In a city as exciting as Ho Chi Minh, it can be difficult to know where to begin. There’s amazing bars, restaurants, and cafés as far as the eye can see, and everyone who’s ever visited is bound to have a favourite. But if you’re after five truly unmissable hidden spots, we’ve got you covered. We spoke to An, an Operations Officer based in our Vietnam office, to get the lowdown on her local gems. So these, in our opinion, are the best bars in Ho Chi Minh City!
1. Soul Classic Pub
This place is great for dates and meet-ups with friends, and they have brilliant live music every Friday! All their drinks are well-made, reasonably priced, and you get fantastic views of the Saigon skyline – including the Bitexco building, which was once the highest building in the city! In addition, the staff are really helpful and very friendly – so if you’re counting, that’s great vibes, great drinks, and great views.
8th Floor, Vicon Ship Building
6 Doan Van Bo Street
Ward 9, District 4
Ho Chi Minh City
Instagram: @soul.classicpub
2. CLIMB – Hidden Cocktails Bar
They know how to make proper cocktails. CLIMB are especially well-known locally for their delicious Old Fashioneds, which are made using Japanese whiskey – but if you’re a lover of any good cocktail, this is a must-visit. As the name suggests, it’s pretty hidden from the street – though there’s a sign outside, you think you’re walking into an apartment, and it’s only once you dive through the vending machine entrance on the 3rd floor that the ambience really changes. Once you’re in, the bar has an amazing vibe and great music – think 90s/00s hip-hop! We also love it for the friendly owner, who you’ll always have a great conversation with.
3rd Floor
15 Phan Van Dat Street
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Instagram: @climbhiddencocktailsbar
3. EM*Me Bar
This romantic little spot is adorned with handwritten poetry and paintings, and has a chilled-out vibe. You can enjoy effectively a three-course meal of drinks here – from an appetiser, through a strong, more intense ‘main course’, and ending with a sweet treat, including some delicious floral cocktails. It’s a little escape from the busy Saigon! It’s another hidden gem, tucked next to a small bodega and up a couple of flights of stairs, but behind the Number 9 door you’ll find a comfortable space with great service.
Room 9, Second Floor
70 Ham Nghi
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Instagram: @em.me_house
4. Layla – Eatery & Bar
Artistic cocktails, delicious snacks and chilled vibes: that’s Layla in a nutshell. Housed in an old colonial apartment block, a shabby-chic entrance yields to reveal Summer Experiment’s cool-as-they-come big sister. The perfect choice for either an intimate date or a gathering of friends, it also features a menu that’s a scrumptious combination of Vietnam and Western cuisine.
Second Floor
63 Đông Du
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Instagram: @layla.eateryandbar
5. The Iron Bank Vault
Tucked away in an old residential building in Saigon’s Financial District lies The Iron Bank. This Medieval-style cocktail bar focuses on experimental mixology, and creates some really unique cocktails. However, to make sure they maximise on customer experience, they’re also happy to showcase the classics – meaning it rightfully earns its title as one of the best bars in Ho Chi Minh City!
Floor 1
47 Ton That Dam
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Instagram: @theironbank.cocktailvault
And for the day after…
Need a pick me up after trying out one of the best bars in Ho Chi Minh City? We’ve got one word for you – one saving grace. Brunch.
For some of the tastiest, most exciting food in Saigon, head to The Brix. This tropical-inspired oasis is an open-air restaurant, bar, and pool lounge – so you can take a dip to revive yourself while you hang out. Treat yourself to waffle towers, eggs benedict, and croque madames with a twist – or if you’re feeling brave, opt for bottomless! The menu features Nikkei-styled dishes, where Japanese and Peruvian cuisines meld to form an authentic new culinary experience.
26 Tran Ngoc Dien
Thao Dien, District 2
Ho Chi Minh City
Instagram: @thebrixsaigon
