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Rooftop bars multiply across Ho Chi Minh City's transforming skyline
A local guide highlights open-air spots from hotel rooftops to casual patios across the city.
How we reported this
Ho Chi Minh City now features a growing selection of rooftop bars, many perched on towers that include Bitexco and Landmark 81, according to a March 2025 guide published by The Dot Magazine.
The city’s shift from low-rise streets to taller buildings has created more elevated drinking spots that range from upscale hotel terraces to casual open-air venues. Residents and visitors can choose between settings that stay exposed to the weather or those that lean more toward enclosed spaces, with the guide favoring the former for a true rooftop experience.
Selection focuses on genuine open-air options
The Dot Magazine article by David Kaye notes that rooftops come in different heights and styles, from modest patios to large terraces atop major towers. The guide deliberately leaves out venues that function mainly as restaurants or dedicated music clubs even when they occupy rooftop space. Examples include Bambino on Ton That Thiep Street, Que Kaarem on Pham Viet Chanh Street, and The Observatory, which has marked ten years of hosting house and techno events.
By drawing this line, the publication keeps its recommendations centered on bars that prioritize drinks and atmosphere over full meals or dance-floor programming. The result is a list that mixes five-star hotel bars, design-focused dining spots with strong bar elements, and simpler backpacker-style locations marked by graffiti.
Practical choices for visitors and locals
Readers looking to try these spots can start by checking current opening hours and weather conditions, since many recommended venues stay open to the elements. The guide points out that lower rooftops can deliver neighborhood vibes while higher ones offer wider views of the city’s changing skyline. Checking social channels or calling ahead helps confirm whether a given night leans toward relaxed drinks or livelier crowds.
The Dot Magazine piece serves as a starting point for anyone planning an evening out, with options spread across different districts and price ranges. It encourages people to explore both established hotel rooftops and newer independent terraces that have appeared as more buildings rise in Ho Chi Minh City.