Be a Saigonese with us
Our favourite mixture: cocktails and live music
When we first came to Saigon 15 years ago, we were fascinated by the bars scene here, and we never stop being amazed.... We love the kind of intimate bars with acoustic live music but there are all sorts of bars for you to discover in Saigon, from hidden speakeasy to open rooftop bars, gin bars, vodka bars, etc. You seriously need to schedule one bar a day to have a taste of the scene here. Almost every bar has happy hours (50% off!) and free drinks for ladies once a week; if you schedule it dutifully enough, you will be rewarded handsomely :)
hidden cocktails bar with great bartenders and chill atmosphere, remind us of Saigon in the 60s.
intimate acoustic live band of 2 every Thu and Sat
Tamarind - Hidden Cocktail Bar
33 Đường Nguyễn Trung Trựchidden cocktails bar with great bartenders and chill atmosphere, remind us of Saigon in the 60s.
intimate acoustic live band of 2 every Thu and Sat
Also known as The Speakeasy of Saigon, located on 14 Ton That Dam in District 1. They have live music every Saturday from 9PM until 1AM.
56 místní doporučují
Snuffbox Lounge
14 Tôn Thất ĐạmAlso known as The Speakeasy of Saigon, located on 14 Ton That Dam in District 1. They have live music every Saturday from 9PM until 1AM.
Located in the small alley off of Pasteur street, this bar is aptly named! Behind the main door, a curtain will unveil a huge bar with dozens or even a hundred bottles of different alcohols. Experts behind the bar will serve your exquisite cocktails. The Alley also has a mezzanine where you can also smoke cigars. The happy hour is until 8PM on selected drinks and they often have live bands performing.
42 místní doporučují
The Alley Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
63/8 PasteurLocated in the small alley off of Pasteur street, this bar is aptly named! Behind the main door, a curtain will unveil a huge bar with dozens or even a hundred bottles of different alcohols. Experts behind the bar will serve your exquisite cocktails. The Alley also has a mezzanine where you can also smoke cigars. The happy hour is until 8PM on selected drinks and they often have live bands performing.
Located on M Floor of the CJ Building. You need to get upstairs to discover this cocktail bar where the decoration is inspired by the forest. The 6 signature cocktails are based on the 5 elements + the metal. It is very creative and tasty, a great experience. Cocktails start at 220,000 VND ++, with happy hour offering 50% OFF from 5-8PM.
50 místní doporučují
Corked Tales - The Cocktail Bar & Lounge
6 Lê Thánh TônLocated on M Floor of the CJ Building. You need to get upstairs to discover this cocktail bar where the decoration is inspired by the forest. The 6 signature cocktails are based on the 5 elements + the metal. It is very creative and tasty, a great experience. Cocktails start at 220,000 VND ++, with happy hour offering 50% OFF from 5-8PM.
28/3A Ton Nhat Tung street, is the place to go if you wish to experiment the best gin cocktails in town. This is the ultimate hidden bar in District 1. The place has a mezzanine where you can smoke inside. The cocktails are excellent, no way you could be disappointed. Bartenders are very experimented. The happy house is from 5-8PM, 50% off on all drinks.
The Gin House
28/3A Ton Nhat Tung street, is the place to go if you wish to experiment the best gin cocktails in town. This is the ultimate hidden bar in District 1. The place has a mezzanine where you can smoke inside. The cocktails are excellent, no way you could be disappointed. Bartenders are very experimented. The happy house is from 5-8PM, 50% off on all drinks.
This is an underground cocktail bar. The concept refers to the story about the Independence Palace. You have suggestion and signature cocktails, starting at 200,000 VND ++. The Mad Hatter is a must-try!
15 místní doporučují
Rabbit Hole
138 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaThis is an underground cocktail bar. The concept refers to the story about the Independence Palace. You have suggestion and signature cocktails, starting at 200,000 VND ++. The Mad Hatter is a must-try!
One of the best live music cafe/bar in Saigon. Local & sometimes foreign bands changes daily except for Monday where the musicians take a break. Food is good and drinks are reasonably prices. There is a cover charge during the weekends
29 místní doporučují
Yoko Bar
22 Nguyễn Thị DiệuOne of the best live music cafe/bar in Saigon. Local & sometimes foreign bands changes daily except for Monday where the musicians take a break. Food is good and drinks are reasonably prices. There is a cover charge during the weekends
True to its name, there is wonderful live music played and sung by talented and enthusiastic musicians. Our tips: have food elsewhere before coming here for the show (Tuk Tuk across the street serves awesome Thai foods, for example). Drinks are average, remember you come here for the show :)
173 místní doporučují
Acoustic
6E Hẻm 6 Ngô Thời NhiệmTrue to its name, there is wonderful live music played and sung by talented and enthusiastic musicians. Our tips: have food elsewhere before coming here for the show (Tuk Tuk across the street serves awesome Thai foods, for example). Drinks are average, remember you come here for the show :)
The rooftop terrace has a unique and luxurious setting. Up on the top floors of Hotel Des Arts Saigon MGallery Collection you find the beautiful Social Club Saigon, including Social Club Restaurant and Social Club Rooftop Bar.
From the stylish indoor 23rd level restaurant, serving gourmet European cuisine, a couple of stairs leads up to the 24th floor rooftop bar and terrace, offering breathtaking views of the Saigon skyline.
30 místní doporučují
Social Club Rooftop
76-78 Nguyễn Thị Minh KhaiThe rooftop terrace has a unique and luxurious setting. Up on the top floors of Hotel Des Arts Saigon MGallery Collection you find the beautiful Social Club Saigon, including Social Club Restaurant and Social Club Rooftop Bar.
From the stylish indoor 23rd level restaurant, serving gourmet European cuisine, a couple of stairs leads up to the 24th floor rooftop bar and terrace, offering breathtaking views of the Saigon skyline.
Food Scene
We love to introduce you to authentic, fresh and safe Vietnamese food. Nevertheless, we can't help being excited to show you the modern Saigon who embraces all cultures and inevitably all cuisines: Thai, Laos, Cambodian, Italian, French, Chinese, Singapore, Indian... You will see in our guide here all of our most frequent spots in District 1 and 3; if you would like to venture outside of these 2 districts, do not hesitate to reach out to us!
A great intro for local authentic cuisine, there is no MSG in their food, try Banh Mi with pate or meatballs and Lemongrass iced tea. The tri-color rice dish is also amazing.
They are opening a new location in Takashimaya building on Le Loi street.
47 místní doporučují
Propaganda
21 Hàn ThuyênA great intro for local authentic cuisine, there is no MSG in their food, try Banh Mi with pate or meatballs and Lemongrass iced tea. The tri-color rice dish is also amazing.
They are opening a new location in Takashimaya building on Le Loi street.
Consistently fresh produce and seafood, this is our favourite spot for lunch when we want something else other than local food. Super nice and helpful staffs.
11 místní doporučují
Poke Saigon Ly Tu Trong
42 Bis Lý Tự TrọngConsistently fresh produce and seafood, this is our favourite spot for lunch when we want something else other than local food. Super nice and helpful staffs.
Great selection of local vegetarian dish. A bit hidden from the main street but not too difficult to find. Our tip: choose a balcony seat at night
9 místní doporučují
BONG SUNG VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
4 Bà Huyện Thanh QuanGreat selection of local vegetarian dish. A bit hidden from the main street but not too difficult to find. Our tip: choose a balcony seat at night
Spacious, clean and always the freshest ingredients flown in from Japan, Hokkaido Pasteur is our first choice to eat sushi and sashimi in Saigon.
10 místní doporučují
Sushi Hokkaido Sachi Pasteur
180 PasteurSpacious, clean and always the freshest ingredients flown in from Japan, Hokkaido Pasteur is our first choice to eat sushi and sashimi in Saigon.
Reservation is a must. Beautiful decor, ambience and obviously their famed wood fire thin crust pizza. Our tip: Make sure you order the Burrata here, so worth it.
14 místní doporučují
Pizza 4P's Le Thanh Ton
Đường Lê Thánh TônReservation is a must. Beautiful decor, ambience and obviously their famed wood fire thin crust pizza. Our tip: Make sure you order the Burrata here, so worth it.
Great place to eat with your family and friends as the menu offers a wide range of different Asian dishes aside from Vietnamese cuisine. Serving time is fast and they have a lot of seat for you and your group. Even with a crowded place waiting time to be seated was around 10min.
225 místní doporučují
Taste Saigon Tour
160 PasteurGreat place to eat with your family and friends as the menu offers a wide range of different Asian dishes aside from Vietnamese cuisine. Serving time is fast and they have a lot of seat for you and your group. Even with a crowded place waiting time to be seated was around 10min.
This is your classic Southern style Pho Bo, they will give you a hearty bowl with lots of fresh herbs. Our favourite is Pho Tai Bo Vien (medium cooked beef and beef balls)
47 místní doporučují
Pho LE restaurant
303-305 Võ Văn TầnThis is your classic Southern style Pho Bo, they will give you a hearty bowl with lots of fresh herbs. Our favourite is Pho Tai Bo Vien (medium cooked beef and beef balls)
Authentic Vietnamese food (Northern style), food are creative and delicious, make sure you order “mâm cuốn” (rice paper wrap with different ingredients, served with peanut sauce)
15 místní doporučují
Nhà Tú - Việt Nam Restaurant
129/4 Võ Văn TầnAuthentic Vietnamese food (Northern style), food are creative and delicious, make sure you order “mâm cuốn” (rice paper wrap with different ingredients, served with peanut sauce)
Open-air rooftop with its very impressive garden which boasts stands of corn, lemongrass and other herbs and vegetables. It also offers a stunning view of downtown, particularly in the evening.
The food on offer is very traditional Vietnamese, and many of the items on the menu will be recognizable to most. The difference here is the quality of the product and its impeccable presentation.
213 místní doporučují
Mountain Retreat Vietnamese Restaurant
36 Đ. Lê LợiOpen-air rooftop with its very impressive garden which boasts stands of corn, lemongrass and other herbs and vegetables. It also offers a stunning view of downtown, particularly in the evening.
The food on offer is very traditional Vietnamese, and many of the items on the menu will be recognizable to most. The difference here is the quality of the product and its impeccable presentation.
Our favourite Vegan restaurant in District 3 with its elegant and verdant space. Our favourite dishes include papaya and banana flower salads, mushrooms steamed in coconut, and the subtle combination of braised tofu with star anise and cinnamon
138 místní doporučují
Hum Vegetarian, Café & Restaurant
32 Võ Văn TầnOur favourite Vegan restaurant in District 3 with its elegant and verdant space. Our favourite dishes include papaya and banana flower salads, mushrooms steamed in coconut, and the subtle combination of braised tofu with star anise and cinnamon
Lots of vendors selling bánh xèo in Saigon but this one serves delicious crispy bánh xèo at an affordable price. Well worth the wait for piping hot "crepe" stuffed with seafood, mushroom and beansprouts. Fresh local vegetables (7 types!) are provided to wrap the bánh xèo in.
Bánh xèo 335
335/2 Điện Biên PhủLots of vendors selling bánh xèo in Saigon but this one serves delicious crispy bánh xèo at an affordable price. Well worth the wait for piping hot "crepe" stuffed with seafood, mushroom and beansprouts. Fresh local vegetables (7 types!) are provided to wrap the bánh xèo in.
Take a date (or your family) to this restaurant which serves authentic Vietnamese food but with a modern twist. We often opt for the course menu when we are hungry but note that the portion here is generous. Our favourite part beside the food is the ambience and the decor. Tip: ask the server or the manager about the history of the villa
11 místní doporučují
The Chopsticks Saigon
216 / 4 Điện Biên PhủTake a date (or your family) to this restaurant which serves authentic Vietnamese food but with a modern twist. We often opt for the course menu when we are hungry but note that the portion here is generous. Our favourite part beside the food is the ambience and the decor. Tip: ask the server or the manager about the history of the villa
Spa, Health and Fitness
We would love to be able to build a Health & Fitness Club for our guests one day in the near future....While daydreaming to turn it into a reality, we strongly recommend these experience to our guests, please take care of your health while travelling (and get a mani, a haircut while you're at it!)
Quiet and reasonably priced spa even though located on a busy street near Japan town (check out their District 2 location of you want to enjoy the villa atmosphere)
For first-timers, it might be a little bit overwhelming because of their extensive menu. They offer a wide range of treatments; from body massage (Hawaiian, Thai, Shiatsu, Swedish, Aromatherapy, Four-Hands, Six-Hands, and their signature Moc Huong Body Treatment), to foot treatments, pedicure and manicure, and facials.
To make it easier on you, choose the 90-minute Moc Huong signature package
Moc Huong Spa
9C Đ. Tôn Đức ThắngQuiet and reasonably priced spa even though located on a busy street near Japan town (check out their District 2 location of you want to enjoy the villa atmosphere)
For first-timers, it might be a little bit overwhelming because of their extensive menu. They offer a wide range of treatments; from body massage (Hawaiian, Thai, Shiatsu, Swedish, Aromatherapy, Four-Hands, Six-Hands, and their signature Moc Huong Body Treatment), to foot treatments, pedicure and manicure, and facials.
To make it easier on you, choose the 90-minute Moc Huong signature package
Do your feet a favor and order a Deluxe Pedi here. The staffs take their time to pamper you with really good skills and the price is very reasonable.
Fame Nails
1 Song HànhDo your feet a favor and order a Deluxe Pedi here. The staffs take their time to pamper you with really good skills and the price is very reasonable.
There are a few of Temple Leaf spas, all of them are good but the best is Temple Leaf Spa Land on Nguyen Sieu District 1: Brand new, clean, professional, attentive and thorough. We can't recommend them enough!
8 místní doporučují
Temple Leaf Spa & Sauna
32 Thái Văn LungThere are a few of Temple Leaf spas, all of them are good but the best is Temple Leaf Spa Land on Nguyen Sieu District 1: Brand new, clean, professional, attentive and thorough. We can't recommend them enough!
Saigon Cafe
Cafe culture is huge in Vietnam, this is where you find everyone at every hour of the day. We present to you not only Vietnamese style cafe which used Robusta but also places that serve coffee from 100% Arabica beans
from Brisbane, Australia, great coffee, a bit pricey for Vietnamese standard but they have variety of beans, not just Robusta (great option for fans of Arabica like ourselves)
The Coffee Club - Hàn Thuyên
05 Hàn Thuyênfrom Brisbane, Australia, great coffee, a bit pricey for Vietnamese standard but they have variety of beans, not just Robusta (great option for fans of Arabica like ourselves)
The most upscale Ru Nam cafe in Saigon, if you want to Instagram for a bit :) Awesome dessert and coffee.
7 místní doporučují
RuNam d'Or
3 Công xã ParisThe most upscale Ru Nam cafe in Saigon, if you want to Instagram for a bit :) Awesome dessert and coffee.
Highlands Coffee
364 Cộng HòaClose to home with great cafe
Starbucks Leman
117 Nguyễn Đình ChiểuVery consistent quality across the world :-)
We are sharing with you our hidden gem! Beside the fine coffee, this place have kept analog film alive, creating quite a remarkable space for guests who love nice music, nostalgic decoration style and analog photography
Darkroom - Cafe, Films & Lab service
33/11 Lý Văn PhứcWe are sharing with you our hidden gem! Beside the fine coffee, this place have kept analog film alive, creating quite a remarkable space for guests who love nice music, nostalgic decoration style and analog photography
To be seen in Saigon
Want to mix and mingle with locals? These are the hot spots at the moment, we will keep updating this list for you (trying to keep up with Miss Saigo here)
Definitely the trendiest place at this moment, Bam Bam is competing with Qui lounge, so in other words if you like Qui you will love Bam Bam. The place is bringing a new way of partying with its unique Bali Vibes concept calling out all the party lovers and trendy people. The food, the cocktails and the interior design are just amazingly surprising, edgy and creative.
With its empty swimming pool welcoming the bar, it goes far beyond in term of concept. Bringing talented international DJs from worldwide, they promise to make you dance until late at night!
Bam Bam
41-43 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaDefinitely the trendiest place at this moment, Bam Bam is competing with Qui lounge, so in other words if you like Qui you will love Bam Bam. The place is bringing a new way of partying with its unique Bali Vibes concept calling out all the party lovers and trendy people. The food, the cocktails and the interior design are just amazingly surprising, edgy and creative.
With its empty swimming pool welcoming the bar, it goes far beyond in term of concept. Bringing talented international DJs from worldwide, they promise to make you dance until late at night!
Layla is the creation between passionate food and cocktail lovers who wanted to create an eatery & bar unlike elsewhere in Saigon. It’s a place serving all things amazing, yet simple thoughtful rustic sharing dishes and drinks in a comfortable and unfussy atmosphere
95 místní doporučují
Layla - Eatery & Bar
63 Đông DuLayla is the creation between passionate food and cocktail lovers who wanted to create an eatery & bar unlike elsewhere in Saigon. It’s a place serving all things amazing, yet simple thoughtful rustic sharing dishes and drinks in a comfortable and unfussy atmosphere
Qui Mixology , located at Ho Chi Minh City’s Japanese district right in the centre of all the action, is a sophisticated, elegant and contemporary lounge offering both fine dining and a place to party with Ho Chi Minh’s elite.
38 místní doporučují
Qui Cuisine Mixology
22 Lê Thánh TônQui Mixology , located at Ho Chi Minh City’s Japanese district right in the centre of all the action, is a sophisticated, elegant and contemporary lounge offering both fine dining and a place to party with Ho Chi Minh’s elite.
Shopping in Saigon
So many choices but we narrow down for you a few legit guides if you prefer local boutiques to big fashion house:
http://www.vietnam-guide.com/10-fashion-boutiques.html
https://blog.christinas.vn/guide-shopping-in-saigon/
Vincom Center
TTTM Takashimaya
92-94 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaL‘Usine stocks a unisex collection of contemporary fashion, combined with an art gallery and one of the coolest coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City on the second floor. This is a great place to pop into for a coffee, lunch, drink or a snack, it also contains a concept store retailing emerging Vietnamese labels as well as contributions from abroad
181 místní doporučují
L'Usine Shop
70B Đ. Lê LợiL‘Usine stocks a unisex collection of contemporary fashion, combined with an art gallery and one of the coolest coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City on the second floor. This is a great place to pop into for a coffee, lunch, drink or a snack, it also contains a concept store retailing emerging Vietnamese labels as well as contributions from abroad
Operating since March 2013, this fashion line is the perfect hunting ground for urban fashionistas with slight minimalistic tastes. Libé aims to create fashionable basics that are wearable, timeless, and effortlessly cool.
Libe Clothing Shop
52 Đ. Nguyễn TrãiOperating since March 2013, this fashion line is the perfect hunting ground for urban fashionistas with slight minimalistic tastes. Libé aims to create fashionable basics that are wearable, timeless, and effortlessly cool.
This chic standalone boutique from Nguyen Cong Tri, who is recognised as one of Vietnam’s leading designers, is a riot of colourful cocktail and printed day dresses for the growing professional set and for ladies who lunch, and a fierce designer discovery for the discerning tourist.
Cong Tri / 194 Nguyen Dinh Chieu
194 Nguyễn Đình ChiểuThis chic standalone boutique from Nguyen Cong Tri, who is recognised as one of Vietnam’s leading designers, is a riot of colourful cocktail and printed day dresses for the growing professional set and for ladies who lunch, and a fierce designer discovery for the discerning tourist.
Neighbourhoods
Sai Gon premier shopping avenue is home to our favourite stores: Metiseko's Silk boutique, Miss30, Sadec District, Amai and L'Usine to name a few. Please do yourself a favour and have a leisure walk there
Đồng Khởi
Đường Đồng KhởiSai Gon premier shopping avenue is home to our favourite stores: Metiseko's Silk boutique, Miss30, Sadec District, Amai and L'Usine to name a few. Please do yourself a favour and have a leisure walk there