Drink

When it comes to Saigon nightlife, two main areas should be considered. One is Pham Ngu Lao, the backpackers ghetto in the city. Pham Ngu Lao is a street, yet the name refers to the surrounding area — the streets of PNL, De Tham, Bui Vien and Do Quang Dau.

The PNL area is peppered with guesthouses, mini-guesthouses, small restaurants and hole in the wall bars. For drinking until the sun comes up in a relaxed atmosphere, or on a plastic chair by the street, this is the area for you.

On the corner of De Tham and Bui Vien Streets is Go2 Bar, a budget travelers meeting point. We hardly need to mention the place here because if you’re staying in the area then a beer on the pavement at Go2 is more than likely. The outside seats provide the perfect area for people watching, and again once evening comes, the music is loud, pool balls click, and people gather. Due to this a number of vendors and gum-wielding street children will be badgering you for trade – they can be persistent but remember their circumstances and give them a little time. If it’s not for you, don’t sit out on the street…

PNL does have nightlife, but it’s hardly a true reflection on Saigon. Downtown, in the shadow of Sheraton and Caravelle hotels which dominate the skyline, plenty of wine bars, pubs and clubs offer a good night.

A couple of Aussie Bars are good for a ‘starting’ point, those being Fatty’s on Ton That Thiep, or Blue Gecko on Ly Tu Trong. They are expat bars with draught beer and pub food.

Dong Khoi runs through the city’s heart and it is here, just near the intersection with Dong Du, you will find Ice Blue, another Saigon relic.

A popular pre club/club destination is Vascos. It has live music on Friday nights and a nice bar/terrace area outside — it is found on Hai Ba Trung (turn right into under the arch after KFC).

After ‘pub’ hours, there are just a few options available. Firstly, try Q Bar. Find it sneakily tucked away under the city Opera House in Lam Son Square – if you’re still unsure, just look opposite the entrance to the Caravelle Hotel. Q Bar is open until late late late.

The city’s most popular nightclub is Lush, at the bottom of Ly Ty Trong on the corner with Ton Duc Thang. Lush looks like your favorite student nightclub – an octagon featuring a crowded bar and dancing area and a balcony/seating area on the first floor. It closes around 2pm. Lush and Q-Bar really are the expats favorites, the only other late night option in D1 is the infamous Apocalypse Now – attracting maybe more visitors and professional women then anything else.