Bars and shops along the bustling Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City have taken on a spine-chilling transformation as Halloween celebrations kick off. Although Halloween night itself has yet to arrive, locals and tourists alike have already embraced the holiday spirit, turning up in spooky costumes to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Decorations along the famous backpacker street feature eerie symbols and ghostly figures. Visitors quickly spot each other, often dressed as vampires, witches, and monsters, making for a unique and thrilling sight. The Halloween festivities, typically celebrated on the evening of October 31 in Western culture, have expanded in Ho Chi Minh City to span October 30 and 31 in recent years, drawing increasing participation from residents and businesses alike.

Adding to the lively celebrations on October 30, performers in Bui Vien staged a captivating “Chằn Dance,” a traditional Khmer-style dance with a haunting twist that captivated onlookers.

Among the early visitors were Solly and her friend, who arrived at 7 p.m. to capture memorable moments before the crowds surged. Australian tourist Adam Scott also expressed excitement, sharing that celebrating Halloween in Bui Vien was a highlight of his trip.

The street has become a hotspot for transformation services, where face painting costs range from 50,000 to 200,000 VND, depending on the design’s intricacy. The vibrant scene also included young people like Duc Phu, dressed as a vampire, moving through the crowd, while families lifted children above the sea of people to avoid the bustling throngs.

A child is lifted high by a relative to escape the crowded Bui Vien walking street.

Various makeup services are available on the street, with face painting prices ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 VND, depending on the complexity of the design.

Though not falling on a weekend, motorbikes continued to move through Bui Vien Street, and as the night went on, the influx of traffic created congestion, adding to the lively energy that Halloween has brought to this popular destination.

Dao Phuong