Summary
Ho Chi Minh City may still require significant development to rival the impressive skylines of neighboring Bangkok or Singapore. However, with the recent inauguration of Landmark 81 (the world’s 14th tallest building at 461m), transformation is clearly underway. The city’s skyline can be admired from numerous rooftop bars, which often combine stunning vistas with innovative craft beers from the city’s expanding brewing scene.
Moreover, the most populous city in Vietnam possesses a distinct charm, characterized by modern architecture juxtaposed against charming, tree-lined boulevards and century-old French colonial heritage structures. Below are some of the finest rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Rogue Saigon
Situated on Pasteur, often referred to as Ho Chi Minh City’s ‘Wall Street’, Rogue specializes in beer. Although its covered outdoor terrace is limited to the third floor, guests can enjoy a selection of over 30 beers (from seven local craft breweries) on tap while admiring the historic 300-year-old National Bank building across the street and the distant Bitexco Financial Tower.
The clientele here tends to be youthful, likely drawn by the appealing happy hour prices that begin at just VND 40,000 for a small glass. The American bar food menu offers a diverse selection of gourmet burgers, which pair excellently with the Saigon ginger cider or the passion fruit wheat ale from Pasteur Street Brewery.
Air 360 Sky Lounge
True to its name, the highlight of this stylish rooftop bar, situated 22 stories above Saigon, is the ability to walk completely around and enjoy views in every direction. The most breathtaking view overlooks Ben Thanh Market, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most vibrant locales. A DJ performs daily from 9:30 PM, and Saturday evenings showcase performances that include fire dancing and bartender shows. The audience comprises both tourists and expatriates winding down after work. Signature cocktails commence at VND 250,000, including the air mojito, which is created with a splash of champagne.
Saigon Saigon Bar
Overlooking the vibrant heart of downtown from the 9th floor of the Caravelle Hotel, Saigon Saigon Bar can be considered the city’s most historically significant drinking establishment. During the war, journalists could observe the front lines from their bar stools in what was the tallest building in Saigon at that time.
Currently, Saigon Saigon embraces its rich history through vintage décor, featuring old photographs, attractive original floor tiles, and coasters adorned with hand-drawn sketches of 1960s-era Ho Chi Minh City. The Caravelle Terrace Draft is a full-bodied malt brewed exclusively for the bar, designed to evoke the beer consumed by war correspondents in earlier times. The happy hour provides excellent drink deals alongside remarkable bar cuisine, with an enthusiastic Cuban band performing most evenings.
The View
Located on the 9th floor of the Duc Vuong Hotel, the View boasts the distinction of being the highest rooftop bar on Bui Vien, an area popular among backpackers that becomes pedestrian-only on weekend evenings. This neighborhood lacks tall structures, providing views over residential houses and mini-hotels, with downtown’s skyscrapers visible in the distance.
The View also houses a restaurant offering exceptional Vietnamese cuisine, including a superb tiger prawn salad served in a sesame rice cracker bowl. With the option to enjoy a complete meal served on the outdoor rooftop illuminated by elegant lanterns, the View is favored by families and groups. The Vietnamese mojito is a must-try, featuring a delightful mix of Cachaça 51 with local hints of lemongrass, mint, and red chiles.
Bar Bleu
Perched atop the fashionable Myst hotel on Dong Khoi, the most luxurious shopping street in Saigon, Bar Bleu is relatively small, occupying the 14th floor alongside a lap pool illuminated by vibrant lights. Guests may wade through the water to access two plush cabanas or even take a dip (permitted for patrons) while enjoying a cocktail. Live DJs perform on Friday and Saturday nights, but the main draw is the bar’s views over the Saigon River, as well as special all-you-can-drink promotions on certain days when discounts are offered for women.
Social Club Saigon
Recognized as one of the finest hotel bars in the Asia-Pacific region, Social Club Saigon, situated atop the Hotel des Arts, is frequented by discerning patrons looking to socialize and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. Typically bustling, the close arrangement of tables limits dance space to one’s immediate vicinity; however, the dimly lit environment 23 stories above street level is celebrated for its inventive cocktails and upscale bar bites. The Mon Paris combines fresh raspberry and cinnamon syrup with Absolut vodka and prosecco, while truffle dip with french fries consistently garners acclaim. Be sure to visit their website for information on events such as pool parties and guest DJs.
Shri Restaurant & Lounge
Linked to Social Club Saigon via a glass sky bridge, Shri provides one of Ho Chi Minh City’s finest combinations of cuisine, beverages, and atmosphere. The outdoor rooftop bar presents a view of the lush District 3, noted for its numerous heritage buildings, while the restaurant specializes in exceptional Spanish tapas. The highlight of the beverage menu features an astounding 41 vodka-based cocktails inspired by various neighborhoods in Saigon. Expect creativity and flair with each drink, including flavors like cherry (red) and almond (yellow), symbolizing the Vietnamese flag, as well as the Ba Son Shipyard cocktail served in a miniature boat with a dramatic liquid nitrogen infusion.
Anan Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
Ascend to the sixth floor of Anan (meaning ‘eat, eat’; press the elevator button for 3) for exceptional outdoor views over the Cho Cu wet market, located just a short distance from the Bitexco Tower. Anan is renowned for its innovative take on local flavors, highlighted by the outstanding phojito, a reinterpretation of Vietnam’s beloved noodle dish garnished with a charred stick of cinnamon. Additionally, the tra da is particularly impressive, offering an alcoholic rendition of the ubiquitous iced tea made with Dalat black tea, honey, and a splash of gin and lime soda. One floor below, NHAU NHAU provides a more sophisticated speakeasy atmosphere, showcasing its own curated menu of food and drink accompanied by music from a vintage record player. Arrive early to secure a seat on the outdoor terrace.
