If you find yourself in Vietnam, fed up of drinking Saigon green, the bars in Ho Chi Minh might have just what you need.
Whenever in a big city it’s always worth checking out the bar scene. Ho Chi Minh has an abundance of drinking venues, whether you’re after a craft beer or a bit of live music, the former capital has it all. Heres my list of the “best” bars in Ho Chi Minh.
The Crafty One
Name: Pasteur Street Brewing Co.
Location: 144 Pasteur Street, District 1
Hours: 11AM – 12AM
Considered one of the original craft beer houses in Ho Chi Minh. Pasteur Street offers a large variety of beer brewed on site. They use ingredients from Vietnam as well as specially imported hops and malt.
The Jasmin IPA is particularly great. I would recommend trying at least one of these if you visit. Maybe even a second just to make sure, why not?
There are many other award-winning ales available here if IPA’s are not your thing. Including the Passion fruit wheat ale if you prefer a fresh fruity beverage.
On top of all of this, they also serve hot fusion style food if you get hungry during your visit.
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The Salty One
Name: TNR Saigon
Location: 57 Do Quang Dau, District 1
Hours: 6PM – 4:30AM
Just off the main “walking street” where most of the tourist trap bars are located, TNR plays host to expats and locals alike.
The bar has a selection of beers on tap including a must try pale ale from Fuzzy logic brewing co. also based out of Ho Chi Minh.
If beer is not your thing, the venue also offers a cocktail list and top shelf liquors to keep you going until the early hours.
A pool table takes centre stage within the grungy interior, where you can take on the locals that are always keen for a game.
The Lively One
Name: Corner Sky Bar
Location: 40B Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
Hours: 10AM -4AM
A multi-floor venue located on the main backpacker strip. Although not recommended for the craft beer lover, this bar is super lively when the sun goes down, attracting people in off the busy streets.
Being on the main strip, this venue is more expensive than others you might find off the beaten track. However, if you are in the mood for red berry Strongbow and a lively atmosphere, this is the place for you.
Tiger is available on draught too, with an extensive cocktail and food menu to get stuck into as you kick back and enjoy the tunes.
The Trendy One
Name: Ông Cao
Location: 240 Bui Vien, District 1
Hours: 5PM – 11:15PM
Situated at the tail end of Ho Chi Minh’s renowned walking street, this small venue is a perfect escape from the garish mega venues in District 1.
A full glorious wall of beer taps awaits behind the bar, giving you an abundant selection of draught beers and ales from around Vietnam. IPA’s, pales, ciders, wheat beers, you name it.
The bar staff are extremely friendly and are more than happy to let you sample a few before you commit. A small selection of food is also available here, from a selection of cold cut meats to “animal fries”, Banh Mi, and even steak.
The overall vibe of the venue is ideal for a more chilled evening, with hip-hop tunes playing in the background you can look over Bui Vien (walking street) from the second floor and enjoy until it closes just before midnight.
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The Interesting One
Name: Donkey Bar
Location: 119-121 Bui Vien, District 1
Hours: 8AM – 3AM
Bui Vien is packed full of bars such as Donkey. They offer discounted drinks trying to sway the passing crowds of backpackers. This bar, however, is somewhat unique. Firstly in its styling. Not only is the bar decorated like an ancient Egyptian movie set, the staff even don uniforms to match. That’s right, a bar called “donkey” themed like Egypt.. only in Vietnam.
Donkey is one of the big hitters on walking street. If you swing by early you may be offered deals to get you through the door. Later on in the night is when this place really starts kicking off. Ideal if you are after a messy one.
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