An Insider Guide to the Best Speakeasies and Cocktail Bars in Ho Chi Minh City

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, a tipple at a speakeasy bar is a must. Here, the goal is simple - drink, and converse among an intimate in-the-know crowd of cool kids on the block in a location hidden out of plain sight - and one fast-growing in popularity as more speakeasy and cocktail bars pop up across Vietnam.

What once seemed like a luxury with cocktail bars far and few between is now no longer. That said, those seeking to enjoy cocktails at Saigon’s most secretive cocktail bars have two choices: They can either search the internet for suggestions, a venture that often leads to overcrowded spots filled with tourists — or follow industry insiders on secret speakeasy-spotting adventures in Ho Chi Minh City. We recommend the latter (of course).

Here’s a guide to our 10 favorite secret speakeasies and cocktail bars in Ho Chi Minh City (some might or might not be included in our ‘Hidden Saigon: Secret Cocktail Experience’)

Souce: ATM Cocktail Bar

The ATM Cocktail Bar

True to its name, The ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen is nestled within the labyrinthine alleyways of Ho Chi Minh City and has an ATM that acts as a portal to the secret cocktail bar. However, your money is of no use here and you will need a card to enter (fret not if you do not, one of the helpful bar guys will sort you out). Once inside, a beautiful space greets you —pressed-tin ceilings, sensuous velvet drapes, and live jazz music (weekends only — paired with award-winning cocktails. Try the xxxx, trust us you won’t regret it.

• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theatmsaigon

• Address: 27/10 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 5 pm to midnight (closed on Sundays)

Souce: The Pi

The Pi

Though not a secret speakeasy bar, this self-coined neighborhood spot is easily one of my favorite go-to cocktail spots in the city. With a cozy little front yard, and a cozy 10-seater bar counter that gives you easy access to founder Chun’s lively over-the-counter banter - it’s not hard to guess why this little spot packs up, even on a Monday. Known for its playful twists on classic cocktails like ‘Sesame Sour’ and ‘Tropic City’, make sure to follow The Pi on Facebook Page to not miss out on its award-winning takeovers and female-bartender-focused pop-ups.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bythepi

• Address: 45 Huynh Khuong Ninh, Dakao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 4pm to 130am (daily)

Source: Hybrid Saigon

Hybrid Saigon

Hybrid Saigon is the sister of the eponymous award-winning bar in Nha Trang (Asia’s 50 Best Bars 51-100 list in 2021). Like a spaceship that landed in a tiny Saigon alley. They've got cool stuff like a centrifuge and a rotovap right there on the counter next to you. And for good reason: top-notch cocktails that pack are full of flavor like its Pina Colada Old Fashioned and umami-rich Maestro Mushroom – easily some of the best drinks you'll find in Saigon. To be fair, Hybrid is helmed by some of Vietnam’s most impressive bartending talents including founder Lam Duong and 'Phil' Nguyễn Hữu Phú, who was brought in to help with Hybrid's cocktail experiments.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HybridSaiGon

• Address: 121/30 Lê Thị Riêng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 6pm to 1am (daily) 

Source: Enigma Mansion

Enigma Mansion

Enigma was packed with guest shifts right after it opened. It was like a gathering of the coolest up-and-coming bartenders from the region, all stepping into what seemed like a sci-fi fantasy – picture a space library tucked in Saigon's famous opium courtyard. Award-winning bartender Vu Ngoc and a bunch of talented local mixologists were running the show. But then, out of the blue, it vanished, making way for Machina Bar. Luckily, the team is now back bigger and stronger than before with Enigma 2.0 and we are all grateful for it.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theenigma.saigon

• Address: 5H Đường Tôn Đức Thắng, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 4pm to 130am (daily)

Hidden Saigon: A Speakeasy & Cocktail Experience

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The Trieu Institute

The Trieu Institute bar in Ho Chi Minh City isn't your average hangout spot—it's a vibrant tribute to Vietnamese heritage and girl power. Situated smack dab in the city center, this place offers more than just drinks; it's a mix of history and innovation. It's all about celebrating the legendary Vietnamese heroine, Ba Trieu, and her kick-ass spirit.

Run by a crew of awesome ladies like Head Bartender Duong and Brand Ambassador San Tran, this joint is all about lifting female icons with every cocktail they pour. No surprise, they’re also big on championing local craft spirits, notably its award-winning Vietnamese craft gin - Lady Trieu, which curious cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy an exclusive tasting of the entire range at only 280,000 VND at the Trieu Institute.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetrieuinstitute/

• Address: 5H Đường Tôn Đức Thắng, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 4pm to 130am (daily)

Source: STIR

STIR

STIR Speakeasy Bar in Ho Chi Minh City isn't your run-of-the-mill hangout—it's a hidden gem tucked inside a local residential building waiting to be uncovered. Step inside, and you'll be welcomed into a snug sanctuary, decked out with soft lighting and plush seats practically begging you to unwind. But what makes STIR stand out? The cocktails aren’t just beverages but playful creations inspired by iconic Vietnamese street treats that are sure to surprise.

Think lemongrass-infused martinis or chili-spiced mojitos—each sip offers a taste of Vietnam's lively flavors. And here's the kicker: STIR isn't your average watering hole. Nope, it's an award-winning hotspot, earning its place among the best in all of Asia. In fact, it's one of just two bars from Vietnam listed in the esteemed Asia's 50 Best Bars 51-100 extended list (2023).

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stirsaigon

• Address: Lầu 1, Hẻm 136 Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Thành, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 430pm to 1am (daily)

Source: PK Maltroom

PK Maltroom

PK Maltroom, nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is a whiskey sanctuary where exclusivity meets opulence. Boasting Vietnam's largest whiskey selection, it's a haven for enthusiasts seeking rare and exceptional pours from the elusive Secret Orkney Distillery 1999 PKSp to the iconic Macallan 1958-59 Anniversary Malt. Rare whiskies side, the ambiance at PK Maltroom is reminiscent of a grand European Operahouse where art deco lamp shades sway above the long wooden counter, while warm Parisian-bistro red walls envelop guests in luxury.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pkmaltroom/

• Address: 8A Đặng Tất, District 1

• Opening hours: 530pm to 1am (hours change daily)

Source: Dot Drinkery & Kitchen

Dot Drinkery & Kitchen

Well-loved Dot Bar (2022’s Best Bar in Vietnam according to Vietcetera’s ‘Banh Mi’ awards) helmed by Trung Vang, Vietnam’s World Class Champion (2022) and Proximo Brand Ambassador, has reopened as ‘Dot Drinkery and Kitchen’ in a new location in District 1’s glitzy Hai Ba Trung street.

Aside from a more comprehensive food selection featuring playful Vietnamese-inspired bar staples like Gio Thu Carpaccio (Vietnamese cheese carpaccio, 130k) and Thit Kho Hot Vit Burger (Caramelised pork burger, 149k), the new Dot Drinkery & Kitchen features a bigger space, brighter neon signs and bolder cocktails composed of unique made-in-house spirits like jackfruit-pandan-infused whisky and baby corn-flavored sous vide rum. And, it’s refreshingly wallet-friendly, too, with classic cocktails starting from VND190,000 and a daily happy hour (5 to 8 p.m.) with selected drinks at just VND99,000.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dotbar.saigon

• Address: Lầu 3, số 75 Hai Bà Trưng, phường Bến Nghé, District 1

• Opening hours: 5pm to 130am

Source: Legato

Legato

Tucked away at the end of an alley in Pham Viet Chanh, Ho Chi Minh City's 'Little Japan,' is a cozy whiskey-focused bar oozing intimacy and cool vibes. Here, a killer 4-piece live jazz band sets the mood, luring you into the heart of the action. Grab a seat at the counter for a front-row seat of all the action or sip on top-notch whiskeys from across the globe, guided by the laid-back expertise of the staff while on one of Legato’s many comfy couches. There’s also an outdoor patio, lit up by soft string lights, where you can unwind, soak up the music, and savor every moment under the city lights.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barlegato

• Address: 126 Pham Viet Chanh, P.19, Q.Binh Thanh, Binh Thanh, Vietnam

• Opening hours: 7pm to 4am

Xao Xac

Tam Nguyen, one of the city’s top bartenders, leads the charge at Xao Xac. Tucked into an airy garden, the vibe is chill with a luminous green, glass terrarium bar, and wooden tables and chairs. Their menu champions sustainability, using local, seasonal herbs, and fruits. The lush greenery, filled with flowers and fruit trees, doubles as a sanctuary for bees and insects in the heart of the metropolis. Xao Xac is more than a bar; it's a refreshing escape into nature's embrace.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xaoxacbar

• Address: 39/5 Đường số 59, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Opening hours: 4pm to midnight (closed at 2am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

Book your ‘Hidden Saigon: Secret Cocktail and Speakeasy Experience’ and indulge in the stories and secrets of Saigon’s speakeasy scene

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