3 rooftop bars in Saigon for sunset views

Watching the sunset from a rooftop bar is a relaxing way to begin an evening in Saigon. From above, guests can see the city shift from the final daylight into a skyline of illuminated buildings while enjoying cocktails, wine or non-alcoholic drinks.

Central District 1 and District 3 offer rooftop venues with different atmospheres. Some suit a quiet conversation, while others become livelier after dark with DJs and evening entertainment.

This guide focuses only on elevated rooftop bars. It does not include riverside restaurants or ground-level venues. Opening hours, entertainment schedules and promotions may change, so guests should check the latest information before visiting.

Guests ordering alcoholic drinks must meet the applicable age requirements. Mocktails, juices and other non-alcoholic options are also available at the venues featured below.

1. Quick comparison of rooftop bars in Saigon

Distances and journey times are approximate. Rain, peak-hour traffic and major events may affect travel times.

2. OnTop Bar at Novotel Saigon Centre

• Location: Level 20, Novotel Saigon Centre, 167 Hai Ba Trung Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: Daily from 4:30 PM to midnight
• Setting: Open-air rooftop terrace with city views
• Best suited for: Hotel guests, colleagues, business associates, couples and groups of friends

Located on Level 20 of Novotel Saigon Centre, OnTop Bar offers an open-air setting overlooking central Saigon. Its location within the hotel makes it a convenient choice for guests who want to enjoy the city at the end of the day without arranging additional transport after sightseeing or business meetings.

The menu includes cocktails, wine, beer and light dishes. Seating is available at the bar and at outdoor tables, making the venue suitable for both a quick drink and a longer evening with friends or colleagues.

Happy Hour takes place in the early evening, with a buy-one-get-one offer available on selected drinks. This period often overlaps with sunset, allowing guests to enjoy the changing skyline while making use of the promotion.

The atmosphere varies throughout the week. Selected evenings feature DJs, while acoustic music programmes create a more relaxed setting for drinks and conversation. Guests planning to attend a particular performance should check the latest schedule before booking.

For those staying at Novotel Saigon Centre, a rooftop drink can be paired with dinner at Food Exchange Restaurant. Guests can then return to their rooms without another journey through the city.

3. Chill Skybar

• Location: Level 26, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai Street, central Ho Chi Minh City
• Setting: Open-air bar with DJs and evening entertainment
• Best suited for: Groups and guests who prefer a lively atmosphere

Chill Skybar has a more energetic atmosphere than rooftop venues designed mainly for quiet conversation. Located above the Ben Thanh area, it combines elevated city views with music, DJs and late-evening entertainment.

Guests arriving in the late afternoon can begin by watching the city from above before the venue becomes livelier after dark. It is therefore better suited to groups looking for music and nightlife than to those planning a quiet meeting.

Seating may include bar areas, standing tables and reserved sections. Some tables or special events may have minimum-spend requirements or separate entry conditions.

Before booking, guests should confirm the current opening hours, dress code, reservation policy and any applicable minimum spending directly with the venue.

4. “S” Pool Bar & Dining

• Location: Level 18, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan Boulevard
• Opening hours: Daily from morning until late evening
• Setting: Rooftop pool terrace overlooking central Saigon
• Best suited for: First-time visitors and relaxed afternoon gatherings

“S” Pool Bar & Dining is located on Level 18 of Sofitel Saigon Plaza. The terrace looks over the trees along Le Duan Boulevard and the surrounding buildings in central Ho Chi Minh City.

The venue serves cocktails, coffee, juices and light food throughout the day. Guests can arrive in the afternoon, stay for sunset and continue with drinks into the early evening without moving to another location.

Its central location also makes it a practical stop after visiting the Saigon Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon or Independence Palace. Extra travel time should still be allowed during the late-afternoon peak period.

The atmosphere is better suited to relaxed drinks and conversation than late-night entertainment. Guests should ask about outdoor seating when reserving, particularly during the rainy season or when private events are scheduled.

5. What time should you visit a rooftop bar for sunset?

Sunset times in Ho Chi Minh City change throughout the year. The sun sets earlier in December and later from June to July.

The following schedule works for most rooftop visits:

• 4:30–5:00 PM: Arrive early, check the weather and request a table with an open view.
• 5:00–6:30 PM: Watch the city change from daylight to evening and use any available Happy Hour promotion.
• After 6:30 PM: Continue with dinner, acoustic music or a DJ programme, depending on the venue.

Arriving early is often more important than choosing the highest rooftop. The quality of the view also depends on table position, nearby buildings, cloud cover and weather conditions.

A lower rooftop with an open terrace may offer a more comfortable experience than a higher venue where the best-positioned tables have already been reserved.

6. Tips for planning an evening at a rooftop bar

Reserve in advance for Friday and Saturday evenings, public holidays and special occasions. When booking, ask specifically for an outdoor table with an open city or sunset view rather than simply requesting a good table.

Check whether listed prices include VAT and service charges. Some venues may apply minimum spending to selected tables, reserved sections or larger groups.

During the rainy season, ask whether indoor backup seating is available. An outdoor reservation does not guarantee that a similar indoor table can be provided if rain begins unexpectedly.

Smart-casual clothing is suitable for many hotel rooftop bars. Nightlife-focused venues may apply additional rules regarding footwear, age or entry.

Guests using taxis or ride-hailing services should arrange their return journey before the busiest period. Fares and waiting times may increase during rain, major events or when several venues close at the same time.

7. Choosing the right rooftop bar in Saigon

Each venue in this guide suits a different type of evening. Chill Skybar focuses on music and a livelier nightlife atmosphere, while “S” Pool Bar & Dining is more suitable for relaxed drinks from the afternoon into the early evening.

For guests staying at Novotel Saigon Centre, OnTop Bar is the most convenient choice. Its Level 20 location allows guests to add city views, drinks and evening entertainment to a sightseeing or business schedule without travelling to another part of Saigon.

Menus, promotions and entertainment schedules may change. Guests should check the latest information before visiting, particularly when booking for a celebration or requesting a specific outdoor table.

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