The nightlife in Saigon is so fantastic that it is hard to choose what to start with first. Yet I would rather start with the Saigonese food and drinks. Vietnam had once been a colony of China and France so Vietnamese food is a mixture of French food and Chinese cuisine, plus the Vietnamese taste. That is why Vietnamese food is rated as one of the best food in the world. While experiencing the nightlife here, travellers usually go to District 1, 3, and 5 and run into many eating spots with delicious food, including Vietnamese traditional food to other countries’ cuisines such as French, Mexican, Korean, and Japanese food. When thinking of late night eating option, most people will recommend going to Pham Ngu Lao area – the backpackers area in Saigon. On Pham Ngu Lao street, you will experience eating street food while sitting on chairs placed on the pavements. This pavement- eating style has become a part of Vietnamese culture and as a foreigner, you definitely should try it out!

There are also other areas for late-night eaters. Here are my suggestions:

STREET FOOD AREAS

Ben Thanh night market

Ben Thanh market is located right in the center of District 1 and it attracts thousands of tourists and travellers every year as it is a symbol of a traditional market of Vietnam. For late- night eaters, Ben Thanh market serves a variety of food ranging from Vietnamese traditional dishes such as pho, bun rieu, banh canh, … to Western and Eastern food for those who want to try out. The food taste here is amazing; Vietnamese people take pride in their ability to cook good food.

Bui Vien Street

Just like Pham Ngu Lao street, Bui Vien street is a center hub for late- night eaters with small local restaurants located next to each other. Prices vary so choose a restaurant wisely by reading recommendation and reviews in Tripadvisor or any other review platforms to see which is right for you and your pocket.

Hang Xanh congee – Cháo Trắng Hàng Xanh

Congee (or rice porridge) is what many Vietnamese people want to eat when it comes to late night eating. Congee in Cháo Trắng Hàng Xanh, Bình Thạnh Dist. is served with other ingredients such as shrimp, pork, fish, eggs, or even kimchi at a very reasonable price at about 15000 VND-30000 VND. Having been to this vendor before, I suggest you should go with a local Vietnamese or people who have gone to this place before as it sometimes can be hard to find if you are unable to communicate and speak Vietnamese.

Besides eating, Saigon has much more to offer. In District 1, rooftop coffees/bars, high-rolling casinos, pleasing jazz performance are among many options in Saigon nightlife entertainment.

Saigon rooftop bars are rated as one of the best in Asia. With an astonishing view of the vibrant city of Saigon to various types of cheap drinks offered, Saigon rooftop bars attract hundreds of people, including celebrities, affluent people, every night. Here are top 5 best rooftop bars in Saigon according to Trip Advisor:

ROOFTOP BARS & CLUBS

Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar

Address: 19 – 23 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: (84-8) 3823 4999
Note: Happy Hour specials from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and live music nightly from 9:00pm
Email:  hotel@caravellehotel.com

Chill Sky Bar

Address: 6th Floor Rooftop, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam.
Tel: 84 93 882 28 38
Website: http://chillsaigon.com
Price: About 20$/cocktail
Note: Happy hour from 17:30 to 20:00

Sax N Art Jazz Club

Address: 28 Le Loi, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
Website: http://www.saxnart.com
The cover charge of 100 000 VND

Rex Hotel Rooftop Bar

Address: 141 Nguyen Hue street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam.
Tel: 08 3829 2185
Price: Pricey (for example, $6 – $10/beer)
Note: 17:00 to 19:00 Happy hour
Website: http://www.rexhotelvietnam.com/dining/rooftop-garden/

Gallery Drinkery

Address: 64 Ton That Thiep | Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Note: Happy hour: 5pm to 8pm
Tel: +84 8 3914 2817

Saigon nightlife is incomplete without the presence of luxurious bars and drinks. The prices in bars and vendors on the street are different so plan accordingly so as to save money and spend wisely. I wish you would have a good time in Saigon and don’t leave Saigon without knowing what nightlife is like here! It’s worth to try.

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