The 10 Best Bars of Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and a popular destination for travelers. It’s a bustling metropolis that’s filled with skyscrapers, historical landmarks, and of course, a thriving nightlife. The city’s nightlife scene is diverse, with something for everyone, from rooftop bars to pulsating dance clubs.

The city has a rich history when it comes to nightlife. During the Vietnam War, American soldiers flooded the city’s bars, creating a vibrant bar scene that continued even after the war ended. Today, the city’s bars are frequented by locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy a drink or two and soak up the lively atmosphere.

If you’re looking for the best bars in Ho Chi Minh City, here are ten you don’t want to miss.

1. Chill Skybar

Located on the 26th floor of the AB Tower in District 1, Chill Skybar is one of the most popular rooftop bars in the city. It boasts stunning views of the skyline and offers an extensive drink menu that includes signature cocktails and wine.

2. The Observatory

The Observatory is a popular underground club that’s frequented by locals and tourists alike. The music here ranges from techno to house and hip hop with a lineup of both local and international DJs.

3. Broma: Not A Bar

Don’t let the name fool you; Broma is, in fact, a bar. It’s located in a narrow alley in District 1 and offers live music, DJs, and an extensive drink menu. The decor is quirky, with an old-school record player and vintage posters adorning the walls.

4. Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar

The Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar is located on the 9th floor of the Caravelle Hotel in District 1. It offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and a cozy atmosphere with live music.

5. Lush Nightclub

Lush Nightclub is one of the biggest nightclubs in the city, with multiple levels and a dance floor that can accommodate up to 1000 people. The music is predominantly electronic dance music (EDM) and hip hop, and the club hosts both local and international DJs.

6. Snuffbox

If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, Snuffbox is the perfect choice. It’s a speakeasy-style bar tucked away in a small alley in District 1. The decor is reminiscent of the Prohibition era, and the drink menu includes classic cocktails and whiskey.

7. Bui Vien Walking Street

Bui Vien Walking Street is a lively street filled with bars, restaurants, and street food vendors. It’s a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers who come to enjoy cheap cocktails and soak up the street’s lively atmosphere.

8. Fang Pub

Fang Pub is a small bar located in the heart of District 1. It offers an extensive drink menu, including craft beer and cocktails. The bar has a cozy atmosphere with an outdoor seating area and live music.

9. Rogue Saigon

Rogue Saigon is a speakeasy-style bar located in a narrow alley in District 1. The decor is dark and moody, with velvet curtains and leather couches. The drink menu includes a range of cocktails and craft beer, and the bartenders are known for their creative concoctions.

10. Cafe Zoom

Cafe Zoom is a popular biker bar that attracts both locals and tourists. The bar has a laid-back atmosphere with an outdoor seating area and a menu that includes cocktails and Vietnamese street food.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City has a thriving bar scene, with something for everyone, from rooftop bars to underground clubs. Whether you’re looking for a cozy speakeasy or a pulsating dance floor, the city has it all. These ten bars are just a few of the many great spots to enjoy a drink and soak up the city’s lively atmosphere.

Insider’s Guide to Ho Chi Minh City: Discovering the Hidden Gems

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most populous city. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for any traveler. This city has so much to offer, including fascinating local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions. In this insider’s guide, we will be exploring the hidden gems of Ho Chi Minh City that only the locals know about.

Local Attractions: Exploring the Hidden Gems

While Ho Chi Minh City is home to famous landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum, and the Ben Thanh Market, there are also many hidden gems that only locals know about. One such place is the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a beautiful temple filled with intricate carvings and stunning statues. Another hidden gem is the Tao Dan Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city that has a large collection of exotic plants and flowers. Take a stroll around the Binh Tay Market, which is quieter than some of the busier markets in the city and offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Dining Spots: Savoring the local cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and inventive use of herbs and spices. When in Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to try out Pho, a beef noodle soup that is beloved by the locals. Head to Phở Hòa Pasteur for the best bowl of Pho in the city. Take a trip to the Nhà Hàng Ngon restaurant for authentic Vietnamese street food, or indulge in dishes with a French twist at L’Usine. For dessert, Da Ke Old Quarter serves up mouth-watering coconut cream pies and coffee.

Cultural Experiences: Embracing the Traditions

Vietnam has a rich culture, and Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place to experience some of its unique traditions. You should attend a show of Water Puppetry, which is a Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century. This traditional puppet show is performed in a pool of water, and the puppets are controlled by expert puppeteers who stand behind a screen. Learn about the country’s national dress, Ao Dai, at the Museum of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine, where you can try on the dress and take photos.

Local History: Nostalgia for the Past

Ho Chi Minh City is the center of Vietnam’s vibrant past, and there is no shortage of captivating stories to explore. Visit the Cu Chi tunnels where the Vietnamese fought against the Americans and walk through the underground network which covers a remarkable distance of 75 miles. The Ho Chi Minh City Museum, formerly known as the Revolutionary Museum, tells the story of the city’s war history. Visit the Independence Palace, which is now a preserved museum that tells the story of the country’s independence.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Exploring the Unconventional

Venture out of the city to visit the Cao Dai Temple, a bright and colorful building that looks like it belongs in a Disneyland park. Take a street food tour of the city, and discover hidden alleyways that are home to the city’s best egg coffee or Vietnamese-style noodles. Explore the Thanh Da Island, a hidden island that’s just a short boat ride away from the city. You can access the island by taking a short ferry ride and hopping on a bike to explore the island’s quiet streets, markets, and temples.

In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City offers a vast array of exciting experiences to any adventure-seeker who is willing to taste a bit of local life. While exploring this city, make sure to go beyond the tourist spots and explore the hidden gems that only the locals know about. Take your taste buds on a cultural journey of its cuisine, learn about its vibrant cultural traditions, and discover thrilling stories from its rich past. We hope that this insider’s guide will inspire you to experience Ho Chi Minh City like a local.