Ho Chi Minh Metropolis (Saigon) is Vietnam’s largest city and its economic, political, cultural, entertainment, and educational hub. This vibrant, contemporary metropolis is well-known for its numerous shopping malls, entertainment venues, and skyscraper structures that are national symbols. The beauty and vibrancy of this city are unparalleled, especially at night. If you are considering a trip to this city, here are the top 14 things to do at night in Ho Chi Minh to make your trip more memorable.
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- Take a stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Have fun at Bui Vien Walking Street
- Relax at Turtle Lake
- Take a food tour at Ho Thi Ky market
- Check out the Starlight Bridge
- Admire the whole city from Saigon Skydeck – Bitexco Financial Tower
- Chilling at Thu Thiem Tunnel Park
- Immerse yourself in Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
- Enjoy a night out at bars and clubs
- Have fun at Le Thi Rieng Park
- Visit Bach Dang Wharf
- Try ice skating at Snow Town Saigon
- Explore Saigon Outcast
- Enjoy live music at Acoustic Coffee
Take a stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Additionally, around the pedestrian strip, there are numerous fine dining establishments, coffee shops, gift stores, flower shops, bakeries, etc. You should try to visit flat 42 Nguyen Hue in particular. This 1960s-era apartment has both classic and modern features. Most of the apartments in this building are cafes with exceptional decor that makes them look like huge rubric cubes. The interior of the stores has a traditional, nostalgic aesthetic that is entirely apart from the commotion outside of Nguyen Hue walking street.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. This is an entertainment paradise for local youngsters after a long day at work, as well as tourists that enjoy exploring.
Many people compare Nguyen Hue Walking Street to a certain overseas street. There is no litter and a pristine street with lanes dedicated to pedestrians everywhere. The long road is paved with immaculate granite and features two fountains, trees, and vibrantly colored flowers. When it gets dark, the lights from the nearby cafés and restaurants sparkle brightly, bringing about stunning moments. Therefore, come out here if you’re passionate about photography and want to have shining photographs.
There are lots of entertaining activities here. You can go roller skating and observe street performers and painters at work. Also, you can immerse yourself in the bustling crowd when there are important music events or festivals. Or you could perhaps go with the easiest choice. That is to sit in the cafés on the side of the street and sip beautiful drinks while watching the lively ambiance on the pedestrian street.
TourTeller’s Pick! – Best Night Tours in Ho Chi Minh
Have fun at Bui Vien Walking Street
Enjoying Saigon’s nightlife without going to Bui Vien Walking Street would be reckless. This area, referred to as “the street that never sleeps,” is considered Saigon’s best entertainment district. This street is open from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. the following day and only on weekends.
Previously, Tay Bui Vien Street was the name of this street. Tay implies western. The term comes from the fact that many European foreigners come to reside and visit this neighborhood. As a result, this street is incredibly diversified in terms of culture, cuisine, and so on.
The first thing you notice when you arrive here is the noise, activity, and ethnic diversity. The lively sounds of the clubs and pubs on the street, the sound of people chatting merrily, and the artistic acts of several street performers have painted a picture of a modern metropolis. Along with the usual forms of entertainment like singing and dancing, Bui Vien offers a variety of tourist-drawing beauty services, including a spa, massage parlor, and swimming pool in the heart of the pedestrian street. This location also hosts folk games for foreign visitors to further promote Vietnamese culture.
Bui Vien Walking Street highlight
The main draw of Bui Vien Walking Street is beer. Many young individuals in Saigon have a habit of drinking beer and hanging out with pals on this street. Additionally, this location is home to a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, from casual to upscale, with an extensive European, Asian, and Vietnamese menu. In addition, you may find delectable meals for a reasonable price, starting at just 1 USD, at well-known barbecue joints, snail restaurants, smoothie bars, or street vendors.
To sum up, the pubs and clubs in Bui Vien cannot be forgotten. All of the shops in this area have unique designs, distinctive branding, intricately made beverages, and DJs that spin live music every night. Some well-known bars are Ocean Bar & Lounge, Sahara Beer Club, and Hair of the Dog.
TourTeller’s Pick! – Best Tours in Ho Chi Minh
Relax at Turtle Lake
Unlike other sites that are always buzzing with entertainment activities, Turtle Lake is a tranquil and fresh place ideal for relaxing and chatting with friends.
Turtle Lake is a man-made lake with distinctive architecture. This piece also comprises an approximately 100-meter-diameter traffic roundabout covered with trees and a big octagonal fountain with four co-spiral walkways going to the middle area and the picture. A massive stone stele with an alloy turtle on its back. Because it is linked to many historical anecdotes, this work meant a lot to the locals.
Turtle Lake is famous for being Saigon’s snack paradise. Around the lake, there are rows of booths filled with different types of refreshments, including ice cream, fish balls, grilled rice paper, grilled eggs, peach tea, and mixed rice papers. The goodies here are alluring, even if it’s just a small vendor. This is a fascinating experience as you enjoy snacks while chatting with friends and seeing the lively city around you.
If you don’t want to sit outside, there are numerous popular coffee shops around the lake. Some can be named are Phuc Long Coffee & Tea Express, Cong Coffee, Highland Coffee, and The Coffee House. The view is stunning and romantic from a high point with a straight view of the lake.
Take a food tour at Ho Thi Ky market
(source: @meonguyen2712)
Saigon’s marketplaces are a very special draw for visitors and locals. The people’s way of life and culture in this country is best reflected in this. You should not only stop at well-known wholesale marketplaces like Ben Thanh Market and An Dong Market but also at Ho Thi Ky Market, a particularly unique flower market.
The unique aspect of this market is that, while being a sizable flower market, it is renowned as a street food heaven that goes super viral on social media. It is a fascinating experience to stroll around the market, admire the fresh flowers’ beauty, and enjoy excellent refreshments.
Ho Thi Ky Market is open nearly round the clock, and around Tet and holidays, it gets busier. People frequently visit during the day to check in or purchase flowers from beautiful flower vendors. The nearby eateries around the food court will start to be busy from 3 pm and last until 11 pm.
Ho Thi Ky Market offers a wide variety of foods from Europe, Asia, and other parts of Vietnam. You can sample tea dishes, fruits, and Southern folk pastries or go to noodle shops for low prices starting at 0.34 USD.
Ho Thi Ky Market Stores
Grilled Beef wrap Lemongrass
- Address: 57/23B, Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: from 0.5 USD
Thai noodle soup
- Address: 103/25, Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: 1.1 USD
Che Quyen
- Address: 87/24A, Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: 0.6 USD
Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tien
- Address: 93/25, Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference price: from 1.91 USD
Hu Tieu Oc Chu Tun
- Address: 57/21, Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference price: from 1.28 USD
Ho Thi Ky Market Address: Alley 52 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
Check out the Starlight Bridge
The Starlight Bridge must be mentioned while discussing Ho Chi Minh City’s emblem. This spot is ideal for young people looking for romantic dates, strolling, and sightseeing. The impressively designed Starlight Bridge, which has a length of 170 meters and a width of 8.3 meters, was made in 2009. The Crescent Lake area is built to represent the sun, while the Kenh Dao area has a square representing the moon. A seven-color LED system has been put on the bridge’s two sides.
The explanation for the name “Starlight Bridge” is that the bridge design employs a system of multi-colored LED lights to create a scene as spectacular as the night sky. From afar, the Starlight Bridge is distinguished by its shimmering rays that resemble the hues of the rainbow, which are both beautiful and poetic. This location not only gives Saigon a distinctive beauty but also witnesses romantic stories of lovers. In particular, the architect used solar energy storage technology, which allows the panels to gather energy during the day and light up at night, to provide this unique lighting. By doing this, the living environment and nearby ecosystems are safeguarded, saving energy and operational costs.
The Starlight Bridge does not open every day of the week and releases water and LEDs. This spot is free to enter every day, but if you want to see the enchanting lights of the bridge, you should visit there on Thursdays through Sundays from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on holidays.
Admire the whole city from Saigon Skydeck – Bitexco Financial Tower
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Bitexco Tower, situated in District 1, represents Saigon’s modernity, dynamism, and integration. This building’s exterior comprises 6,000 glass panels with curved shapes organized in the pattern of slanted pillars, giving it a unique design that resembles a growing lotus bud.
The Saigon Skydeck, which has a 360-degree outlook, is the spot that provides the most stunning panoramic perspective of the city. The Notre Dame Cathedral, the Thu Thiem Tunnel, the Ben Thanh Market, and Saigon’s business center can all be seen here. You must purchase tickets on the ground floor to access the 49th floor. The staff will direct you to that floor after charging around 8.5 USD for adults and 5.5 USD for kids. Daily hours of operation for Saigon Skydeck are 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM. You can also explore the commercial section inside this structure, which is home to several renowned eateries and brands.
Chilling at Thu Thiem Tunnel Park
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Noc Ham Thu Thiem is another name for Thu Thiem Tunnel Park. In the past, the cellar was uninhabited and just a wild area. The basement used to be a solitary, unpopulated natural spot. But because the park was developed with many trees and is close to the Saigon River, it offers a lovely view and has become a popular spot for tourists to go there and enjoy themselves.
Taking photos is arguably the most alluring activity for young people when visiting Thu Thiem Tunnel. You may take in the picturesque views of the entire city from the top of the Thu Thiem Tunnel. Though you can visit Thu Thiem Tunnel whenever you like, the best times to capture pictures are sunrise and sunset.
Additionally, this location is the best choice for cooling off and taking in the gorgeous nighttime view amid noisy, crowded Saigon. You will be surrounded by serene surroundings, close to the refreshing Saigon River, and you’ll feel the pulse of the bustling metropolis. While conversing with friends, you can sit and sip lemon tea while you take in the stunning surroundings.
Immerse yourself in Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
If you are a bookworm, you should visit this place. This is a 200-meter-long street that goes through the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. This location concentrates on bookstores, with major publishers setting up booths to promote and sell books. A unique feature is that book-sharing sessions are frequently held to meet and satisfy the exchange needs of book lovers. This road gets busier and busier on the weekends and at night.
This location links books with workers and readers and brings all book units nationwide. They provide a genuine space with a book coffee area, a section for selling newspapers, magazines, and office supplies, and a playground. They also offer a spot for trading used books, exhibiting newspapers, and displaying themed images. All of which help to encourage reading culture in society. Many foreign tourists come to Nguyen Van Binh Book Street to explore, learn, and take pictures because it is such a picturesque location.
- Address: Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Open hours: 8 AM – 10 PM daily
Enjoy a night out at bars and clubs
Bars, pubs, and beer clubs are excellent options for young individuals who want exciting nightlife in Saigon. Styles and settings vary from bar to bar. However, the commonality is that most of the space will be used for customers to dance, with a thoroughly planned and up-to-date sound, light, and color system. The design of the bars frequently focuses on refinement and lightness, and sofas are available for patrons to sit and mingle. Bars frequently favor loud music, emphasizing the atmosphere and fun. Here, they serve drinks like beer, wine, and cocktails for only 6.38 to 21.25 USD/per person. Isn’t it worth a try?
Ho Chi Minh Bars
- Natrix Bar: 42 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
- Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar: 19 Lam Son Square, District 1
- Boheme Pub: 195 De Tham, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
- Krystalini Cocktail Bar: 42 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe, District 1
Have fun at Le Thi Rieng Park
Due to its lush landscaping and fun gaming system, Le Thi Rieng Park in District 10 draws locals and visitors worldwide. This place is a true gamer’s heaven.
Upon entering this park, you will be struck by how open and airy it is. The expansive site includes Fish Lake, Hung Temple, a swimming pool, the White Rabbit entertainment area, a gym, and a gourmet section.
People frequently visit parks during the day to walk, enjoy the fresh air, and practice exercises like yoga and aerobics. However, the park will become more crowded and busy than ever once night falls and the game areas light up. You can play various games, ranging in difficulty from simple to complex, including puzzle, slide, and ball games. Exciting games like roller coasters, Ferris wheels, flying saucers, and star flyers. You may also watch magic for free if you go on the weekend.
After playing, if you get hungry, you can browse the food and beverage booths and enjoy some delectable fare. Although there is no charge to enter the park, there is a separate charge to play the games.
- Address: 875 Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Ward 15, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Open hours: 4 AM – 10 PM daily
Visit Bach Dang Wharf
Bach Dang Wharf is your destination if you’ve had enough modern entertainment venues in Saigon’s downtown. Its distinctive architectural landscape particularly impresses.
Previously used exclusively for mooring boats, Bach Dang Wharf has been re-planned into two main areas: a dock and a park with an area of roughly 23,400m2 and a road bordering the river up to 1.3km in length. In the area surrounding Bach Dang Wharf, there are a variety of waterway amenities, such as parks along the river, floating restaurants, yachts, and river buses. Those factors create a modern but wonderfully green tourism complex in the center of Saigon.
As darkness strikes, the dazzling lights from opulent ships make Bach Dang Wharf even more glimmering and beautiful. You can stroll through the park while seeing how the city’s lights glisten along the picturesque riverside. Alternatively, you might board a yacht and savor the exquisite cuisine from Europe to Asia while taking in the stunning cityscape. Every weekend, there is a market, in particular, adding to the area’s lively and enjoyable vibe. You can visit this place to buy, eat delicious food, and take in unique art performances.
The unique feature is the water bus service that runs daily from 7 AM to 7:30 PM at Bach Dang wharf. Without worrying about dust or traffic, you can wander along the Saigon River and take in the city for only approximately 0.64 USD for a ticket.
Try ice skating at Snow Town Saigon
Snow Town Saigon, commonly known as Saigon Snow Village, is more than just a playground for kids. This location is built on the concept of a little town, blanketed in white snow like winter in Europe, with snow-themed games for the entire family. Exceptionally thick and delicate natural snowfall is Snow Town Saigon’s standout feature. They were created with the most recent snowmaking technology from Japan. The temperature in the amusement park is usually set at 18 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature keeps you cool and comfortable without causing you to shiver.
This area has ten separate zones to satisfy your food needs, drink, entertainment, event planning, and obvious selfie spots. The spaces include a staging area, a virtual reality game show area, a game show area with kid-friendly activities (a ball house, a shooting range, and a rope adventure), a ski area in Snow Town, a virtual check-in area, a dining area, a beverage area, a ticket counter, a shoe area, and a birthday party area. It’s a great idea to come here to enjoy the winter in the center of Saigon if you think the city’s environment is too hot.
- Address: 3rd Floor CBD Premium Apartment, 125 Dong Van Cong, Thanh My Loi Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
- Open hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Entrance ticket: 6.8 USD/per person from Mon to Fri, 7.65 USD/per person Sat and Sunday
Explore Saigon Outcast
Famous among tourists in Saigon, Saigon Outcast draws many young people, especially on weekends. You must not miss this place if you enjoy community complexes, which blend entertainment with culture and the arts.
No cement, no closed doors. You won’t find any recognizable designs here; instead, you’ll find an open, creative area that is also incredibly orderly. Inside the campus, which has a large space of 820m2, they stack three containers on top of one another to form a restaurant, bar, and dining room. There are low walls, each featuring a unique piece of graffiti art. Countless colors of eye-catching drums are available. An ancient automobile or an earthen pizza oven can be used as “props” to set the scene for an exciting movie.
Additionally, a play area featuring a skateboarding rink, a climbing wall, and a music studio sits next to it, where youngsters can let their creative juices flow. Saigon Outcast is one of the unique and special Saigon amusement parks that are difficult to find elsewhere.
- Address: 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
- Open hours: 10 AM – 11 PM daily
Enjoy live music at Acoustic Coffee
Coffee and music are two essentials for Saigonese citizens. There are coffee shops everywhere, but what do you think when you sip your brew while listening to live music?
Most acoustic cafes have minimally designed spaces in serene, dark tones, making them perfect for consumers seeking a calming environment. The fun of listening to music at Acoustic Cafe is a lot of interaction between the band, the vocalist, and you as the listener. You can even sing yourself. Acoustic music is highly poetic, romantic, smooth, not loud, and dynamic like live music, but calm and pleasant. Sometimes there will be painful stories to tell, bringing people together and giving them a chance to express the feelings in their minds. This is genuinely a very healing experience.
Ho Chi Minh Coffee Shops
- Phieu Acoustic Cafe: 6 To Hien Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 10.
- Ton Cafe Acoustic: 58 Thanh Thai Street, Ward 12, District 10.
- Acoustic Hedgehog: No. 333/2/1 Le Van Sy Street, Tan Binh District.
- RuNam D’Or: 3 Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
- Yoko Cafe: 22 Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, Ward 6, District 3.
Here are the top 14 things to do at night in Ho Chi Minh activities. I sincerely hope this article will assist you in having a more enjoyable and fulfilling journey. Remember to share with us your experiences while visiting this stunning city.
TourTeller’s Pick! – Best Tours in Ho Chi Minh
TourTeller’s Pick! – Best Night Tours in Ho Chi Minh
