New this week: 3 bars you won't find on Google Maps →

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.

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 a cocktail bar and fusion eatery on Mạc Thị Bưởi Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The establishment functions as a venue for both dining and cocktails. Its location in the Bến Nghé ward places it in the central business and entertainment area of the city. The venue serves a menu that combines food and an extensive beverage program.

The bar prepares a wide range of drinks. The menu features signature cocktails with unique names and ingredient combinations. It also offers a selection of classic cocktails, such as the Negroni and Margarita. The beverage list includes a variety of spirits, including whisky, gin, and rum, alongside beer and non-alcoholic options. The kitchen provides a menu of fusion dishes designed to accompany the drinks.

The interior design creates a space suitable for evening gatherings. The layout accommodates both small groups looking for a light dinner and patrons visiting later for drinks. A prominent bar counter is a central feature of the space. The venue maintains a lively atmosphere with music playing in the evenings. It operates from late afternoon until the early morning hours daily.

The Six positions itself as a versatile destination in District 1’s nightlife scene. It caters to patrons seeking a complete evening experience in one location. The establishment is situated near other prominent city landmarks and commercial streets. It draws a crowd that includes both local residents and international visitors exploring the city center.

Open in Google Maps ↗

12-14 Mạc Thị Bưởi, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

1 insider tip

SMF · curator · The Six

For an experience that seamlessly transitions from dinner to drinks, The Six functions as both a fusion eatery and a cocktail bar. Located in the Bến Nghé ward, it offers a convenient option for an entire evening's entertainment. Guests looking for a single venue to satisfy both their culinary and cocktail desires will find this establishment suitable.

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

Lost – Drink & Chill is a cocktail bar located in an alley on Mạc Thị Bưởi Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The establishment serves a diverse selection of drinks, including signature cocktails, classic cocktails, wine, and spirits. Its menu features collections for whisky and gin, alongside non-alcoholic options. The bar is designed with a modern and youthful style. It provides an intimate setting for guests.

The venue occupies a multi-level space that includes both indoor seating and an outdoor rooftop area. The interior design creates a comfortable and close atmosphere for patrons. The bar accommodates small groups as well as larger parties. It is situated up a flight of stairs from the main alleyway, contributing to its secluded feel. The location is in a central part of the city, near other dining and nightlife establishments.

The beverage program allows for customized drinks based on customer preferences. Bartenders can create cocktails based on a requested mood or flavor profile. The bar also offers a food menu to accompany its drinks. The atmosphere transitions from a quieter environment earlier in the evening to a more lively setting later at night. Live music is featured on select evenings, particularly on weekends.

Open in Google Maps ↗

71/5 Mạc Thị Bưởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

1 insider tip

SMF · curator · Lost – Drink & Chill

If you are in search of a diverse selection of cocktails, from unique signature creations to well-executed classics, Lost - Drink & Chill offers these in a slightly more secluded setting. Tucked away in an alley on Mạc Thị Bưởi Street, it provides a sense of discovery for its patrons. This venue caters to those seeking a varied drink menu and a relaxed, less conspicuous atmosphere.

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

7 Bridges Saigon Craft Beer Taproom is a multi-level brewpub on Đông Du street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The taproom occupies a corner building at the junction with Hai Bà Trưng street. It pours a large selection of craft beers from a 40-tap system. The venue operates across three floors with a modern, open-plan design.

The Da Nang-based 7 Bridges Brewing Company opened this location in early 2024. The company was founded in 2017 by Stanley Boots. Its name refers to the bridges over the Hàn River in Da Nang. The brewery has won multiple international awards for its beers, including a gold medal at Brew Asia for its Yuzu Wheat beer. The tap list includes core beers, seasonal releases, and experimental brews.

In addition to its own products, the taproom dedicates half of its taps to other Vietnamese craft breweries and cider makers. The food menu focuses on Western-style pub fare. It features 50cm New York-style pizzas, burgers, and BBQ plates. The kitchen follows the company’s zero-waste philosophy. It uses spent grains from brewing to make pizza dough and hot sauce.

The interior features a vintage industrial design with bright, airy spaces. The ground floor contains the main bar and an open kitchen. Upper floors provide additional seating with more privacy. The taproom serves both as a casual spot for drinks and a dining destination. It is the company’s second and flagship location within Ho Chi Minh City.

Open in Google Maps ↗

38 Đông Du, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

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

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 – Eatery & Bar is a cocktail bar and restaurant on the second floor of a colonial-era building on Đông Du street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The establishment serves a menu of Mediterranean-inspired share plates and bar food alongside an extensive list of classic and signature cocktails. The space features an 11-meter long bar, an industrial interior design, and includes a lounge area and an outdoor terrace. Opened in December 2016, it is situated above street level with views overlooking the surrounding neighborhood.

Open in Google Maps ↗

2nd Floor, 63 Đông Du, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

3 insider tips

Mr.Pin · curator · Layla – Eatery & Bar

That's my favorite bar in District 1 and mainly because it's honest with what it is and what it offers. It's not pretentious, good prices for cocktails and drinks. They always have cranberry juice for vodka cranberry, sounds like a normal thing to have in each bar, but some bars don't have it. I like how it's designed, table placed close to each other and it's easy to make friends. Pool table is a big plus. Don't be scared of the entrance it's a part of experience of old Saigon.

SMF · curator · Layla – Eatery & Bar

For an evening that blends Mediterranean-inspired small plates with a curated cocktail program, Layla on Đông Du street provides an integrated dining and drinking environment. Its location on the second floor of a historical building lends a particular character to the experience. This spot is well-suited for guests who prefer to share a meal alongside their libations in a setting with architectural heritage.

Saigon On Film · curator · Layla – Eatery & Bar

Good place to make new friends. Get sofa seats to be in the middle of attention. Also have separate area for smoking, which is good.

1 / 3
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 Bar is a cocktail and whisky bar on Mạc Thị Bưởi Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The establishment specializes in bespoke cocktails and offers a collection of several hundred international whiskies, including Scottish and Japanese single malts. Located up a stairway on the second floor, the interior is styled after a classic Tokyo whisky bar with dark wood and leather furniture. A selection of premium cigars is also available, with a separate outdoor terrace for smoking.

Open in Google Maps ↗

20 Mạc Thị Bưởi, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

1 insider tip

SMF · curator · Firkin Bar

If your preference is for a bespoke drink tailored to specific tastes, this Mạc Thị Bưởi Street establishment excels in custom cocktail creation. Connoisseurs of whisky will find a comprehensive collection here, spanning several hundred international selections. This venue suits guests seeking an in-depth engagement with their beverages.

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 Saigon is a craft beer bar on Mạc Thị Bưởi Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The bar serves a rotating selection of more than 20 local craft beers on tap, alongside cocktails and single malt whiskeys. Its food menu features Western and Asian bar food, with offerings such as smash burgers, poutine, and chicken wings. The venue provides an indoor, non-smoking environment and includes a shuffleboard table for patrons.

Open in Google Maps ↗

46-48 Mạc Thị Bưởi, Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1, TP. HCM