10 Exciting Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City After Dark

Ho Chi Minh City truly comes alive after dark, offering a vibrant and diverse array of nighttime activities. From lively night markets and delicious street food tours to stunning river cruises and exhilarating craft beer tastings, the city’s after-hours scene has something for everyone. 

As the sun sets, the streets buzz with energy, inviting you to explore its rich cultural offerings and enjoy memorable experiences. In this guide, we’ll take you through ten exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night, ensuring your evenings are as dynamic and captivating as the city itself.

#1 Explore the bustling night markets

Ho Chi Minh City’s night markets are a vibrant mix of culture, food, and local life, offering plenty to explore after dark. The famous Ben Thanh Night Market, located in the city’s heart, transforms from a daytime shopping hub into a bustling evening market filled with stalls selling local crafts, souvenirs, and authentic Vietnamese delicacies. 

Its lively atmosphere draws both locals and tourists, creating a cultural meeting point where you can savor traditional flavors while enjoying the city’s vibrant energy. 

Not far away, the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is a must-visit night market, especially for food lovers. Known as “the paradise of cuisine,” this market features a wide range of food stalls offering both traditional Vietnamese and international dishes, filling the air with the enticing aromas of grilled meats and fresh seafood. 

As Ho Chi Minh City’s largest flower market, it also dazzles with colorful blooms from across southern Vietnam, adding a unique charm to your nighttime adventure.

#2 Savor street food on a guided tour

One of the best ways to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City after dark is by joining a guided street food tour, where you can taste the city’s delicious local dishes. The tours often start at around 5 p.m., and the tour guide team will take you through the most lively night markets in the city, filled with street vendors serving all kinds of tasty treats.

You’ll get to try Sup Cua (crab soup) and Banh Xeo, a crispy pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. At local restaurants, enjoy fresh spring rolls (Banh trang phoi suong) and beef wrapped in betel leaves (Bo la lot). 

The night ends on a sweet note with a silky tofu pudding for dessert at a local café, followed by live Vietnamese music, giving you the chance to relax, interact with locals, and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

For a fun and flavorful evening, check out tours by Xo Tour, SaigonKiss Tour, or Saigon Adventure.

#3 Cruise the Saigon River

A Saigon River cruise offers a stunning way to experience the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City after dark. As the skyline twinkles, you’ll pass a mix of modern architecture and traditional riverside villages, creating an enchanting scene. 

These cruises typically include a romantic dining experience with both Vietnamese and Western dishes, along with live music performances, making it a memorable evening on the water. Recommended cruise operators:

• Indochina Queen: Merges Asian and European neoclassical design, accommodates up to 600 guests across three levels, offers a buffet dinner with traditional Vietnamese music and dance, and includes a VIP area on the top deck.
• Saigon Princess: Features a luxurious white exterior with elegant, flowing lines, offers a refined dining experience with a blend of modern décor and classic European influences, and has two dining decks plus a rooftop sun deck for music, dancing, and events.
• Saigon Sensation Lounge and Dinner Cruise: Provides breathtaking views of the city skyline, serves a mix of Asian and Western cuisine crafted by expert chefs, and offers a relaxed, upscale environment with live music and city views.

#4 Enjoy rooftop bars with stunning city views

Ho Chi Minh City’s rooftop bars are the perfect way to soak up the city’s lively nightlife while taking in stunning views of the skyline. If you’re looking to kick back with a cocktail, hang out with friends, or simply enjoy the panoramic sights, these spots create the ideal setting for a fun and memorable evening.

With a wide range of bars, each offering something different, you’ll find everything from relaxed, casual vibes to luxurious, high-end experiences. Here are some notable rooftop bars:

• Chill Sky Bar: Located on the 26th floor of AB Tower, this venue attracts a mix of expats, professionals, and tourists with its relaxed atmosphere and spectacular sunset views. Happy Hour runs daily from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Air Saigon (formerly Air 360 Sky Lounge): Situated on the 22nd floor of Ben Thanh Land Tower, it features 360-degree views of iconic landmarks like Ben Thanh Market and the Bitexco Building. The multi-level design includes poolside dining and a VIP area.
• The View Rooftop Bar: Nestled on Bui Vien Street, this bar boasts vibrant, colorful decor that celebrates the architectural evolution of Ho Chi Minh City, making it a lively spot for visitors.
• Above Sky Bar: Perched on the 19th floor of Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint, this chic bar offers stunning 360-degree skyline views, along with a daytime pool bar experience for guests.
• Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar: Located in the historic Hotel Caravelle, this bar charms visitors with its nostalgic rustic decor and sweeping city views, just across from the iconic Opera House.

#5 Experience the local nightclub scene at Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Street

If you’re looking for an energetic and lively nightlife experience, head to Bui Vien Street in District 1. Known as the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife, this bustling area is packed with bars, street food stalls, and live music, offering something for everyone. 

Popular among backpackers and travelers, Bui Vien transforms after dark, with its vibrant atmosphere, affordable drinks, and tasty street food. It’s also a great place to experience Vietnam’s famous “bia hoi” culture, as locals and tourists gather on small plastic chairs by the roadside to enjoy drinks and socialize. 

With street closures improving safety and making it a pedestrian-friendly zone, Bui Vien stays lively well into the night, especially on weekends when the area fills with crowds.

#6 Take a motorbike food tour

For a truly immersive experience of Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant nightlife, a motorbike food tour is a must. As the evening breeze sets in, you’ll hop on the back of a scooter with a local guide, weaving through bustling streets and hidden alleyways to explore the city’s diverse food scene. 

Along the way, you’ll stop at popular street food spots to savor dishes like Vietnamese pizza, fresh seafood, and barbecue, while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the night markets. 

Not only do you get to taste the best of Vietnamese street food, but you also get to experience the city like a local, engaging with residents and enjoying the city’s unique energy after dark.

#7 Visit the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

Soaring 262 meters above the bustling streets, this iconic skyscraper is a symbol of the city’s rapid economic growth and is inspired by the lotus bud, Vietnam’s national flower. 

Head to the 49th floor to experience the Saigon Skydeck, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the cityscape and the Saigon River. The Skydeck’s modern amenities include interactive exhibits and telescopes to enhance your viewing experience. 

For a full evening experience, explore the tower’s other attractions, such as Icon68, a shopping haven with top brands and a diverse food court, and EON51, which offers upscale dining with stunning city views from the 50th to 52nd floors.

#8 Relax with a traditional Vietnamese massage

After a busy day exploring Ho Chi Minh City, a relaxing traditional Vietnamese massage is just what you need to unwind. The city has plenty of top-notch spas where you can enjoy a variety of treatments.

• Cat Moc Spa at 61-63 Tran Dinh Xu St in District 1 offers a peaceful setting with traditional Vietnamese decor. They provide everything from facial and body treatments to herbal massages, hot stone therapy, and Thai and Swedish massages. Their foot care treatments are a big hit!
• Miumiu Spa, located at 84 Ngo Duc Ke St, District 1, near Ben Thanh Market and the Bitexco Financial Tower, has a calm and cozy atmosphere. You can choose from Thai, Vietnamese, and Shiatsu massages, with sessions ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. Just remember to book at least 24 hours in advance. While you wait, enjoy some Vietnamese tea or juice.
• Saigon Heritage Spa, at 69 Hai Ba Trung St, District 1, close to the Saigon Opera House, is well-known for its relaxing massages and friendly staff. They focus on traditional massages, aromatic oils, and beauty treatments like cucumber facials.

These spas offer a fantastic way to relax and recharge in Ho Chi Minh City, with a variety of treatments to suit your needs.

#9 Attend a cultural show

Ho Chi Minh City offers a rich array of cultural shows perfect for an evening out. One standout experience is the traditional water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre in District 1. 

This unique performance blends music, storytelling, and puppetry to create an enchanting portrayal of rural life, historical tales, and traditional folklore. The show is engaging for all ages, thanks to its lively narratives and skilled puppeteers who bring the characters to life in an intimate, close-up setting.

Another must-see is the A O Show, which delves into Vietnamese culture and urban life with a modern twist. This vibrant performance, held at the Saigon Opera House, features symbolic elements like bamboo and rice, reflecting the country’s values and daily life. 

The show combines stunning acrobatics, comedic moments, and a depiction of city hustle—motorbike traffic and karaoke culture included. It’s a captivating hour-long spectacle that offers deep cultural insights and entertainment for everyone.

#10 Join a craft beer-tasting tour

Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s craft beer scene with an exciting Vespa tour through the bustling streets. You’ll visit various local breweries and bars, sampling a diverse range of craft beers made with unique ingredients like jasmine, passion fruit, and vanilla. 

Enjoy trying IPAs, stouts, golden ales, and more, paired with delicious tapas and Vietnamese-inspired dishes. The tour offers a chance to see the brewing process and taste over 15 different types of beers. It’s a great way to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and discover new flavors while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Final thoughts

Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife offers an incredible range of activities that showcase its dynamic spirit and rich culture. Whether you’re wandering through colorful night markets, indulging in local street food, or relaxing with a traditional massage, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do after dark.

From cultural shows that captivate with their artistry to craft beer tours that explore unique local brews, the city’s evening adventures are sure to leave a lasting impression. Embrace the night and discover all the fantastic experiences Ho Chi Minh City has to offer once the sun goes down.