Street to the intersection with Do Quang Dau Street.

The granite pavements along the streets were installed with stages for arts performances as well as retail kiosks which offer a wide range of products for visitors to choose from.

Visitors to Bui Vien Street, located in Pham Ngu Lao Ward of District 1, also have access to Wi-Fi services, can use public toilets and look for tourism information free of charge.

Director of the HCMC Tourism Department Bui Ta Hoang Vu stated that the opening of this pedestrian street is designed to diversify the city’s tourism offerings, attract more tourists, encourage them extend their stays and increase their spending.

He added that the city welcomes all feedback from tourists and will continue to make necessary changes to meet the needs of those visiting the street.

For years the area around Bui Vien Street has become a favourite destination of tourists from both Vietnam and abroad, with Pham Ngu Lao Ward welcoming about 500 visitors daily to stay in its lodging facilities and up to 1,200 during the peak season.

Source: NDO

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