Bar
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar
The Caravelle hotel's historic open-air rooftop bar on Lam Son Square, a 1960s haunt of war correspondents with live music most nights.
One of the city's longest-running rooftop bars, on level 26 of AB Tower, with 360-degree views, DJ nights and a strictly enforced dress code.
Good to know
Chill Skybar is one of the best-known rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City and, according to the national guide to the city's nightlife, one of its oldest rooftop venues and still among the busiest. It occupies the rooftop of AB Tower at 76A Le Lai Street, on level 26, and markets itself with the line Saigon from above, promising a 360-degree view over the whole city.
The bar combines cocktails and the view with a club atmosphere. Its website promotes DJ-driven nights with dancing and special events, so on busy evenings it feels closer to a nightclub than a quiet lounge, while earlier in the evening the view is the main attraction.
Chill Skybar is upmarket, and its prices reflect the location and the view. Prices are quoted excluding VAT and service charge. For groups, VIP tables can be booked by phone, with deposits for bottle service, and standing tables and standard tickets are also available. The venue recommends that guests who are only planning cocktails or a single beer simply walk in. A dress code is enforced, so leave the shorts and flip-flops at the hotel and dress smartly. The national nightlife guide notes that entry sometimes includes a drink voucher. Special nights, such as New Year's Eve, are booked directly with the venue.
A few general points apply to the rooftop bars of District 1. Most open in the late afternoon and close between midnight and 02:00, and the national guide to the city's nightlife notes that prices are usually quoted before service charge and VAT, which are added to the bill. Sunset is the busiest and most atmospheric time, so arrive a little early if you want a seat at the edge. In the rainy season, from around May to November, afternoon and evening showers can close open-air areas for a while, so it is worth checking the sky before you set out.
AB Tower is on Le Lai Street in Ben Thanh ward, the same ward as Ben Thanh Market, and easy to reach by taxi or ride-hailing from anywhere in District 1. After a late night, ride-hailing apps are the simplest way back to your hotel.
On the rooftop, level 26, of AB Tower at 76A Le Lai Street, Ben Thanh ward.
Yes, a dress code is enforced, so dress smartly and avoid shorts and flip-flops.
Guests only having cocktails or a beer are advised to walk in; VIP tables are booked by phone.
The bar offers a 360-degree view of the city.
Yes, the bar hosts DJ nights with dancing.
No, prices are quoted excluding VAT and service charge.
Around sunset for the view, or later in the evening for the DJ nights.
Online through the booking site or by phone for VIP tables.
Restaurant
Chef Peter Cuong Franklin's Michelin-starred restaurant in a narrow tube house in the Old Market, reworking Vietnamese street food with modern technique.
Thing to do
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Café
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Hotel
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