Bar
Chill Skybar
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.
M Bar
The rooftop bar of the Hotel Majestic Saigon, opened in 1925, looking out over the Saigon River with live music from local musicians.
At a glance
- Type
- Rooftop bar with live music
- Area
- District 1 (Saigon), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- majesticsaigon.com
Good to know
- Saigon River views
- Live local musicians
Why we recommend it
M Bar is the rooftop bar of the Hotel Majestic Saigon, the heritage hotel at 01 Dong Khoi Street that opened in 1925. The bar's great asset is its view over the Saigon River. The hotel describes M Bar as one of the top ten rooftop bars in Saigon, and live local musicians play for guests.
It is a place for a cocktail or a glass of wine with a view, rather than for dancing, and the music adds to the atmosphere without drowning out conversation. The Majestic is a five-star heritage hotel with 175 rooms and suites, and it also has a piano lounge, the Catinat Lounge, the Breeze Sky Bar Café, and a Vietnamese restaurant, Saigon House, so you can make an evening of it without leaving the building. The hotel's restaurants also include a seafood barbecue buffet, and hotel guests have the use of a swimming pool.
The Majestic's long history is part of the appeal. Few hotels in Ho Chi Minh City can trace their story back to the 1920s, and taking a drink on the roof is an easy way to enjoy a piece of that heritage without staying the night. Allow an hour or so, and time your visit for sunset if you can, when the river view is at its best.
It suits couples, older travellers and anyone staying at the river end of District 1. It makes a good contrast with the high-rise rooftop bars of the city, in a hotel that has been part of Saigon's life for a century. Smart casual dress fits the setting.
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.
From the Majestic, it is a pleasant walk along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
M Bar FAQs
Where is M Bar?
On the roof of the Hotel Majestic Saigon, 01 Dong Khoi Street.
What is the view like?
It looks out over the Saigon River.
Is there live music?
Yes, live local musicians perform.
When did the Majestic open?
In 1925.
Is it good for dancing?
No, it is better suited to drinks and conversation with live music.
What else is in the hotel?
The Catinat Lounge with piano music and the Saigon House Vietnamese restaurant.
What should I wear?
Smart casual dress fits the setting.
When is the best time to go?
Around sunset, to see the river by day and night.