Showing 1-23 of 23 results
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163 Cyclo Bar
Bar snacks range from tempura to sandwiches to pho, and live music (every night except for Sunday) covers the gamut from flamenco to pop.
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Allez Boo Bar
Watch the world scooter by at this bamboo-decked bar that always packs a (foreign) crowd, with a handful of prostitutes thrown in for good measure.
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Apocalypse Now
Dance clubs in Vietnam have a tendency to change with the wind, but 'Apo' is an exception to the rule. It's been around forever and late at night is a study of the seamier side of international relations. The music is loud, the patrons are from all walks of life and it's apocalyptically rowdy.
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Bellevue Bar
Among the best places in Saigon for a sundowner, the Majestic's top-floor Bellevue Bar has exquisite views of the river among old-world opulence. If the heights make you feel too woozy or blasé, head down to the ground-level Cyclo Bar, with ringside views of motorcycle mayhem.
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Ben Thanh
Another popular local spot that gathers mostly gays and a few lesbians is Ben Thanh on Monday nights, with a lively, dance-prone vibe.
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Blue Gecko Bar
This major Aussie hang-out has the coldest beer in town. The music is good and you can shoot pool or watch sport on the half-dozen or so TVs.
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Carmen
One of HCMC's rarer breeds, Carmen has a stone wall exterior and a cosy wine cellar-like interior (duck your head when you enter) with live music nightly (from - ) - often Flamenco, hence the name.
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Eden
This multilevel spot has red lanterns over the bar, a cosy, inviting vibe and wait staff dressed in shimmery red ao dai . Huge menu with all the Asian accents, with tastier fare than neighbouring joints can offer. Though there are few openly gay venues, popular bars and clubs are generally gay-friendly. Eden attracts a mostly straight crowd, but is gay-friendly nonetheless.
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Heart of Darkness
This dark, cavernlike bar is a mostly expat affair. There's a DJ presiding over a small dance floor in the back room.
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Hoa Vien
Though Hoa Vien is notable for being HCMC's only Czech restaurant, the big drawcard is the draught Czech lager. This is actually a brewery, with shiny copper tanks looming behind the busy bar.
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Le Pub
This attractive bar is an expat favourite in Pham Ngu Lao area. It has deep red walls and a small brick patio in front, a fine vantage point for watching the action in backpacker central.
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Lush
This is an animé themed bar that gathers an attractive, mixed crowd. The wraparound bar takes centre stage, from which you can enjoy great people-watching and a danceable mix of beats - but there's no dance floor. Pool tables and a second-floor bar are hidden out back.
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Manna
This shimmery second-floor bar has a wall of windows, comfy lounge chairs (in purplish hues) and a well-dressed local and expat mix who come for the good-time beats and stylish setting.
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No 5 Ly Tu Trong
The décor of this restored French-colonial villa is stylish and sleek. Good music, tasty food and beer, pool and friendly staff all contribute to the pleasant atmosphere.
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Q Bar
Attracting a sophisticated clientele for cocktails, Q Bar is where HCMC's fashion-conscious, alternative crowd hangs out. The stylish décor is cool and minimalist, and the music is hip. It's on the side of the Municipal Theatre, across from the Caravelle Hotel.
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Qing
This slim, nicely designed bar has a classic red finish and atmospheric lighting. Qing gathers an assortment of travellers, expats and locals. There's a good wine and food selection (fusion, Asian tapas) and a decent salon upstairs.
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Saigon Saigon Bar
For excellent views in the city centre, stop by Saigon Saigon for a drink around dusk. This fancy bar has live music, cool breezes and a casually upscale feel.
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Samsara
Samsara is a mostly gay affair, with waiters in shirtless vests, with good DJs and an action-packed dance floor. Friday and Saturday nights are the time to go.
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Santa Café
Divey little place with outdoor seating that's a favourite of the backpacker crowd.
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Sheridan's Irish House
This traditional Irish pub seems beamed straight from the backstreets of Dublin; it has live music nightly and good pub grub.
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Temple Club
On the second floor of a beautifully restored colonial villa, Temple Club serves delectable Vietnamese plates (like fish with tamarind or shrimp in coconut milk) and an assortment of fresh salads. Handsome tile floors and elaborate woodwork set the scene. A comfy lounge for drinks adjoins the space.
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Tropical Rainforest Disco (Mua Rung)
Tropical Rainforest Disco - called Mua Rung in Vietnamese - is done up in Amazonian rainforest-theme decor. It is one of Ho Chi Minh City's hottest dance spots and, surprisingly, is brought to you by Saigon Tourist (it's not just lounge music anymore!). Their cocktail list features such perennials as Envy, Seduction and - our personal favourite - Orgasm.
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Wild Horse Saloon
Living up to its name, this saloon has cowboy chic and a decent beer selection.
Showing 1-23 of 23 results
