Whether you're looking for a competitive game night with friends, a creative date idea, or a new hobby, let District 0 guide you to some of the best activities Saigon has to offer.
These locations are recommendations from people who live in Ho Chi Minh City that we've recently profiled.
Next Level: A hidden District 1 bar for cocktails and console gaming.
Recommended by Chad, owner of Mixtape.
About Next Level: Tucked away in a small alley in District 1, this spot is a hidden gem that blends a cool cocktail bar with an arcade vibe. It's a cozy, neon-lit space where you can sip on creative cocktails while challenging your friends to a game of Street Fighter, Mario Kart, or FIFA on a range of retro and modern consoles. The atmosphere is laid-back and fun, making it a fantastic choice for a unique date night or a casual hangout.
Try: their wide range of puzzles and board games if consoles aren’t your thing, 20% off Sundays, 50k shot night Fridays
Price Range: cocktails 150k+, craft beer 90k+
Address: 20 Hẻm, 233 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, District 1
Boosh Rooftop: A high-energy Bùi Viện spot for underground music and themed parties.
Recommended by singer TK.
About Boosh Rooftop: Located right in the heart of the action on Bùi Viện street in District 1, Boosh is a vibrant, multi-level rooftop bar that has become a hotspot for the city's house, techno, and afrobeat lovers. Head up the many flights of stairs to find the open-air terrace that offers a great view of the bustling backpacker street below. What really makes Boosh stand out is its consistent lineup of high-energy events, with themed DJ nights every weekend that draw a fun and diverse crowd ready to dance.
Try: a chill game night if you aren’t in a dancing mood, their Saturday night themed parties like UK Garage or Afrobeat
Price Range: Bia Saigon 60k, craft beers 100k+, cocktails 130k+
Address: 6 Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1
Hear more from TK here and here.
Curious about the best rooftops to visit in the city? Here's our list of the best rooftops in Saigon, recommended by locals.
iCool Karaoke: The premier Thủ Đức destination for private karaoke parties.
Recommended by singer TK.
About iCool Karaoke: The iCool branch near Thảo Điền is a standout choice for karaoke in the Thủ Đức area, known for its large, themed rooms and high-quality equipment. All rooms have a massive library of Vietnamese and international hits. With a diverse food and drink menu available, it's an ideal venue for celebrating a birthday or just having a memorable night out with friends.
Try: booking on your birthday so the staff give you their happy birthday performance
Price Range: room rates from 200k+ an hour depending on time of day/week, beer/soft drinks 35k+
Address: 18/9 Trần Não, P. An Khánh, Thủ Đức
Hear more from TK here and here.
Rally Pickleball: An energetic Thảo Điền club for the newest sports obsession.
Recommended by Tim, founder of Amano Pizza and Marquee Dining.
About Rally Pickleball: As one of the city's first dedicated pickleball venues, Rally has quickly become a social hub for lovers of the game. Rally features professional-quality courts in a bright, modern, fully roofed facility. Whether you're a seasoned player or a complete beginner, it's a fantastic place to get active and learn a new sport. They offer court bookings, classes, and regular social events.
Try: joining a social beginner friendly event (check the Reclub app for details)
Price Range: court rentals from 200k+, socials 100k+
Address: 89 Đ. Võ Nguyên Giáp, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức
Hear more from Tim here.
Sip N Play: A Thảo Điền hangout for board and video game lovers.
Recommended by content creator Markeiz and Matt, owner of Union Jack’s.
About Sip N Play: This cozy spot in Thảo Điền is a haven for gamers of all kinds. It's a relaxed and friendly cafe that offers an impressive selection of both classic board games and modern and retro video games on a wide range of consoles. With a full menu of drinks ranging from coffee to craft beer, it's the perfect place to settle in for a fun, competitive session with a group of friends or a date, whether you prefer cards on a tabletop or a controller in your hand.
Try: a new game you’ve never tried (the staff will make sure to teach you the rules!), Wednesday free entry night, 4-6pm happy hour every day
Price Range: 60k entry fee, 15k+ an hour for games, 90k+ for smoothies,
Address: 17A Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức
Curious about the best date spots in the city? Here's our list of the best date spots in Saigon, recommended by locals.
Pages of Passion: A hidden District 1 bookstore and tranquil reading cafe.
Recommended by Val, writer and Newsletter Manager for Marc Manson.
About Pages of Passion: Tucked away on the 6th floor of an old apartment building, this charming bookstore is a true hidden gem for book lovers. The space is cozy and quiet, filled with a great selection of new and secondhand English books and run by friendly owners. It’s a peaceful sanctuary away from the city's noise, complete with resident cats and comfortable corners perfect for getting lost in a book for a few hours.
Try: Browsing their unique selection of secondhand books, finding a quiet spot to read by the window, and enjoying a drink at their newly opened cafe.
Price Range: free to browse, books vary in price, drinks 50k+.
Address: 6th Floor, 35 Nguyễn Văn Tráng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1
Here more from Val here and here.
Curious about the best hidden gems in the city? Here's our list of hidden gems in Saigon, recommended by locals.
Glow Up Minigolf: A unique Thủ Đức minigolf course that glows in the dark.
Recommended by content creator Markeiz.
About Glow Up Mini Golf: Located near Thảo Điền, Glow Up offers a unique experience where the entire 18-hole course is lit up with glow in the dark lights. The creative, glow-in-the-dark theme, featuring neon murals of Saigon landmarks, makes for a fun and memorable activity, whether for a unique date night, a family outing, or a fun time with friends.
Try: enjoying a drink from their bar during your game, getting your name on their wall of fame, and a prize if you shoot under 50
Price Range: 160k per person
Address: 62 Đường số 1, P. An Khánh, Thủ Đức
