We all love to get out and about in a big city, but knowing where to go can be tricky when you have just arrived into a bustling city like Saigon.
Hopefully once travel restrictions are lifted, you’ll be able to come and visit Saigon especially by night, as that is when it’s at its most exhilarating!”.
A podcast called “What About Vietnam” hosted by Kerry Newsome recently spoke to an Australian girl named Selene Alcock who is now living in Saigon.
Selene shares her favourite Saigon Nights from 2020 and 2021.
You will find a great alternative scene, with rooftop bars, fine dining, trendy alley bars, and amazing cocktails and craft beer places you must try.
Get Set, Saigon.
Selene’s best nightlife spots for a party night out:
The Lighthouse
This intimate and casual rooftop bar is always fun with great tunes and international DJs (house, techno, disco), right in the heart of D1. Lighthouse is the perfect place to dance the night away with cool rooftop breezes.
https://thelighthousesaigon.com/
WAM Saigon (“We Are Monkeys”)
The vibrantly decorated French run jungle/monkey themed bar serves great drinks and underground and experimental music from international DJs, overlooking the Saigon River in D2.
Indika Saigon – House of Curiosity
Meandering down an alleyway, you’ll discover Indika, an alternate, slightly hippie space that presents like a house of curios. With its underground and experimental music – and a passion for dub and reggae – the good vibes and old-world courtyard are a great retreat from the chaos of Saigon. Located in the vibrant Da Kao ward of D1.
https://www.facebook.com/IndikaSaigon/
Indika’s co-founder is also the founder of Saigon Dub Station, who runs Vibe Nation Beach Fest and the Secret Weekend parties.
Broma Not-A-Bar
In the heart of D1 and on the Nguyen Hue walking street, Broma is another casual and good vibe rooftop bar with overhanging trees. If craft beers, funky beats and secret corners are your thing, this is the place to party all through the night and into the daytime hours. Emergency sunglasses can be purchased on the street below for vampires partying all night long.
https://www.facebook.com/broma.not.a.bar/
The Observatory
An underground institution, the long-standing Observatory moved from the docklands in D4 to D1. It’s tried to keep its underground, industrial feel and the open-air club with a second enclosed dance floor is a magnet for international DJs and a late night party haunt. Expect quality electronic music – house and techno – from international DJs and some live acts, as well as one of the city’s best sound systems. Best to go late and stay even later.
Soma Saigon
With a large, leafy courtyard, friendly staff and a chill vibe, Soma offers everything from international DJs to Latin dance socials, movie and stand-up comedy nights. Salsateka Dance studio often has themed Latin social parties here. If none of those pique your interest, pop by one afternoon for an egg coffee and homemade cookie. Totally worth the experience!
https://www.facebook.com/SomaSaigon/
Saigon Outcast
Another Saigon institution that is both a day and night venue, offering a huge open-air space with everything from on-site skateboarding, rock-climbing and simulation race track driving to craft beers, food and events that include flea markets, movie nights, dance parties and drag shows. Hidden away in the heart of Thao Dien in D2.
https://www.saigonoutcast.com/
For those who want it loud:
Bam Bam
Bali “tropical” inspired bar/club in downtown Saigon
https://www.facebook.com/bambam.sgn/
Lush
A Saigon nightclub institution with two bar/dance areas and an interior balcony
https://www.facebook.com/LushSaigon/
Envy
Go hard or go home! The massive luxury style theatrical nightclub features acrobatics and aerial silks and is the playground for Saigon’s upwardly mobile.
NASA
An all out space-themed club with elements of a side freak show! Expect boom boom music, a mustached man in a frame and a dwarf, and psychedelic space video projections. An experience you won’t forget!
https://www.facebook.com/NASASAIGON/
Apocalypse Now
Another long-standing Saigon institution with regular expats and every kind of person and an anything goes kind of place. Expect working girls and a fun night out!
https://www.facebook.com/apocalypsenowsaigon/
Piu Piu
Once a Spanish tapas restaurant, the multi storey club is famous for hip-hop and underground parties, attracting Saigon’s local youth. Expect bling. Parties get crowded but the multi-floor choices make it a great night out.
https://www.facebook.com/piupiusaigon/
T&R Tavern
Known locally as TNR, this cool dive bar is on the edge of the famed Bui Vien tourist strip, Saigon’s equivalent of Bangkok’s Khaosan Road. But it’s enough on the edge to get away from the overwhelming boom boom from the strip. It’s shabby chic meets lion’s den with good beats and cheap “cash only” drinks. What else could you want?
https://www.facebook.com/tnrsaigon/
For High flyers who like rooftop bars:
Saigon has a wide selection of rooftop bars from upmarket to low-key.
Banana Mama Rooftop & Kitchen
https://banana-mama.business.site/
Chill SkyBar (AB Tower)
Glow SkyBar Saigon
http://www.vietnam-guide.com/ho-chi-minh-city/nightlife/glow-skybar.htm
Saigon Saigon (Caravelle Hotel)
https://www.caravellehotel.com/saigon-saigon-bar/
Shri Restaurant & Lounge (Centec Tower)
Epic Sky Lounge
Ettu Cocktail Bar
https://www.facebook.com/ettucocktailbar/
The View Rooftop (Duc Vuong Hotel)
https://www.facebook.com/TheViewRooftopBar/
Craft Beer Lovers:
Saigon is home to many microbreweries and bars that specialize in craft beers.
Pasteur Street Brewing Co.
East West Brewing Co.
Biacraft Artisan Ales
Winking Seal Beer Co.
Malt Saigon Bar
Rogue Saigon
https://www.facebook.com/roguesaigon/
Uncovering the charm of the clandestine cocktail bar:
Saigon abounds with great cocktail bars that are usually hidden down meandering alleyways or tucked behind heavy doors in strange crumbling buildings.
1920 Prohibition Bar
https://www.facebook.com/1920ProhibitionBar
My House
https://www.facebook.com/myhousehcmc
Snuff Box
https://www.facebook.com/speakeasysaigon/
The Alley Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
https://www.facebook.com/thealleysaigon
The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
https://www.facebook.com/theatmsaigon/
Written by Kerry Newsome in conjunction with Selene Alcock.