Like a challenging game of hide-and-seek, finding these speakeasies won’t be the simplest task. But the reward of a cool boozy cocktail in hand under dim lighting and striking neon signs is sure to be worth the trouble.
Since 10 January 2022, the great city of Ho Chi Minh has been thriving with the resumption of its bar operations after the long pause. Ensuring safety and responsibility amongst the promise of a great night, customers are required to be fully vaccinated, show proof of recovery, or have a negative COVID-19 test issued within the last 72 hours upon arrival. Without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and get you ready to kickstart your nights in Saigon with the best hidden cocktail bars the city has to offer!
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1. Tamarind – Hidden Cocktails Bar
Image credits: Foody
As its name suggests, this elegant cocktail bar is nicely tucked away in a quiet building above an endless sea of scooters and busy night-time diners. Up a flight of dark and dubious stairs, cocktail enthusiasts will find themselves teleported back into the 1920s amongst low-hanging chandeliers, vintage decor, and live jazzy tunes. Serving a wide array of concoctions ranging from old-fashioned to world-famous classics and signature drinks, this hidden gem has a cocktail for everyone.
Opening Hours: Thursdays to Sundays, 5 PM to 1 AM. Mondays to Wednesdays, 5 PM to 12 AM.
Address: 33 Nguyen Trung Truc 2nd Floor, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Find out more about the best hidden cocktail bars in Saigon here.
2. Telephone Bar
Image credits: Dulichdau
“I’m at a payphone trying to call home, all of my change I spent on you”. One can’t help but belt out Maroon 5’s number one hit, “Payphone”, upon seeing this bar’s signature London telephone booths. Much like the Tardis in Doctor Who, stepping through those bright red doors into a moody 1940s London pub delivers on the true concept of a speakeasy. A fitting bar for those craving a classic cocktail or want to spice things up with some whiskey or gin, the Telephone Bar is not one to disappoint.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6 PM to 12 AM
Address: 41 Nguyễn Văn Tráng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Find out more about the best hidden cocktail bars in Saigon here.
3. Krystalini Cocktail Bar
Image credits: Krystalini Cocktail Bar
If you like a good challenge, you’ve met your match. Hidden behind what appears to be an abandoned bookcase, finding this watering hole is no easy feat but undoubtedly worth the hunt. Slide aside the bookcase to discover the sophisticated and intimate oasis of Krystalini. A bar known for its friendly staff, professional mixologists, and warm atmosphere, Krystalini is the place to go for a good experience of local flavors. Homeland of my Childhood – a blend of gin, Vietnamese tea, lychee, and passionfruit, that’s smoked and served in a clay pot and topped with rosemary – is a popular favorite amongst visitors. Who knows? It might be your new favorite too.
Opening Hours: Daily, 4 PM to 12 AM
Address: Second Floor, Nguyễn Huệ Apartment, 42 Nguyễn Huệ Street, District 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Find out more about the best hidden cocktail bars in Saigon here.
4. 52/3 Kitchen & Bar
Image credits: 52/3 Kitchen & Bar
Located down alley no. 52, beyond a dark exterior door, is where you’ll find one of the best-known bespoke cocktails bars in Saigon. Famous for whipping up any drink beyond your imagination, 52/3 Kitchen & Bar is a trendy haven for those looking to end their nights in respite and relaxation. Besides its extensive variety of creative cocktails, this Saigon retreat is also known for its Asian fusion menu. Popular dishes include the Tuna Papaya Salad, Korean-inspired Short Ribs, and Kombu Angel Hair Pasta.
Opening Hours: Sundays to Tuesdays, 5 PM to 1 AM. Wednesdays, 10 AM to 1 AM. Thursdays to Fridays, 5 PM to 2 AM.
Address: 38-122 Đông Du, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Find out more about the best hidden cocktail bars in Saigon here.
5. Rabbit Hole
Image credits: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
Down the rabbit hole, we go! Inspired by the mellow vibes of a classic American speakeasy bar, this underground watering hole boasts lively jazz tunes, cosy mid-century-styled armchairs and plush banquettes. Don’t miss a chance to try out their Alice in Wonderland themed cocktails such as the Rabbit’s Gin Fizz – a floral blend of butterfly pea, chamomile-infused gin, lemon, lime, egg white, and Lebanese orange blossom water. Possessing exquisite bespoke cocktails and good old classics, this is one dark hole I wouldn’t mind falling into.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6 PM to 2 AM
Address: 132-142 Đ. Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Price Range: $$$
Find out more about the best hidden cocktail bars in Saigon here.
6. Snuffbox
Image credits: Noi That Kendesign
Glossy short bobs, pin curls, fringe hemlines, and tubular drop-waist apparel. If you’re a fan of the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age, you’re sure to find this bar appealing. Hidden away in a decrepit building up some dingy stairs, Snuffbox has a strong reputation amongst the local crowd for its prohibition-era theme and vibrant live jazz performances. Dimly lit and furnished with period furniture, wooden panelling, and vintage lamps, Snuffbox oozes charm to anyone who’s a fan of The Great Gatsby movie. Serving cocktails for the soul, Snuffbox’s Smoky-Milky – a combination of Wild Turkey Bourbon, Talisker 10, ginger, honey syrup, and lime juice – is sure to impress.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6 PM to 2 AM
Address: 14 Tôn Thất Đạm, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Price Range: $$$
Find out more about the best hidden cocktail bars in Saigon here.
7. CLIMB – Hidden Cocktails Bar
Image credits: Terra Nova
As implied in its name, this dive bar requires you to CLIMB – three flights of stairs to be exact. Step through the skeptical-looking vending machine entrance and find yourself stumbling into ruby red tones and bright neon lights emitting warmth and allure. Recognized for its forté in whiskey-based cocktails and Japanese fusion, cocktail aficionados are in for a treat. With the motto “Don’t Make Sense – Make Cocktails”, bartenders will fulfil even the most ambiguous of requests that will have you climbing up the wall.
Opening Hours: Sundays to Thursdays, 6 PM to 1 AM. Fridays to Saturdays, 6 PM to 2 AM.
Address: 15 Phan Văn Đạt, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Find out more about the best hidden cocktail bars in Saigon here.
8. The Iron Bank – Cocktail Vault
Image credits: The Iron Bank
Surprise, surprise. The Iron Bank has an iron door! Under dim lights, surrounded by rough brick walls, is a bar that serves a variety of unique ‘Old Money’ and ‘New Money’ cocktails. Give their Queen of Decadence or Smokey banter cocktails a try for a taste of opulence. Or head towards the classics for an Old Fashioned or Cosmopolitan. A must-try for cocktail fanatics, The Iron Bank is an invigorating retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening Hours: Daily, 5 PM to 1 AM
Address: 47 Tôn Thất Đạm, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Price Range: $$
Find out more about the best hidden cocktail bars in Saigon here.
Here’s A Glass To The Best Hidden Cocktail Bars In Saigon
Now that you’re up-to-date with the best hidden bars in Saigon, you are all set for your next adventure to the heart of Vietnam. While booking your flight tickets and planning your trip, or paying for your drinks, don’t forget to check out with your YouTrip card to make full use of our Wholesale Exchange Rates and skip those pesky bank fees.
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