January 8.2020
With its abundance of bars and its incredible nightlife, it’s easy to understand why Ho Chi Minh City is one of South Asia’s most popular destinations. Saigon loves to drink and have fun, which means that bars have a special place in Saigonese life—these are places where we go for fun, a first date, or simply after work with friends to slowly sip a glass of wine while reinventing the world. So yes, bless the best museums in the city but, to be honest, nothing beats a good time with friends while enjoying a drink at a quality place. From beers to cocktails, here are some of the best bars in Ho Chi Minh City.
List not ranked by order of preference
Qui Lounge bar
One of the most popular meeting places in Saigon. Home to lady’s night every Tuesday, which is well worth the detour given their well-crafted cocktails and free long drinks for women.
Qui Lounge Bar, 22 ĐƯỜNG Lê Thánh Tôn, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Social club
A swanky rooftop bar overlooking Saigon featuring a fantastic view and good drinks in a stylish atmosphere. Happy hour every day from 5 pm to 8 pm, 50% off.
Social Club, 23rd -24th F, Hotel des Arts Saigon, 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Heart of darkness
An all-weather drinking hub in Saigon where it’s good to meet friends and enjoy some craft beers. Every Thursday their latest creations come directly from brewery-to-bar.
Heart of darkness, 31D Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Blanchy’s lounge
One of the sexiest bars of HCMC. Happy hours -50% every day from 5 pm to 9 pm
Blanchy’s lounge, 95 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Layla – Eatery & Bar
Niched in a classic colonial-era building in district 1, Layla’s is definitively a good spot for downtown drinkers and Mediterranean food lovers. Opened in 2016 the place still gained today popularity among expats and locals thanks to its relaxed but stylish atmosphere, good cocktails and food and its superb overlooking Dong Khoi street view. Whether it’s just for a happy hour cocktail or for a coffee with friends, Layla is a must-try when in town.
Layla : Second Floor, 63 Đông Du, Quận 1. HCMC
Bar Bleu
At the top of the Myst Hotel Dong Koi, there’s something about the laid back vibe of this place by the swimming pool, that makes us feel like we’re in a bar/spa with cocktail on tap – and that’s not a bad thing …
Bar Bleu: Rooftop Myst Dong Koi Hotel, Ward, 6-8 Hồ Huấn Nghiệp, Bến Nghé, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City.
Yoko
Known for hosting the most popular local and international musicians, this is the perfect place to have a drink and to listen to good music. They also host a lively open mic night each Tuesday.
Yoko, 22A Nguyen Thi God, P6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Apt 852
Where China meets Vietnam, it’s always happening. Excellent lady’s night every Thursday with free flow cocktails for the ladies from 8 pm to 10 pm.
Apt 852, 4th Floor, 31 Thê Riêng, Bến Thành, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Xu restaurant and lounge bar
One of those places where people like to meet because they know they will find good music, nice people, and good vibrations. Don’t beleive the picture, it’s full every night!
Happy hour 50% off from 5.30 to 8.30 pm every day
Xu, 71 Hai Ba Trung 75, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Indika
Without a doubt, one of the most interesting places for alternative music in Saigon. This quirky bar is a must for its vintage interior and large outdoor terrace.
Indika, 43 Nguyễn Văn Giai, Phường Đakao, Quận 1 Ho Chi Minh City
Glow sky bar
To have a drink with your head in the clouds, visit Glow sky bar. One of the favorite meeting places for night owls, with a truly electric atmosphere in the evening. Happy hour -50% every day from 5pm to 8 pm.
Glow Skybar, Nguyen Du 93, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City,
SAKE CENTRAL SAIGON
Simplicity, comfort, and elegance as only the Japanese know how to do it, with some pretty good sake!
Sake Central Saigon, 59 Dong Du, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Snuffbox
For those who dream of being in the atmosphere of The Great Gatsby… Probably the best cocktails in the city.
Happy hour from 6 pm to 8 pm on Mondays. Buy 1 get 1 free on Tuesdays from 8 pm to 10 pm
Snuffbox, 14 Tôn Thất Đạm, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bìn, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Chill Sky bar
The place to see and be seen.
Chill sky bar, Rooftop 26th Floor, AB Tower, 76A Lai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Shri restaurant & lounge – The Library
Put on your fancy clothes, because stopping in at Shri might just be worth ironing them. The place is not for all budgets, especially if you like good wines, but the atmosphere is hard to beat. Shri also puts on a party some days at The Library’, its secret hidden space, with books, wine, music and more.
Shri, 72 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường 6, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh City
Gin House
The first bar dedicated to Gin in Saigon.
Gin House, 28 / 3A Tôn Thất Tùng, Phường Bến Thành, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Martini Bar – Park Hyatt
For good service and stylish outfits, look no further, ladies and gentlemen. This is the place if you are looking for a ‘classy’ bar to sip a glass of wine. Happy hour – 50% from 5 pm to 8 pm every day.
Martini bar, 2 Lam Square Sound, District 1, HO Chi Minh City
Rabbit hole Saigon
A speakeasy where you can hide away in serenity to sip on a drink while dreaming about the Independence Palace of Saigon.
Rabbit Hole, Underground – 138 Nam Kì Khởi Nghĩa street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Soma Art Lounge
The place to be for artists and fans of light cocktails and coffee drink alike. Soma holds regular exhibitions and hosts Art film screenings.
Soma Art Lounge, 6b Van Mien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Firkin
Almost impossible to find, just hidden behind a simple wooden door, it is nevertheless a must if you want to be in a bar combining elegance, comfort, and professionalism. Excellent cocktails and perfect service.
Firkin, 20 Mac Thi Buoi St., Ben Nghe W, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Air 360 ° sky lounge
The 360 ° Air is one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s nightlife and view with a cocktail in hand.
Happy Hour – 50% every day.
Air 360°, Rooftop 22nd Floor, Ben Thanh Tower, 136 – 138 Le Thi Hong Gam, Binh Ward, Nguyen Thai District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Knick Knack
A new spot in HCMC. When you like to have a drink with some tapas and more, outdoors in the city center, this is the place to go and unwind.
From 16 to 19 h 50% Off on cocktails and wines and 2 for the price of a tapas ordered.
Knick Knack, 24bis Dong Du, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The Lighthouse
A bar pretty well managed on several floors open to the outside with a nice view of downtown Saigon. Expect good music and an excellent lady’s night with free cocktail selections and long drinks/beers from 9 pm to 3 am every Wednesday for women.
The lighthouse, 104 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Bến Nghé, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City
Birdy Bar
If you fancy local craft beer with a twist of japonese atmosphere, don’t avoid this cute bar, in the second japanese enclave of HCMC in Pham Viet Chanh St.
Birdy Bar, 80 Pham Viet Chanh, Bin Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Outcast
The ideal place to keep your kids busy while enjoying a fresh beer with your friends.
Happy hour from Tuesday to Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm. 1 buy = 1 free glass. Many activities proposed to children.
Saigon Outcast,188/1 Nguyen Van Huong. Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
The Lab – Shots & More
A playful, laboratory-themed bar where cocktails are served in glass tubes. Ladies night every Thursday. Ladies pay for 1 gin tonic at 90 000 Vnd and drink all night free from 6 pm to 11 pm.
The Lab, 101 Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City
Belgo
A brasserie bar run by Belgians honoring Belgian beers. Monday to Friday, from 3 pm to 6 pm, 2 drinks bought = 1 free. Live music every Saturday.
Belgo, 159A Nguyễn Văn Thủ, Đa Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The Old compass cafe and bar
A charming and peaceful hidden bar right in the city center where you can escape the noise and traffic of Ho Chi Minh City. Bright and calm atmosphere in the day, but busier at night when events are planned. Excellent music with a quality sound system and good art talks.
Old compass, 3rd Floor, Apt 11, 63 Pasteur St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Snap Cafe
Snap Cafe offers a wide choice of drinks and food. We recommend their excellent hamburgers and Thai cuisine. Surrounded by pop up stores and playing areas for children, the Place is ideal for families. Every Wednesday, if you order a hamburger you get 2 FREE drinks (house red / white wine, draft beer or soft drinks)
Snap Café, Tran Ngoc Dien St. 32, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Zigzagger
Another artsy place, this time in District 1, where artists and musicians like to meet. As a speakeasy, it’s not immediately obvious where it is, and you will have to cross a court then climb a few floors to reach it. But that just adds to the charm. It’s particularly pleasant in the early evening when events are scheduled.
Zigzagger, 63/11 Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Broma not a bar
The right place to drink caipirinhas and reinvent the world…
Broma Not a bar, Nguyen Hu, 41, Bin Ngh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The Racha room
A place conducive to drunkenness. We’ll say no more!
𝟑𝐏𝐌 – 𝟖𝐏𝐌 (Monday – Saturday) 50% off all alcoholic beverages by the glass.
Sunday ‘Funday’ Happy Hours 100,000 VND ++ / glass
The Racha room, 2-14 Mạc Thị Bưởi, Bến Nghé, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City
Evita
What makes Evita a good spot is clearly its atmosphere when events are scheduled there. Live and eclectic concerts set to a cool and relaxed atmosphere.
Evita, 230 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, District 2, Hồ Chí Minh city
Drinking & healing
With an impressive list of signature cocktails, a trip here is worth the hangover.
Drinking and healing, 2nd Floor, Ho Tung Mau St., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Rogue
Another nice place on the rooftops of Saigon where you can taste a lot of different craft beers alongside a bite to eat.
Happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm – 50% on the second bier.
Rogue, No. 13 Pastor (Floors 2+), District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The Observatory
There is a love affair between the Observatory and the electronic music spans years. This is the place where you’ll find the best Djs while having a drink at the bar or at the outdoor terrace where you can unwind.
The Observatory, 85 Cách Mạng Tháng 8, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1, HCMC
The Iron Bank
One of the in-style “Speakeasy” bars in Saigon. Friendly place, excellent cocktails, and good service.
Iron Bank, 47 Ton That Dam, Distric 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Alley 50
Speakeasy with a terrace where people like to meet for an after work drink with friends. Happy hour from 5 pm to 8:30 pm: Drinks at 98,000 Vnd.
Alley 50, 49 Mạc Thị Bưởi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Corked Tales
An arts and crafts inspired speakeasy. Beware, if you are not careful you risk a severe hangover because the drinks are pretty good …For their ‘Girls Night Out’, 1 glass bought = 1 free glass for ladies.
Happy hour every Monday from 5 pm to 10 pm. -50% on all drinks.
Corked Tales, 6 Thanh Ton Street, District 1. HCMC
The Saigon Deck
When you want to end up dreaming at the edge of the Saigon River while enjoying a glass of wine in a calm, elegant environment.
The Deck, 38 Nguyễn Ư Dĩ, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
