Ho Chi Minh City is popular for many things: the variety of food, the motorbikes, the busy streets. And of course, you can’t forget its nightlife. Known as the city that never sleeps, Ho Chi Minh City lives up to its label. There are hundred of bars that open ’til late across the city, and we would love you to experience them all. Our team wants to make sure you get the most “bang for the buck”, so we’ve compiled a list of bars and clubs in Ho Chi Minh City that fit our readers’ style the most. Here’s a list of places we would recommend for you to drop by at least once.
Xu Bar
In Ho Chi Minh City, the life cycle of a bar and club is usually around two to three years. Xu Bar is an exception. It has been around and is still going strong for nearly 10 years. The reason why they have successfully stayed in business is because they have a professional and well-trained team of bartenders and staff. Located on Hai Ba Trung, the bar street of Ho Chi Minh City, Xu is the perfect place to start your night out. Xu features a unique combination of Vietnamese and Western ambience. And to no surprise, you will see people of different races and demographics at this place. At Xu, the atmosphere is great for you to socialize with a group of friends or colleagues.
Another plus for Xu is that they provide happy hour from 5:30pm to 8:30pm which applies for all alcoholic drinks. Xu is a great place to start the night before a long eventful evening out in Ho Chi Minh City. Although Xu seems like it carries an upscale vibe, you can come here dressed or casual. Pro tips: Xu has hands down the best oyster shots in Ho Chi Minh City. Their kumquat shots are also a must-try.
Location: 71 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
XOXO
If you’re looking for a place to “make it rain” while popping Dom Pérignon bottles, XOXO is the destination. Known as one of the most upscale clubs in Ho Chi Minh City, XOXO is packed on the weekends. Lying on the 21st floor of Ben Thanh Tower, you can have a view of the city while dancing to the music. Arriving at XOXO, you will be stunned with their elegant and dynamic design. There are human size bird cages placed at corners of the club where dancers will entertain throughout the night. XOXO provides world class events with DJs coming from all over the world to perform a wide range of music: EDM, Hip-Hop, Trap, etc.
Location: 138 Le Thi Hong Gam, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Piu Piu
The concept of Piu Piu is different from the rest of the clubs on this list. Piu Piu calls themselves “the grown-up kids club”. The concept of the club is to create a place for people to freely express themselves and take a break from reality. You can find all sorts of personalities at Piu Piu: from people wearing suits to people that come in barefoot.
Piu Piu features three floors with a variety of activities. The first floor is designated for DJ parties and concerts where they hold different events everyday. The second floor is called the “chill area” where the club owners provide a pool table and a beer bar. The third floor, also where the rooftop is located, is where they play disco, funk or retro hip-hop. The special thing about Piu Piu is that they organize different events on certain days of the week.
Tuesday nights: G Flow Cypher. Wednesday nights: Identity LGBT Rooftop Party. Thursday nights: RNB Thursdays Ladies Night. And on weekends, Piu Piu hosts special guests and DJ parties.
Location: 97 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Envy
Designed as a theatrical nightclub, the club owners want to provide you with an unforgettable experience with an emphasis on their sound and light systems. Envy provides a spacious environment with standing tables on the first floor and sofas on the second floor if you want the VIP package. The exterior of the club reminds you of an old colonial house and the interior gives you a vintage feel with curvy metal decor.
Walking into Envy, the club gives you the atmosphere of a classic Vegas nightclub. You’re promised a luxurious and upscale treatment when arriving at Envy. You’ll be greeted by a host and escorted in by a group of black suited security guards. It’s sure that the club owners want to provide you with the most exceptional experience possible for your visit.
Location: 76 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Qui
This list wouldn’t be complete without mixing in Qui. Located centrally on Le Thanh Ton, Qui is packed nearly everyday of the week after 9pm. The feel and crowd of Qui ranks it among the top of upscale spots in the Saigon nightlife scene. Closer to the entrance are booths, the bar, and high tables. There’s limited dining space toward the back. They just opened a sister location in Nha Trang. Qui also ranks near the top for us since it’s close to little Japantown and its late night ramen spots.
Location: 22 Le Thanh Ton, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Layla
Layla started off as more of a cocktail bar, but has evolved into a club feel on certain evenings. Hidden on second floor of an old apartment in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Layla has become the go to place of many Vietnamese and expats. The owners have done an amazing job of creating a comfortable space for visitors with a non-smoking area inside and a designated smoking area with tables outside. The bar has an industrial design layout with concrete tables, metal chairs, and a bronze bar. Layla’s drinks menu is also superbly crafted. They serve up classic and experimental cocktails or you can create your own cocktails based on your preference. Layla is the perfect place for you to grab couple drinks with you colleagues after work during happy hours. In addition, Layla also provides a food menu with a wide selection of dishes to fill you up when that “drunk hunger” hits.
Location: Second floor, 63 Dong Du, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Play Nightclub
Play is a fancy nightclub located on the 13th floor of the Presidential Place in District 1. The vibe at Play matches its slogan, “Come and Play”. Play is the perfect spot to enjoy the night by sipping on drinks and dancing to the music. Poppin’ bottles and flashing cameras, Play brings you into the world of celebrity lush. Above the club is a rooftop bar, Glow Skybar, with dazzling views of Ho Chi Minh City.
Location: 93 Nguyen Du, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City