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The Best Rooftop Bars in Ho Chi Minh City: Where To Drink in Saigon With a View

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After walking around for hours, exploring the various corners of the city, it's always nice to find a nice spot to slow down, watch the sunset with a drink and just relax for a bit, and Ho Chi Minh does this really, really well.

One of my favourite things about Ho Chi Minh City is that no matter how chaotic the streets feel below, there’s always a rooftop somewhere to slow down at. So whether you’re looking for sunset cocktails, luxury rooftop lounges, casual beer spots, romantic date-night views, or late-night party vibes, Saigon has something for everyone.

I did my best to explore as many as possible during my weeks in Ho Chi Minh and here are my favourite rooftop bars that I think are actually worth visiting.

Best Rooftop Bars in Ho Chi Minh City

Social Club Rooftop Bar

This rooftop at Hotel des Arts feels stylish without being overwhelming. We came here for some wine one evening and it was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. The place is really beautiful and you get some amazing views over the city.

If you’re looking for a party scene, this is not the place. But if you just want to relax with a drink, talk about the day and watch the skyline this is perfect.

They have an amazing swimming pool at the rooftop as well, but it’s obviously only for hotel guests, so if you love a good rooftop pool I recommend booking a night at the stunning Hotel Les Arts so you can come up here and swim as much as you want.

View from Social Club Rooftop Bar

Soul Classic Pub

This is one I think most people overlook or just don't know about because it's not located in the centre of the city. Across the river in the more residential part of town you’ll find this little gem.

It’s a very chilled and laidback rooftop and you have to go down into the basement of an apartment building to find the elevator up, but it has some amazing views.

It overlooks the skyline and the river, and since most bars are on the other side of the river, you get a completely different view here. It has a very local feel, and by the prices you know it's not a tourist trap. We got a margarita for $3 which even in Vietnam is very budget friendly.

Soul Classic Bar
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Chill Skybar

If you’ve researched anything about nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ve probably already seen Chill Skybar. Located high above District 1, this is probably the most iconic rooftop bar in the city. The views are absolutely incredible. I only saw it after dark, but the skyline lit up was such a magical sight.

I absolutely get why it’s popular, but it honestly wasn't my favourite. I might have been unlucky, because the day we visited it had been raining for quite some time so we could only sit inside. You can usually sit outside as well which I think would have made the experience very different.

I was allowed to go outside and have a look and the view was absolutely spectacular. You just don’t get that same vibe sitting inside.

It was also one of the more expensive spots we tried, but that's to be excepted at a place like this. If I were you, I would just double check that you could get a table outside to make sure you get that amazing view.

Chill Skybar
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Banana Mama Rooftop Bar & Kitchen

This ended up being one of my favourite spots. It has a very tropical vibe with lots of colours and twinkling lights. I also loved that even though there was a DJ and it kind of looked like a party place, it felt very calm and relaxing.

We watched the sunset from here and I highly recommend it. It’s not located on a very high building, but you still get a really nice view over the city. If you're looking for a chill, unpolished spot to relax after exploring, this is a great spot.

Banana Mama Rooftop Bar & Kitchen

Le Café des Stagiaires

This one is located in the Thao Dien district which I’ve heard is a famous area for expats to base themselves. The bar itself is located on the 3rd floor so it's not very high, but it’s overlooking the river and some of the most iconic buildings in the city.

It’s also a really great spot to watch the sunset. I think the vibe here was really chill and pleasant with a mix of locals and expats watching the sunset and enjoying a drink. And the food here is really, really good.

If you only have one night in the city I might not choose this spot since it’s a bit outside the city centre and there really isn’t much else to do here, but if you're staying for a bit like I was, it’s a really great addition.

Le Café des Stagiaires

The View Rooftop Bar

This one is located in a hardcore party area, so even though we only visited during the day I assume it can get petty crazy in the evening. When I say crazy party area what I mean is that people were still drunk and wandering around at 1 PM in the middle of the day. I actually don't think I’ve seen that before. However it wants hardcore party when we were there, just a couple of backpackers grabbing a beer in the middle of the day and us.

The views are pretty nice over the city, but it's not as high a many of the others. It has a more backpacker vibe than some of the others, and the prices are pretty reasonable as well. If you’re looking for a nice spot to just relax during the day or if you’re looking for a party spot for the evening, I think this might get fun.

The View Rooftop Bar

M Bar at Hotel Majestic Saigon

If you want views of the Saigon River instead of just skyscrapers, M Bar is a great option. The setting feels calmer and more chill than many rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City. There’s also something really nice about sitting here at night watching boats move across the river while the city glows.

This wouldn’t be my first choice in the city, but if you just want somewhere chill, not so high up to unwind after the day its’s pretty nice.

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Rooftop Bar Tips for Ho Chi Minh City

Best Time To Go to The Rooftops in Saigon

Arrive 30–60 minutes before sunset to make sure you get a table and can watch the sunset over the city. Also make sure to stay for a bit. The skyline changes quickly after dark and it’s such a beautiful sight. Alternatively you can choose to do a bit of barhopping and pick one for sunset and one for skyline views in the dark.

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Prices on Rooftop Bars in Saigon

Rooftop bars in Saigon are usually expensive compared to normal Vietnam prices, but still cheap compared to Europe or North America. It also depends on what you're having. You can grab a beer while enjoying the view for a decent price, but cocktails might be a bit higher.

Many of the bars mentioned above also have happy hours right before sunset, so you can make some good deals.

Exploring Ho Chi Minh

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

Rainstorms happen fast in the city, especially during rainy season, so be prepared to change you plans if necessary. Bring a poncho to be sure. However, it can also be quite cool to watch the lightning from a skybox as long as you're inside.

Final Thoughts on Saigon’s Rooftop Bars

Ho Chi Minh City is a city that truly comes alive after dark, and there's no better way to appreciate its energy than from above. Whether you're sipping cocktails beside an infinity pool, enjoying panoramic views of the skyline or finding a cosy spot for a relaxed evening drink, the city's rooftop bars offer something for every kind of night out.

My advice is to not limit yourself to just one. Try a sunset drink at one rooftop bar, then head somewhere different later in the evening to experience another side of the city. After all, watching Ho Chi Minh City's skyline light up as the streets below fill with life is an experience worth making time for.

No matter where you end up you'll have an amazing night. I do however recommend trying a couple different ones, maybe do a bit of barhopping and maybe even combine it with one of the many amazing speaks easy bars in the city.

Plan Your Trip to Ho Chi Minh

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan which rooftop to visit in Ho Chi Minh. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

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