Bui Vien Street is in the heart of the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area (District #1). At night it comes alive with hundreds of hawkers and western backpackers looking to drink or just have some fun. It's a good place to have an inexpensive dinner (I like the Indian food at Baba's Kitchen).

You also have to watch your wallet in this area, and you will be approached by a gang for you to play cards (avoid at all cost, it's a scam to rob tourists) as well as numerous ladies of the evening!

Bui Vien is hardly typical of Vietnam, but there are many inexpensive hotels there that cater to the budget tourist. My own little hotel of choice is just a few blocks away. Honestly, Saigon is one of my least favorite places in this wonderful country (Hanoi being the favorite).

Yes, you can equate the Pham Ngu Lao with Bangkok's Khao San Road - it's open till the wee hours and it's worth seeing for the experience. Saigon also has some very upscale districts that would impress someone from Beverly Hills (Saigon has become very westernized of late).