Introduction

In the heart of splendid Saigon, Nguyen Hue Walking Street symbolizes modernity, youthfulness, and vitality. This place is not only an ideal entertainment spot but also an attractive cultural and artistic space, attracting millions of tourists every year. If you are looking for a place to enjoy the bustling atmosphere and admire the city’s beauty at night, do not miss this destination, let’s discover it with Asia King Travel!

A panoramic view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night. Source: Go2Joy

A panoramic view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night. Source: Go2Joy

Location 

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is located in the center of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, stretching from the City People's Committee headquarters to Bach Dang Wharf. The street zone is mainly located on Nguyen Hue Street, which is 670m long. The starting point is from the Ho Chi Minh monument and ends at the intersection with Ton Duc Thang Street.

How to get there

If the starting point is from other destinations, you can choose many means of transport to get to Ho Chi Minh City before moving to the walking street.

  • Airplane: This is the fastest and most convenient choice, there are many international flights that fly straight to Ho Chi Minh City. When you arrive in the airport, you can book a taxi or get on a bus to move to the walking street. From here, you can follow the direction of the main routes Hoang Van Thu -  Nguyen Van Troi - Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and stop at the center of District 1. 
  • Train: If you want to experience a long trip, you can choose Thong Nhat train to Saigon Station. The journey is suitable for those who love to watch the scenery along the length of the country. After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, you can get on a taxi or a bus to the attraction.

Because the walking street is located in the center of District 1, there are many convenient ways to get there when you arrive in Saigon. 

  • Taxi/ technology car: From the city center, it only takes about 5 to 10 minutes by taxi or technology car to get to Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This is a fast choice, especially in the evening when public transport is limited.
  • Bus: If you want a saving choice, you can choose to go by this vehicle. Some bus routes such as numbers 03, 04, 19, 93 have the stops near the walking street. You just need to pay 5,000 to 7,000 VND per ticket and it will take about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the departure point.
  • Motorbike: If you prefer to travel freely, you can rent a motorbike or use a private vehicle. The main routes to this destination are Le Loi Street, Dong Khoi Street, or Ham Nghi Street. However, because this area bans motorbikes in the evening (from 7 pm to 11 pm), you should park your motorbikes in nearby parking lots and then walk in.

This destination attracts a lot of visitors each year. Source: Flickr

This destination attracts a lot of visitors each year. Source: Flickr

History 

In the past, this place used to be a canal, but it was later filled in and turned into a boulevard named after Emperor Nguyen Hue. In 2015, the street was officially transformed into the most modern walking street in Vietnam, and quickly became a favorite destination for locals and tourists.

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Best time to visit 

During the week, vehicles are allowed to move on Nguyen Hue Street. However, on Saturday and Sunday evening, the transports are banned to make the space for pedestrians. The best time to visit is from 7 pm to 10 pm,  when the city lights up, the air is cool, and there are many vibrant art and entertainment activities.

Activities to join 

Enjoying street art performances

Every night, you will see many groups of artists performing modern dance, acoustic singing, magic, or portrait painting on the street. This is an attractive highlight which brings a vibrant and colorful atmosphere to the walking street. Tourists can join in any activities that they are interested in. 

People enjoyed the performance despite the rain. Source: Kenh14

People enjoyed the performance despite the rain. Source: Kenh14

Visiting Saigon Garden

Just a few steps from the walking street, Bitexco Tower with an observation deck on the 49th floor allows the visitors to see a panoramic view of the city from above. In addition, Saigon Garden - a shopping complex with a large green space is also a great check-in location spot. Travelers can come here to buy some items they like and have a cup of coffee in a special space. 

Saigon Garden is a shopping center, you can visit it when coming to the walking street. Source: MIA.vn

Saigon Garden is a shopping center, you can visit it when coming to the walking street. Source: MIA.vn

Engaging in big events

On every big holiday event such as Lunar New Year or Christmas… Nguyen Hue Walking Street becomes the center of light shows, fireworks, street festivals, that attract thousands of participants. If visitors have a chance to come to this place in these interesting periods, you will feel the amazing atmosphere fully and take some photos to capture the memorable moments. 

The atmosphere of the walking street in big events. Source: VietnamPlus

The atmosphere of the walking street in big events. Source: VietnamPlus

Food to try

Rice paper rolls (banh trang cuon)

This dish is a combination of shredded rice paper, beef jerky, dried shrimp, shredded mango, boiled quail eggs, peanuts, and green onion oil, mixed well with tamarind sauce or spicy satay. When tasting it, you will feel the light sourness of mango, the toughness of rice paper, the fatty taste of peanuts, and the spicy taste of satay, creating an attractive savory snack.

Rice paper roll is a delicious street snack that you should try. Source: Dien may XANH

Rice paper roll is a delicious street snack that you should try. Source: Dien may XANH

Spring rolls (goi cuon)

The rolls are made from thin rice paper filled with shrimp, meat, rice vermicelli, and fresh vegetables, served with sweet-sour dipping sauce or fish sauce. The combination of vegetables, fatty and fragrant meat, sweet shrimp, and rich dipping sauce brings a delicious dish.

Sai Gon spring rolls have a typical flavor. Source: VinWonders

Sai Gon spring rolls have a typical flavor. Source: VinWonders

Savory Vietnamese pancakes (banh khot) 

These cakes are made from rice flour mixed with coconut milk, poured into small molds and then topped with fresh shrimp or minced pork. When they are cooked, the outside is crispy and the inside is soft and chewy, travelers can eat them with fresh vegetables and sweet-sour fish sauce. The cake has a taste from sweet rice flour and coconut milk, combined with fatty filling and crispy crust, creating an addictive flavor.

A famous must-try dish when you visit here - Vietnamese pancakes. Source: VinWonders

A famous must-try dish when you visit here - Vietnamese pancakes. Source: VinWonders

Conclusion

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is not only a tourist destination but also an ideal place for people who love the vibrant symphony of life in the heart of Saigon. Don’t hesitate, contact Asia King Travel to make up a plan to explore this attraction!

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