Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant metropolis filled with surprises. From large coffee houses, tiny bars and magnificent rooftop venues, this is a city that celebrates togetherness. It is a popular past time for friends to gather for drinks once the sun sets. Equally for when one requires a cold beverage to recharge from the heat. When travelling with small children, most people would assume that a night out on the town would be off the itinerary. We however found that we were still able to enjoy a few cocktails in some of Ho Chi Minh’s legendary establishments. Although not specifically ‘family friendly’, these bars were unconcerned with our sleeping baby in pram. The staff happily would find us a quiet nook for a drink. This short list of few suggestions for best bars in Ho Chi Minh City. I look forward to exploring and finding many more.
Here are a few of the best bars in Ho Chi Minh City that we were able to visit:
The best bar in Ho Chi Minh City for reminiscing of the past
Hotel Continental Saigon
Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
The Hotel Continental is one of HCMs legendary hotels. Noted for its colonial architecture, grand facade and central location, this is an unmissable stop in the city. A key location during the French Colonial Era and as a rendezvous point for journalists & correspondents during the First Indochina War & the Vietnam/American War. History has been seen at it’s Continental Shelf Bar.
As an avid reader and fan of Graham Green the Continental is a rite of passage on a visit to HCM. The hotel was Greens old haunt where he stayed whilst writing the essential HCM reading ‘The Quiet American. The hotel also features as a central location in the novel itself, giving it double significance.
Sadly the grandeur & historic detailing has been stripped away over the decades. The Shelf Bar is technically no longer in existence. Yet you can still reminisce about times past on the veranda overlooking the Opera House Square. My partner is a cocktail master having spent decades in the industry. He delightedly proclaimed the martinis at the Continental to be some of the best. Happy couples posing for their wedding pictures in front of the opera house delighted our toddler. She also rated their ice cream menu!
For rooftop views
The Majestic Hotel M Bar
Another legendary haunt of journalists, writers & creatives during the past century. The Parisian styled opulence of this hotel is still prominent. The Majestic remains popular for its rooftop bar the ‘M Bar’ which has an impressive view over the Saigon River. We were lucky enough to find a spot in a corner with a truly magnificent view whilst enjoying the laments of a live band. The drinks were expensive but worth the price for the ambience & memorable vista.
For when money is no object
The Rex
During the Vietnam/America war this rooftop bar was the central hub for the United States military command. The location of the daily press conference, known as the ”Five O’Clock Follies” due to their out of touch nature of the reporting the war effort. A spot where journalists, correspondents & military officials could all mingle, this rooftop bar was a key location in the cities wartime history. Today the rooftop still paints its colonial design – with rout iron furniture, twirling overhead fans – and with excellent views over the surrounding buildings. The downside is that the menu is wildly overpriced.
Best bar in Ho Chi Minh City for happy hour eats
The Rancha Room
We snuck into this bar for a happy hour drink on our first stay in Ho Chi Minh. Smuggling our sleeping tiny tot into this hip bar was a highlight.
This bar has a fantastic atmosphere and chic decor. More impressive was the menu featuring dumplings, bao buns, oysters, and large plates of more substantial offerings. We enjoyed a selection of dumplings along with very reasonably priced happy hour cocktails. I’m still reminiscing about my cocktail- a gin tom yum infusuion- heavy on the notes of pineapple, lime & lemongrass.
You’ll never be short of a fantastic drinking spot in Ho Chi Minh City. New ventures are popping up regularly in tiny nooks and magnificent rooftops, yet the classic venues of the past still hold a nostalgic appeal.
Fancy a bite to eat in Ho Chi Minh City? Check out of blog post: Best Eats in Ho Chi Minh -Following the Michelin Guide
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