Saigon in 2025 feels like a city fully in motion, a mix of Bangkok and Taipei. It’s humid, yes—but buzzing with energy, friendly faces, and more great food and drinks than you can possibly get through in a week. We spent several days wandering the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and soaking in the mix of French colonial charm and modern Vietnamese life. Below are the places we stayed, the spots we loved, and some tips you won’t find on TripAdvisor.
Where We Stayed in Saigon: Best Hotels
Park Hyatt Saigon – The Best Luxury Hotel to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
2 Công trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
Classic, colonial, and dripping in luxury. The lobby is the heart of this place, with grand chandeliers, live piano music, and well-dressed locals coming for high tea or martinis. There is also a night bra with a live DJ music – good for an overpriced glass of prosecco and a champaign. What we loved most about the Park Hyatt in Saigon?
The atmosphere of the old days and silent rooms. You can actually open the windows here—rare in modern high-rise hotels—and catch a breeze or hear the hum of the street. The spa is fine (with a hot pool and steam sauna), not mind-blowing, small and cosy. no crowds. But the Martini Bar is worth a visit, especially when there’s live music in the evening (it closes at midnight though!).
Me Saigon Boutique Hotel
280 Đ. Lê Thánh Tôn, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1
A true gem in the heart of District 1. This boutique hotel blends French-oriental style with lush greenery and some fun surprises—like outdoor showers in a few rooms and cozy balconies covered in plants. The rooms feel fresh, newly renovated, and well-furnished. Breakfast is decent (nothing wild), but the best part? Sitting at the street-level bar in the late afternoon with a cold drink, just watching the city go by.
Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery
76 78 Đ. Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Quận 3
This place oozes French art deco. The rooms are compact but elegant, especially in the higher categories. Just a heads up: on weekends, the nearby rooftop bar can get noisy, so ask for a quieter room if you’re an early sleeper. Speaking of rooftops, Social Club Rooftop Bar offers panoramic city views through glass railings—perfect for sunset drinks. The vibe is stylish, mostly locals and expats, dressed up but not overly fancy.
Mai House Saigon Hotel
1-3-5 Ngô Thời Nhiệm, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3
Spacious and elegant with a 5-star rating, Mai House is great for longer stays too, thanks to its serviced apartments. The rooftop bar is peaceful, mostly visited by guests, and the interior feels luxurious—though not all rooms are created equal. Some look out over an industrial zone, so definitely request a high-floor room with a better view. Also note: the windows don’t open here, which is a slight downside.
Where to Drink in Saigon – TOP Bars and Local Hipster Spots
Things Livingroom
14 Tôn Thất Đạm, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1
This is more than just one bar—it’s a whole complex of cool little bars and lounges spread across floors in an old apartment building. Super local feel, very alive on weekdays (oddly quieter on weekends). Don’t miss Memento Saigon, a stylish cocktail bar in the same complex.
Cà phê Linh
1 Trương Định, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1
Totally casual, totally local. From iced coffee to cold beers, this spot is buzzing every evening with young locals. Great energy and a perfect people-watching spot.
Mechanic – Coffee & Cocktail Bar
176 Đ. Lê Lai, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1
This one’s hidden on the second floor of a building, and the entrance is easy to miss. The theme is a quirky, retro American garage, and they serve surprisingly creative cocktails. Crowd is a mix of tourists and Saigon’s artsy types.
Bebop Wine Bar & Asian Fusion
38 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
Packed when we visited, this place has a cozy atmosphere and a nice wine list. The food leans fusion with an Asian twist. Bonus: there’s a comedy night on the top floor (in Vietnamese), which gives the place a lively edge.
Probably the Best Roof Top Bar in Ho Chi Min City – Social Club Rooftop Bar at Hôtel des Arts Saigon
Located at the top of Hôtel des Arts Saigon, the Social Club Rooftop Bar might just be the best rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City. The vibe is lively, especially around sunset when the DJ kicks off, and it draws a mixed crowd of expats, Western tourists, and locals in the know. It’s part of a five-star hotel, but the prices are surprisingly reasonable—especially during happy hour, when you can sip on Prosecco or local beers without breaking the bank.
Compared to the rooftop at Me Saigon Boutique Hotel, which is more relaxed and intimate, Social Club feels more like a proper night out. That said, Me Saigon’s rooftop does one thing better—oysters. You can choose from three types, and the grilled and baked options were our personal favorites.
If you’re into rooftop bars, do both. Start with oysters at Me Saigon, then head over to Social Club for drinks and skyline views that stretch across the entire city.
Where to Eat in Saigon: Our Favorite Local Small Restaurants
There are too many places to name, but one restaurant stood out.
Rice Field
75–77 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
If you’re going to splurge on one meal, make it here. The food is beautifully presented, flavorful, and well thought out. It’s a little pricier than your standard Vietnamese spot, but still good value. Plus, the bar upstairs keeps things lively after dinner.
Bếp Chú Tễu – Local Hot Pot Done Right
Bếp Chú Tễu is a bit of a hidden gem for seafood and fish lovers in Ho Chi Minh City. Tucked away from the tourist trail, this local fish restaurant serves up one of the tastiest and cheapest fish hot pots in town. It’s no-frills but full of flavor, with a menu focused on fresh local seafood and Vietnamese comfort dishes. The space spans several floors, so even when it’s busy (and it often is), you’ll usually find a table.
Surprisingly, they also have a solid wine list—nothing fancy, but good enough to pair with grilled fish or hot pot. If you’re looking for something authentic, delicious, and budget-friendly, this is the spot.
What to See & Do
A Bit of Culture – Saigon Opera House
7 Lam Son Square, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
There aren’t that many cultural institutions in Ho Chi Minh City, but the Saigon Opera House is definitely worth a visit—even if just for the architecture. Officially known as the Municipal Theatre, it was built in 1897 by French architect Eugène Ferret, designed in classic colonial French style with ornate columns and a grand façade that makes for great photos—especially when it’s lit up at night.
Inside, you’ll mostly find one ongoing performance: À Ố Show. It’s tailored for Western tourists, and while it’s not a deep dive into Vietnamese culture, it’s a well-produced experience. Think of it as Cirque du Soleil meets traditional Vietnamese folk music and contemporary dance—with a bit of bamboo acrobatics thrown in. It’s not life-changing, but it’s a fun, visual spectacle and a good warm-up before a night out in District 1.
War Remnants Museum
28 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, Quận 3
Hard to stomach, but important to visit. The museum details the brutal legacy of the Vietnam War (known locally as the American War). Expect powerful, often heartbreaking exhibits.
HCMC History Museum
2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
A solid way to understand southern Vietnam’s past. The exhibits are thoughtful, covering everything from ancient culture to the modern era. Afterward, explore nearby Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai street for great bars and restaurants like The ATM or ROCK Kitchen & Bar.
Museum of Fine Arts
97A Phó Đức Chính, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1
For art lovers, this is a must. The building itself is beautiful, and the collection gives insight into Vietnamese art history and culture.
Where to Shop
Honestly, Saigon isn’t quite the shopping paradise that Bangkok is when it comes to cool, local fashion. But one spot stood out:
23SPTMBR
54 Đinh Công Tráng, Phường Tân Định, Quận 1
This boutique offers contemporary designs with a slightly gothic edge. Unique, moody pieces you probably won’t find elsewhere. Here is a list of the best designer shops in Asia and the world we recommend.
Where to Spa & Get a Good Male Massage in Saigon
TarZan Spa For Men
12/4B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Đa Kao, Quận 1
Not the fanciest place for male massage (LGBTQ+ friendly), but it delivers. The sauna actually works, which is rare, and the treatments are decent. It could be a bit cleaner, but for the price and location, it’s a good find.
Saigon continues to surprise us. In 2025, the city feels like it’s balancing fast-paced development with rich cultural roots. Whether you’re staying at a luxe hotel like the Park Hyatt or enjoying a rooftop cocktail at Hôtel des Arts, there’s something for every kind of traveler here.
The energy is real. The food is unforgettable. And the hidden bars? Let’s just say, Saigon is always one staircase away from something totally unexpected.
