Saigon’s a city pulsing with its own unique sound: unrelenting motorbike horns, the bubble of broths cooked low and slow, gleeful evening cheers that begin with một, hai, ba, dô! However, among these everyday noises are the various clubs, bars, and listening rooms that add to this city’s unparalleled sense of sound. Whether it’s bass booming in a club, hip hop spinning on a rooftop, or jazz played through plush sound systems, there’s so much to listen to in Saigon.
These locations are from recommendations of people who live in Ho Chi Minh City that we've recently profiled.
Luu Bar: Phạm Viết Chánh’s Resident Bar for DJs
Recommended by Dano, Louis, and TK
About Luu Bar: The resident bar/club in Saigon’s hip neighborhood of Phạm Viết Chánh, Luu Bar hosts house and techno DJ nights on an almost daily basis. Check their social media pages for regular updates on who’s playing on what night to ensure you don’t miss out on some of Saigon’s most popular DJs.
Price: Beers from 100k, Cocktails from 190k
Hear more from Dano here and here
Hear more from Louis here and here
Hear more from TK here
The Observatory: The King of Saigon’s Clubs in District 1
Recommended by Dano, Max, Kiet, Tung, and Shuntaro
About The Observatory: The crown jewel of Saigon’s clubbing scene, The Observatory is considered an institution in the city for a good reason. A rooftop club featuring an outdoor and indoor dancefloor, ‘Obs’ is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike who are looking to get their fix of house, techno, or any other kind of electronic music. Check their socials for information on who’s playing when!
Price: 250k Entrance Fee, Cocktails from 200k
Hear more from Dano here and here
Hear more from Max here
Hear more from Kiet here
Hear more from Tung here
Hear more from Shuntaro here, here, and here
Bar Commune: Japan Town’s Hidden Gem for Music & Good Drinks
Recommended by Chad, Shuntaro, and TK
About Bar Commune: Everyone’s favourite bar tucked away in the maze of District 1’s Japan Town, Bar Commune is one of those if-you-know-you-know type of gems. Though small, their daily DJ nights will have you dancing away in spite of the tight space. When you’re there, don’t forget to say Hello to co-owner Tomoki behind the bar!
Price: Drinks from 100k
Hear more from Chad here and here
Hear more from Shuntaro here, here, and here
Hear more from TK here
Curious about the best hidden gems in the city? Here's our list of hidden gems in Saigon, recommended by locals.
Bluish Cafe: A Quaint Cafe & Record Store in Thảo Điền
Recommended by Anh and Ivy
About Bluish Cafe: A cafe that doubles as a record store, Bluish is every coffee and music enthusiasts’ dream. Situated in a quiet alleyway in the expat enclave of Thảo Điền, Bluish is a place to get some work done and unwind, all to the soundtrack of jazz or pop music playing from their record player.
Price: Coffee from 50k, Beers from 80k, Cakes from 45k
Hear more from Anh
Hear more from Ivy
La Scène: One of Saigon’s Best Sound Systems in Phạm Viết Chánh
Recommended by Phi and Shuntaro
About La Scène: A relatively new addition to Phạm Viết Chánh, La Scène has quickly earned a reputation for being one of Saigon's best places to listen to music. While they host DJ sets on their first floor, their upstairs listening room is the star of the show. Built around the concept of Japanese jazz kissa (establishments dedicated to listening to jazz on high-quality speakers), La Scène features a soundsystem that is sure to impress any audiophile.
Price: Beers from 60k, Cocktails from 180k, Mains from 245k
Hear more from Phi here
Hear more from Shuntaro here, here, and here
Momento Rooftop: District 1’s Neon-Jungle Themed Rooftop Bar
Recommended by JK
About Momento: A rooftop bar in District 1, Momento is a place to visit not only for its stellar views of Saigon’s skyline, but also the nice music on offer. From DJs spinning chiller tracks to their regular salsa, kizomba, and bachata nights, Momento is the perfect getaway from the business of the city to unwind over a few drinks.
Price: Pizza slices from 80k, Beer from 100k, Cocktails from 200k
Hear more from JK here and here
Bông Kia Sên: Unmissable Street Parties Right on Trường Sa
Recommended by Kiet and Phi
About Bông Kia Sên: A bar on the Trường Sa canal, Bông Kia Sên is a great place for an evening spent drinking and enjoying some tunes with friends. Their street parties have become the stuff of legend, with DJs playing groovy and heavy bass music right out on the street, but if you’re looking for a chiller night, Bông Kia Sên can do both.
Price: Beers from 40k, Cocktails from 130k
Hear more from Kiet here
Hear more from Phi here
Want to know where to go shopping on your next trip to Saigon? Check out this list of where to go shopping, as recommended by locals
CINÉ Saigon: A Premier Clubbing Experience in District 1
Recommended by Ming and Cuong
About CINÉ: One of Saigon’s most well-known clubs, CINÉ is perfect for a night out with friends. Put on your best outfit and don’t forget your dancing shoes as an evening at CINÉ is sure to have you jumping and fist pumping.
Price: Drinks from 200k
Hear more from Ming here
Hear more from Cuong here and here
Boosh: A Rooftop Club Right on Bustling Bùi Viện
Recommended by TK
About Boosh: A rooftop club near the start of Backpacker’s Street, Boosh has established itself as the premier spot in Saigon if you’re looking for afrohouse and amapiano music. Their parties on Saturdays always draw a nice mix of locals and foreigners, and with Bùi Viện down the street, the location is perfect for partying until the morning.
Price: Beers from 60k, Cocktails from 130k
Hear more from TK here
Bardo Cocktails & Arts: Open Mics & Drag Shows in District 2
Recommended by Dano
About Bardo: Vietnam is a country that loves to sing, which means open mic nights are everywhere in the city. For one of the most popular, head to Bardo on Thursday for their open mic night that also lands on the same day as their ladies night. Besides that, keep your eyes peeled on their social media pages for any of their drag nights—they’re always a rowdy, music-filled good time.
Price: Beers from 60k, Cocktails from 190k
Hear more from Dano here and here
Le Café des Stagiaires: Music & Glorious Sunset Views from Thảo Điền
Recommended by Dat, Max, Pranaay, Rosi, Shuntaro
About Le Café des Stagiaires: Home to one of the best views of Landmark 81, Café Stag (as it’s known by locals) is a great way to spend a few hours with a friend, some cocktails, and Saigon’s unbeatable sunsets. Of course, you can’t forget the music. Think DJ’s spinning French house on Fridays and Saturdays, vinyl selectors and rotary mixers on Sundays, and last but not least: their second floor that hosts live music gigs from bands around the city.
Price: Cocktails from 180k
Hear more from Dat here and here
Hear more from Max here
Hear more from Pranaay here
Hear more from Rosi here and here
Hear more from Shuntaro here, here, and here
Bodega: District 1’s Nightclub Inside an NYC Bodega
Recommended by Chef Rang
About Bodega: From the outside looking in, Bodega looks like a stylish New York City bodega that’s been dropped in the middle of Saigon. However, walk through the doors and you’ll find a secret entrance at the back leading to the real star of the show: a glitzy clubbing space where some of the hottest local and international DJs play your favourite hits. Ladies nights are every Tuesday, but be on the lookout for special events featuring Vietnamese pop stars for a truly unforgettable night.
Price: Drinks from 200k
Hear more from Chef Rang here
Bam: Popular Bali-Inspired Club in District 1
Recommended by Kiet
About Bam: One of Saigon’s most iconic clubs, Bam is synonymous with good music and a good time out in the city. Wednesday nights are Ladies nights while Thursdays host their special house and techno-house focused Boom Boom House events, making Bam the spot to go on any day of the week. Come dressed to impress and ready to snap some photos!
Price: Cocktails from 350k, Bottles from 3,000k
Address: 41-43 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, District 1
Hear more from Kiet here
Piu Piu @ Not A Bar: A Multi-Level Club Right on Iconic Nguyễn Huệ Street
Recommended by Lee, Stephanie, and Tommy
About Piu Piu - Broma Not A Bar: Situated right next to Saigon’s iconic Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street, Not a Bar offers a clubbing experience right in the heart of the city. Popular amongst tourists, locals, and expats alike, the multi-level club offers a variety of events. There’s live bands on Mondays to Thursdays as well as one of Saigon’s premier record labels and collectives, Piu Piu, hosting weekly events centering on hip hop, techno, and bass music.
Price: Beers from 110k, Cocktails from 230k
Hear more from Lee here
Hear more from Stephanie here
Hear more from Tommy here and here
