The Dzone Guidebook
Drinks & Nightlife
The total ‘backpackers area’ consist of roughly four streets and some small interconnecting alleys. To have dinner here is very affordable and will cost you around VND 100-200.000 (US$ 4-8), for this amount you will have a decent meal including a drink. The options vary from Vietnamese, Indian, Italian to Chinese and Western. On Bui Vien street you also find many bars that offer drinks with a view of the busy city life. Depending on the location you can have a beer for VND 10.000 to VND 80.000 (US$ 0.5-3). Besides there are many souvenir shops that sell affordable gifts ranging from paintings, statues to clothing and bags. As this is the heart of the city centre it can easily be reached.
690 locals recommend
Bùi Viện
Đường Bùi ViệnThe total ‘backpackers area’ consist of roughly four streets and some small interconnecting alleys. To have dinner here is very affordable and will cost you around VND 100-200.000 (US$ 4-8), for this amount you will have a decent meal including a drink. The options vary from Vietnamese, Indian, Italian to Chinese and Western. On Bui Vien street you also find many bars that offer drinks with a view of the busy city life. Depending on the location you can have a beer for VND 10.000 to VND 80.000 (US$ 0.5-3). Besides there are many souvenir shops that sell affordable gifts ranging from paintings, statues to clothing and bags. As this is the heart of the city centre it can easily be reached.
Qui Dining Lounge is fusion at its finest. The latest entry to Saigon’s ballot of lounges casts a punk Asian impression on its guests. Sleek wooden furnishings are counterpoised with funky street art portrayals of geishas, Qui Dining Lounge’s trademark symbol. The ‘East meets West’ concept is harmoniously executed in the symbiosis of a dining space and lounge area all-in-one.
80 locals recommend
Qui Dining Lounge
22 Đường Lê Thánh TônQui Dining Lounge is fusion at its finest. The latest entry to Saigon’s ballot of lounges casts a punk Asian impression on its guests. Sleek wooden furnishings are counterpoised with funky street art portrayals of geishas, Qui Dining Lounge’s trademark symbol. The ‘East meets West’ concept is harmoniously executed in the symbiosis of a dining space and lounge area all-in-one.
The original open-air rooftop club and bar in Ho Chi Minh City, Chill Skybar is a Saigon staple, attracting crowds of stylish socialites, businessmen, party-goers and tourists looking to let loose 26 stories above ground. Attracting big-name DJs, brand ambassadors and a constant flow of themed events, Chill is relentlessly pumping out new reasons to visit the kinetic vantage point, at all times and hours – from ladies nights to ShowStopper and hip-hop takeovers. One of the most popular promotions is the Beautiful Ladies Night: an exclusive offer to all ladies. With a group of 4 ladies or above, enjoy a complimentary bottle of Sparkling Rosé. This is valid every Wednesday from 9:00 to 12:00pm
877 locals recommend
Chill Skybar
76A Lê LaiThe original open-air rooftop club and bar in Ho Chi Minh City, Chill Skybar is a Saigon staple, attracting crowds of stylish socialites, businessmen, party-goers and tourists looking to let loose 26 stories above ground. Attracting big-name DJs, brand ambassadors and a constant flow of themed events, Chill is relentlessly pumping out new reasons to visit the kinetic vantage point, at all times and hours – from ladies nights to ShowStopper and hip-hop takeovers. One of the most popular promotions is the Beautiful Ladies Night: an exclusive offer to all ladies. With a group of 4 ladies or above, enjoy a complimentary bottle of Sparkling Rosé. This is valid every Wednesday from 9:00 to 12:00pm
Sitting up above the rooftop of the Hôtel des Arts Saigon, one level up from Social Club Restaurant, Social Club Rooftop Bar is the ideal place to overlook the glittering skyline from above Saigon.
With the set-up of several standing tables and armchairs, this phenomenal place invites guests with ease to sip a cooling cocktail and unwind in the breezy atmosphere of Saigon. Things become more vibrant with the ambient music and DJs when the sun sets.
30 locals recommend
Social Club Rooftop
76-78 Nguyễn Thị Minh KhaiSitting up above the rooftop of the Hôtel des Arts Saigon, one level up from Social Club Restaurant, Social Club Rooftop Bar is the ideal place to overlook the glittering skyline from above Saigon.
With the set-up of several standing tables and armchairs, this phenomenal place invites guests with ease to sip a cooling cocktail and unwind in the breezy atmosphere of Saigon. Things become more vibrant with the ambient music and DJs when the sun sets.
Envy is Saigon’s big bold nightclub. The name tells you all you need to know about the target crowd. There’s a small army of black suited security guards to safeguard your arrival, a good supply of glamorous customers, serious light and sound production, and a solid stock of refreshments to keep the party hydrated. We were pleasantly surprised by how friendly everybody was. It wasn’t long ago that Saigon’s nightclubs (a bit like Sydney’s) established their cred by being unpleasant to customers. Things have changed for the better. The place was buzzing and welcoming. A good vibe. It was a Saturday. It's so huge that it will feel empty unless they're pushing big crowds through the door.
78 locals recommend
ENVY Club
74-76 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaEnvy is Saigon’s big bold nightclub. The name tells you all you need to know about the target crowd. There’s a small army of black suited security guards to safeguard your arrival, a good supply of glamorous customers, serious light and sound production, and a solid stock of refreshments to keep the party hydrated. We were pleasantly surprised by how friendly everybody was. It wasn’t long ago that Saigon’s nightclubs (a bit like Sydney’s) established their cred by being unpleasant to customers. Things have changed for the better. The place was buzzing and welcoming. A good vibe. It was a Saturday. It's so huge that it will feel empty unless they're pushing big crowds through the door.
Down one such hẻm at 144 Pasteur Street, a modest sign on a door reads “Pasteur Street Brewing.” Within these doors, a culture of tinkering plays with hops, yeast and grain as Saigon’s first craft brewery creates world-class brews with local ingredients and a nod towards Western beer culture. The space is quite small, but quality trumps quantity in this intimate setting.
116 locals recommend
Pasteur Street Brewing Co.
Down one such hẻm at 144 Pasteur Street, a modest sign on a door reads “Pasteur Street Brewing.” Within these doors, a culture of tinkering plays with hops, yeast and grain as Saigon’s first craft brewery creates world-class brews with local ingredients and a nod towards Western beer culture. The space is quite small, but quality trumps quantity in this intimate setting.
A gem of a spot in Ho Chi Minh. If you love craft beer and you're visiting Ho Chi Minh, you have to make a stop here. This place is owned San Diegans and they brought their beer making expertise with them. Great place to hang out during the day, especially if you need a break from the Bia Saigon!
53 locals recommend
East West Brewing
181 Lý Tự TrọngA gem of a spot in Ho Chi Minh. If you love craft beer and you're visiting Ho Chi Minh, you have to make a stop here. This place is owned San Diegans and they brought their beer making expertise with them. Great place to hang out during the day, especially if you need a break from the Bia Saigon!
Ho Chi Minh city is home to hundreds of bars and pubs and Layla tops them all.
The value for money during happy hour (95K per cocktail) is the best you will get anywhere and the quality of the cocktails using fresh ingredients is second to none.
The staff are super friendly and the atmosphere is awesome regardless of which day you visit.
95 locals recommend
Layla - Eatery & Bar
63 Đông DuHo Chi Minh city is home to hundreds of bars and pubs and Layla tops them all.
The value for money during happy hour (95K per cocktail) is the best you will get anywhere and the quality of the cocktails using fresh ingredients is second to none.
The staff are super friendly and the atmosphere is awesome regardless of which day you visit.
Food Scene
“Brad Pitt and Angelina Joie ate here."
Cuc Gach Quan has become so popular that it's expanded its original premises and opened another space directly across the road as well. All the growth may have diminished the charm a tad but the food and atmosphere are still very good.
Cuc Gach Quan is the brainchild of an architect turned foodie. And equal attention looks to have been expended on the menu and the retro decor.
The emphasis is on fresh ingredients and Vietnamese flavours and the vibe is warm and homely. Cuc Gach Quan is about 10 minutes by taxi from downtown nearby Tan Dinh market (depending on traffic). Prices are reasonable, despite its celebrity status. Staffs are friendly.
311 locals recommend
Cuc Gach Quan Restaurant
10 Đặng Tất“Brad Pitt and Angelina Joie ate here."
Cuc Gach Quan has become so popular that it's expanded its original premises and opened another space directly across the road as well. All the growth may have diminished the charm a tad but the food and atmosphere are still very good.
Cuc Gach Quan is the brainchild of an architect turned foodie. And equal attention looks to have been expended on the menu and the retro decor.
The emphasis is on fresh ingredients and Vietnamese flavours and the vibe is warm and homely. Cuc Gach Quan is about 10 minutes by taxi from downtown nearby Tan Dinh market (depending on traffic). Prices are reasonable, despite its celebrity status. Staffs are friendly.
Modern meets Culture that makes Thai dining experience at AnhTuk very special! If you are a foody, try guessing the ingredient, you are in for a treat! Relax & classy decor, good for business diners.
6 locals recommend
ANH TUKK Saigon
74/7 Hai Bà TrưngModern meets Culture that makes Thai dining experience at AnhTuk very special! If you are a foody, try guessing the ingredient, you are in for a treat! Relax & classy decor, good for business diners.
"Incredible Japanese street-styled food"
Greeting with a loud cheer and welcome in Japanese.
The atmosphere is cosy and intimate upstairs more open a bright downstairs.
Food is beyond delicious and the sashimi the freshest.
Good portion sizes and meals are well priced.
11 locals recommend
MANMARU OSAKA RESTAURANT 1
"Incredible Japanese street-styled food"
Greeting with a loud cheer and welcome in Japanese.
The atmosphere is cosy and intimate upstairs more open a bright downstairs.
Food is beyond delicious and the sashimi the freshest.
Good portion sizes and meals are well priced.
Perhaps the best non-Vietnamese street food this side of duck tacos is District 4’s Sushi Ko, which has been serving up roadside sushi for four years.
While the Nipponese wonderland on the north side of Le Thanh Ton – affectionately known to some as the “Japanese ghetto” – features dozens of culinary options from the Land of the Rising Sun, Sushi Ko matches most in quality and blows them out of the water in terms of price.
Sushi Ko is so absurdly cheap that one need not deliberate on the cost of normally pricey items like uni (sea urchin), unagi (river eel) or ikura (salmon roe).
27 locals recommend
Sushi Ko
122 Vĩnh KhánhPerhaps the best non-Vietnamese street food this side of duck tacos is District 4’s Sushi Ko, which has been serving up roadside sushi for four years.
While the Nipponese wonderland on the north side of Le Thanh Ton – affectionately known to some as the “Japanese ghetto” – features dozens of culinary options from the Land of the Rising Sun, Sushi Ko matches most in quality and blows them out of the water in terms of price.
Sushi Ko is so absurdly cheap that one need not deliberate on the cost of normally pricey items like uni (sea urchin), unagi (river eel) or ikura (salmon roe).
Korean family-run business with really friendly owners. The price range around 60-90k per plate but super big.
Mr.Lee
11G Nguyễn Thị Minh KhaiKorean family-run business with really friendly owners. The price range around 60-90k per plate but super big.
Locates on level 1 of an old Saigon building.
For me personally, it's the building that this coffee shop locates in that is interesting. You will find lots of artwork for sales at the entrance and loads of other shops inside this acient building. Try the elevator if you want. I think that is the first of its kind :)
Only in Saigon will you find shops, coffee shops and restaurants inside degraded building. It's truly unique.
14 locals recommend
The Loft Cafe & Bistro
26 Lý Tự TrọngLocates on level 1 of an old Saigon building.
For me personally, it's the building that this coffee shop locates in that is interesting. You will find lots of artwork for sales at the entrance and loads of other shops inside this acient building. Try the elevator if you want. I think that is the first of its kind :)
Only in Saigon will you find shops, coffee shops and restaurants inside degraded building. It's truly unique.
I would use the word food store instead of restaurant. Small but cozy place offering chicken steak at a decent price (~USD3/course)
Also a Saigon typical food store locating in an old building.
Gummy- chicken steak, cake and ice cream
95 PasteurI would use the word food store instead of restaurant. Small but cozy place offering chicken steak at a decent price (~USD3/course)
Also a Saigon typical food store locating in an old building.
For flower lovers.
The coffee shop has its own romantic setting, allows you to enjoy or cup of tea or coffee while blending in with the flowers.
38 degree FLOWER MARKET TEA HOUSE
58 Nguyễn Công TrứFor flower lovers.
The coffee shop has its own romantic setting, allows you to enjoy or cup of tea or coffee while blending in with the flowers.
Thinking of Vietnam, thinking of Pho. But do you know that other noodles are also super tasty? Try Banh Da Cua here and you will like it.
It's very difficult to find a seat at noon, try the evening instead. They don't accept reservation, unfortunately.
9 locals recommend
Dì Lý - Bánh Đa Cua
103 Đồng KhởiThinking of Vietnam, thinking of Pho. But do you know that other noodles are also super tasty? Try Banh Da Cua here and you will like it.
It's very difficult to find a seat at noon, try the evening instead. They don't accept reservation, unfortunately.
Clean Nordic flavours and a serene garden setting make Mad House another reason for adding Saigon’s District 2 to your culinary plans.
31 locals recommend
MAD House
6/1/2 Nguyễn Ư DĩClean Nordic flavours and a serene garden setting make Mad House another reason for adding Saigon’s District 2 to your culinary plans.
Anan Saigon is all about striking a balance between the traditional and modern. It’s located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1—smack dab in the middle of one of the city’s oldest street markets. With a unique location and juxtaposed approach to its menu, Chef Peter Cuong Franklin is taking Vietnamese cuisine to the next level, and doing so with polished mastery.
33 locals recommend
ANAN Saigon
89 Tôn Thất ĐạmAnan Saigon is all about striking a balance between the traditional and modern. It’s located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1—smack dab in the middle of one of the city’s oldest street markets. With a unique location and juxtaposed approach to its menu, Chef Peter Cuong Franklin is taking Vietnamese cuisine to the next level, and doing so with polished mastery.
Secret House - Vietnamese Restaurant & Cafe, a sister branch of Secret Garden Saigon. The restaurant brings you feeling of the atmosphere of Vietnamese countryside by its home-cooked foods & decoration. It's built by mixture of mud & rice roots, wooden pillars, old bricks ceiling & herb garden in the middle of the house. Come & experience truly Vietnamese house at Secret House
94 locals recommend
Secret House
55/3 Lê Thị Hồng GấmSecret House - Vietnamese Restaurant & Cafe, a sister branch of Secret Garden Saigon. The restaurant brings you feeling of the atmosphere of Vietnamese countryside by its home-cooked foods & decoration. It's built by mixture of mud & rice roots, wooden pillars, old bricks ceiling & herb garden in the middle of the house. Come & experience truly Vietnamese house at Secret House
Arts & Culture
The museum showcases the helicopters, tanks, and bombs that have been used during the war. A thorough narration of how the war started and ended is displayed (in English) where people can read them. Photos from the war are also printed and displayed. This museum will give you more idea and knowledge about one of the most controversial wars in the history.
1053 locals recommend
War Remnants Museum
28 Võ Văn TầnThe museum showcases the helicopters, tanks, and bombs that have been used during the war. A thorough narration of how the war started and ended is displayed (in English) where people can read them. Photos from the war are also printed and displayed. This museum will give you more idea and knowledge about one of the most controversial wars in the history.
Vietnam was once a French colony and a bit of this French architecture, cuisine, and way of life has made a lasting impression on Ho Chi Minh City. The post office was designed by Gustav Eiffel, France’s most famous architect.
832 locals recommend
Saigon Central Post Office
02 Công xã ParisVietnam was once a French colony and a bit of this French architecture, cuisine, and way of life has made a lasting impression on Ho Chi Minh City. The post office was designed by Gustav Eiffel, France’s most famous architect.
A remembrance of Vietnam was colonized by France once; this is open and active until today. It was built between 1863 and 1880. This Catholic Cathedral is named after the Virgin Mary. English speaking staffs between 9 am to 11 am.
1155 locals recommend
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
01 Công xã ParisA remembrance of Vietnam was colonized by France once; this is open and active until today. It was built between 1863 and 1880. This Catholic Cathedral is named after the Virgin Mary. English speaking staffs between 9 am to 11 am.
Also known as the Reunification Palace, this building marks, for many, the end of the Vietnam War. Free tours with an English-speaking guide can be arranged in the lobby.
1157 locals recommend
Independence Palace
135 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaAlso known as the Reunification Palace, this building marks, for many, the end of the Vietnam War. Free tours with an English-speaking guide can be arranged in the lobby.
Sightseeing
The famous market is worth to visit even you don’t need anything. This market is not the usual kind of market you are used to. A huge one story building where all sort of things you need are available; from clothes, shoes, accessories, food and even flowers can be found here. Don’t be shy to bargain, when they give you a price, remember to cut at least half the price and exercise your haggling techniques.
1702 locals recommend
Ben Thanh Market
Đường Lê LợiThe famous market is worth to visit even you don’t need anything. This market is not the usual kind of market you are used to. A huge one story building where all sort of things you need are available; from clothes, shoes, accessories, food and even flowers can be found here. Don’t be shy to bargain, when they give you a price, remember to cut at least half the price and exercise your haggling techniques.
"We work in Bitexco, say hi to us when you get around".
From the Bitexco Financial Building, located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can pay a small fee to enter the viewing deck for a bird’s eye view over the city. As we looked out over Ho Chi Minh City, Tim and I could not help but wonder how different this city will look five, ten, fifteen years from now. Ho Chi Minh City is rapidly expanding, with many new buildings under construction and the city itself becoming more modern.
487 locals recommend
Bitexco Financial Tower
2 Hải Triều"We work in Bitexco, say hi to us when you get around".
From the Bitexco Financial Building, located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can pay a small fee to enter the viewing deck for a bird’s eye view over the city. As we looked out over Ho Chi Minh City, Tim and I could not help but wonder how different this city will look five, ten, fifteen years from now. Ho Chi Minh City is rapidly expanding, with many new buildings under construction and the city itself becoming more modern.
Entertainment & Activities
CGV Vincom Đồng Khởi
72 Lê Thánh TônBHD Star Cineplex
190 Quang TrungThis Movie Theater locates in Bitexco Financial Building
Zoo and Botanical Gardens
2 Nguyễn Bỉnh KhiêmShopping
TTTM Takashimaya
92-94 Nam Kỳ Khởi NghĩaVincom Center