Mr.Pin Best Shopping Street in Saigon

Speakeasies, whisky bars, and pubs within a short walk

Where to drink near the river

The blocks between the Renaissance Riverside Hotel and Dong Khoi hold one of the densest clusters of bars in Ho Chi Minh City — everything from whisky dens hidden up narrow stairwells to craft beer taprooms with 40 taps. This guide sticks to a walkable loop through District 1: start easy, then go deeper into the alleys around Mac Thi Buoi and Dong Du as the night goes on.

How to use this guide

  • Places are ordered roughly by how the night builds, not strict distance — start with an easy first drink, end somewhere worth staying put.
  • Most of these bars sit within a 10–15 minute walk of each other, so this works as a bar crawl or a pick-one night out.
  • Reservations are worth making on weekends, especially for the smaller speakeasy-style spots.

Good to know

Dress is smart-casual across the board — none of these enforce a strict dress code, but flip-flops and tank tops won’t fly at the whisky bars. Most kitchens close earlier than the bars, so eat first if food matters to you.

Why these picks

I have spent years navigating the nightlife tucked into the historic grid behind Tôn Đức Thắng street, testing which bars genuinely justify leaving your hotel lobby. Best for a discreet bespoke nightcap: Firkin Bar. Best for after-work momentum and energetic groups: Layla. Best for a relaxed beer or unfussy highball between heavier stops: Malt Saigon Bar.

The Pins

01

The Six Kick off close to the hotel with an easy, polished first cocktail before the night gets more adventurous.

The Six

Cocktail Bar · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

17:00–02:00 daily +84906548146

The Six is the best choice on this stretch when you want dinner integrated directly into your drink order rather than grazing on bar snacks. It offers a more conventional seated dining dynamic than the high-energy counters nearby.

Go here if
you want full meals alongside craft mixed drinks without changing venues
Skip if
you prefer an intimate, dimly lit speakeasy mood
02

Lost – Drink & Chill From here it's a short walk into the alleys off Mac Thi Buoi, where the night turns a little more laid-back.

Lost – Drink & Chill

Cocktail Bar · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

18:00–02:00 daily 0787655688

Tucked away off the main street, Lost suits quieter evenings when the busier rooms nearby feel overwhelming. Its alcove setting gives it a relaxed neighborhood feel distinct from the grander, multi-level venues on this list.

Go here if
you want an unpretentious, quiet hideaway for an easy drink off the main drag
Skip if
you are looking for an energetic room with a loud weekend buzz
03

7 Bridges Saigon Craft Beer Taproom If cocktails aren't the mood, swap to beer — 40 taps and a buzzing room to reset before the next stop.

7 Bridges Saigon Craft Beer Taproom

Cocktail Bar · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Sunday–Wednesday 10:00–00:00, Thursday–Saturday 10:00–01:00 +84375384038

While primarily a multi-tap beer house, this corner venue offers the most expansive multi-floor layout within a two-minute walk from the hotel lobby. It provides a breezy, informal alternative when cocktail-heavy lounges feel too formal.

Go here if
you are with a mixed crowd that values craft beer taps as much as mixed drinks
Skip if
you want refined cocktail presentation and delicate spirit forward serves
04

Layla – Eatery & Bar Head toward Dong Khoi for Saigon's biggest bar room — 11 metres of counter and eight bartenders working at once.

Layla – Eatery & Bar

4.8 (6,417) Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 6,417 reviews

Cocktail Bar · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

16:00–01:00 Monday–Thursday, 16:00–02:00 Friday–Saturday, 12:30–01:00 Sunday +842838272279

Layla remains the dependable social hub among the hotel neighbors, pairing generous counter space with a lively after-work atmosphere. It works best as an early-evening kickoff spot before heading to smaller cocktail rooms.

Go here if
you want an animated, sociable counter with a broad cocktail menu
Skip if
you need an ultra-quiet table for hushed private conversation
05

Firkin Bar Duck up a narrow stairway for a quieter, whisky-focused change of pace after Layla's energy.

Firkin Bar

Cocktail Bar · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

18:00–02:00 daily +84931312723

Firkin is the premier bespoke spirits stop on the block, catering directly to serious cocktail purists and single malt drinkers. It delivers a polished, seated drinking experience that contrasts with the rowdier taprooms downstairs.

Go here if
you want precision spirit tailoring and an extensive whisky library
Skip if
you want casual draught beers and a high-volume social scene
06

Malt Saigon Bar End the night back on Mac Thi Buoi with a neighborhood pint or a single malt and a shuffleboard game.

Malt Saigon Bar

Cocktail Bar · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

15:00–00:00 daily +84 978878636

Malt provides the most grounded pub-style energy on the street, bridging the gap between craft taps and no-fuss spirits. It is the best choice on the list for low-key rounds paired with bar games.

Go here if
you want a friendly, smoke-free pub setting with straightforward drinks
Skip if
you want intricate mixology and formal cocktail presentation

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Questions about this guide

Can I walk between all the venues on this list?

Yes. Every venue sits along Mạc Thị Bưởi and Đông Du streets, less than five minutes on foot from the Renaissance Riverside entrance.

Do any of these bars require advance reservations?

Firkin Bar benefits from a call ahead on Friday and Saturday nights due to limited counter seating. The other spots generally welcome walk-ins, though Layla fills quickly during peak evening hours.

What should I expect to pay for a night out in this area?

Bespoke cocktails and premium whiskies sit at top-tier District 1 rates, while draft pours and neighborhood mixed drinks offer moderate options within the same block.