COCKTAIL BARS HO CHI MINH CITY

Drinking & Healing, housed in a 150-year-old French colonial building at the corner of Hồ Tùng Mậu Street in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, merges culture, art, and mixology. The second-floor venue features high ceilings, exposed brick, and views of Bitexco Financial Tower and the Saigon River, creating a Brooklynesque ambiance. Bartenders craft cocktails using local Vietnamese ingredients from different regions, with signature rum-based drinks offering cultural slices of Vietnam. Global bar bites include a flagship burger, BLT with bao, cheeseboards, and fried chicken. The venue regularly features live music or DJs, while also offering private workshops and corporate catering. Featured in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024, it exemplifies contemporary Vietnamese cocktail culture.

Monkee Shisha Lounge is a premium shisha and cocktail venue in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, positioning itself as a healing lounge since its opening in June 2019. The space combines artistic design with modern lighting and carefully curated music to create an atmosphere that balances vibrancy with relaxation. Experienced shisha artisans work with international tobacco brands including Tangiers, Darkside, and MustHave, while expert bartenders craft bespoke cocktails tailored to each guest's taste. The warm, colorful interior features vintage and modern décor elements creating an intimate yet stylish environment. Open from noon to 3 AM daily, the lounge caters to international visitors and expatriates seeking high-quality shisha and innovative cocktails.

Ministry of Men occupies the third floor of Sofitel Saigon Plaza, honoring influential historical figures through thematic cocktails and 1940s-inspired ambiance. The venue draws inspiration from elegant Dutch lounges, featuring interactive signature cocktails with striking 3D visuals. Founded in 2020, the space presents mixology as performance art, with drinks curated to engage all senses and transport guests to a bygone era. Adjacent to the House of Barbaard barber shop, Ministry of Men blends sophisticated hospitality with historical storytelling in a refined setting.

Blanchy's Lounge is an ultra-chic cocktail venue and restaurant in the heart of District 1, operating daily from 5 PM until 2 AM. The bar features an impressive cocktail menu crafted by talented mixologists, blending classic and innovative drinks with local flavors. A signature offering is a hibiscus tea infused gin cocktail with pink guava, vanilla, fresh pressed lemon, thyme, and sparkling wine. The venue hosts renowned local and international DJs nightly, featuring artists such as Grand Master Flash and Bob Sinclar. Named after the moustache of Paul Blanchy, an early colonial pepper entrepreneur and Saigon's first mayor (1895-1901), the lounge combines historical intrigue with contemporary nightlife.

Firkin Bar, named after the smallest whisky barrel, is a refined and intimate cocktail destination hidden on the first floor of a discreet building in District 1. Operating from 6 PM to 11:45 PM, the bar's design evokes classic Tokyo whisky bars with dark wood tones, plush seating, and extensive shelving displaying over 250 types of whiskies from across the globe. Established in late 2017, Firkin Bar has emerged among Ho Chi Minh City's leading cocktail venues, specializing in bespoke cocktails crafted on the spot by knowledgeable bartenders. Cocktails during happy hour are priced at VND 125,000++, making it an accessible choice for spirits connoisseurs seeking a refined drinking experience.

Irusu Lounge is a Japanese kakurega bar (a hidden bar) located in District 1 along a nondescript alleyway, with its name meaning "pretending not to be home when someone comes knocking" in Japanese. Operated by Eight Four Collective, the two-tier venue features an intimate first-floor lounge with a DJ booth and curated vintage records collection, alongside striking photographs of yakuza tattoos. The upstairs terrace offers secluded cathedral views away from street noise. Award-winning bartenders have crafted a unique cocktail selection reflecting Japanese hospitality traditions. Operating Monday through Sunday from 6 PM to 1 AM, with happy hour from 6 PM to 8 PM, Irusu offers an authentic speakeasy experience rooted in Japanese bar culture.

Layla - Eatery & Bar is a relaxed yet stylish venue housed in a classic colonial-era building in District 1, directly across from the Sheraton Hotel. Opened in December 2016, it has become a favorite among both locals and expats for its Mediterranean cuisine and exceptional cocktails. The menu highlights local ingredients with standout drinks including espresso martini, caramel macchiato martini, Kiwi Basil Delight, Toberlone, Lady Jane, Whiskey Sour, and Smokey Red Hook. Bartender Jay Moir's spirited drinks list showcases creativity and craft with signature botanicals and spices. Happy hour runs from 5 PM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday, offering an accessible introduction to the bar's carefully curated beverage program.

Rabbit Hole is a speakeasy-style bar inspired by "Alice in Wonderland," located at 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Nghe, District 1, and renovated in 2018 to resemble an American-style speakeasy. The modern, minimalist design features black as the dominant color, creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. Signature cocktails with whimsical names such as "Mad Hatter" and "Rabbit's Gin Fizz" reflect the Alice theme while demonstrating skilled bartending craft. Live jazz music enhances the tranquil environment, providing a private escape from Ho Chi Minh City's bustling streets. Open daily from 6 PM to 2 AM, Rabbit Hole offers distinctive nightlife through authentic cocktails and soothing ambiance, with a sister bar called Angels' Share also available to guests seeking variety.

Snuffbox is a 1920s-themed speakeasy lounge located at 14 Ton That Dam, Floor 1, in District 1, paying homage to the end of Prohibition with dimly lit interiors adorned with a fascinating collection of curios. The hidden gem offers serious, well-balanced cocktails crafted with real technique and quality ingredients by skilled bartenders, eschewing gimmicks in favor of pure mixology excellence. The venue provides reservations and hosts an array of events reminiscent of the Jazz Age, featuring live jazz music alongside electronic, house, and dub beats. With no unnecessary show and a focus on refined craft, Snuffbox captures the sophistication and clandestine allure of classic speakeasies while serving Ho Chi Minh City's most discerning cocktail enthusiasts.

The Racha Room is an upscale Pan-Asian restaurant and cocktail bar with locations in Thao Dien and District 1, specializing in Thai-influenced cuisine focused on balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours. Its carefully curated cocktail menu employs modern and classic techniques such as barrel-ageing and smoke infusions, incorporating local Vietnamese spices and seasonal fruits into craft creations. The elegant, sophisticated atmosphere suits intimate dinners, business meetings, and social gatherings, while high-quality shared plates reflect a commitment to ingredient excellence. Rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor, it represents a refined blend of Southeast Asian gastronomy and contemporary mixology in Ho Chi Minh City.

Chill Skybar, located on the 26th floor of AB Tower in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, pioneered the rooftop bar concept in Vietnam. The venue offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, especially striking at night when illuminated. Guests enjoy an extensive menu of classic and signature cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere, with happy hour discounts from 5:30 PM to 8 PM. The bar has earned recognition including the most luxurious bar award of Vietnam in 2017. Smart casual dress code is required, and reservations are recommended for this popular destination that operates from early evening until 2 AM.

The Lighthouse is a rooftop bar and non-commercial electronic music club located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, offering stunning views of Saigon's skyline. The venue features free entry for women with complimentary cocktails and drinks until midnight, while men pay a modest cover charge. They craft signature cocktails with fresh, seasonal ingredients, rotating their menu with two new creations weekly. Tuesday nights feature Ladies Night with free drinks for women from 9 PM to midnight. Open from 6 PM with varying closing times, the bar caters to both casual cocktail seekers and electronic music enthusiasts through regular DJ performances and themed dance nights.

Telephone Bar is a fashionable speakeasy nestled in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, with a distinctive entry through vintage red London phone booths at a corner building. Guests activate entry by picking up the telephone receiver to be admitted to the bar. The interior evokes a 1940s London pub atmosphere with red chesterfield seating and sophisticated décor. The bar operates without a set menu, instead crafting personalized cocktails based on individual flavor preferences and spirit choices, with emphasis on gin and whisky selections. Open daily from 6 PM to 2 AM, the intimate space averages around $8 per cocktail and appeals to those seeking a unique, mysterious drinking experience reminiscent of classic English speakeasies.

The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen is a distinctive speakeasy-style venue in Ho Chi Minh City's Đa Kao ward, with an entrance disguised as an ATM. Once inside, guests discover a stylish space featuring tin ceilings, plush velvet drapes, and intimate lighting perfect for conversation. The bar is known for award-winning cocktails and an extensive whiskey selection, complemented by a diverse food menu. Live jazz music performs on weekends, enhancing the sophisticated ambiance. Friendly bartenders provide personalized service, creating customized drinks based on individual preferences. Located at 27/10 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, it ranks among the top cocktail venues in the city and appeals to both locals and visitors seeking quality cocktails in a relaxed yet refined setting.

Lost - Drink & Chill is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, established in 2017 and located at 71/5 Mạc Thị Bưởi. The venue radiates a laid-back yet contemporary vibe with warm tones, soft lighting, and subtle vintage touches, creating an inviting atmosphere. The emotionally-inspired cocktail menu includes categories such as Quick-Mix Drinks, Classic Reverence, Old but Gold, and Lady's Choice, with gin-based signature creations ranging from $5 to $12. Operating from noon to 3 AM, the bar features live music particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. Skilled bartenders engage with patrons to recommend favorites or craft personalized cocktails, making it a welcoming destination for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a relaxed yet refined experience.

CLIMB Hidden Cocktails Bar, the original speakeasy in Ho Chi Minh City, sits behind a clever vending machine entrance in a historic colonial apartment building on the second and third floors. Recognized as Top 5 Best Bar Vietnam by Flavor Awards (2021, 2024) and Top Bar Vietnam 2024 by Wechoice Awards, CLIMB maintains a 5.0 TripAdvisor rating. Talented mixologists craft meticulous Old Fashioneds using Japanese whiskey and personalized cocktails with unique twists. The dark, intimate setting resonates with vibrant 90s/00s hip-hop tunes, creating stylish sophistication without excessive polish.

86 Proof Whiskey Bar is an upscale yet relaxed establishment in Thao Dien, District 2, renowned for housing one of Vietnam's largest whiskey selections and signature Whiskey Sour cocktails since its establishment in 2018. Located on Xuan Thuy Street beside The Racha Room, the bar serves as a vibrant community hub hosting regular events including Sunday Jazz Nights and Ladies Night featuring live music entertainment. The venue offers Saigon's compelling happy hour promotion with 50% off all alcoholic beverages by the glass from 4–7 PM daily, paired with a carefully curated cocktail program that emphasizes quality and approachability in an unpretentiously sophisticated atmosphere.

ASMR Bar, founded by Diageo World Class Champion 2021 Vu Ngoc, is a contemporary cocktail destination in Thao Dien, District 2. The name represents Acid, Sweet and Sour, Molecular and Rich, showcasing the bar's innovative approach to mixology. Signature offerings feature unusual ingredients such as pandan, caviar bitters, popcorn, fermentation, smoke, and foam alongside classic cocktails. Guests receive complimentary snacks upon arrival, with refillable options available throughout their visit. Live violin performances grace Saturday evenings, creating an elevated atmosphere where technical craft meets refined entertainment in an inviting setting.

CLIMB, located on the eighth floor of Vicon Ship Building accessed through a distinctive vending machine entrance on the third floor, is a hidden gem specializing in expertly crafted cocktails featuring Japanese whiskey. The bar has earned recognition as a top venue in Vietnam, winning awards in 2021 and 2024. Despite appearing like an apartment building entrance, the interior reveals an amazing vibe with great music featuring 1990s and 2000s hip-hop. Multiple cozy seating areas create an intimate home-like atmosphere, while talented mixologists take pride in crafting personalized drinks with unique twists. Known locally for their exceptional Old Fashioneds, CLIMB offers both their signature menu and custom creations.

NHAU NHAU is the cocktail bar located on the second floor of Anan Saigon, a wet market-inspired venue created by celebrated chef Peter Cuong Franklin, whose restaurant downstairs was named Vietnam's Best Restaurant in 2021. The name means "drink, drink" in Vietnamese, celebrating the country's nhau culture of after-work drinking and eating. Specialty cocktails showcase creative Vietnamese influences, including the Phojito—a mojito infused with pho spices like star anise and cinnamon—and the Cotton Candy Old Fashioned where sugar clouds melt into spirit-forward drinks. The retro-cool space features graffiti murals, a sign reading "don't go home 'til you're drunk," framed Sixties vinyls, and an octopus-sucker-tiled back bar creating an energetic atmosphere celebrating Vietnam's drinking traditions.

STIR is a modern classic cocktail bar located in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, earning recognition as Vietnam's top entry on Asia's 50 Best Bars list. The intimate, speakeasy-inspired space evokes 1960s–70s Vietnam with soft golden lighting and jazz ambiance. Founders Steel Dinh and Lam Duc Anh craft inventive cocktails blending local ingredients with contemporary techniques, such as the signature Nuoc Mia Highball made with fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, Zacapa 12 Rum, and pandan cordial. Cocktails begin around USD 13 per drink, making it an accessible yet sophisticated destination for quality craft cocktails in a nostalgic, elegant setting.

Summer Experiment is an ecologically conscious cocktail bar opened in 2019 by Australian mixologist Jay Moir, perched on the second floor of a District 1 venue near Ben Thanh Market. The lush space features living walls, a rooftop garden, and reclaimed furniture that emphasize sustainability and intimate atmosphere. The bar's menu of over 30 nature-inspired cocktails showcases on-site botanicals, Vietnamese fruits, and locally foraged ingredients, complemented by garden-inspired shared plates. Soft tropical greenery and botanical aesthetics create a serene escape within Ho Chi Minh's bustling district, positioning the bar as a leader in sustainable nightlife culture.

Lost & Found is a hidden gem cocktail bar tucked away in a quiet alley, inspired by Ho Chi Minh City's early colonial era and featuring distinctive design elements including bold floral upholstery and vibrant green walls. Located at 19/6 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, it specializes in locally inspired creative cocktails such as Coconut Dreams and Safeword. The chill atmosphere is enhanced by live music offerings, featuring indie rock playlists alongside soulful live band performances. Happy hour runs from 6 PM to 8 PM on weekends, making it an ideal spot for travelers and locals seeking authentic, imaginative drinks in a relaxed setting that captures Saigon's nostalgic charm.