Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife guide: the bars, clubs, and walking street

As the most populous city in Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife is very vibrant, no matter what you are looking for! This guide would be focused on things that are very much on the legal side, but that still have some interesting things to do~

I am very much a cocktail snob, so there will be a separate post on bars in Ho Chi Minh City (coming soon)

Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife Overview

There are quite a few options depending on what you are looking for. Here are some just to let you know what you are in for!

• Sophisticated cocktail bars, which are my favourite
• Fun bars and clubs for those who enjoy the party scene
• Ho Chi Min City walking street is a must-see
• River cruise
• E-gaming and other indoor options

Bonus: it’s common to see cafes open until late with many young people there catching up and people watching. I’ll add a few cafes at the end of the article if you are interested!

Bars in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

The bar scene in Ho Chi Minh City is blooming, and I had a long list of places to try, but I haven’t really quite gotten around to all. This will likely become a separate blog post once I do, but for now here are my top choices for you:

• Stir -SAVOR Cocktail Club – founded by the same people as Stir, the cocktail club emphasizes a farm-to-glass philosophy, featuring seasonal ingredients and artisanal spirits. This is the only bar we made it to on our trip, and we absolutely loved the concept with drinks tied to different regions of Vietnam with local ingredients.
  Google Maps Location: SAVOR Cocktail Club
• Hybrid – they combine a bar with a culinary experience, offering a menu that pairs cocktails with gourmet dishes.
  Google Maps Location: Hybrid
• Summer Experiment – known for its playful and experimental cocktails, Summer Experiment often changes its menu based on the season.
  Google Maps Location: Summer Experiment
• Nhau Nhau – focused on traditional Vietnamese flavors, Nhau Nhau offers a unique twist on classic cocktails, incorporating local herbs and spices.
  Google Maps Location: Nhau Nhau
• The View Rooftop Bar – offering stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, The View Rooftop Bar is perfect for sunset cocktails.
  Google Maps Location: The View Rooftop Bar
• The Workshop – known for its focus on coffee cocktails and artisanal drinks, The Workshop has a laid-back vibe with an industrial design. It’s a great spot for coffee enthusiasts looking to explore cocktails and is recognized as one of the best coffee bars in the city.
  Google Maps Location: The Workshop

Bui Vien Street: the Ho Chi Minh City Walking Street

Bui Vien Street is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife, with neon lights, signs, street vendors, clubs, and bars. Is it safe? Yes. But is it a bit seedy? Absolutely.

While it’s not as risque as Cowboy Street in Bangkok, it is in itself very fun to walk through if you want to just absorb the atmosphere and people-watch. There are plenty of budget friendly places where you can grab a beer and a lot of street food carts. Many promoters also stand on the side of the street to invite you into their clubs and bars.

We didn’t go into any clubs and bars, and I highly recommend for you to change the google ratings and reviews of any places you go into and be vigilant about your belongings!

And make sure to confirm and check your receipt and charges. Here are a few places that are more reputable for you to check out:

Waikiki Bar & Restaurant

Waikiki Bar and Restaurant is located on the junction of Bui Vien and Do Quang Street towards the western end of the walking street. It’s decorated with greenery and lanterns with a vibrant tropical vibe that sets it apart from the other bars and clubs on the street.

They have several floors and the second floor has an open air set up that makes it perfect for people watching and absorbing the atmosphere. But if you want live music and party vibes, you can stay on the first floor, If you are going early, they have a happy hour from 5-7pm.

Opening times: open 24 hours

Go2 Wine Bar Saigon

Go2 Bar is a popular wine destination for expats and travelers, known for its lively atmosphere and great music. The bar features a mix of cocktails, beers, and local drinks, making it a favorite choice for those looking to party.

They also have a street-front section where you can just sit and watch the crowd. The friendly staff and vibrant crowd contribute to its fun vibe.

Opening times: 10:30 – 4:00 (yes, almost 24 hours!)

Street food tour

There are a lot of street food tour options in Ho Chi Minh City, and many of them offer a late afternoon or evening one. There are a few walking street food tours but a lot that would take you on the back of a Vespa zipping across the city – which is super fun!

• Street food tour on a Vespa with female rider option – they have a 7 or 12 course choice and 8am, 1pm, and 6pm departures
• If you prefer walking food tours, this one has similar hours

River Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City

A popular evening to night time activity is to cruise along the river! There are many dinner cruise options where you can combine a meal with sightseeing! I had no strong expectations, but it was actually quite fun with friends or family!

I have been on one dinner cruise – Indochina Queen (full review below) – but here is a list of dinner cruise that I have considered:

• REVER Cruise – for premium buffet and set menu option in a modern boat
• ICON Saigon – the most luxurious cruise with 3 levels of set menu offering
• The Elite Cruise – buffet and set menu option on a luxury cruise with bar and entertainment option
• Saigon Princess Dining Cruise – a more modern but still traditional design with 3-6 course menu

Note: if you don’t want to do a dinner cruise, you can consider this Nhieu Loc canal cruise.

Indochina Queen Dinner Cruise

If you’re looking for a fuss-free scenic dining experience in Ho Chi Minh City, the Indochina Queen Dinner Cruise is an interesting option. This cruise departs from a pier in D4 (but not a long drive from the city center).

The cruise departs at 6:30 PM and disembarks around 9 PM. The boat remains stationary for about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing guests to enjoy the food.

The cruise heads towards Ba Son Bridge before turning back. While the views are initially average, it provides a decent backdrop for photos and videos. The overall style of the boat has an old-school vibe, and most tourists are domestic or family.

It primarily offers a buffet, we opted for the set dinner. One standout dish was the delicious fried fish in rice paper rolls, which was a highlight of the meal. However, the other food options were fairly average.

While it’s not something that I would do again, it is a fun option particularly for those who are with family.

Price: $20 – $25 (approximately 160-200 HKD)
Time + Duration: Departing at 6:30 PM, disembarking around 9 PM; stationary for 1 to 1.5 hours
Where to dine: Recommended on the 2nd or 3rd floor for the best views – but you can move around the boat freely

Club V E-Gaming

If clubbing isn’t your scene, there are actually a few gambling parlours and clubs around Ho Chi Minh City. Club V E-Gaming is in the basement of Pullman Saigon Center where I’ve stayed. It’s also very close to the walking street, making it a good option for an escape from the crowd or if it rains.

You can see my full review here if you are not sure what to expect when visiting an e-gaming place. No, it’s not an internet cafe where you compete electronically. It’s a gambling place where everything is strictly electronic, and yes, it is legal in Vietnam. Although it’s not legal for you if you have a Vietnamese passport.

Note: smoking inside is allowed, so beware if you are sensitive to smoke. But they do offer free water and coffee to all members, and it’s free to sign up.