Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling, energetic and sprawling metropolis in southern Vietnam. But that energy isn’t just limited to ground level. Visitors in the know can enjoy their favorite libations along with incredible views in one of Ho Chi Minh’s many rooftop bars.
Let’s run down a few of the top ones (pun intended), and the information you’ll need to sip your own cocktails from one of these lofty social perches. Most of the popular sky bars are located in Saigon’s district 1. Some of them are located atop a five-star hotel, and are open to everybody, both overnight guests and those stopping by for an evening of live music and libations.
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Saigon Saigon, Caravelle Hotel
A mainstay of Ho Chi Minh District 1, Saigon Saigon is located atop the historic Caravelle Saigon Hotel (affiliate link). Once the haunt of reporters and photojournalists covering the war, this rooftop bar still dishes out both food and drink to those looking for an inside scoop on the city. Whether it’s during happy hour or late into the evening, you can enjoy views of the rapidly modernizing city from a perch that’s been in place since 1959.
From the right side you can take in the classic architecture of the Saigon Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral, all the while enjoying a retro decor that celebrates its past as a haven for thirsty war correspondents. With an extensive cocktail menu to match its views, there is a wide selection of drinks and snacks to choose from. Whatever your preference, Saigon Saigon is considered a top location for a rooftop bar experience in Ho Chi Minh City.
Address: 9th floor Caravelle Saigon, 19 – 23 Lam Son Square, District 1, HCMC
Rex Rooftop Garden, Rex Hotel Saigon
OK, so the Rex Hotel and its signature bar the Rex Rooftop Garden may not be the tallest venue in town. But with an excellent location near Old World Ho Chi Minh City and famous landmarks such as the People’s Committee Hall and Saigon Opera House, this is a great place to unwind at the end of a full day of sightseeing.
Covering the breadth of this 1920’s French-built hotel (affiliate link), the bar features open spaces with lots of tables, great views and ample room for its dance floor. You can put the latter to use come nightfall when live bands provide musical entertainment for patrons looking for an up-tempo night out.
Address: 141 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, HCMC
Level 23 Wine Bar, Sheraton Saigon Hotel
If upscale is more your style, the Level 23 Wine Bar at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel should be your first choice for a luxury rooftop bar experience. The 23 in its name is in reference to the floor it is located on, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding skyline in all of its classical and modern iterations.
Sharing the same floor are the similarly-named Level 23 Signature Restaurant and Level 23 Nightspot, which means that a visit here can provide a full evening’s activities in one place, from happy hour to dinner to clubbing to the wee hours of the morning.
Here too you’ll find an extensive array of cocktails on offer to wash down the gourmet food found in the adjacent restaurant. For a high end evening out, Level 23 at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel (affiliate link) is the one-stop shopping place to be.
Address: Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, 88 Dong Khoi, District 1, HCMC
Chill Skybar, AB Tower
If you’re looking to party in style, the Chill Skybar, located on the 25th floor of the AB Tower, is the place for the fashionista crowd looking to see and be seen in Ho Chi Minh City. “Dress to impress” is their slogan. Decked out in neon with a stupendous view of the buzzing city below, this is an upscale option for the elite partygoer that doesn’t mind a crowd.
The bar earns its name in the early evening, where soothing music is on offer as the cityscape transforms from day to night. But after 10PM the energy level gets a major upgrade when the DJ starts spinning hip-hop and dance favorites, attracting a lively crowd that’s often standing room only at the bar.
Compared to other venues, cocktails are almost comically overpriced, but if you come during happy hour deals can be had. Still, the main draw of the Chill Sky Bar are it’s views and energy, so dress up in your best and get ready to taste some of the best nightlife on offer in Saigon.
Address: AB Tower Saigon, 76A Le Lai. District 1, HCMC
The View Rooftop Bar, Duc Vuong Hotel
From one of the most expensive rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City we now transition to one of the cheapest at the View Rooftop Bar at the Duc Vuong Hotel (affiliate link). Set on the backpacker street Bui Vien, the View Rooftop Bar is known for its absurdly inexpensive beer and cocktails catering to those with a more modest budget who still want to enjoy the rooftop bar experience.
The bar area occupies the entire rooftop, with lots of seating and great views of the entire financial district of Ho Chi Minh City. There are lights everywhere, which only enhances the festive atmosphere brought about by plenty of cheap drinks. If you’re on a budget and want a night out on the town, the View Rooftop Bar is a great option for anyone regardless of their tax bracket.
Address: 195 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, HCMC
Glow SkyBar Saigon, District 1
Though Ho Chi Minh City may be located in the brackish tributaries of the Mekong Delta, at Glow SkyBar Saigon, the bar brings a beach club vibe to you. Dressed up with tropical trees, a large, ovoid-shaped bar and live music, this trendy rooftop is a hit with expats and others who enjoy their cocktails in an informal, party-like atmosphere.
The cocktail menu features all the classics along with some unique concoctions with a Vietnamese flair. After nightfall you can dance your heart away on the provided dance floor as the DJ spins tunes well into the night. Overall the Glow SkyBar is a great mid-range option for those looking for all the fun of a rooftop bar without the pretense.
Address: 93 Nguyen Du, District 1, HCMC
Breeze Sky Bar, Hotel Majestic Saigon
We’ll close out our list of the top rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City by taking a look at the oldest: Breeze Sky Bar at the Hotel Majestic Saigon (affiliate link). Set along a sweeping curve of the Saigon River, this bar was established way back in 1925 and still retains that same vintage charm. With classic French colonial architecture, an Art Deco bar and wide vistas visible from the fifth floor, this elegant venue still draws visitors looking for a laid-back vibe.
Unlike its counterparts elsewhere in the city, the focus of the Breeze Sky Bar is more on eating than drinking, with various meals being served throughout the day. Private tables can be found at the very top, allowing for a tranquil day or night’s reflections in this open air oasis.
Address: 5th Floor, Hotel Majestic Saigon, 1 Dong Khoi Street, HCMC
EON Heli Bar, Bitexco Financial Tower
If your vision of a rooftop bar requires it to be from the tallest building in town, then make your way to the EON Heli Bar on the 52nd floor of the sleek Bitexco Financial Tower. Coming in at twice the height of any other building in the city, it’s no surprise that the EON Heli Bar offers unmatched views of the length and breadth of Ho Chi Minh City to go along with a substantial number of drinks on offer.
The bar has a sophisticated vibe, combining low-lighting and a variety of seating areas all set around its 360 degree views of the city. In fact, while the cocktails and atmosphere rank highly with visitors, it’s the view that stretches all the way out to the horizon that makes the EON Heli Bar a top draw among rooftop attractions.
Address: Level 52, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, District 1, HCMC
Naturally, with so many sky bars in the city, there are other rooftop hot spots to be found, each with their own story and attraction. Regardless of where you decide to spend your evening, Ho Chi Minh’s sky bar scene is not to be missed. It’s a great way to take in the frenetic energy of this vibrant Vietnamese metropolis.
If you’re popping up to the capital city, check out Hanoi’s sky bars for comparison sake.