When it comes to rooftop bars, Vietnam is up there with the best in Asia. The ever-changing urban skylines of Da Nang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are best seen from the perspective of a few stories up. Elevated above the chaos, cool drink in hand, you can feast your eyes on enticing panoramic views, and watch the streets transform from day to night. Get to know nine of Vietnam’s most outstanding rooftop bars in the list below.
Best for partying the night away: Skylight Nha Trang
Who knew Nha Trang would come up with such a bar? Yet there it is, on the 43rd floor of Premier Havana Hotel. Skylight, which brands itself Vietnam’s first “rooftop beach club” is a must-visit destination in Nha Trang. Soak up 360-degree views of the coast and city from the Sky Deck, or pull up a seat at the Chef’s Club Restaurant. Skylight doubles down on the entertainment factor, with top DJs, champagne showers, and lots of surprises.
Best for after-dinner drinks: The Summit, Hanoi
The Summit scores high points for its mesmerizing views of Truc Bach Lake, West Lake, and tree-lined Thanh Nien road. Ride the elevator to the top of Pan Pacific Hotel and claim a rattan armchair in the open-air patio, or fold yourself into one of the bird’s nest chairs indoors. Never pretentious, Summit nonetheless hits all the right notes, with gorgeous views, five-star service, and appealing decor.
Best for sundowners and beyond: Glow Sai Gon
Situated atop the Presidential Palace, Glow Saigon is a firm favourite in the category of stylish after-dark venues in Ho Chi Minh City. The bar draws a crowd with top DJ sets, inviting seating and beautiful views of leafy District 1 and 3. Try the President Fizz for a refresher at sundown. The cool beats and tempting tapas menu might just convince you to stay longer.
Best for a warm-up date: Diamond Sky Bar, Hanoi
A surprising new addition to Hanoi’s rooftop bar roster, this little stunner in the Old Quarter packs a punch when it comes to atmosphere and views. Diamond Sky Bar's location contrasts nicely with its modern spaces and seating. Great bushels of greenery and three levels of seating offer lots of options. See the sun set over Hoan Kiem Lake, or watch the lights turn on across Long Bien Bridge? It’s up to you.
Best for historical highballs: Saigon Saigon Bar
Perched on the 10th floor of the Caravelle Hotel, Saigon Saigon Bar is a solid choice if you’re the type who likes your cocktails with a side of history. Although the bar's interiors have changed little since it first opened in 1959, the views of downtown Ho Chi Minh City have transformed dramatically since the time journalists used to gather at the bar to trade news and gossip. Wooden tables around the perimeter look over the Opera House and the iconic Lam Sơn Square. Modernity sneaks in through creative drinks on the menu. Kick back with a Miss Saigon, one of the bar's most popular orders, and watch as the city shifts into a panorama of twinkling lights below. Happy Hour takes place every day from 4pm to 7pm with a 50% discount on all premium drinks.
Best for river views: Sky 36, Da Nang
Vietnam’s central city of Danang is quietly having a moment, as resorts and golf courses convert its long sandy beaches into a world-class holiday destination. On the 36th floor of the Novotel Hotel in Danang, Sky 36 gives patrons a prime view of this up-and-coming city and the curving Han River. Snag a stool around the island bar to admire the glittering bridges and skyline below.
Best for pure elevation: Top of Hanoi
Top of Hanoi, an expansive bar and restaurant on the 65th floor of Lotte Tower, soars above most of the competition with dizzying views of West Lake and Ba Dinh District. Seats are positioned at the bar’s perimeter for better views of the streets and scenery below. The restaurant offer a full brasserie-style menu, and blankets on chilly evenings.
Best for sundowners by the beach: INK 360
Ride the elevator up 19 floors to INK 360, the highest bar on Phu Quoc, for spectacular sunsets and equally memorable cocktails. Designer Ashley Sutton is responsible for the Insta-worthy interiors, where suspended octupi fall from the ceiling and bartenders in charcoal button-ups mix original drinks such as the ‘Coral Mule’ and ‘Uncle Ho’. After filling up your memory card, head to the terrace to catch one of Phu Quoc’s famous indigo sunsets.
Best for impressing your friends: Chill Skybar, Ho Chi Minh City
No mention of rooftop bars in Vietnam is complete without a nod to Chill Sky Bar. The bar elevated the local nightlife scene when it opened on the 26th floor of the AB Tower. Chill’s vibrant outdoor bar is where beautiful Saigon goes on big nights out. Weekly events cycle through different music genres, and the bar offers special birthday and party packages for high rollers.