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10 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City at Night
1. Cheap beer at Bui Vien
The drinking scene in Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao
is legendary. This is the backpacker district of Ho Chi Minh City, and it never
sleeps, although every morning it looks a little post-apocalyptic after all the
crazy partying. Both sides of the street are lined up with bars packed tightly,
each offering cheap beer, delicious finger food, loud music and fun, drunk
tourist crowds. This street is equivalent to Khao San Road in Bangkok.
Even if cheap party places are not your thing,
it’s worth checking it out, especially if you are with a group of friends. Some
bars here are quite decent, like Thi café, and there are even great clubs such
as Republic. Besides that, there are plenty of restaurants that offer
late-night bites that are so hard to pass on when you are under the influence
of all that 30-cent beer.
2. Classy cocktails at a rooftop bar
The Ho Chi Minh City skybar scene is fantastic,
with plenty of options for you to choose from. These include Chill Skybar, Glow
Sky Bar, Heli Bar, Lush ( Top 20 Nightlife Experiences in Ho Chi Minh) .......
Each of these has their own styles and attracts certain crowds.
These skybars usually offer classy cocktails,
mellow lounge music, comfortable sofas and a great vantage point from which to
watch the sun set over the bustling metropolis down below. Some even have a
dance floor for you to let loose after a couple of drinks until the early hours
of the morning.
3. Jam to some live music
Ho Chi Minh City has a great live music scene as
well. From smooth jazz at Sax n’ Art Jazz Club,
Seventeen Saloon Saigon , you are
spoilt for choice. Sing along, dance or just enjoy watching the show. On open
mic nights you can even go up and sing, but we don’t blame you if you need a
little liquid courage in you first!
4. Sing your heart out at karaoke
Ho Chi Minh is a city that never sleeps. You may
think the city is amazing and bustling during the day, but the night takes it
to a whole new level. Here are the best things you could do in Ho Chi Minh City
at night – and only some of it involves alcohol!
5. Let loose at a nightclub
Just like there are great rooftop bars, live
music bars, and karaoke spots, there are also great nightclubs to dance the
night away. Glow, Lush ( Top 20
Nightlife Experiences in Ho Chi Minh are two of the favorites, along with
Republic located right in Bui Vien. Here you will have to dress to impress and
not be afraid to spend a little cash — do not expect to be let in with a pair
of shorts and flip-flops.
7. Romantic dinner cruise
This is for those looking for something a little
more romantic to do with a significant other. Take a leisurely evening dinner
cruise down the Saigon River, far away from the honking cars of the city. There
will be a sumptuous feast, live jazz performances, fire dancing, and gorgeous
night views to make the night comfortable and memorable. Check out Bonsai River
Cruise or Les Rives, the two most popular and best-rated options.
8. Dine along the streets
Street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City are like
vampires — they come out at night. You will find so many individual and groups
of stalls scattered around the city. Locals love sitting on the sidewalks and
enjoying a hot bowl of soup or dish of rice after a hard day’s work. Check out Co
Bac and Co Giang, two of the most popular street food alleyways. Most dishes
here will cost you around a dollar.
9. Do some night shopping
Ben Thanh Market is an emblematic symbol of Ho
Chi Minh City and opens in the wee hours of the morning. When the doors to the
main market close after a hard day’s trade at 06:00 p.m., the night markets on
the side streets open. Here you will find similar items being sold, from
clothes, bags, electronics and souvenirs to plenty of food. The road becomes a
pedestrian zone till midnight so you can stroll about leisurely, do some
shopping and eat to your heart’s content.
10. Wander aimlessly around town
Walking around Ho Chi Minh City is the best way
to get around, especially at night. If you head over to the city center, around
Nguyen Hue Boulevard, you will have easy access to other spectacular
attractions such as the City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office and Opera
House. All these buildings are so beautiful at night when the flood lights come
on.
Wandering through the maze of alleyways is also
fun. You will get to watch as people pack up their daily life and head inside
to get a nice night’s sleep, while others come out, ready for their night
shifts.
