Stepping into Saigon, a land brimming with famous and unique leisure spots. From places exuding vintage charm to those boasting modern luxury, you can discover a plethora of entertainment venues tailored to your taste.
Wondering where to have fun in Saigon?
1. Coffee havens
Café consumption has ingrained itself into the lifestyle of Saigonese for quite some time. Each morning, they indulge in a cup of morning coffee to kickstart a day filled with vitality and energy.
Café 81
Address: 216B Nguyen Van Nguyen, District 1
Opening hours: 7:00 – 22:30
Average price range: 10,000VND – 30,000VND
Café 81 Establishment (Photo by ST)
A simple beauty that every visitor here is sure to feel. The space is adorned with vintage items, from chairs and tables to an old-fashioned radio and water pitcher. This is complemented by a bright glass ceiling and harmoniously arranged greenery, creating a bright atmosphere and natural scenery.
The beverages here are as humble and straightforward as the style of the place. Rich, flavorful coffee, refreshing iced milk tea, or perfectly balanced sweet and sour lemonade. All combine to evoke a sense of antiquity, seemingly transporting diners to the most peaceful and serene way of life.
Inside the Café 81 establishment (Photo by ST)
Saigon Cheers
Address: 5th floor, 42 apartment building, Nguyen Hue, District 1
Opening hours: 8:30 – 21:30
Average price range: 40,000VND – 100,000VND
Saigon Cheers Establishment (Photo by ST)
Situated in a splendid location offering a panoramic view of Saigon's lifestyle from above. This is the perfect spot for the younger generation to not only savor unique beverages but also enjoy the view of Nguyen Hue pedestrian street.
The menu is diverse, featuring creatively crafted and visually appealing drinks like the exclusive Saigon Cheers Lychee, Hibiscus Tea, Toxic Blood, and more. The names are imaginative and perfectly reflect the establishment's character.
Saigon's Entertainment Spots (Photo by ST)
Tin Can Market Coffee
Address: Alley 313 Tan Phuoc, Ward 6, District 11
Average price range: 10,000VND – 15,000VND
This is a Café that has been around for over 30 years. People often affectionately call it by the more familiar name, Mr. Thanh's Net Coffee. The atmosphere exudes an old, nostalgic charm of Saigon's past. It attracts visitors with the authentic and interesting lifestyle of old Saigon. Moreover, you can listen to Mr. Thanh share captivating stories from the past.
Tin Can Market Coffee
The coffee prices are very affordable, featuring traditional coffee types such as drip coffee and milk coffee. The coffee is fragrant and rich, with creamy milk drops that don't overpower with excessive sweetness. This familiar yet unique drink creates lasting memories for visitors at Mr. Thanh's Net Coffee.
Tin Can Market Coffee Saigon (Photo by ST)
2. Saigon Flea Market
True to Saigon's unique entertainment, the city also hosts weekend flea markets to cater to the shopping needs of both locals and tourists.
Rubik Zoo
Address: 1Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saigon Entertainment Spot Rubik Zoo (Photo by ST)
Rubik Zoo is the first Container Market in Vietnam. With a brilliant concept, transforming shipping containers into unique stalls has attracted a large crowd every week.
Entering this market doesn't require an entrance fee. You can indulge in unlimited shopping for unique accessories designed by the young creators, from notebooks to clothing from various major fashion brands.
Rubik Zoo, the Container Market, a Saigon Entertainment Spot (Photo by ST)
Or wander into the snack stalls with hot and aesthetically pleasing Korean or Japanese treats.
Snack Stalls featuring Korean Delicacies (Photo by ST)
Additionally, the market area is designed for young people to freely capture photos with numerous beautiful corners, bright lights, and decorations that blend traditional and modern elements. There's also a film set area, an Art Photography Studio.
Film Set Area, Art Photography Studio (Photo by ST)
Hello Weekend Market
Address: 2 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Open days: Every Saturday and Sunday
Saigon Entertainment Spot Hello Weekend Market (Photo by ST)
If you are a fashion enthusiast keen on the latest seasonal trends, then this market is your perfect destination. Discover numerous avant-garde outfits with unique style combinations. Witness the creativity of the youth through their fashion and accessories.
A photo corner at Hello Weekend Market (Photo by ST)
Stalls selling handmade items (Photo by ST)
In addition to the prominent fashion booths, the handmade item stalls are also quite enticing. The food zone is an indispensable part of every market day, offering a variety of familiar snacks loved by the young Saigonese such as mixed rice paper, grilled rice paper, skewers, sweet soups, and bread.
A gathering of various familiar snacks (Photo by ST)
Saigon Flea Market
Address: 107 Ton Dat Tien, Tan Phu, District 7
Saigon Flea Market Entertainment Area (Photo by ST)
Perhaps, this is one of the oldest weekend markets in Saigon. Since 2011, the market has been embraced by the Saigonese and international visitors alike. Here, you can witness cultural diversity and learn many new things from various cultural backgrounds.
Saigon and International Friends (Photo by ST)
Moreover, you can discover extremely stylish and unique items at this market. From jewelry and clothing to creatively crafted shoes and bags.
Entertainment spot for shopping jewelry and clothing accessories (Photo by ST)
Or you might find skillfully crafted handmade items like paper flowers or vibrant bamboo creations.
Handmade Items (Photo by ST)
3. Vibrant Bars in Saigon
A city bustling at night wouldn't be complete without lively Bars/Pubs.
Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar
Address: 2, International Square, District 1
Entertainment area in Saigon - Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar (Photo by ST)
Situated on the 9th floor of the building, visitors step into another world enveloped in wood, glass, and panoramic views of Saigon. An exquisitely refined space for entertainment that is not too bustling, not too noisy, yet very poetic.
Whether it's a glass of red wine or a colorful cocktail professionally crafted by the bar staff, their expertise in every shake makes the connoisseur immerse themselves in the delightful flavors.
Drinks at Saigon's Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar (Photo by ST)
Carmen Bar
Address: 8 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Stepping into the interior of the bar feels like entering a stone castle, with cellar-style doors and captivating dim lights.
The music carries a mesmerizing vibe, with powerful yet gentle Latin tunes, playing classic tracks in a unique style.
Carmen Bar has its own method of mixing drinks. The cocktails are not too strong, just enough to make people sway to the music. If you don't drink alcohol, you can order light cocktails.
Drinks at Carmen Bar in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo by ST)
Cargo Bar
Address: 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4
Cargo Bar is designed in a modern style with circular seating arrangements and spacious surroundings. Suitable not only for evening gatherings with friends but also for birthday parties or prom nights.
With 4 floors, you can comfortably choose a seat and gaze far to admire the city lights. To ensure the best spot for enjoying both drinks and the magnificent scenery, you can call the bar in advance to make a reservation.
Cargo Bar in Saigon (Photo by ST)
If you've become too familiar with popular spots like Ben Thanh Market, Turtle Lake, or Tao Dan Park, why not change it up? Explore lively weekend markets, picturesque cafes for city gazing, or vibrant bars for a change of scenery.