Hué Night Walking Street | Everything You Need to Know
When we think of Hué, its Imperial City and famous mausoleums immediately come to mind. While Saigon boasts its lively Bui Vien Street, Hué takes pride in having no less than three night walking streets:
- The Hué Night Walking Street, encompassing Chu Van An, Pham Ngu Lao, and Vo Thi Sau Streets, arguably the most interesting.
- Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street, located near the Perfume River, the most local and the first to open.
- Hai Ba Trung Walking Street, the newest addition, but also the least exciting.
Take the time to wander through these night walking streets, and you’ll discover a very different side of the city: less serene, more lively, and sometimes even a little magical.
1. The Must-Visit Hué Night Walking Street
Address: Phu Hoi Ward, Hué | Opening Hours: Friday – Saturday: 6 PM – 2 AM | Sunday: 6 PM – 12 AM
Right in the heart of Phu Hoi Ward, the Hué Night Walking Street, also known as the “Western Street,” comes alive as soon as the sun sets. Stretching over 500 meters and featuring countless stalls, bars, and restaurants, it’s made up of three streets: Chu Van An, Pham Ngu Lao, and Vo Thi Sau. Together, they form a pedestrian-friendly circuit perfect for strolling. Since its opening in 2017, this street has become a must-visit destination to experience a different side of Hué—without cars, just on foot, from 6 PM to late at night.
Personally, this is where I discovered the vibrant nightlife of Hué.
– Note that on weekdays, the street is not pedestrian-only, and scooters and cars circulate.
What to Do on Hué Night Walking Street?
Dive into the Musical Atmosphere of Hué Night Walking Street
Hué Night Walking Street comes alive every evening with vibrant musical performances that draw in both tourists and locals. Stretching over 500 meters, the street transforms into an open-air stage where local artists take turns delivering a variety of shows. From group dances to live singing, instrumental music, and traditional performances, every corner of the street offers a delightful surprise.
During special occasions, like the Mid-Autumn Festival, the atmosphere reaches its peak with unique shows such as lion dances that captivate both children and adults. If you’re looking for an original and immersive way to spend an evening in Hué, let yourself be carried away by the music and energy that breathe life into this pedestrian street.
Enjoy the Lively Bars of Hué Night Walking Street
Hué’s night street is a true paradise for those who love bars and festive nights. With its lively atmosphere, the pubs lining Hué’s pedestrian night street offer the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. These spots attract both locals and foreign travelers, providing an authentic immersion into the local nightlife, much like Ta Hien Street in Hanoi or Bui Vien in Saigon.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cold Vietnamese beer or simply soak in the friendly atmosphere, the bars on this pedestrian street are perfect for socializing and discovering a different side of Hué. Some places, such as Ta Vet (11 Vo Thi Sau), are often recommended by locals, but personally, I found it to be one of the worst bars on the street, with music that was far too loud.
One of my all-time favorites is Brown Eyes Bar (56 Chu Van An), one of the best bars in Hué, offering pool tables and great DJ music.
I also found myself at BarLab, a must-visit for cocktail lovers. With its stunning rooftop, sophisticated decor, and jazzy music selection, every detail is designed to create a unique experience. A hidden gem not to be missed!
Taste the Culinary Delights of Hué Night Walking Street
With its many restaurants, Hué’s pedestrian street offers a full immersion into the authentic cuisine of Central Vietnam. Among the must-try dishes, don’t miss the famous Bún Bò Huế (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) or Cơm Hến (clam rice), two iconic specialties of the city.
For an authentic taste of Hué’s traditional dishes, I highly recommend Madam Thu 2 (4 Vo Thi Sau), which not only serves classic local specialties but also offers a lovely terrace to enjoy your meal. If you’re looking for a different option, Gecko Restaurant (09 Pham Ngu Lao) is a great alternative, offering a Western-style menu with pizzas and burgers.
A place that cannot go unmentioned is Le Bistro de la Carambole (18 Vo Thi Sau), a true reference for French cuisine in Hué. It is the sister restaurant of Le Jardin de la Carambole, one of the most famous dining spots in the city.
One of my biggest favorites was Maison Trang, which I discovered on the last day of my trip. Hidden in a small alley, this charming spot is run by a Vietnamese family and serves high-quality traditional Vietnamese cuisine—a true hidden gem!
Go Shopping
Beyond its live music shows, lively restaurants, and bustling pubs, Hué’s night street is also a great place for shopping. The small shops lining this pedestrian street offer a wide variety of souvenirs and local specialties, perfect for bringing a piece of Hué back home. Whether you’re looking for traditional clothing, unique jewelry, or handcrafted accessories, you’ll find something to satisfy your shopping desires.
Among my favorite spots, I really liked Crowdow Vintage Shop (39c Chu Van An) and La Mer Vintage Clothing (39c Chu Van An), both offering affordable vintage clothing.
Looking to get custom-made clothing? Head to Bo’s Tailor Shop (67 Vo Thi Sau), an excellent tailor in Hué—and she even speaks French!
2. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Night Walking Street: The Most Local Experience
Address: Phu Hoi Ward, Hué | Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 4 PM – 10 PM | Sunday: All Day
Not far from the bustling night street, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street offers a different, more tranquil, and local ambiance. Located along the Perfume River, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll while admiring the illuminated Trang Tien Bridge.
This was the first night pedestrian street to open in Hué.
However, unlike a few years ago, many activities have disappeared, including small artisan shops, and there are now fewer attractions for tourists. The vibrant atmosphere of the past has faded, making it a much quieter place today.
Yet, in the evening, nothing compares to a walk along the Perfume River, enjoying the sunset and the shimmering lights of Truong Tien Bridge. For an even more immersive experience, rent a boat and let yourself be carried by the gentle waves while listening to traditional Vietnamese music—a magical way to experience Hué’s charm.
The Wooden Bridge of Hué
Extend your exploration of Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street by heading west to discover the charming Hué Lim Wooden Bridge. This quaint wooden bridge runs alongside the Perfume River and provides breathtaking views of the river and the illuminated Trang Tien Bridge.
Although slightly narrow, the bridge is perfect for a peaceful walk. Its tranquil atmosphere offers a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle. The widest point of the bridge often serves as a stage for amateur singers performing traditional Vietnamese songs, adding to its serene and cultural charm. Whether you’re enjoying the views or the melodies, the wooden bridge is an essential stop to complete your Hué experience.
Hai Ba Trung Night Walking Street
Opening Hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings: 6 PM – 12 AM
Opened in 2023, Hai Ba Trung Night Walking Street is a newer addition to Hué’s pedestrian spaces, designed for weekend evening strolls. Located in the heart of the city, this main street transforms every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night into a pedestrian-friendly area, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
However, in my experience, this street doesn’t quite capture the charm or lively ambiance of the two previous night walking streets. While it offers a space for strolling, it feels more subdued and lacks the distinctive energy that makes the other streets so unique.
My Opinion
I was lucky enough to discover Nguyen Dinh Chieu pedestrian night street several years ago, but it has lost some of its appeal. While it still attracts crowds—mostly Vietnamese locals—there are fewer activities compared to when I first visited.
Among the three pedestrian streets in Hué, the night street remains the liveliest, drawing in many tourists. It’s a shame that it is only pedestrianized on weekends, which makes it less appealing if you visit Hué during the week.
As for the newest pedestrian street, it has yet to reach its full potential.