Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife Guide
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (formerly known as Saigon) is full of cultural experiences and historical sites. When the sun goes down, though, the city transforms. Bars and clubs flick their lights on one by one, giving backpackers in Ho Chi Minh City a whole new side of the city to explore.
The Ho Chi Minh City nightlife scene is one of the biggest in Vietnam. This city of teeming intersections and packed roadways is no less bustling after dark. A night on the town is a great way to experience Ho Chi Minh City as a backpacker. You’ll find yourself mixing with locals, expats, and other travelers. Grab a beer at one of the city’s many roadside stalls with characteristic low chairs, and ease your way into the evening with some people watching. When you’re ready for more, venture off to one of the bars on this list to see how the Vietnamese let loose (and whether you can keep up!).
Don’t blame us if you get hooked, and your time in Ho Chi Minh City stretches on longer than expected… It’s impossible not to fall for the atmosphere of a night out in Ho Chi Minh City.
Lush Nightclub
Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hours: 8:00 pm – 2:00 am (Monday – Sunday
Lush, found in District 1, is one of the biggest names in the Ho Chi Minh City nightlife scene. Any local that loves to party will have been here – probably pretty often.
Lush is one of the premier dance clubs in Ho Chi Minh City. When you enter you’re immediately greeted by a packed crowd of party-goers dressed to impress. The club has two spacious and well-furnished levels. The setup has a contemporary feel.
A great rotation of international DJs play the latest hip hop, RnB, and Top 40 tunes to keep the crowd dancing through the night. The party starts to pick up around 10:00 pm. If the crowds get to be too much for you, you can opt for a break in the outdoor garden area with its own separate bar.
The weekly Ladies’ Night on Tuesdays is a Ho Chi Minh City institution, and Thursday features two-for-one drinks all night.
Apocalypse Now
Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hours: 8:00 pm – 2:00 am (Monday – Sunday)
Apocalypse Now, or ‘Apo’ as the locals call it, is widely considered to be one of the best nightlife spots in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s more of a bar than a club, but when it’s packed (which is always) it can be hard to tell the difference. It’s a little bar with a big atmosphere, and a large roster of special events.
Apocalypse Now is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s longest-running venues. It opened in 1991, and just celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016 with a massive party. The bar is very foreigner-oriented, so you’re likely to run into a crowd of expats and tourists inside. Some love it, some hate it, but there’s no denying it’s a staple on the Ho Chi Minh City nightlife scene. Stop by for a beer and see if it’s for you!
Saxnart Jazz Club
Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hours: 6:00 pm – 12:00 am (Monday – Sunday)
If the EDM flooding today’s dance floors isn’t your thing, Saxnart Jazz Club might be more your speed. This venue showcases a unique blend of contemporary jazz with traditional Vietnamese influences. It’s the only jazz club in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tran Manh Tuan, the club’s owner and Vietnam’s most celebrated saxophonist, plays regularly. The house band offer up jazz classics every night, and an impressive array of international guests also grace the stage regularly. The dark and smoky atmosphere of this venue more than justify the cover charge and slightly higher prices. Come here for a truly unique night in Ho Chi Minh City.
Catwalk Night Spot
Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hours: 8:00 pm – 2:00 am (Monday – Sunday)
Image courtesy of www.citypassguide.com
Catwalk calls itself “Ho Chi Minh City’s premiere entertainment venue, providing local hospitality and entertainment in a luxury setting.” That should give you a hint as to how posh it is. The prices are high, but then so is the glamour. Come here to splash out on a memorable night in Ho Chi Minh City.
This glitzy venue includes a casino, karaoke, a full service restaurant, a bar, and a full-on nightclub. Everything comes with VIP-level service. You’re guaranteed to be rubbing shoulders with a high-end crowd (mostly corporate personalities and wealthy tourists). The party in the club space varies, with house and dance music echoing out of a first-rate sound system and live bands each Saturday. The karaoke suite can be rented out privately if you’re looking for a more personal experience with your crew.
Chill Sky Bar
Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hours: 5:30 pm – 2:30 am (Monday – Sunday)
Chill Sky Bar is one of the most popular night spots in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s easy to see why, with its jaw-dropping view and uber cool atmosphere. This rooftop bar and club sits on the 25th floor of the New World Building. The dress code standards are equally high: don’t show up in sandals and expect to get in. Predictably, prices are also steep: a cocktail can run you USD $20. Luckily, a half-price happy hour runs every day from 5:30 – 8:00 pm.
The panoramic view of the city as you emerge onto the terrace is pretty stunning. The bar opens at 5:00 pm. A chill, down-tempo mix of music plays while the sun sets over Ho Chi Minh. Things start to pick up around 10:00 pm, when a DJ takes the stage and gets the crowd dancing with a mix of hip hop and house music. They must be doing something right, because Chill Sky Bar is always packed with standing room only. The prices might not fit into the typical backpacker budget, but this place is worth visiting even for one drink while you take in the views. If you’re Instagram-inclined, it’s a skyline shot you can’t pass up.
Qui Lounge
Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hours: 11:00 am – 1:00 am (Monday – Sunday)
Image courtesy of quilounge.com
Qui Lounge is a new entry on the Ho Chi Minh City nightlife scene, but it’s quickly risen to the top of the ranks. This sleek, ‘Asian punk’ space is both a dining space and a cocktail lounge. It’s decorated in a signature ‘East meets West’ style. The fusion carries over from the decor to the menu. The sharing plates draw on Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese influences. The ingenious cocktail selections also have an oriental flavour. Premium wines, sake, and Japense whiskey are also available.
Come to Qui Lounge for a sophisticated, candle-lit evening where dinner fades into drinks. The seating arrangements allow for lots of mingling, if you’re looking to meet other travelers and locals. This is a great spot to try local flavours in innovative combinations. It’s certainly an experience not every backpacker will have. You’ve read our list, so you’re in the know – don’t waste the opportunity!
Blanchy’s Tash
Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hours: 5:30 pm – 3:00 am (Monday – Sunday)
Image courtesy of thevietnamguide.com
The name might be a mouthful, but this wine bar and lounge is worth it. Blanchy’s Tash is one of the most popular nightlife venues in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling District 1. Its namesake is Paul Blanchy, a colonial era mayor, and his notorious mustache. A map of the colonial era city ties the bar to this history. The rest of the experience is thoroughly modern, though. The party goes on late here, and big name international DJs make regular appearances.
If you’re looking for an earlier start, swing by between 6:0 and 9:00 pm for happy hour (buy-one-get-one-free drinks!). The premium cocktails are not to be missed. The dance floor becomes the centre of the party later on, but you can always escape to the rooftop for a change of pace. DJs play from Wednesday through Sunday. Whenever you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City, this is one of the most popular bars to stop by.
Broma: Not-A-Bar
Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hours: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am (Monday – Sunday)
Image courtesy of www.citypassguide.com
Broma has been entertaining locals and visitors for years. Regulars keep coming back for the wide selection of craft beers from Vietnam and abroad. The ever-changing decor also keeps things fresh and fun. There’s lots to explore one you’re inside. A double-decker rooftop sits separate from the venue’s main area. The in-floor, 3 metre, fluorescent fish tank is also eye-catching. Once you’ve taken it all in, sidle up to the bar for some refreshment. The mixologists are happy to whip up personalized cocktails on request.
Broma aims to strike a mellow and seductive atmosphere, and by all accounts they nail it. Live music plays every evening through the week. DJs take over on the weekends, but with smooth playlists that won’t interrupt your conversation. Even if you’re only in Ho Chi Minh City briefly, you might find yourself here over and over again. The chill vibes, diverse selection, and prime location keep everyone coming back for more.
Saigon Outcast
Location: District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Image courtesy of www.randomrepublika.com
“Welcome to the place, where you come to be you.” Saigon Outcast is an alternative events venue, creative space, craft beer garden, and graffiti paradise. You never know what you’ll get here on a given day: skateboarding, BBQs, charitable events, markets, climbing, music. That’s what makes it so irresistible. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday as a cafe/bar and nightly venue offering workshops, outdoor cinema, and weekly events. Sundays are family-friendly days with things like kids’ cinema and live music.
Active types will want to check out the rock-climbing wall and custom-built half-pipe. Nothing like adding a little adrenaline to your evenings drinks! If you’re just looking for a chill spot to hang out over pints, though, Saigon Outcast is also that. It’s located about 20 minutes outside downtown Ho Chi Minh City though, so it’s worth checking to see if the day’s activities interest you before you make the trip. Also note that it’s mostly outdoors, so not ideal in the rain.
If you’re a beer lover looking for a unique experience closer to downtown, check out Rogue. This is Saigon Outcast’s satellite location in District 1. It’s a unique hideout carved into an industrial building in the heart of the city. Rogue has 16 craft beers on tap. The bar is spread over 3 levels, with an open roof area for gorgeous, starry night views.
More Additions To Your Ho Chi Minh CIty Nightlife Guide:
We only recommend writers and blogs that we read regularly and believe will deliver substantial value to our readers. The following are our top picks for more information on Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife:
- Exploring Vietnam: Top 4 Best Bars in Ho Chi Minh City by Gap Year Escape
- Apocalypse Now – Ho Chi Minh City by Gastronomer
- The Top Five Rooftop Bars in Ho Chi Minh City by Hannah Foster
- Brian’s Detailed Guide: All About Ho Chi Minh City by Brian
- Ho Chi Minh: The Nightlife by Drew Binsky
- Mad Monkey’s Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
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