Top 3 Romantic Date Spots in District 3 and Nearby Areas

A memorable date does not need a complicated itinerary. A comfortable setting for conversation, a convenient location and a clear budget are often more important than trying to visit several places in one evening.

District 3 and central Ho Chi Minh City offer a variety of high-floor bars, restaurants and dining venues suitable for couples. The following list focuses on three options for watching the sunset, enjoying drinks or having dinner together.

Guests consuming alcoholic beverages must meet the legal age requirements. Mocktails, juices and other non-alcoholic drinks are also available at the venues featured in this article.

1. Comparison of romantic date spots

Prices and operating hours are provided for reference only. Menus, entertainment programmes and service times may change. Check the venue’s official channels or contact the restaurant to reserve a table before visiting.

2. OnTop Bar

• Address: Level 20, Novotel Saigon Centre, 167 Hai Ba Trung Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
• Venue type: High-floor bar with indoor and outdoor seating
• Estimated price: From approximately VND 180,000
• Opening hours: 4:30 PM–12:00 AM
• Reservations: 028 3822 4866
• Email: h7965@accor.com

Located on Level 20 of Novotel Saigon Centre, OnTop Bar is convenient for couples travelling from Turtle Lake, the former District 3 area and central District 1. The venue includes indoor seating and an outdoor terrace, providing an open setting for relaxed conversation.

One of OnTop Bar’s main features is its broad view across central Ho Chi Minh City. Guests can look towards Turtle Lake, the Hai Ba Trung corridor and the surrounding buildings as the city lights begin to appear.

The period between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM is generally suitable for watching the sunset. Actual viewing times depend on the season and weather conditions. Couples who prefer outdoor seating should arrive approximately 15 to 20 minutes earlier than planned.

The menu includes cocktails, mocktails, fruit drinks, Asian and European-inspired tapas, cheese, cold cuts and light dishes. OnTop Bar suits an after-work date, a weekend meeting or drinks before dinner.

The venue may become busier on evenings with live music or promotional programmes. When reserving a table, clearly describe the preferred location, such as outdoor seating, a table with a broad view or a quieter area with less foot traffic.

3. “S” Pool Bar & Dining

• Address: Level 18, 17 Le Duan Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
• Venue type: Poolside bar and dining area
• Estimated price: From approximately VND 300,000
• Estimated opening hours: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM

“S” Pool Bar & Dining offers an open poolside setting with views towards the central city area. The venue is suitable for a daytime date, late-afternoon meeting or early-evening drink.

The menu includes cocktails, mocktails and selected light dishes. As the space is not completely separated from the swimming pool, the atmosphere may vary depending on the time of day and the number of hotel guests using the area.

This venue suits couples looking for a relaxed meeting rather than a formal dinner. When booking, ask about the available seating, access to the outdoor area and alternative arrangements in case of rain.

Traffic along Le Duan Street may become heavy during the evening rush hour. Allowing additional travel time will help both guests arrive on schedule and settle into their seats before the date begins.

4. Mad Cow Wine & Grill

• Address: Level 30, 148 Tran Hung Dao Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
• Venue type: Steakhouse and wine bar
• Estimated opening hours: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Mad Cow Wine & Grill suits couples looking for a complete dinner rather than drinks alone.

The menu focuses on steaks, European dishes, appetisers and wine. Prices vary considerably between drinks, appetisers and different cuts of beef, so a single starting price would not accurately represent the budget required for the entire evening.

Before reserving a table, couples should review the menu and estimate the cost of main courses, side dishes, desserts and drinks. A steak dinner with wine generally costs considerably more than a date centred on cocktails or light dishes.

The venue features warm lighting and city views, making it suitable for birthdays, anniversaries or occasions that require more planning. Guests who prefer a window table should include the request when making the reservation.

5. Which venue suits each type of date?

For sunset views and conversation in an open setting, OnTop Bar is a convenient option within the District 3 area. Couples can enjoy cocktails, mocktails or light dishes without moving to another venue.

“S” Pool Bar & Dining is more suitable for a relaxed daytime or early-evening meeting. However, guests should check the weather forecast and ask about indoor seating before visiting.

Mad Cow Wine & Grill is better suited to a complete dinner or special occasion. This option requires a higher budget and should be reserved in advance.

6. Tips for planning a date

Before making a reservation, decide what type of experience both people would enjoy. A high-floor bar works well for views and drinks, while a restaurant is more appropriate when dinner is the main activity.

Window tables, balconies and terraces are often reserved early on weekends. Instead of simply requesting a “nice table”, describe the preferred arrangement clearly, such as an outdoor table for two, a window seat or a quieter area with less foot traffic.

For outdoor venues, check the arrangements for wet weather. Some places may move guests indoors, but the alternative seating may not offer the same experience as the original reservation.

Listed prices may not include tax and service charges. Promotions also often apply only during specific hours, to selected drinks or for a particular number of guests. Confirming the estimated total cost helps prevent unexpected expenses.

Traffic in the central area may be heavy between approximately 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM, particularly during rain. Allow additional travel time and choose a clearly identifiable pick-up and drop-off point.

7. Conclusion

District 3 and nearby central areas offer several options for couples, ranging from sunset bars to restaurants serving complete dinners. The most suitable venue depends on the preferred time, budget and level of privacy.

With its location on Hai Ba Trung Street, indoor and outdoor seating, and views from Level 20, OnTop Bar at Novotel Saigon Centre is worth considering for an end-of-day date. Couples can arrive early to watch the sunset, enjoy a mocktail or cocktail, and continue with light dishes in the same setting.

Booking in advance allows the venue to prepare a more suitable table, particularly on weekend evenings or dates featuring live music.

Novotel Saigon Centre
Address: 167 Hai Ba Trung, Xuan Hoa Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: (+84) 28 3822 4866
Email: h7965@accor.com
Website: www.novotel-saigon-centre.com