By Joe Fotalattee
This New Year’s Eve in Saigon, you could try to view the fireworks from one of the hundreds of rooftop bars. It would be almost absurd to name just a few, so we’ll give a rundown of the most popular choices since we also enjoy being fancy once a year.
Notable locations for NYE include The Rex Rooftop Restaurant, open twenty-four hours a day and provides views of Bach Dang Quay at Ham Nghi Street and Nguyen Hue Flowers Street. Bitexco Financial Tower, The Deck Saigon, and Land Mark 81, all offer glimpses of the skylines. Additionally, there are two non-venue locations for fireworks for the budget conscious, at Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11 and at the start of the tunnel that crosses the Saigon River in Thu Thiem ward, District 2.
One of the more iconic options is Saigon Saigon Bar, one of the city’s most upscale bars with stunning views of the city. Located on the top floor of the Caravelle Hotel, the rooftop bar is the ideal location to take in the NYE fireworks displays. This year was the passing of Kevin Gallarello, a phenomenal guitarist and singer who would play any song request, and it was a loss to the live music scene that this venue promotes. As the storied Saigon Saigon bar creates new memories in time as 2023 approaches, we’ll be raising a glass to the many wonderful memories he gave us.
Moreover, if you go too far in celebrating, East West is having its annual Kegs and Eggs New Year’s Day brunch. What is your favorite rooftop venue? Please leave it in the comments section and enjoy the holiday celebrations!
This year, kindly be cautious in crowded areas and narrow alleyways. As Halloween demonstrated, we can practice being aware of our surroundings and caring for one another year-round.
Please note that in locations outside D1 and not previously mentioned, you may only see neighbors blowing their fingers off and not the official fireworks display. Book your night in advance for better deals and to guarantee a perfect NYE. Without further ado, here’s a list of the most well-known rooftop venues:
| 10TH FLOOR | BẾN NGHÉ/DISTRICT 1
Located directly across from the Opera House at the elegant Hotel Caravelle. Both the hotel and the rooftop are surrounded by a ton of history because this is where many American reporters lived and socialized during the Vietnam War. Old-fashioned rustic in design, with sizable wooden chairs and tables on the main terrace and on the “balconies” encircling the interior bar, as well as breathtaking skyline views. Enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, such as their own brew, masterfully crafted signature cocktails, and a food menu with delectable sharing plates, as well as amiable service, a chic yet comfortable setting, and frequent live music.
| 4TH FLOOR | BẾN NGHÉ/DISTRICT 1
A trendy, small bar with a view of Nguyên Hue, a pedestrian street near the Saigon River. Although the rooftop is spacious and open, and the views of the nearby skyscrapers from the fourth floor are cool, this location is more about the live music and atmosphere. Broma: Not a Bar, which is spread out over three levels, provides themed evenings several days a week and is the ideal rooftop for a laid-back and enjoyable atmosphere right in the heart of the city. Broma has over 30 high-quality beers to choose from, and exciting signature cocktails.
| 4TH FLOOR | NGUYEN THAI BINH WARD/DISTRICT 1
Rogue Saigon is a hidden gem to enjoy the best of vibes, craft beers, and burgers. It can be found on the upper floors of an old building in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City. The industrial, bare-brick venue has multiple levels and two rooftop terraces with stunning views of Saigon’s skyscrapers. With 20 taps and plenty of seasonal bottles, Rogue Saigon focuses on the city’s emerging and thriving craft beer scene while also serving a variety of cocktails, shooters, and juicy burgers.
Rooftop Garden Bar at Rex Hotel
| 5TH FLOOR | BẾN NGHÉ/DISRICT 1
At the top of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, on the rooftop of the five-star Rex Hotel, is a very traditional Ho Chi Minh rooftop bar and garden terrace. Large and roomy terrace with both covered and open seating, simple decor, and lots of space. Here, which is open from early in the morning until late at night, you can order high-quality snacks and drinks, though they are quite expensive. Every night there is live music to enhance the ambiance; the genre is typically old classic music, which fits the rooftop’s atmosphere and more mature clientele.
| 31ST FLOOR | NGUYEN CU TRINH/DISTRICT 1
The opulent Pullman Saigon Centre has two rooftop spaces, one with a restaurant and the other with a bar. The highest hotel rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh is located on the 31st floor and is called Rooftop Bar. It’s a great place for al fresco drinks with stunning views of the city skyline. The Mad Cow Wine & Grill, which combines the best of an urban wine bar and an edgy grill, is located one floor below. Consider a combo visit to the rooftop of the Pullman Saigon Centre, which would include a meal at Mad Cow and a drink before or after dinner on the terrace of the Rooftop Bar.
Le Café des Stagiaires – Saigon
| 3RD FLOOR | THAO DIEN/DISTRICT 2
Le Café des Stagiaires, a contemporary establishment, brings a touch of Europe to Saigon. It is situated in the vibrant and international Thao Dien neighborhood. The prime location is the lush and charming open-air rooftop, which has a cool interior living room and panoramic views of the Saigon river and skyline. Featuring a sizable and vibrant menu, you can enjoy everything from plenty of Belgian beer and crafted cocktails to modern European cuisine that is ideal for sharing. During happy hour on weekdays, relax with friends or experience more lively nights with live DJs spinning a variety of music.
| 14TH FLOOR | NGUYEN THAI BINH WARD/DISTRICT 1
Zion Sky Lounge & Dining, located in the center of busy Saigon, provides a posh, fashionable, and futuristic sanctuary that is elevated above it all. The rooftop terrace features a distinctive architecture and stunning panoramic views of the Saigon river and surrounding area. Open everyday, Zion extends an invitation to everyone to savor the most elegant evenings as well as the liveliest nights. You can take in breathtaking sunset views as well as exclusive deals on food and beverages during sunset hours. As night falls, the rooftop transforms into a lively and entertaining venue where live DJs and music performances keep the energy high.
| 24TH FLOOR | DA KAO/DISTRICT 3
The stunning Social Club Saigon is located on the rooftop of the Hotel des Arts Saigon. A flight of stairs takes you from the indoor restaurant on the 23rd level to the rooftop bar and terrace on the 24th floor, where you can take in the stunning views of the Saigon skyline. The terrace truly evokes the feeling of a very natural and clean oasis right in the heart of the bustling city thanks to its distinctive and opulent setting and numerous wooden details. A roof-top infinity pool, one of the best in the world, brought it all together. Enjoy tasty, beautifully crafted cocktails, light fare, and a great atmosphere.
| 26TH FLOOR | BẾN THÀNH/DISTRICT 1
Chill SkyBar, the first and original sky bar in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam, is located on the 26th floor of the AB Tower. From here, you can see the entire city in a breathtaking panorama and enjoy a spectacular sunset. Large, chic, and contemporary in design, with mostly standing tables and an oval, iconic glowing bar in the center, where you can order expertly crafted classic and signature cocktails, wine and sparkling drinks in both glass and bottle, as well as a wide variety of delectable bar bites. Arrive early for a lounge atmosphere and the sunset, and stay late for live DJs and a party atmosphere.
| 10TH FLOOR | PHAM NGU LAO/DISTRICT 1
A little-known gem, Banana Mama Rooftop Bar is situated on the 10th floor of the WMC Tower in District 1. But the search was well worth it for this tropical rooftop oasis. The wooden decked terrace is a great place to unwind and escape the busy city, with bohemian lounge areas, vibrant cushions, and lots of greenery. It also offers stunning views of the Saigon skyline. Enjoy juicy burgers, French-inspired snacks, signature cocktails and mock-tails, “DIY” Gin & Tonics, handcrafted beers, and a nice selection of wine.
The Muse – Cocktail & Tapas Bar (Gin on 8)
| 8TH FLOOR | THAO DIEN/DISTRICT 2
Gin on 8, a sophisticated and contemporary rooftop speakeasy with views of the Saigon River, is located on top of the opulent boutique hotel Mia Saigon in District 2. The rooftop also has two open-air terraces with a landscaped garden and panoramic views of the Saigon skyline and river, one of which is a cozy and nostalgic interior lounge. Modern Indochina bites are served alongside quality whiskey, wines, and champagnes on the rooftop menu, which is a slice of heaven for gin lovers who can choose from the well-known to small batch selections.
| 75-76TH FLOOR | BINH THANH DISTRICT
One of the tallest lounges in the world, which is not surprising given that Blank is housed on the 75th and 76th floors of the towering Landmark 81 building, which stands at a height of 472 meters. Most of the seating at the rooftop is inside, but there is also a smaller outside terrace where you can feel the breeze high above the city, and it is surrounded by truly breathtaking and panoramic views of Saigon. Open all day long, this place serves everything from locally brewed coffee and tea to handcrafted cocktails, beer, wine, canapés, and pastries.
| 22ND FLOOR | PHẠM NGŨ LÃO/DISTRICT 1
One of Ho Chi Minh City’s hippest and most stylish rooftop bars, AIR Saigon is situated atop the Ben Thanh Tower. This is actually a multi-level and multi-space venue with AIR Dining, an indoor lounge, and an upper level VIP-area for a more private get-together available, with the large and airy terrace and lounge serving as the main destination. Great views of the Saigon skyline and a constant party atmosphere are features shared by all of the spaces.
| 23RD FLOOR | DA KAO/DISTRICT 3
A multi-concept rooftop with a fantastic rooftop terrace offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Saigon skyline is also equipped with a dining room, bar and lounge, whiskey library, glasshouse, and other features. There are numerous dining tables, trees, and even a “mini-river” on the spacious, lush terrace. Enjoy fantastic lunch specials while basking in the sun, treat yourself to a fine dinner and choose from a large á la carte menu, or simply stop by for some lounge vibes, a fantastic selection of artistically crafted cocktails, and a sizable wine menu.\
| 19TH FLOOR | BẾN NGHÉ/DISTRICT 1
Above is a stylish and contemporary rooftop bar with an amazing 360-degree view of the Saigon skyline, and it is situated on the 19th floor of the contemporary Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint. The rooftop has a hip atmosphere with a hip bar in the middle, plush lounge sofas, and a long row of bar stools right at the edge. Enjoy great signature cocktails and beer on draught while listening to contemporary music played live by a DJ. During the day, the hotel is more of a pool bar where guests can relax with a cocktail on the plush sun loungers while swimming in the amazing infinity pool.
M Bar at Hotel Majestic Saigon
| 8TH FLOOR | BẾN NGHÉ/DISTRICT 1
This magnificent Ho Chi Minh rooftop bar is situated atop the opulent and incredibly classic Hotel Majestic Saigon, making it the ideal place to enjoy tranquil river views and quality time with loved ones. The M rooftop bar is a classic location, much like the hotel, but it underwent renovations in 2018 and now features a fresh atmosphere and new furnishings. You can visit M Bar for both rooftop breakfast and lunch or come later in the day to enjoy crafted cocktails and live music. It is open from early morning until late at night and offers all day á la carte dining and drinks.
| 4TH FLOOR | BINH AN/DISTRICT 2
La Moon Rooftop is a laid-back rooftop bar situated in District 2’s Binh An neighborhood. This Saigon rooftop is lovely and charming in a simple, low-key way. It’s a great place to unwind with a few friends while overlooking the city skyline and the busy streets below. Up here, you can savor expertly made signature and traditional cocktails, beers, and delectable bites while still paying budget prices and receiving 5-star service. Visit for the regularly scheduled live acoustic sessions or the stunning sunset.
| 20TH FLOOR | BẾN NGHÉ/DISTRICT 1
The Rooftop Grand Lounge, which is located on top of the Grand Hotel Saigon, is perched 20 floors above the bustle below and combines covered and open-air seating in a setting that is both traditional and opulent but also incredibly cozy. The breathtaking panoramic views of the Saigon skyline and river also contribute to the atmosphere. Authentic Western and Vietnamese cuisine, as well as a wide selection of drinks, including everything from energizing cocktails to fine wines and cold beers, are served here. The restaurant is open from early in the morning until late at night.
| 25TH FLOOR | BẾN NGHÉ/DISTRICT 1
The chic and cool infinity pool is located on the rooftop terrace of the contemporary Liberty Central Saigon Riverside. Even though the terrace has a great rooftop bar called Vertical Sky Bar that is open to the public and has a stunning view of the Saigon River while the pool is only for hotel guests. With various live bands performing five nights a week, the atmosphere on the terrace changes throughout the day from a laid-back pool lounge to one that is festive and fun. Enjoy specialty drinks, wine, and regional draught beers while taking in the amazing views, friendly banter, and a little vibe.
