I’m a real sucker for speakeasy bars and everytime we come to a new city we search for all the best ones and make sure to try them all, or at least as many as we possibly can. And I have to say that finding hidden bars in Saigon became one of my favorite things to do at in the city.
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and want more than just backpacker bars and rooftop clubs, I’ve gathered my favourite speakeasy bars below. You’ll also find a range of ordinary bars, wine bars and party spots that we loved and I think are actually worth your time.
Best Speakeasy Bars in Saigon
Snuffbox Speakeasy
If you only have time to visit one speakeasy bar in Ho Chi Minh, this might be it.
It’s hidden inside an old colonial apartment building in District 1 and finding it already feels like part of the experience. You walk in a slightly run-down building, climb some staircases, and when you find the door you suddenly step into what feels like a 1920s prohibition bar.
The atmosphere here is exactly what you want from a speakeasy. Think dark lighting, jazz music, vintage furniture and really good cocktails. The bartenders love to make something on demand so just tell them what you like and you'll get something really good.
CLIMB – Hidden Cocktails Bar
CLIMB feels like the kind of bar you accidentally discover and then immediately want to gatekeep. It was by far the one we had most trouble finding and even though it’s very small it has so much charm!
After entering an old apartment building you'll find it hidden behind a vending machine entrance in District 1. Inside, the atmosphere is dark, intimate, and stylish without becoming overly polished.
The music leans toward old-school hip-hop and R&B instead of jazz, which gives it a completely different energy. The prices are on the higher end, but nothing insane and well worth it for the drinks you get.
CLIMB isn't a big bar so it’s not somewhere I’d recommend for a huge group, but if you're just a couple of people you'll find a spot either inside or on their small balcony.
They make drinks on demand and I have to say I got one the best drinks I’ve ever had in my life and the bartender said it was the first time he’d made it, and that he tried something new every night. It was such a fun place and I highly recommend it.
Drinking & Healing
Drinking & Healing is less about hidden entrances and more about genuinely exceptional cocktails. Yes, you have to find the entrance in an old apartment building which can be tricky to locate, but it’s not as hidden as many of the others I’ve mentioned here.
When you look for it, you'll probably make the same mistake as me and think it’s the first bar you find, which is a very lively karaoke bar. This isn't really my scene so we almost left, but for some reason decided to explore the floors higher up just in case and I’m so happy we did because Drinking & Healing was one floor further up.
The place feels very calming and I don't have another way of explaining the interior other than that it felt cold, but cool. You'll understand when you get there. A huge plus was that the chairs were really comfy to sit in so we stayed for quite some time trying both drinks, wine and beers.
If you’re looking for a chill spot to grab some drinks before or after dinner this is a great spot in my opinion. If you on the other side are looking for a party scene, this is not your place.
The Iron Bank
The Iron Bank feels completely different from almost every other cocktail bar I visited in Saigon. The entire concept is medieval-inspired, with dramatic interiors, dark lighting, and a heavy focus on whiskey and classic cocktails.
Walking inside feels more like entering a fantasy tavern or secret banker’s lounge than a modern Vietnam cocktail bar. If you want something a bit different this is good spot I think. Plus, the drinks were really good and since it still feels a bit under the radar the prices were really decent.
To – Hidden Cocktails Bar ト 隠れ家バ
This is exactly the kind of place you hope to discover while traveling. To Hidden Cocktails Bar sits hidden above a GS25 convenience store, and unless you know it’s there, you’d probably just walk past it.
Inside, the atmosphere feels cozy, creative, and slightly quirky with japanese-inspired décor, anime touches and really good cocktails.
We didn't see a single tourist here other than us. I don’t know if it was just that evening, but it made it feel more hidden. The place was still packed and most people had reservations, so if you want to visit, especially during the weekend I highly recommend making reservations in advance.
Best Bars in Ho Chi Minh - A Mix of Wine Bars and Amazing Party Spots
Lost – Drink & Chill
Lost might not be a speakeasy, but it’s still not a place you just stumble over. It’s hidden down an alley near Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street, and compared to some of the more ultra trendy cocktail bars this has a more relaxed atmosphere. We came her on a Monday evening and it was almost full, so I can just imagine how it’s like during the weekend.
The vibe was really nice with an energetic feeling, while still calm enough so you’re able to talk. The drinks were also really good and they had an amazing DJ that made the atmosphere very cozy and we stayed for a long time.
There are lots of options in the city, but this is by far one of my favourites. If you only have a few nights in Ho Chi Minh City and want one hidden cocktail bar that feels effortlessly cool, Lost is one of my safest recommendations.
Bam Bam Bar
Bam Bam sits somewhere between cocktail bar, underground club, and late-night dance party.
It has a very tropical vibe, picture neon lighting done well, jungle décor, tropical cocktails and fun vibes until late at night. It’s one of those places where there’s a huge line in the evening and you can reserve tables with bottle service. When we came most tables were already reserved, but we could sit by the bar which was pretty nice.
We didn’t stay late, but I can only imagine it being such a fun night out if you're a group looking for a good time. I do recommend reserving a table if your a group because the seats fill up fast.
Layla Eatery & Bar
Hidden upstairs in District 1, Layla has the perfect balance between cocktail bar, late-night lounge, social hangout and speakeasy atmosphere.
Unlike some cocktail bars that feel too formal, Layla stays relaxed while still serving genuinely great drinks.
It’s a high energy place with a mostly young crowd and the music can get quite loud, so if you're looking for a calm place to slow down after exploring the city, this might not be the place for you. At least not after sunset. But it’s a great spot for both food and drinks, and even though I didn't party here it felt like a spot where the evening would turn into quite a fun place to be.
Terroir Wine Bar
This wine bar is located in a small, but very popular bar area, but still feels very calm and nice. It’s not a huge spot, but they have some really cozy couches as well as spots along the bar. They specialise on wine and have some really good ones. So if you're looking for a nice wine bar in the city I think this is a great spot to try.
Khoai
Located not far from the wine bar above, but completely different vibe. It's a very vibrant cocktail bar with a younger crowd. It’s a place many start the evening before venturing around the various bars in the nearby area. I personally liked it because it just felt quite local and authentic compared to many of the party spots in the area. I do however have to say that we tried the food and I wouldn't come back here to eat unfortunatley. But big plus for vibe and drinks.
Tips for Visiting Speakeasy Bars in Ho Chi Minh City
Most Hidden Bars Are in District 1
Especially around:
- Nguyễn Huệ
- Tôn Thất Đạm
- Japanese Quarter
So if you know you want to spend lots of time barhopping in the evenings, its nice to base yourself in this area.
Don’t Judge Buildings by the Entrance
Some of the best bars are hidden inside buildings that look abandoned from the outside. That’s part of the charm. Sometimes it almost felt illegal to walk into some of the buildings and explore to see if you find an entrance, but that's what makes it so much fun.
Reservations Help on Weekends
If you want to make sure to get a table, especially later in the evenings or in the weekends it can be a good idea to get reservations. We never had a problem getting in, but we’re only two people and normally come quite early. But many of the places don't have that many spots, so if you're short on time in the city and have a spot you really want to visit I recommend making a reservation.
Cocktail Prices at SpeakEasy Bars
You’ll find bars for every budget, but expect a bit higher prices than normal Vietnam prices. It’s still way cheaper than Europe and North America for what you get, so I think it’s all worth it for the quality you get.
More Highly Recommended Bars in Saigon To Try
Even though I spent weeks exploring the city and did my fair share of bar hopping, even I can't explore all the amazing bars there is in this huge city. So below are some bars that come highly reviewed and I had my sight on, but never got to try. Maybe some of them are more up your alley or just located closer to where you live so it's more practical.
- Summer Experiment
- Next Level - Cocktails & Consoles
- The Gin House
- Hybrid Saigon
- The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
Final Thoughts on Saigon’s Hidden Bars
There’s something really special about Saigon after dark, and exploring the various hidden bars in the city became one of my favourite things to do here. Because of the old buildings and narrow alleyways, it feels more like a fun adventure than just entering a new bar. We did so much bar hopping during our weeks in Saigon and I highly recommend spending at least one vending trying out some of the best bars in the city. Maybe add on a rooftop bar or two as well.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Vietnam. If you have any questions about travel in Vietnam, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!
-Ingrid