Top 10 Thing To Do In Saigon At Night

Ho Chi Minh is a city that never sleeps. When the sun sets, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City (locally known as “Saigon” and abbreviated “HCMC”) boasts some of the greatest nightlife. The city may seem magnificent and crowded during the day, but at night, it reaches a whole other level.

The city is teeming with residents and tourists, and there are several things to keep you busy. Intent on attending a performance? Would you want to dine on a rooftop? Here are our suggestions for the top 10 things to do in Saigon at night. Whether you have 1 day, 3 days, or more than 5 days in HCMC, any of these nocturnal activities would be an excellent complement to your schedule.

Take a Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

Visit the Nguyen Hue pedestrian strip in the evening on your trip to Saigon for a lively glimpse of the city. This pedestrian-only street is decorated with lights and has several photo ops.

At night, it’s also a great place to people-watch or does some window shopping at the nearby malls. Numerous individuals come here at night for a stroll or to visit one of the stores or cafés lining the roadways.

On the weekends, there are often singing and dance groups, which make the evenings on Nguyen Hue Street even more entertaining. The area comes alive with locals and travelers alike who are enjoying the cooler evening temperatures. 

Explore Saigon’s Street Food with Night Food Tours.

Saigon is renowned for its street food, and there’s no better way to try it than with a guided night food tour. These tours will take you to some of the best places to eat in HCMC, from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to street carts serving up authentic Vietnamese dishes. Not only will you get to sample the local cuisine, but you’ll also learn about the history and culture of the city through your guide’s commentary. Here is some food that you should not miss out on when in Saigon at night

Hu Tieu

saigon at night

Hu Tieu is a type of noodle soup that can be made with either rice or tapioca noodles. The soup is typically served with pork, shrimp, and vegetables.

Where to eat:

Hu Tieu Nam Vang Quynh

Address: A65 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1

Opening hours: 5:30 am – 9:30 pm

Prices: 69.000 – 80.000 VND

Banh Mi

saigon at night

Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette and filled with meats, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce.

Where to eat:

Huynh Hoa bread

Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

Opening hours: 01:30 pm – 00:00 am

Prices: 30.000 – 50.000 VND

Spring rolls

Saigon at night

Spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, and vegetables. They are often served with a dipping sauce made from peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce.

Where to eat:

Hai Hoi Quan

Address: 51 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, HCM City

Opening hours: 7:30 am – 10:00 pm

Prices: 25.000 – 100.000 VND

>>> Read more about Vietnam Street Foods

Have a Fresh Beer on Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street is the backpacker district of Saigon, and it’s where you’ll find many of the city’s best bars. The street is lined with bars, pubs, and clubs, you may spend the entire evening having fun. District 1’s Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao streets are foreigners’ “heaven” when it comes to Saigon’s nightlife. If you’re looking for a place to drink on a budget, this is the place to be.

Check Out a Show at Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre, is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The theatre located in District 1 was built in 1900 by French architect Eugène Ferret. The building is an excellent example of French colonial architecture, and it’s one of the best places to see a performance in HCMC.

saigon at night

Saigon Opera House hosts a variety of shows, including traditional Vietnamese performances, ballets, and operas. If you’re interested in seeing some of the best that Saigon has to offer, attending a show at the Opera House is a must. Some of the outstanding performances that take place here include traditional Vietnamese theatre, Western opera, and ballet.

Enjoy Live Music at One of Saigon’s Many Bars

Saigon at night has a vibrant scene, and many bars and clubs feature live music. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some great tunes, head to one of these establishments

Indika Saigon

Address: 43 Nguyen Van Giai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 02:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Indika Saigon is a live music venue that showcases the talents of local and international musicians. The venue has a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy some great tunes.

The Observatory

Address: 5 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM

The Observatory is a rooftop bar located in the heart of District 1. The bar offers panoramic views of the city, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink while listening to live music.

Q Bar

Address: 74/7 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Q Bar is one of the most popular bars in HCMC, and it’s known for its great selection of cocktails and live music. The bar often has international DJs spinning tunes, so you can dance the night away.

Apocalypse Now

Address: 2C Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Apocalypse Now is a popular bar located in District 1. The bar has a dark and atmospheric vibe, and it’s known for its live music. If you’re looking for a place to rock out, this is the place to be.

Go Shopping at Ben Thanh Night Market

saigon at night

Ben Thanh Market, an emblem of Ho Chi Minh City, opens in the wee hours of the morning. After a long day of trade, when the main market closes at 6:00 p.m., the night markets on the side streets open. It is an excellent site to purchase local handicrafts, branded items, Vietnamese art, and other mementos.

Here you’ll discover food stalls where you can sample Vietnamese hawker-style cuisine or simply relax with a refreshing drink when the haggling becomes too intense. The road becomes a pedestrian zone until midnight, allowing you to stroll about, do some shopping, and fulfill your appetite.

>>> Explore Ho Chi Minh City deeply here: Full-day Saigon – Cu Chi – City Tour

Party Hard on Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien Street is the party street of Saigon, and it’s where you’ll find many of the city’s best bars and clubs. The street is always lively, and there’s a great atmosphere for nightlife. If you’re looking for a place to let loose and have some fun, this is the place to be.

saigon at night

There is not a single uninteresting corner on this street, which is a famous tourist destination and home to several locals. The pubs and restaurants are packed seven days a week. No matter if it’s the weekend or the workday, you can always come here to party and get fairly intoxicated. This is the go-to spot for all tourists, as it has everything from friendly bars to rowdy nightclubs.

Enjoy Drinks and Dance at The Rooftop Bars.

There are many rooftops in Saigon at night that offer a great view of the cityscape, but we recommend two in particular: Chill Skybar and Reunification Palace.

Chill Skybar

Chill Skybar is located on the 26th floor of AB Tower in District 1. The views are simply stunning, and the cocktails are delicious. If you’re looking to dance, there’s a DJ playing electronic music. If you’re feeling peckish, they have a small menu of bar snacks.

Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace meanwhile, is located on the 6th floor of the Caravelle Saigon hotel. It has an open-air terrace with a great view of District 1. The vibe is more relaxed than Chill Skybar, but they also have a DJ playing music. You can order drinks and food from the hotel’s restaurant, which has indoor and outdoor seating.

Rex Rooftop Garden Bar

Rex Rooftop Garden Bar is located on the 22nd floor of the Rex Hotel. While it doesn’t have the same stunning views as Chill Skybar or Reunification Palace, it’s a great place to relax with a drink in hand and take in the cityscape. They have an extensive menu of cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers and bar bites.

Glow Skybar Saigon

Glow Skybar Saigon is located on the 36th floor of Centec Tower. It has 360-degree views of the city, making it one of the best places to watch the sunset. They have a DJ playing music, and you can order drinks and food from their menu.

Run or Walk along The Saigon River

The Saigon River is a great place to get some fresh air. At night, you will not have to worry about the scorching sun and heat. You can walk or jog along the river, or go for a leisurely stroll. There are also several parks along the river that are perfect for picnicking or just relaxing. If you are in District 1, travel towards the end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, cross the street (beware of traffic and walk gently!) and run along the river. You may sprint towards Le Meridien Hotel, near Le Thanh Ton Street, or on the other way to the Elisa Floating Restaurant, a big boat that docks on the weekends at the Bach Dang Pier.

saigon at night

From District 1, you may also walk or run along the river along Hoang Sa or Truong Sa. From the vicinity of the Saigon Zoo, you may locate the river path. Check out this site for other jogging routes throughout the city.

Just be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand, as the water can get quite cold during the winter months.

Take a Ride on the Saigon Sightseeing Bus

The Saigon Sightseeing Bus is a great way to see the city without having to walk or take public transportation. The bus has several different routes that will take you to all of the major landmarks and attractions. You can buy tickets at the bus terminal, or you can purchase a day pass that will allow you to hop on and off the bus as you, please.

Tips for Staying Safe in Saigon at Night

As with any big city, there are some safety concerns to be aware of when traveling to Saigon. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe at night

  • Stick to well-lit and populated areas
  • Avoid walking alone, especially in unfamiliar areas
  • Don’t carry all of your valuables with you
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • If you’re going to a bar or nightclub, make sure you go with a group of friends and leave together
  • If you take a taxi, make sure it’s a reputable company and that the driver is using the meter.

Final Thoughts

Saigon is a vibrant and exciting city, and there’s no shortage of things to do at night. Whether you’re looking for a place to dance the night away or just want to relax with a drink in hand, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this bustling metropolis. Just be sure to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, and you’ll have a great time exploring all that Saigon has to offer.

Have you ever been to Saigon? What are your favorite things to do at night in the city? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re interested in exploring more of Vietnam, check out our guides to the best places to visit in Vietnam and the top things to do in Hanoi!

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