Feel on Top of the World at a Rooftop Bar in Ho Chi Minh City

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A melting pot of skyscrapers, skinny buildings that double as local homes (which is very typical in Vietnam, as family houses are built into multiple levels usually of about four floors), and iconic landmarks, if there’s one Vietnamese city that classifies as a metropolis playground, it’s got to be Saigon! 

I always say that HCMC reminds me of Bangkok and, just like Thailand’s capital, there’s a Mecca of rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City. In fact, it boasts the best rooftop bars in all of Vietnam thanks to the makeup of the city. 

From options that transport you to global destinations to a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City where top mixologists show off their skills with imaginative drinks, to the perfect spot for sunset hour above it all, here’s a list of some seriously cool spots in trendy HCMC to unwind and even have a little party if that’s what your soul is craving! I’ll drink to that.

1. Banana Mama: California soul 

I’m sorry… Are we on the stretches of Venice Beach Boardwalk or HCMC? Banana Mama easily fools you as you step into a space decked out in all of the tropicana vibes — from lush towering plants to colorful pin-striped cushions to the repurposed pinned surfboards doubling as menu readers. It’s been my go-to rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City for ages.  

Some serious thought has gone into the aesthetics here, like a graphic designer’s touch.  

On the drinks (and food) fronts, enjoy the classics (and then some), from kumquat sours to espresso martinis. Tummies grumbling? Munch down on loaded fries, homemade burgers, avocado toast, cold cut and cheese platters, and there’s even something for sweet souls, like coconut crème brûlée! 

It’s all California-loving — all that’s missing is the sound of crashing waves, but Saigon’s skyline as a backdrop makes up for it, especially when the sun begins to set…

2. Blank Sky Lounge: For the best (and highest) views in all of Saigon City

Before anyone goes and judges me, one of my #guiltypleasures is watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I’ll never forget the episode when Dorit was mortified when handed a glass of champagne…in a wine glass.

So, believe it or not, some people have a serious thing about drinking from the correct glasses. You’ll have no problems at Blank Sky Lounge when you glance at the stunning glassware used for the drinks at this rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City. Hey, it actually does change the whole drinking experience. 

However, it’s on-point glassware isn’t the only insanely impressive feature. Nope, this upmarket rooftop bar is perched on the 75th and 76th floors of Saigon’s highest building — the 461-meter-tall Landmark 81 tower. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating at this iconic venue, not to mention the best views in the house as the city literally sparkles below you! 

Seasonal cocktails, signature counterparts (like the ‘phini-tini’ topped with a Vietnamese phin used for ca phe sua da, or others in caramelized popcorn or bamboo fronds), or Vietnamese ode, like the Hanoi egg coffee martini served in the thinnest-stemmed cocktail glass you’ve ever seen. #Doritapproved.

3. Social Club at Hotel Des Arts: Incredible cocktails to match the views

With all the feels of a gentleman’s club circa England in the 18th century (but with a modern Saigon touch), the Social Club is part upscale part fun! 

The cocktails here are AMAZING! From themed cocktails around certain holidays to the drink toppers that look more like art than anything else, to the ‘Regional Sips’ menu celebrating local culture. 

I recommend the “Tào Phớ” (Vietnamese soy pudding with ginger syrup) rendition. Named and inspired by a traditional dessert, the drink comprises whiskey, soy milk, and a touch of spicy ginger! 

Sit in front of the bar and watch mixologists do their thing, or pull up a chair on the deck. There’s also a premium package that guarantees private rounded chair loungers right next to the pool for your party only. Fresh oysters and cheese boards go down so well with a bottle of bubbles at this this rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City.

Weekly DJ lineups assure some great tunes and special guest DJs take over certain nights. 

4. Papaya Papa: As fashionable as it gets 

Disco balls and black and white checker table tops, velvet settees, and a menu featuring amuse-bouche bites. Papaya Papa is where the city’s fashionistas come out to play. 

This rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City defines the word “trendy.” There are booth seats, comfy corduroy-covered armchairs, and seats decorated in plant print fabness (with indoor and outdoor seating options). 

The drinks are fresh, and you can tell there’s been a lot of thought that goes into pairing these with food items on the menu, which are a fusion of flavors from all over.  

Speaking of, the cuisine here is mouth-watering. So I suggest you savor an evening here for both food and drinks. Order the panisse paired with marinated olives, onion confit, and a hint of anchovies; did someone say Italy?! There’s hummus with pickled cherries; or for a divine sweet something the filo pastry, tomme and herbs, cheese, figs, walnut, spinach, and garlic sauce is the type of dish you can’t believe you’ve never tried before this!

5. SolLuna – Rooftop Bar: Perfect for day or night 

This poolside oasis in District 1 is an idyllic place to hang out during Saigon’s sweltering summer days, or as the sun dips and the stars come out to say hello. 

The drinks match this poolside haven, with its chilled-out atmosphere that makes it very inviting — you know, sometimes you feel like you have to dress up to the nines for a rooftop bar, but here you can come and be yourself without any pretences. How good does a creamy passion frozen tequila-infused cocktail sound with a touch of Tabasco?! I can just picture enjoying this one in the water. 

SolLuna – Rooftop Bar has a rather Mediterranean-esque feel to it, thanks to the bright bougainvillea, wicker chairs, and cane loungers, making it all very comfy. 

P.S. There’s Ladies Night every Wednesday from 6 pm to 8 pm, as well as Sunset Hour specials every Tuesday to Thursday with the same timings.

6. Twilight Sky Bar Saigon: From the famed Sky Bar chain 

Fragrant cocktails like ‘Jasmin Bourbon’ and ‘Lavender’s Collin,’ playful takes such as the bright-blue ‘T’s Blue Cotton’ (dripping in rainbow sprinkles and cotton candy), and your classics cue the amaretto sour … Twilight Sky Bar’s passion for drinks runs deep! 

Also, how amazing is this one: Twilight also does a gorgeous, fancy-schmancy little Afternoon Tea set with three-tiered cakes and English tea, and it runs into sunset hour — it’s a perfect girly day date idea. 

Designed on the rooftop of La Siesta Premium Hotel (in District 1), you can spot some of the city’s most famous landmarks. My favorite section is at the curving counter seats right on the bar’s edge.   

Bounce between live music nights (usually weekdays) and put on your dancing shoes for the weekend with DJs spinning the decks. There’s Happy Hour errday from 5 pm to 7 pm. 

7. The Muse – Cocktail & Tapas Bar: For river vistas 

There’s something so magical about when the sunlight dances off water creating a molten explosion… Overseeing the Saigon River below you, The Muse is the place for sunset hour as the waterway below transforms into a painting of pinks, oranges, and reds. 

This also deems it a perfectly romantic rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City for couples. 

Enveloped by tons of greenery, The Muse feel worlds away from the monopoly of buildings and busy city streets. 

I’m also a big fan of the decor here: vintage posters, metal sign boards, neon signage, and old-fashioned lampshades. Plus, the all-white seating arrangement outside is tres classy. 

Classified as a cocktail and tapas bar, the food matches in beauty along with the premium drinks selection. 

8. Zion Sky Lounge and Dining: Get ready to party 

If you’re searching for a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City that doubles as a place to unwind into the late night, and by unwind, I mean, get super duper festive, look no further than Zion Sky Lounge. 

The crowds are a total mix of locals, expats, and travelers, and the same can be said for the DJ artists, which change regularly. Honestly, this venue is really cool for a party, raving as you feel on top of the world. 

You might want to consider one of the “package deals” where you pay a fixed amount for free-flow drinks and food the entire eve. For example, during daily Sunset Sessions, you only need to fork out 345k (about US$13.50) for unlimited Aperol Spritz and Thai-style fried chicken, sweet and sour wings, dumplings, and octopus snacks. Sold!

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