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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.
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.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic rooftop bar
- Area
- District 1 (Saigon), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- caravellehotel.com
Good to know
- Open-air terrace
- Live music most nights
- City views
Why we recommend it
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar, at the top of the Caravelle hotel on Lam Son Square, is one of the most historic bars in Ho Chi Minh City. The Caravelle opened on Christmas Eve 1959, and in the 1960s it was the headquarters of the American television networks CBS, NBC and ABC. The rooftop bar became a decompression zone for their journalists, a place to unwind with a drink while the war went on around the city, and a 1967 photograph of the reporter Peter Jennings and his crew has hung in the bar.
The hotel describes the bar as one of Saigon's classic rooftop destinations and announces that it is back, and the national guide to the city's nightlife describes it as a historic open-air bar with live music most nights. It attracts a slightly older crowd than the club-style rooftops, and the guide notes that prices are on the higher side. The terrace looks out over the centre of District 1, and the hotel stands next to the Opera House.
It is a good choice for couples, history enthusiasts and anyone who prefers live music and conversation to a DJ and a dance floor. Come for a sundowner and stay for the band, or stop by after a performance at the Opera House next door. The atmosphere is relaxed, but smart casual dress fits best.
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.
Lam Son Square is at the heart of District 1, with Dong Khoi Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street and City Hall all within a few minutes' walk, so the bar fits easily into an evening in the centre. Opera House station on Metro Line 1 is close by.
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar FAQs
Where is Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar?
At the top of the Caravelle Saigon, 19-23 Lam Son Square.
Why is it historic?
In the 1960s the Caravelle housed CBS, NBC and ABC, and the rooftop bar was a gathering place for war correspondents.
Is there live music?
Yes, there is live music most nights.
Is it open-air?
Yes, it is an open-air rooftop bar.
What is the crowd like?
Slightly older and more relaxed than at the club-style rooftop bars.
Is it expensive?
Prices are on the higher side.
What is nearby?
The Saigon Opera House stands next to the hotel on Lam Son Square.
When did the Caravelle open?
On Christmas Eve 1959.