Nguyen Hue Walking Street – feel the beat of saigon’s heart

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a must-see location whether you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the first time or have been there before and want to get a true sense of the city. It’s more than just a public square; it’s the vibrant, youthful, and dynamic center of contemporary Saigon, with a strong historical foundation. This boulevard, which is only a short distance from The Myst Dong Khoi, is the ideal place to begin exploring the city’s history and dynamic urban rhythm.

From the Charner Canal to Saigon’s Grand Boulevard of Light

Back in the days, Nguyen Hue was once a large waterway—Charner Canal, built in the 19th century. After the French colonial era, it was filled in and became a bustling boulevard, officially renamed Nguyen Hue in 1956.

Today, the walking street stretches almost 900 meters, from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee building to Bach Dang Wharf, with a width of 60 meters. Since 2015, the street has been fully pedestrianized on weekend evenings, transforming into a public open-air space for locals and visitors alike.

The Pulse of Modern Life on Nguyen Hue

During the day, the boulevard is a place to people-watch. By night, it turns into a dazzling outdoor stage of lights and sounds. Street performers gather—K-pop dance groups, acoustic guitarists, portrait sketch artists, tarot readers, and LED light shows all find a space here.

Equally iconic is coffee culture—the soul of Saigon. On Nguyen Hue, you’ll find everything from quirky indie cafés hidden in old apartment blocks to global coffee chains with panoramic views of the street. Each floor, each cup, tells a story.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is also where the city gathers for its biggest public events. Come here during any major football match involving Vietnam’s national team, or during public holidays like Reunification Day, National Day, or New Year’s Eve, and you’ll be amazed by the electric energy of local crowds.

During Lunar New Year (Tết), Nguyen Hue transforms into a stunning floral promenade known as Nguyen Hue Flower Street. For about a week, the boulevard becomes a pedestrian-only zone, decorated with thousands of fresh flowers and greenery, following a different annual theme. This tradition dates back to 2004, and has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated Tết events.

Unmissable Stops Along Nguyen Hue Walking Street

🏛️ HCMC City Hall – A French Colonial Icon

Formerly the Hotel de Ville, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee building was completed in 1901 and is one of the most impressive surviving examples of colonial architecture. Since 2024, the building has been open to the public on the last weekend of every month—a rare chance to admire the intricately carved woodwork, grand archways, and stately interiors.

☕ 42 Nguyen Hue Apartment Block – The Coffee Complex

This former residential apartment building has been reborn as a creative hub of independent coffee shops, art studios, and local boutiques. Just take the stairs (or pay 3,000 VND for the elevator), and discover a new surprise on each floor.

🌿 Saigon Garden – Green Urban Oasis

Located at 99 Nguyen Hue, Saigon Garden stands out with its green façade and industrial-chic architecture. You’ll find everything from Starbucks and fusion restaurants to flower shops and bookstores—all in one leafy, photogenic space.

🏛️ State Treasury Building – Echoes of the Old Market

Right in the middle of the walking street is the State Treasury Building, which once stood on the site of Saigon’s old central market (before Ben Thanh was built). Though closed to the public, its classic French exterior, terracotta roof tiles, and wooden balconies remain an architectural highlight.

🌊 Bach Dang Wharf Park – By the River, Among the Lotus

At the end of Nguyen Hue lies Bach Dang Wharf Park, a serene, lotus-shaped public park with stone pathways and green lawns. It’s the perfect place to relax after your walk.

A highlight here is the historic Thu Ngu Flagpole, built in 1865. Originally a signal tower for ships entering Saigon Port, it still stands today—a proud witness to the city’s maritime legacy.

Tips to Enjoy Nguyen Hue Walking Street to the Fullest

 Go after 6 PM: The air is cooler, the lights come on, and performances begin.
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot!
Explore balcony cafés: The upper floors offer stunning views of the entire street.
Visit during Lunar New Year: Nguyen Hue Flower Street is the biggest event of the year.
Don’t skip the side alleys: You’ll find hidden cocktail bars on Ngo Duc Ke or speakeasies on Mac Thi Buoi.

Where to Stay to Experience Nguyen Hue at Its Best?

The Myst Dong Khoi, a five-star boutique hotel created to be a part of the city’s living narrative, is a short distance away if you want to fully experience the magic of Nguyen Hue Walking Street

With reclaimed wood from the old Bason Shipyard, outdoor stone bathtubs, and antique mosaic tiles, each floor of The Myst captures a different aspect of Saigon’s history.

At The Myst Dong Khoi, You Can:

• 🌿 Soak in your own outdoor private Jacuzzi tub
  
• ☕ Enjoy a coffee at Bason Café, a living tribute to Saigon’s maritime past
  
• 🌇 Watch the city awaken from the rooftop pool
  
• 🍸 Sip a cocktail at Rooty Bar, where the city lights sparkle into the night
  

You can walk to the heartbeat of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, which is more than just a boulevard.

 Each paving stone has a unique story to tell. Each light evokes a memory. And you get closer to the real spirit of Saigon with each step.

Let this be the starting point of your adventure, where you can feel the city rather than just see it. 
✨ Book your stay at The Myst Dong Khoi to wake up just a few steps from Nguyen Hue, and be part of the city’s most vibrant rhythm—morning, noon, and night.