Rooftop Bars in Saigon
Saigon is a city in constant flux, and there’s no better place to appreciate this than from above. Seemingly every building has a rooftop bar, allowing you to check out how the skyline has changed since… well, probably since yesterday. (Is that a new skyscraper over there? I’ll bet it has a rooftop bar!)
The View Rooftop
We were not big fans of the Backpacker’s District, but at least it had one bar that won us over completely. The View Rooftop was one of favorite spots in the city. The prices are great, and the atmosphere surprisingly low-key, considering the madness of the neighborhood in which its found.
Location: The View Rooftop
EON 51 at the Bitexco
There’s no higher place to have a drink in Saigon than from the Bitexco Tower’s EON 51. The bar is connected to the viewing platform, so we hadn’t really been expecting much… sweaty tourists plopping down for a soda before continuing their sightseeing tour. But we were surprised by how much fun it was. There was live music, and every table was filled with loud, laughing people who had either started drinking way too early, or were being affected by the high altitude.
One Plus Beer Club at the Prudential Tower
On the eastern edge of what might be considered the core center of Saigon, a bar at the Prudential Tower offers a slightly different view of downtown. But even though it was the closest to our apartment, this wasn’t our favorite rooftop. The One Plus Beer Club is as weird as its name, unsure whether it wants to be an upscale chill zone, or a down-to-earth pub. The vibe was totally off, and we were annoyed by both the waiters (doing everything except waiting tables) and the obnoxious business-bro Australians next to us, bragging to each other about scoring in Saigon.
Location: Prudential Tower
Grand Hotel’s Grand Cafe
Built in 1930, the Grand Hotel is one of Saigon’s most historic places to stay. When stepping into a five-star hotel, Jürgen and I always expect to be shooed out like street urchins, but it didn’t happen this time. The Grand Hotel must have been feeling permissive. We lucked out, and happened to arrive right as one of Saigon’s frequent rain showers broke out, meaning that the best tables were suddenly free. This hotel’s fancy guests would never allow their clothes to get wet, but rain means nothing to poncho-covered trash balls like us.
Location: Grand Hotel
The Rex
Located just across from City Hall, at the top of Nguyễn Huệ street, the famous Rex Hotel has one of the most privileged locations in Ho Chi Minh City. And location is about the only thing the bar has going in its favor. The decor is gaudy and run-down, and the prices ridiculous. It’s maybe worth coming up here to snap a picture of Nguyễn Huệ, but I wouldn’t stay for a drink.
Location: Rex Hotel
Shri at the Centec Tower
Found on the 21st floor of the Centec Tower, the Shri Restaurant and Lounge serves up a classy atmosphere with its view over Saigon. This is a popular dinner place, so if you’re just there for happy hour (25% off drinks), show up early. Right next door, and actually connected via walkway to the Shri, is the MGallery, atop the Hotel Des Arts. The view is similar, but the vibe is more casual.
Location: Centec Tower
Saigon Saigon at the Caravelle
The views at many other rooftop bars might be more impressive, but there’s none more historic than Saigon Saigon, atop the Caravelle Hotel. This was the location of daily press briefings from correspondents during the Vietnam War, and is where they’d numb their minds at the end of the day. (Alcohol’s healing properties extend even to the horrors of war.) The prices in one of Saigon’s most iconic hotels are as high as you’d expect, but we really enjoyed this bar. The interior is classy, the staff correct, and although they’re not sky-high, the views of the opera are nice. A chilled and classy spot to usher in the evening.
Location: Caravelle Hotel
Broma Not a Bar
Broma is in fact a bar, so I’m not sure if the name is a joke, or wha… Wait! “Broma” is Spanish for “joke”. I just got it (still, not all that funny). This bar is an exception for our list, because the building is only a couple stories high. But it’s a cool spot to hang out, and with its location right downtown on Nguyễn Huệ, there’s still a good view.
Location: Broma Not a Bar
Air 360 Sky Lounge
Saving the best for last, the Air 360 Sky Lounge was our favorite rooftop bar, and the one we chose for our final night out in the city. Stylish, chill, and popular with a good mix of people, the 360 offers a great happy hour on cocktails, wine and beer, and its view is spectacular. There’s a dress code, but as long as you’re wearing shoes instead of sandals, you should be alright. (And if you’re not, they have shoes you can borrow).
Location: Air 360 Sky Lounge
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The picture of Shri is actually of Social Club M Gallery next door.
That’s actually correct but this is the view you get from the Shri. And we’re showing off the views you get from various rooftop bars.
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