How to be a Digital Nomad in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City

The temperature in Ho Chi Minh City varies so little throughout the year that it is not entirely meaningful to discuss hot and cold seasons.

Clouds
In Ho Chi Minh City, the average percentage of the sky covered by clouds experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year.

The clearer part of the year in Ho Chi Minh City begins around November 19 and lasts for 4.7 months, ending around April 9.

The clearest month of the year in Ho Chi Minh City is February, during which on average the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 46% of the time.

The cloudier part of the year begins around April 9 and lasts for 7.3 months, ending around November 19.

The cloudiest month of the year in Ho Chi Minh City is August, during which on average the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy 92% of the time.

Precipitation
A wet day is one with at least 0.04 inches of liquid or liquid-equivalent precipitation. The chance of wet days in Ho Chi Minh City varies very significantly throughout the year.

The wetter season lasts 6.1 months, from May 8 to November 11, with a greater than 32% chance of a given day being a wet day. The month with the most wet days in Ho Chi Minh City is September, with an average of 16.6 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.

The drier season lasts 5.9 months, from November 11 to May 8. The month with the fewest wet days in Ho Chi Minh City is February, with an average of 0.6 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.

Among wet days, we distinguish between those that experience rain alone, snow alone, or a mixture of the two. The month with the most days of rain alone in Ho Chi Minh City is September, with an average of 16.6 days. Based on this categorization, the most common form of precipitation throughout the year is rain alone, with a peak probability of 61% on September 28.

Rainfall
To show variation within the months and not just the monthly totals, we show the rainfall accumulated over a sliding 31-day period centered around each day of the year. Ho Chi Minh City experiences extreme seasonal variation in monthly rainfall.

The rainy period of the year lasts for 9.1 months, from March 24 to December 27, with a sliding 31-day rainfall of at least 0.5 inches. The month with the most rain in Ho Chi Minh City is September, with an average rainfall of 6.5 inches.

The rainless period of the year lasts for 2.9 months, from December 27 to March 24. The month with the least rain in Ho Chi Minh City is February, with an average rainfall of 0.2 inches.

Sun
The length of the day in Ho Chi Minh City does not vary substantially over the course of the year, staying within 45 minutes of 12 hours throughout. In 2022, the shortest day is December 22, with 11 hours, 30 minutes of daylight; the longest day is June 21, with 12 hours, 46 minutes of daylight.

The earliest sunrise is at 5:29 AM on May 29, and the latest sunrise is 47 minutes later at 6:17 AM on January 26. The earliest sunset is at 5:26 PM on November 17, and the latest sunset is 54 minutes later at 6:20 PM on July 12.

Daylight saving time (DST) is not observed in Ho Chi Minh City during 2022.

Humidity
We base the humidity comfort level on the dew point, as it determines whether perspiration will evaporate from the skin, thereby cooling the body. Lower dew points feel drier and higher dew points feel more humid. Unlike temperature, which typically varies significantly between night and day, dew point tends to change more slowly, so while the temperature may drop at night, a muggy day is typically followed by a muggy night.

Ho Chi Minh City experiences some seasonal variation in the perceived humidity.

The muggier period of the year lasts for 11 months, from February 15 to January 1, during which time the comfort level is muggy, oppressive, or miserable at least 84% of the time. The month with the most muggy days in Ho Chi Minh City is August, with 31.0 days that are muggy or worse.

The month with the fewest muggy days in Ho Chi Minh City is February, with 23.5 days that are muggy or worse.

Wind
This section discusses the wide-area hourly average wind vector (speed and direction) at 10 meters above the ground. The wind experienced at any given location is highly dependent on local topography and other factors, and instantaneous wind speed and direction vary more widely than hourly averages.

The average hourly wind speed in Ho Chi Minh City experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year.

The windier part of the year lasts for 3.2 months, from February 6 to May 13, with average wind speeds of more than 7.7 miles per hour. The windiest month of the year in Ho Chi Minh City is March, with an average hourly wind speed of 9.5 miles per hour.

The calmer time of year lasts for 8.8 months, from May 13 to February 6. The calmest month of the year in Ho Chi Minh City is October, with an average hourly wind speed of 5.7 miles per hour.

The predominant average hourly wind direction in Ho Chi Minh City varies throughout the year.

The wind is most often from the south for 1.3 months, from April 17 to May 26 and for 5.0 days, from October 9 to October 14, with a peak percentage of 52% on May 2. The wind is most often from the west for 4.5 months, from May 26 to October 9, with a peak percentage of 80% on August 8. The wind is most often from the east for 6.1 months, from October 14 to April 17, with a peak percentage of 60% on January 1.

Ho Chi Minh City weather forecast hourly

Cost of Living Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City is less expensive than around 60% of cities in Asia and has a lower living expenses than around 80% of the world. However, the typical digital nomad will invest upwards of $850 per month in Ho Chi Minh City.

Usually speaking, the expense of living in Ho Chi Minh City is low for immigrants. The lease often uses up the biggest portion of regular monthly expenses here, especially if you live alone and spend for costs individually. The low cost of transportation, food, and coworking implies traveling, eating in restaurants, and discovering a routine work area are all simple jobs without investing excessive cash.

Ho Chi Minh City is among the more costly locations in Vietnam, thanks to its high-density population and big organizational center. However, it’s possible to live a less expensive life if you do not need many house conveniences. For example, a low-cost supper at a regional dining establishment will cost around $2; however, a coffee in a digital-nomad-friendly coffee shop will set you back around the same quantity.

It’s likewise crucial to consider expenses that you may not have spent in other nations, like spending on mineral water instead of drinking from the tap. Vegetables, fruit, gas, and topping up a phone SIM bundle are all economical compared to most other digital nomad cities worldwide. On the other hand, school costs for kids, if suitable, are high, and clothing shopping can come at a greater cost.

Among Saigon’s greatest benefits is its budget-friendly expense of living. Regardless of being the most pricey city in Vietnam, Saigon’s living expense is extremely inexpensive compared to global cities of the same size and level of advancement.

Depending upon your tastes and expectations, you need to anticipate investing from $1,000 to $5,000 each month to preserve Saigon’s comfy standard of life.

Lodging Expenses

Ho Chi Minh City is an extremely, really low-cost city for lodging. The city has a few of the most budget-friendly lodgings worldwide, an enormous advantage of being a digital nomad in Ho Chi Minh City.

A common kind of lodging for digital nomads in Ho Chi Minh City is Air BnBs, which are affordable. You can lease homes in high-rise buildings for $50 per night. You can likewise be spending plan and invest significantly less if you desire.

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City are very economical too. And you can get a hotel for just $10 per night– which is exceptionally excellent. You might likewise get a high-end hotel for under $100 per night.

If you want to invest an extended time in the city, you can lease a home for an affordable rate.

You’ll typically have a hard time discovering a more affordable location to be a digital nomad.

Food costs

Food is extremely low-cost in Ho Chi Minh City. You can manage on $5 daily street food; it’s an incredibly economical location to consume– and the food is first-rate tasty.

The food is less expensive than in many other cities in the location. It’s cheaper than Cambodia, Thailand, and even Laos for consuming food. And let’s face it, you’ll barely spend a lot in those nations either.

You can consume in high-end Vietnamese dining establishments for really little too. It’s a digital nomad’s dream.

Consume Expenses

You will begin to see a pattern here– it is extremely low-cost. For example, you can purchase beers for $2 per bottle.

A fashionable nightlife location for tourists and digital nomads is Bui Vien. It is loud, disorderly, insane, and not for everybody– however, it’s outstanding for inexpensive beverages.

If you invest more than $30 on a night out, you most likely will not keep in mind a single thing. That’s unless you go to the high-end bars; however, it’s not a necessary thing to do.

Transportation expenses

Think what? Extremely low-cost once again! If you navigate by bike taxis– ideally Grab– you will not invest more than $10 each day on taxis.

Transport in the city is extremely inexpensive– maybe the most affordable in Asia. Outstanding for digital nomads.

Ho Chi Minh City has a restricted facilities, so there isn’t a city, cable car system, or reputable public transportation. So instead, digital nomads will purchase a motorcycle or get inexpensive taxis.

Finest Neighbourhoods

Ho Chi Minh City is house to 24 various districts, each with its beauty and character. As a digital nomad, you’ll wish to remain in the lower-numbered districts for the best neighborhood environment, coworking, and cultural areas.

District 1

District 1 is Ho Chi Minh City’s most popular district for travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads. This is where most of the enjoyment occurs: the coolest dining establishments, the most significant series of coworking areas, and whatever in between. With unlimited high-rise buildings, high-end hotels, and roof bars, you’ll discover plenty of architectural heritage structures, the Saigon river, and popular traveler areas like the Saigon Post Office, Saigon Notre-Dame, and Gia Long Palace.

District 3

Carefully follow District 1 in District 3, which has a comparable character and serves as an overflow for District 1. Those with an eye for architecture will likely choose District 3, thanks to its colonial vacation homes and stunning styles on every corner. District 3 is likewise an excellent area for roaming around, which makes lunch breaks even more intriguing when they can be invested in looking at small markets, and high-end stores and looking out over the opposite of the Saigon river.

District 3 has the advantage of being just a couple of minutes leave Turtle Lake, a fantastic night hangout with a constantly buzzing environment. It’s likewise charming to roam around here throughout the daytime for a breath of fresh air from the stress of the city.

Phu Nhuan

In between the two of these is Phu Nhuan District, a more economical midpoint that boasts lots of tasty areas to consume. This is a somewhat less well-trodden digital nomad area; however, it’s still close sufficient to the action for those who invest their days in the traveler locations.

Thao Dien

More experienced nomads and those looking to settle down semi-permanently tend to move towards Districts 2 and 7. District 2 is house to the well-known area Thao Dien; the closest thing you’ll discover to European suburban areas in Vietnam.

Phu My Hung

District 7 is among HCMC’s up-and-coming areas, with a growing variety of digital nomads establishing shared houses. Understood in your area as Phu My Hung, District 7 is just a 15-minute drive from the center however features appealing qualities like tree-lined streets, peaceful roadways, and large, modern-day house blocks. Those aiming to call HCMC house for a prolonged time choose District 7 for its nearly rural environment.

District 4

Wanting to conserve cash and live inexpensively in the city? District 4 is the tiniest in Ho Chi Minh City and is house to the Saigon Port. While it utilized to be renowned as a somewhat rougher part of the city, District 4 is now much better understood for its excellent seafood, water views, and regional markets.

Discover an Apartment in Ho Chi Minh

Like any huge city, it’s far simpler to discover someplace to live when you’ve gotten here instead of ahead of time. Of course, it’s possible to source a house before you get to HCMC; however, it’s far simpler to sign in someplace for a couple of days while you get utilized to your brand-new environments before taking in each area and taking a look at each house personally.

Head to Airbnb and discover someplace– most likely in District 1– to examine it for a couple of days. Then, of course, you can utilize Airbnb to discover longer-term leasing; however, be mindful that costs are typically greater, and it’s not likely you’ll discover the finest offers there.

Inspect one of the city’s expat-focused Facebook groups, where individuals frequently publish apartment or condo rental info. You can likewise utilize your time in those first couple of days in the city to ask residents for their suggestions and assistance in discovering your brand-new home.

Flats in HCMC are generally fully equipped, and numerous featured additional centers like a pool, garden, roof, and other features. In addition, the majority have many furnishings and cooking devices, thanks to the city’s big digital nomad neighborhood. It’s likewise generally difficult to discover a house that does not have great wifi, and connections faster than 100MBPS are basic here.

Depending on budget plans, it’s possible to discover a great, serviced house for yourself for around $500 USD per month in the city’s most popular districts. If you’re open to sharing a house, which numerous individuals do, you can discover a space for around $200 USD.

Head outside of the most popular districts where leas are less expensive. For example, outside the primary city, you can discover a one-bedroom home for around $350 per month or a shared home for around $150 USD.

General suggestions: Keep in mind that few homes in HCMC are pet-friendly, which suggests you might need to look for long or pay more if you’re keeping a furry buddy with you. Lots of structures have CCTV, and most feature a motorbike parking area.

Cheap Places to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

It’s finest to settle yourself down in District 1 for your first couple of days in Ho Chi Minh City to understand the city and its peculiarities a little before choosing a somewhat longer-term lodging choice. Some of the finest hostels in District 1 consist of WillHome Hostel, Long Hostel, Flipside Hostel, and Town House 50 Saigon.

Other excellent alternatives throughout the city include Riverside Serviced Apartments and Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City in District 2, Aqua Nhu Huynh 2 Hotel, Lien Thanh Hotel, Giang Linh Hotel in District 1, and Casita Apartments in District 7.

If you’re searching for something particular for your first couple of days in the city, it’s simple to discover plenty more alternatives on Airbnb and Booking.com. Invest some time scrolling through ex-pat Facebook groups (pointed out above) as individuals frequently publish about space shares readily available at brief notification. This indicates that you will have the ability to select the brains of whoever you’re sharing a home with; however, it may likewise assist in rapidly making good friends in the city.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh

Check out Vietnam by water on a riverboat trip.

See the city from a special point of view by taking a trip down the Saigon River on a riverboat trip. Supper and beverages offer to enable you to appreciate Ho Chi Minh City as the sundowns, typically using a fantastic day-to-night experience to see the city’s lights turn on.

Go To the Notre Dame cathedral.

Checking Out the Notre Dame cathedral– formally called Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception– is a must-see for anybody going to the city. As being surrounded by lovely neo-Romanesque functions, it’s likewise house to Vietnam’s earliest piano.

Take A Look At Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Perfect for individuals viewing and cooling out with a coffee, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a gorgeous, broad, strolling boardwalk filled with artists, street artists, statues, and unlimited stores. Hectic throughout daytime or nighttime, this street is a fantastic location to take pleasure in some of Ho Chi Minh’s City’s everyday life with all the facilities around for shopping, consuming, drinking, or relaxing.

Go to the temples

Ho Chi Minh City’s temples make up an essential part of Vietnamese culture, and no journey to the city is total without appreciating at least a few of them. Other well-known temples in the city consist of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda, and Thien Hau Temple.

Feast your method through a motorcycle food trip

Motorcycles and unlimited street food choices go together in HCMC, so the best method to tick off your Vietnam container list is to integrate them into one enjoyable afternoon. There are many motorcycle trips offered, and the very best ones will provide you a genuine insight into Vietnamese food lover culture along with assisting you in finding out your method around the city. Anticipate attempting uncommon however genuine meals that you’ll nearly absolutely look for next time you’re starving.

Drink in a roof bar

Even if you’re not normally a huge drinker, going to among the city’s lots of roof bars is a terrific method to invest a night in Ho Chi Minh City. The city has various roofs, some offering premium spirits, and expensive mixed drinks. In contrast, others are cozier and more down-to-earth: you can get an inexpensive beer and kick back with some excellent business. You can likewise take some exceptional images of the city from these perspectives.

Check Out Bui Vien Street

Otherwise understood as “Western street” and formerly called “the International Crossroads,” Bui Vien Street comes alive after dark with clubs, bars, street food, and other home entertainment to fit all tastes. Suppose you’ve gotten here in the city and are looking to satisfy individuals and make brand-new pals. In that case, this is a fantastic area for discovering other digital nomads and backpackers worldwide.

Consume Vietnamese coffee

Vietnam does numerous things well, and one location it especially stands out in is coffee. Ho Chi Minh City has a huge coffee culture– partly due to the nation’s quality in coffee beans and grinding approaches, however, likewise thanks to the huge digital nomad neighborhood.

Find out about the nation’s history at the War Remnants Museum

Ho Chi Minh City is house to plenty of museums; however, if you just examine one, make it the War Remnants Museum. Other intriguing options are the South Vietnamese Women Museum, Vietnam History Museum, Ho Chi Minh City Museum, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Best Cuisine In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam & Where

Ho Chi Minh City is a haven for those looking for great Vietnamese food. But it’s not only local flavours that you can enjoy here: the city is home to all types of cuisine with a particular focus on French, Indian, seafood and more. It’s easy to find good places to eat here if you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet and it’s nothing short of an adventure if you’re a fan of street food.

Vietnamese dishes in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) stand out, not only because they’re delicious but also because of the variety – just like the people who live here. Therefore, the culinary experience in Ho Chi Minh City is nothing short of a buffet, as you can find all the best Vietnamese dishes here.

1. Com tam
Who doesn’t love Com tam—Vietnamese broken rice with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skins, and steamed egg meatloaf? Ho Chi Minh City people eat Com tam ALL THE TIME, proudly.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a rushed breakfast, or a dinner in a Vietnamese restaurant, you can always have Com tam.

The secret of a delicious plate of Com tam, according to some local people, is not the beautifully grilled pork cutlet or the “cha trung” – Vietnamese steamed egg meatloaf, but it is the hot tasty rice, combined with the special sweet fish sauce and lots of chopped scallion oil.

You can try this at:

Com tam Nguyen Van Cu
Address: 74 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1

Open hours: 07:30–15:30

Price: ~110,000 VND ($4.8)

2. Banh mi
Banh mi—a Vietnamese baguette stuffed with meat and veggie—is the most popular street food in Vietnam. You can find Banh mi stalls on every street in Ho Chi Minh City.

A basic Banh mi may include mayo, pâté, Vietnamese ham, jambon, pickles, cucumber, spring onion, cilantro, chili, and soy sauce.

However, that’s not the only combination for Banh mi. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can also enjoy Banh mi with grilled pork, fish cakes, sardines in tomato sauce, roasted pork, etc. Vietnamese creativity for Banh mi has no limits!

You can try this at:

Banh mi Huynh Hoa
Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1)

Open hours: 13:30–23:00

Price: 58,000 VND ($2.56)

3. Banh mi chao
Banh mi chao—Banh mi served over a hot pan—is another famous version of Banh mi. While Banh mi itself is famous for its convenience and can be carried everywhere, Banh mi chao needs to be enjoyed on the spot.

The reason why this variation exists is that many Vietnamese people like to dip the bread in the sauce, or they want to enjoy Banh mi with something hot. People often eat Banh mi with a pan of toppings including sunny-side eggs, Vietnamese ham, meatball, pâté, mayo, and tomato sauce.

You can try this at:

Chao Restaurant
Address: 31 Tran Quang Dieu, Ward 14, District 3

Open hours: 10:00–22:00

4. Pho – Vietnamese rice noodle soup with beef broth
Without a doubt, Pho is one of the extremely popular Vietnamese dishes, not only in Vietnam but also around the world.

Pho in HCMC is a combination of tradition and modernity, of traditional Northern taste and Southern taste. Unlike traditional pho, Pho in HCMC has a richer taste and is served with more herbs.

Don’t forget to order a poached egg with soup when slurping a bowl of Pho!

You can try this at:

Pho Hoa Pasteur
Address: 260C Pasteur, Ward 8, District 3

Open hours: 05:00 – 23:30

5. Hu Tieu – Southern rice noodle soup
Hu Tieu is one of the Vietnamese dishes that originates from Chinese and Cambodian cuisine, then adjusted to suit the taste of Vietnamese people.

In a bowl of Hu Tieu, we have rice noodles, a rich broth made from pork bones and radish. It’s often served with sliced pork, shrimp, pork ribs, minced pork, quail eggs, and bean sprouts.

Another very popular version of this dish is Hu tieu kho, aka. “dry” Hu tieu. Instead of having rice noodles and soup in one bowl, you’ll have two separate bowls, and the rice noodles will be mixed with the chef’s secret sauce. This is a must-try version of Hu tieu!

You can try this at:

Hu tieu Ca Can
Address: 110 Hung Vuong Street, Ward 9, District 5

Open hours: 06:00 – 23:55

Price: 37,000-75,000 VND ($1.63-3.31)

6. Banh xeo – Vietnamese pancake stuffed with meat
Banh xeo, aka. Vietnamese pancake is one of the most popular Vietnamese dishes from the Mekong Delta area. The name “Banh xeo” originates from the way it is made. When the chef pours the batter into the pan, it will sizzle, and the word “sizzle” in Vietnamese is “xèo”.

Banh xeo batter is made from rice flour, coconut milk and a little turmeric powder. The filling of Banh xeo usually is sliced pork belly, shrimp, bean sprouts, and jicama.

Despite being fried with a lot of oil, Banh xeo is not so greasy, because it is very thin, crispy, and is served with a lot of herbs.

You can try this at:

Banh xeo 46A
Address: 46 Dinh Cong Trang, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1

Open hours: 10:00 – 13:00 and 16:00 – 21:00

Price: 100,000-200,000 VND ($4.42-8.84)

7. Bun bo Hue – Hue style spicy beef noodle soup
“Bun” aka. rice vermicelli is a type of fresh Vietnamese rice noodle. It is often served with different types of broth, and Bun bo Hue is one of the most famous vermicelli dishes.

Originating from Hue, Bun bo Hue soup is full of Hue’s flavor. The broth is rich, spicy, and fragrant with lemongrass and chili. The savory taste of the broth comes from shrimp paste and beef bones. This dish is usually served with sliced beef brisket, beef shank, and pork leg.

Don’t forget to order beef marrow, it’ll enhance the taste of the broth but not everyone knows that!

You can try this at:

Bun bo Ganh
Address: 110 Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 8, District 3 (here)

Open hours: 06:00 – 21:00

Price: 60,000-70,000 ($2.65-3.09)

8. Oc – Seafood dishes in general
In Ho Chi Minh City, you will often be invited by Vietnamese people to “an oc” (literally “eat snails”). However, this just means eating seafood in general, they’re edible mollusks or seafood.

At “Oc” restaurants, there are a hundred ways to cook, like to grill, stir-fry, steam, boil, etc. Seafood in HCMC is transferred every day from the nearest seas, so its freshness is always guaranteed.

The best way to enjoy seafood dishes is to bring a Vietnamese friend along, they would know what type of seafood is good and the best way to have it cooked.

You can try this at:

Ut Ca Mau Restaurant
Address: 215 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 6, District 3

Open hours: 10:00 – 23:00

Price: 90,000-200,000 VND ($3.98-8.84)

9. Banh uot, Banh cuon – Steamed rice pancake stuffed with minced pork
Banh cuon and Banh uot are some of Vietnamese best-known dishes for breakfast. Made with rice flour and tapioca flour, Banh uot is just like wet rice noodles, but a bit more chewy and thinner. Banh cuon is similar to Banh uot, but is rolled with minced pork and stir-fried wood ear mushroom inside.

Usually, Banh cuon and Banh uot are served with sweet and sour fish sauce, crispy fried shallot, and Vietnamese ham. Banh cuon and Banh uot are freshly made every time you order, so the dish is always warm and delicious.

Here’s a tip: Try ordering “banh cuon trung”, with an egg mixed with the batter!

You can try this at:

Banh cuon Thien Huong
Address: 179A 3/2 Street, Ward 11, District 10

Open hours: 06:00-21:30

Price: 24,000-64,000 VND ($1.04-2.83)

10. Banh trang tron – Mixed rice paper
Banh trang tron, or “Mixed rice paper”, is a popular tasty treat of HCMC’s street food. You can find this dish almost everywhere, from the streets, markets, to supermarkets, cafes, even restaurants.

The recipe is quite simple, just chopped rice paper mixed with shrimp salt, chilli oil, green mango, Vietnamese coriander, quail eggs, and dried beef, chicken, and squid.

You can try this at:

Banh trang tron Chu Vien
Address: 38 Nguyen Thuong Hien, Ward 5, District 3

Open hours: 11:30 – 19:00

Price: 25,000-40,000 VND ($1.10-1.77)

Ho Chi Minh Nightlife

It’s fair to say that Ho Chi Minh City has a little something for everyone when it comes to nightlife. Each district comes with its own subculture of evening entertainment, ranging from superclubs and huge events where smart clothes and cocktails reign supreme, through to the underground bars, live music spots and electronic music. Elsewhere, outside of Districts 1 and 3 you’ll find more variety, in the form of theatre, ballet, performances and evening cruises. As Vietnam’s city with the most foreign businesses, HCMC’s overgrowing number of bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs means you’ll always find something going on at night.

District 1
As the centre of the city, it’s easy to find a little of everything in District 1. This is the area home to some of HCMC’s biggest and most famous clubs, with rooftop bars, panoramic views of the city and lots of dressing up. Some of the best spots in District 1 include Chill Skybar, considered the most popular and also home to a brilliant Happy Hour deal (88000 VND for all kinds of drinks from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm) along with Rex Hotel Rooftop Bar and Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar.

Lush is the biggest club in this area and is always jam-packed with music, drinks and good crowds. Skyloft by Glow isn’t far behind with a large expat crowd. You’ll find a different bar or club on almost every corner in this district, with plenty of karaoke bars, beer bars and nightclubs to choose from. As well as being popular with foreigners, these clubs are also very popular with Vietnamese, making it a great opportunity for meeting local friends.

District 3
Looking for something a little more underground, or heading out with a smaller budget? District 3 doesn’t have as many large scale clubs but what it lacks in superclubs, it more than makes up for with its street bars, pubs and live music spots. Here you’ll find the ever-popular Beer Hoi on Pham Ngu Lao, similar to Hanoi’s beer corner, and also The View in Duc Vuong Hotel: one of the most reasonably priced rooftop bars.

District 3 is a popular nightlife spot for those who love live music, with spots like Fang, Snuffbox, MZ Club, RockFanClub and Yoko and Acoustic Bar always brimming with life. As the focus is more on community rather than pounding music, District 3 is another brilliant area for making new friends or hanging out with old ones. Here you can have a slightly more casual night than over in District 1.

Elsewhere
Ho Chi Minh City has a great selection of gay-friendly bars with energetic atmospheres and tunes to match. Some of the favourite places include The Tipsy Unicorn and Republic, which run special nights with endless entertainment.

And the city’s nightlife isn’t just focused around drinking. Ho Chi Minh City is also great for those looking for a stylish evening, either on a dinner and drinks cruise down the Saigon River or over at the Saigon Opera House, which has a regular mix of concerts, ballet, live theatre and traditional dance. You can also head over to Ben Thanh Market – a night market that’s open until midnight with a large selection of street food and a brilliant atmosphere.

10 Places For Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife

1. Blanchy’s Lounge
Established in 2011, this lounge got renovated, to provide some high-end experience, it has been recently reopened with a unique day and night- cocktails and regulars for its customers. The services provided here are the best in Ho Chi Minh and the club serves you with the best of its potential in the heart of the city.

Location – 95 Hai Ba Trưng, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

2. Republic Club
If you were to ask for some Ho Chi Minh city nightlife tips, we’d say pay a visit to the Republic club. Located in the busiest segment of the city, Republic club provides with the most sensational and amazing nights you would have experienced. The club has the most stupendous kind of lighting and the best of city’s DJs; they’ll make you go wild on the dance floor. The drinks served here will help you make the most of your night.

Location – 19 Do Quang Dau Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

3. Lush Nightclub
Lush is the oldest one among the Ho Chi Minh city night clubs and perhaps the only club which has managed to be in this business for more than a decade. The club is known for its DJs and drinks, Lush keeps itself fresh and updated thereby, attracting the young folks. This has also been a favorite spot for all the international DJs. This is a wonderful place for someone who loves contemporary design and wonderful music.

Time – 9PM- 4AM
Location – 2 Ly Tu Trọng, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

4. Envy Club
The club aims at defining itself as nightlife hotspot of Asia with handcrafted details and top edge technology the club is a center for a lot of artists out there. It has some best DJs and drinks served for its customers. And one can pre-book a party of any kind and events on its website. It is located in one of the famous Ho Chi Minh city nightlife areas.

Location – 74 – 76 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

5. Observatory Nightclub
Ho chi Minh city nightclubs just get better with this one entering the list. The location of the place is the attracting factor of the club; it is situated near the Saigon River which lets its visitors enjoy the night view of the river. The place is opened both as a bar and as a club. The sound system here is very impressive and calls for the visitors to get themselves immersed in the sea of music.

Location – 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

6. Play Nightclub
The club subsets the idea of glow sky bar, a place to gather all your friends and dance as much as you can. With some live dancers and music, the club provides drinks that will make you crazy. If you are looking for a club that fits your budget then Play night club should be a must visit for you.

Location – 93 Nguyen Du, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

7. Canalis Club
If you wish to try the Ho Chi Minh city Vietnam nightlife, in its true essence, you must visit this one. Canalis club is a very Vietnamese kind of club with a mixed crowd of foreigners and local people of all age group. The club serves you with the best kind of music and dance room. The tables are fairly priced and it has DJ caged with live dancers. It also has all the cool effects you can ask for.

Location – 147 Hai Ba Trung, D1

8. Pub Crawl Saigon Night Club
The club offers unlimited shots and the best of city’s DJs. Being the best at its service the club invites a lot of young crowd to enjoy and have a fun filled night. People usually spend 2 hours here. If you are on a world tour, then you’ll find this club coming in the list of your favorites.

Location – 57&59 Do Quang Dau, Phuong Pham Ngu Lao, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

9. Ellui Club
The club is located at the center of the city and provides with the best of Hip Hop music (top 40 mainly). The staff, décor, and drinks served here are just amazing and it invites all the people, from local to foreigners, to come and enjoy the night. So, if you get a chance to visit there you’ll never regret that night of yours.

Location – 107 Pasteur St Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

10. Apocalypse Now
A legendary nightclub in District 1, Apocalypse Now is known for its dope nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City. This is where all the backpackers in the city come to drink and dance. It may not be the most sophisticated club in Ho Chi Minh, but you get cheap drinks. So, you can’t really complain. You can even mix and mingle with Vietnamese ladies. For those who like to party until the sun is up, this is a great place as it is open till 4 in the morning.

Location: 2B Thi Sách, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam