Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon – its former name, changes into another style when night covers the streets.
The nightlife in Saigon begins with many lively activities, more food stores opening, people going out, and colorful lights. Do not stay at accommodations; step out onto the roads to experience the local life at night.
Here are the nightlight experiences that you can try.
1. Explore Ben Thanh Night Market
Ben Thanh Night Market, a bustling night destination in Ho Chi Minh City, is a unique blend of local culture and vibrant commerce. With its myriad of shops, food stalls, and lively streets, it offers a quintessential Saigon nightlife experience.
Many visitors come here to experience the typical Saigon nightlife. Many young Saigonese look for exclusive goods, and all are eager to spend time in the open-air shopping area.
This night market is arranged on two sides of the Ben Thanh market. The stalls begin at dusk, but the busiest time is after 8:00 pm and lasts until late at night. The market opens daily on Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, Nguyen An Ninh, and Luu Van Lang Streets.
After dinner, you can relax while walking to enjoy the fresh night air and shopping. The market has contributed to creating a unique feature for the nightlife in Saigon.
2. Enjoy local dishes
This experience attracts most guests when traveling to Saigon. Spending time tasting a few local foods in HCMC enriches the journey.
One of the most exciting aspects of Saigon’s nightlife is the opportunity to indulge in a variety of local dishes. As the city lights up and the streets clear, you’ll find a plethora of options to choose from. Whether it’s a sizzling plate of grilled pork chop broken rice, a steaming bowl of rice noodles, or a refreshing glass of sweet soy milk, the local cuisine will surely captivate your palate.
The broken rice and pancakes are typical dishes for night street food in Saigon. So, you try them one time to learn the usual flavors of the local food in this city.
3. Go to the bars and clubs
Many people believe that bars are unhealthy and costly. But in fact, this is an activity chosen by most visitors, like exciting nightlife. In the middle of the night, vibrant music and colorful lights are lit up in bars or clubs in many streets.
Bui Vien Street at midnight still attracts many foreign and domestic tourists with many bars.
You can relieve the stress of work and a busy life at the bar. It is also an ideal place to gather friends. Many bars are affordable and organize exciting entertainment programs, especially on holidays like Christmas in Vietnam and New Year.
>>> If you want to visit the elegant bars, please check Little Japan Saigon.
4. Spend time at a white night cafe
Saigon was initially dubbed the “sleepless city” because its pace of life is very lively at night. It is easy to find a midnight resting place.
Sitting in the 24-hour cafes is also an enjoyable experience. In a small corner with a cup of bitter coffee, you can see the city more clearly at night.
Some non-sleeping cafes, such as Thuc Coffee, Heritage Coffee & Clothes, Factory, and Anh Coffee, can be mentioned. Thuc Coffee is the name you will think of first for sleepless nights.
5. Visit convenience stores
The space of convenience stores like Circle K, Family Mart, and B’s Mart will make you feel like you’re in a familiar modern country. Most of the stores in this 24/7 retail system have a drink bar outside or lounge chairs inside, so you can enjoy the food and drinks you’ve bought in a relaxing time.
The advantage of this 24-hour retail chain is that it has an extensive menu and a variety of drinks. If you’re hungry, the food here will temporarily satisfy your stomach.
6. Explore the streets in Saigon
If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a motorbike or cyclo and explore the bustling streets of the city center. The long, green trees will bring you a sense of relaxation.
After a thrilling ride, stop at a white night cafe to savor a cup of Vietnamese coffee before continuing your journey. The beauty of Saigon’s streets at night is a unique experience that will make you fall in love with this city all over again.
Somewhere in the corners of the Saigon streets is their beauty, adorning the city at night and making locals and tourists love this city more.
7. Go to the sleepless market Ho Thi Ky
The market of Ho Thi Ky is busier from 1:00 am. The market, considered “Little Dalat” in the heart of Saigon, is beautiful. The scene of kiosks full of flowers, almost from Da Lat City, and the fragrant scent will leave you with an unforgettable impression.
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is on a street of the same name, hidden in the Le Hong Phong apartment building in Ward 1, District 10. This attraction is one of Saigon’s largest wholesale flower markets, nearly 40 years old.
You will easily find all kinds of flowers, from chrysanthemums, coins, and auspicious flowers to orchids, pink, sunflowers, and lilacs. All are shown in colorful stalls, always radiantly blooming under shimmering lights.
As you stroll around the flower market in the cool night air, the sound of motorbikes carrying goods and the lively chatter of buyers and sellers will fill the air. Saigon’s vibrant nightlife is palpable, creating an exciting and unique experience.
>> Please plan a trip from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat to see more beautiful flowers!
8. Take a cruise on the river
The Saigon River flows through the middle of the city. Taking a cruise is one of the best activities for enjoying Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife.
For a more serene experience, consider booking a dinner cruise. As you enjoy your meal, the tranquil scenery of Saigon on both sides of the river will unfold before you. It’s a peaceful and relaxing way to see a different side of this bustling city.
To take a cruise, you can find them at Ben Nghe Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s a good idea to book them in advance.
9. Enjoy a panorama view at the rooftop bar
At night in Saigon, taking a panorama view of the city and enjoying the cool air on the rooftop bars is a great experience. While tasting a cocktail, you relax in the open air without horns and motorbikes.
Many rooftop bars in Saigon offer lovely scenery, such as Chill Sky Bar at AB Tower, 76 Le Lai, District 1; Saigon Rooftop Bar at Caravelle Saigon, 23 Lam Son Square, District 1; and M Bar at Hotel Majestic Saigon, 1 Dong Khoi, District 1, HCM.
One thing to note about rooftop bars is that the price of drinks is often higher than in regular bars. But it is also valuable to spend some time experiencing the lovely views of Saigon at night.
When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, nightlife is an exciting activity that you should not miss to experience a different side of local life. Choose one or two things mentioned above to do in Saigon, and you can have a memorable time in this beautiful city.
Which nightlife activity will you choose when you visit Ho Chi Minh City?
