Top 5 Rooftop Bars in Saigon to Visit During the 2 September National Day Holiday

The 2 September National Day holiday is one of the occasions when Ho Chi Minh City becomes more vibrant, with various entertainment activities and a festive atmosphere across the city centre. Instead of only moving between crowded streets, rooftop bars offer an alternative way to enjoy the evening from above, combining city views, drinks and quality time with friends or family.

From relaxed rooftops that are ideal for watching the sunset to lively sky lounges with nighttime music, each venue offers a different experience.

If Ho Chi Minh City hosts fireworks during the National Day celebration, rooftop bars are often considered by visitors looking for a higher viewpoint. However, the ability to see fireworks depends on each rooftop’s location, viewing direction and the official fireworks locations announced by the authorities.

Top 5 rooftop bars in Saigon to consider for the 2 September holiday

The list below focuses on rooftop venues with convenient locations for exploring central Ho Chi Minh City during the National Day holiday. Each place is selected based on its views, atmosphere and overall experience, rather than assuming every rooftop is suitable for fireworks viewing.

1. OnTop Bar – A 20th-floor rooftop in the heart of Saigon

• Address: 167 Hai Ba Trung, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
• Location: Level 20, Novotel Saigon Centre
• Opening hours: 4:30 PM – midnight
• Atmosphere: Open, modern and suitable for city views
• Best for: Couples, groups of friends, sunset views and skyline photography

Located on the 20th floor of Novotel Saigon Centre, OnTop Bar offers views across the central Ho Chi Minh City skyline from the Hai Ba Trung area. Its outdoor setting is one of the highlights, especially in the late afternoon when the light changes and surrounding buildings begin to illuminate. Opening from 4:30 PM also makes it convenient for guests who want to arrive early for sunset before continuing into the evening.

Compared with rooftop venues that focus heavily on clubbing or nightlife, OnTop Bar is better suited for a more relaxed evening: meeting friends, enjoying a date or having drinks while taking in the city scenery. Its location on Hai Ba Trung also makes it convenient to combine with activities around District 1 and the former District 3 area.

During the National Day holiday, guests planning to visit OnTop Bar should consider making a reservation in advance, especially if they prefer outdoor seating. If the main purpose is to watch fireworks, confirm the viewing direction with the bar after Ho Chi Minh City officially announces the fireworks locations, rather than assuming that every high-floor venue will provide a clear view.

2. Chill Skybar – A lively nightlife option in central District 1

• Address: AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Atmosphere: Energetic, focused on nightlife
• Highlights: City views, DJ performances and rooftop bar experience
• Best for: Groups of friends, cocktails and late-night entertainment

Located high above AB Tower near Ben Thanh area, Chill Skybar is surrounded by many popular entertainment spots in District 1. The venue focuses more on a nightlife experience, combining city views, drinks and music, making it suitable for groups who want to continue their evening after dinner or exploring the city centre.

What sets Chill Skybar apart from more relaxed sunset rooftops is its livelier atmosphere after dark. Therefore, it may be a better choice for those prioritising music, cocktails and a festive atmosphere rather than a quiet place for long conversations.

As the venue is located in central District 1, visitor numbers may increase during public holidays. Guests should check reservation requirements, dress code, seating areas and any special programmes for the evening of 2 September in advance. Similar to other rooftop venues on this list, those hoping to watch fireworks should confirm directly with the venue after official fireworks locations are announced.

3. Zion Sky Lounge & Dining – Dinner and nightlife experience on Ham Nghi Street

• Address: 87A Ham Nghi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Location: Level 14
• Opening hours: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM
• Atmosphere: Modern, lively in the evening
• Best for: Dinner, cocktails, groups of friends and nightlife

Located on Ham Nghi Street, Zion Sky Lounge & Dining is suitable for those who want to combine several experiences in one evening rather than moving between restaurants and bars. The rooftop offers views over the city centre, while its dining and lounge concept allows guests to begin with dinner before continuing with cocktails and music later at night.

Opening from late afternoon provides flexibility for a 2 September itinerary. Guests can arrive before sunset to watch the city transition into its nighttime atmosphere, or visit later after exploring central attractions.

For those choosing Zion during the National Day holiday, it is recommended to check the event programme, reservation requirements and available seating areas with the best views. If fireworks viewing is a priority, the actual viewing direction should still be confirmed with the venue after Ho Chi Minh City announces the official fireworks locations.

4. Thuong Rooftop – A casual rooftop for meeting friends

• Address: 258 Ton Dan, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: Approximately 4:30 PM – 12:30 AM
• Atmosphere: Casual and relaxed
• Best for: Groups of friends, conversations and evening drinks

Thuong Rooftop offers a more casual atmosphere compared with sky lounges focused on dining or DJ experiences. Its outdoor space and relaxed layout are suitable for groups who want a place to sit for longer, enjoy drinks and chat during the 2 September evening without necessarily looking for a high-energy nightlife environment.

Its District 4 location is relatively close to central District 1, making it convenient if the earlier itinerary includes Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street or the Saigon River area. Arriving in the late afternoon is a good option for guests who want to enjoy the changing city views before the evening crowd arrives.

Public holidays may make rooftop venues busier than usual, so it is recommended to contact the venue in advance to check availability and operating hours on 2 September. If fireworks viewing is a priority, do not rely only on the rooftop’s height. Ask about the actual viewing direction and possible obstructions from surrounding buildings.

5. Chang Vang Rooftop – A sunset-focused rooftop experience

• Address: 72/6 Bach Dang, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: Approximately 4:30 PM – 12:30 AM
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, focused on sunset and city views
• Best for: Couples, small groups, photography and sunset views

As its name suggests, Chang Vang Rooftop is better suited for visitors who want to begin their evening from late afternoon. Instead of arriving only after the city lights appear, guests can come before sunset to watch the changing sky and skyline, then stay as the atmosphere transitions into nighttime.

The venue focuses more on relaxation and conversation, making it suitable for couples or small groups who prefer to avoid overly energetic music venues. It is also a good option for visitors whose priority on 2 September is enjoying the view, taking photos and spending time together rather than attending a party.

For a more comfortable experience during the holiday, arriving early and asking about outdoor seating with an open view is recommended. If the plan includes watching fireworks, confirm the rooftop’s viewing direction after the official fireworks locations are announced, as an attractive city view does not necessarily mean fireworks will be clearly visible.

Quick Comparison of Rooftops for the 2 September Holiday

Each rooftop on the list is suitable for a different type of experience. If the priority is watching the sunset and enjoying city views in a more relaxed setting, OnTop Bar or Chang Vang Rooftop may be a better fit. Meanwhile, Chill Skybar and Zion Sky Lounge & Dining focus more on music, cocktails and nightlife, while Thuong Rooftop is more suitable for groups looking for a casual evening atmosphere.

If the 2 September itinerary includes several sightseeing stops and activities in central Ho Chi Minh City, location is also an important factor to consider. A rooftop located close to the end point of the day’s itinerary can help reduce travel time, especially when some roads may become busier or have adjusted traffic arrangements during the holiday.

Which rooftop suits your 2 September evening plan?

If you want to watch the sunset before the city lights up

OnTop Bar and Chang Vang Rooftop are suitable for itineraries that begin in the late afternoon. Instead of arriving only after dark, visitors can choose a time before sunset to watch the skyline change with the light, then continue enjoying drinks as the city begins to illuminate.

OnTop Bar is located on the 20th floor of Novotel Saigon Centre and operates from 4:30 PM until midnight, making it convenient for an early evening experience in the city centre.

If you want to combine dinner and nightlife

Zion Sky Lounge & Dining is more suitable for visitors who want dinner, cocktails and a late-night atmosphere in the same location. Avoiding the need to move between a restaurant and bar can be more convenient during the 2 September holiday, when traffic in central areas may be heavier than usual.

If you prefer DJ performances and a lively atmosphere

Chill Skybar is more focused on nightlife. Its space, music and evening atmosphere are suitable for groups of friends who want to extend their night after daytime activities rather than simply find a place to enjoy the view.

If you are travelling with friends and prefer a casual setting

Thuong Rooftop is suitable for gatherings focused on conversation, drinks and a comfortable atmosphere. It is a good option for groups who do not need a high-energy sky lounge or a more formal dinner experience.

Can you watch 2 September fireworks from a rooftop?

Rooftops are often popular during National Day because they provide a wider view compared with street-level locations. However, a rooftop with a high position or attractive city view does not necessarily guarantee a clear fireworks view.

Visibility depends on the official fireworks location, rooftop orientation, table position and surrounding buildings. These factors can vary significantly between venues, even when two rooftops are located relatively close to each other.

If the main purpose of the evening is watching fireworks, wait for Ho Chi Minh City’s official announcement about the fireworks location and timing, then contact the rooftop directly to confirm:

• which areas have suitable viewing directions;
• whether outdoor seating requires advance reservation;
• whether there is an entrance fee or minimum spending requirement on 2 September;
• whether the venue is organising a special National Day programme.

Avoid choosing a rooftop only based on city-view photos or building height. Confirming details directly before booking helps reduce the risk of arriving to find that the view is blocked or outdoor seating is fully booked.

Things to know before visiting a rooftop on National Day evening

The evening of 2 September is usually different from normal days in terms of visitor numbers, traffic conditions and venue programmes. A few preparations can make the experience smoother.

Book in advance if possible. Outdoor tables or seats with open views are often reserved quickly during public holidays.

Confirm your seating area. If the goal is to enjoy skyline views, ask whether the table is indoors or outdoors and what direction the view faces.

Check holiday policies in advance. Some rooftop venues may apply minimum spending requirements, entrance fees, set menus or special programmes on public holidays.

Arrive before peak hours. For rooftops known for sunset views, arriving in the late afternoon allows more time for photos and securing a comfortable seat before crowds increase.

Check the weather forecast. September remains within Ho Chi Minh City’s rainy season, so visitors should check weather conditions and ask about covered seating areas or rain plans.

Review traffic updates. If the city organises public events, fireworks or large gatherings, some central roads may have traffic restrictions or temporary diversions during certain hours.

Combining a 2 September evening at OnTop Bar with central Saigon

If your National Day itinerary focuses around District 1 and the former District 3 area, OnTop Bar can be conveniently arranged as the final stop without travelling far from the city centre. Located on the 20th floor of Novotel Saigon Centre at 167 Hai Ba Trung, the rooftop is easy to combine with nearby attractions and entertainment areas.

Guests can arrive in the late afternoon to enjoy the city before sunset, then continue with drinks and conversations as the skyline gradually lights up. With operating hours from 4:30 PM to midnight, OnTop Bar works well both as an early evening stop and as a place to end the day after exploring the city.

For guests staying at Novotel Saigon Centre during the 2 September holiday, combining the rooftop experience with other hotel facilities can also reduce travel time. Besides OnTop Bar, the hotel offers Food Exchange Restaurant, guest rooms, swimming pool, fitness centre and The Spa, making it suitable for travellers who prefer a balanced itinerary with both city exploration and time to relax.

Conclusion

Each rooftop in Saigon offers a different way to enjoy the 2 September evening. OnTop Bar and Chang Vang Rooftop are better suited for sunset and city views; Chill Skybar and Zion Sky Lounge & Dining are ideal for guests looking for nightlife; while Thuong Rooftop offers a more casual outdoor setting for groups of friends.

If the main goal is watching fireworks, prioritise official information about the fireworks location and confirm the viewing direction directly with the rooftop before making a reservation. For those simply looking for a place to enjoy city views, drinks and the National Day atmosphere, choosing based on location, style and operating hours will help create a more suitable evening experience.

Novotel Saigon Centre
Address: 167 Hai Ba Trung, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: (+84) 28 3822 4866
Email: h7965@accor.com
Website: https://www.novotel-saigon-centre.com/