GRAB A DRINK
1. Saigon from above
- Address: Shri Lounge – 72 Nguyen Thị Minh Khai, Ward 6, District 3
If you are on the lookout for a sophisticated restaurant, fabulous deluxe atmosphere and some of the most stunning panoramic views of the city, this is where you should go.
Located in the 23rd floor of Centec Tower, just a few minutes away from Saigon’s city centre, Shri Lounge not only serves the most delicious
European-Asian fusion food, but it also takes pride in its whisky collection, in an excellent selection of wines, crafted cocktails and a lush tropical décor.
‘Shri’ is a Sanskrit word which means ‘surrounded by light’ and we don’t imagine a better name to describe this place. Transparent glass is used all around the diner, lounge and restaurant, receiving natural light during the day and accentuating Saigon skyscrapers and city lights during night time.
Happy hour sunset cocktails are the best time to be there. From time to time, Shri complements dinners with live music, performances and all sorts of entertaining events. You may also find great deals during lunch time and some exquisite superior tapas ‘a la Vietnamese’ for dinner.
2.Glamorous Saigonese evenings
- Address: Chill Skybar – 76A Le Lai, AB Tower, Floor 26, Ward Ben Thanh, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City’s tropical evenings are just perfect for sunset cocktails and superb city views. Stylish rooftop bars are kind of a thing in Saigon and Chill
Skybar has definitely been a trendsetter during the last few years. You certainly cannot miss this place while in town.
Located on the 26th floor of a downtown building, Chill Skybar is the most upscale, fashionable and deluxe rooftop bar (and club) in the city. There is a strictly mandatory dress code: flip-flops, shorts (for men mostly) and sandals are a no go. If you feel like dancing, this is an excellent spot. There is a large dance floor and DJ’s start playing popular dance music right before sunset.
Drinks might be a little bit more expensive that other rooftop bars in town, but there is a magnificent happy hour between 17:30 and 20hs. Chill Skybar views, vibe and excellent taste of music makes it one of a kind and somehow invincible in Saigon clubs’ scene.
3.Best craft beers in town!
- Address: Heart of Darkness – 31D Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1
After staying in Saigon for a few days, you will soon notice that craft
breweries are really a thing. There are so many to choose from, but Heart of Darkness really stands out. It’s more of a spot for expats and locals located in the heart of the city but hidden enough to still remain one of the town’s best kept secrets. Besides offering all sorts of carefully curated tropical South East
Asian flavours, you will also find a mixture of western and Asian small plates that are the perfect combination for those spectacular beers. If you are having a hard time deciding which beer to go for, order the taster, which will bring a few of their best hits. They usually have all sort of events during the evenings. Make sure of checking their website and social media sites before getting there. Our favourites: Pitiless Folly Pale Ale and Kurt’s Insane IPA. Truly legendary crafted beers!
NIGHTIME FUN
4.Hip, cool and relaxed rooftop bar
- Address: Broma Not A Bar! – 41 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe, District 1
If you are in Saigon during the weekend you cannot leave Broma out of your plans. With lovely views of downtown Saigon, Broma has a cool and laid back atmosphere, delicious cocktails, over 40 different beers to choose from and a music selection that never fails. The best DJ’s in town perform here and it does not come as a surprise to find the place really crowded. It has a lovely rooftop – not the highest one but one with adorable views of Nguyen Hue, which is Saigon’s first and only pedestrian street. Broma is usually one of the few bars open until really late in the night so if you are planning on really partying while in town, this is the place to go!
5.Experience Saigon as a local!
- Address: Saigon Food Tour
Everyone’s heard about Saigon’s street food. You will probably see food stalls everywhere, selling all sort of Vietnamese treats. As a traveller, sometimes it’s difficult to choose which seller is the best one and which street food delicacies you cannot miss. Saigon Food Tour is all about the traveller’s street food journey. You will hop on the back of a motorbike and Vietnamese drivers will take you to their favourite spots in town. Isn’t this amazing? Not only you will try the best Vietnamese dishes, but you will do it with the help of a local. And, if this wasn’t spectacular enough, you will experience how it feels to drive on the insane streets and crowded traffic. We don’t think there is a better way to experience the real Saigon!