Vietnams Visa Process

The Visa process has been adjusted last year in order to encourage more travelers and tourists to come to Vietnam.

This is great news for a lot of people but still not a perfect solution. With that being said, let’s talk about Vietnam Visa. who needs it? who doesn’t? how to get one?.

Requirements for everyone even if you don’t need a Vietnam Visa!?

A passport! This might seem crazy to some people to even mention this but some might not be used to traveling. So lets cover it, you MUST HAVE a passport if you are visiting Vietnam from another country.

This next point is very important and I have actually seen many people get caught up on this and not even realize it until they get here.

**important** Your passport must have 6 month of validity from the date of Travel. **important**

Our company Back of the Bike Tours have actually seen this issue a few times where one person in a group gets stopped from traveling because of this issue.

Don’t let it happen to you! Check cousin Jimmy and Grandma’s passport to make sure they aren’t expiring 6 months from the date you land in Vietnam.

This isn’t something you can get around as well, If you land in Vietnam with a passport that is expiring, they will not let you in. Your best and most unlikely scenario would be that your embassy would issue you an emergency passport to travel. The most likely thing to happen is that you will be on the next flight home after sitting in the airport for a number of hours.

Will I need a Vietnam Visa?

There are only 24 countries at the moment who are allowed to enter Vietnam without needing a Visa for a certain amount of time.

Exempt from Visa for 15 Day Stay:

Belarus

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Italy

Japan

Norway

Russia

South Korea

Spain
Sweden

United Kingdom

 

Exempt from Visa for 14 Day Stay:

Brunei

Myanmar

 

Exempt from Visa for 21 Day Stay:

Phillipines

 

Exempt from Visa for 30 Day Stay:

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

Laos

Kyrgyzstan

Indonesia

Cambodia

Exempt from Visa for 90 Day Stay:

Chile

 

My country doesn’t need a visa to visit Vietnam! How lucky is that?

Hey! That is pretty lucky as most countries do require a visa! Congrats and we hope you enjoy your vacation. Please make sure you don’t plan your trip longer than your visa exemption lasts and you will be golden! If you plan on staying longer than the amount of time you are exempt then please continue to read on and learn more.

My Country isn’t exempt from needing a Visa, Whats next?

That’s okay! Maybe your country will be exempt next year!

Let’s get you a Visa so that you can have fun traveling around this beautiful country.

There are three ways to get your Visa:

1. Mail your Passport to the Vietnam Embassy inside your country. They stamp a Vietnam Visa into your passport and send your passport back to you.

or

2. Obtain an Approval Letter so that you can obtain your Visa on Arrival

or

3. E-Visa that allows you to enter Vietnam through 28 different points of Entrance. This would be the best option for those coming into Vietnam through Land or Sea.

Let’s jump into each way to get your Vietnam Visa, the specifics on how to get it. The advantages and disadvantages of each one.

Obtaining a Vietnam Visa from your Local Embassy in your country

This is old reliable.

Before the days of the internet and expecting everything within just a few minutes of our current culture, we all had to send our Passport to the embassy before taking off to Visit Vietnam.

What do we need for a Visa from the Embassy or consulate?

Each country has its own price and time frame to complete the Visa Process. Since there are so many different countries world wide we believe you should use the following link to track down the embassy in your country and follow their Visa Process which should be rather easy and simple to follow.

Use this link to track down the website for you a consulate/embassy in your home country to follow their Visa Process.

Here is an example of the Visa Process from The Vietnamese Embassy in the United States,

APPLY FOR VISA IN PERSON OR BY MAIL

1. To apply in person or by mail, the applicant is required to submit the following documents:
2. 01 application form to be completed online at http://visa.mofa.gov.vn ; please select VIETNAM EMBASSY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA as Place of visa submission and collection. After completing the online application form, please PRINT OUT and sign your application. In case you are unable to fill out the online application form, you can download the form (click here) and fill it out by hand or use paper application forms available at the Embassy upon your submission.
3. Passport (the original for a sticker-visa application OR a copy of the ID page for a loose-leaf visa application) with at least 06 months of validity prior to the proposed date of entry into Viet Nam to meet airlines’ and immigration requirements). For Vietnamese holding a US Permanent Resident Card (also referred to as “Green Card”), you can apply for a Visa Exemption Certificate (click here), also known as “Viet Nam 5-year visa”.
4. Photo: one (1) 2×2 inch identical photo if the original passport is submitted for a sticker visa OR two (2) 2×2 inch identical photos if a copy of the passport is submitted for a loose-leaf visa.
5. Visa fees: paid in cash or Visa Card/Master Card for in-person application at the Embassy, or in the form of money order/ cashier’s check/company check payable to “EMBASSY OF VIET NAM”.
6. Other supporting documents (if any): copy of visa approval document or provision of visa approval reference number issued by the relevant authority of Viet Nam; invitation letter from sponsor/host etc.
7. If you wish to receive your passport and/or visa sent back to your mailing address by mail: 01 prepaid self-addressed return envelope. To ensure safe delivery of your application package and visa, it is recommended that you use certified mail service offered by USPS, UPS and FedEx with tracking number to check on delivery status. The Embassy shall not be responsible for any loss of documents due to insecure and uncertified mailing service. In case you do not bring along a prepaid return envelope upon submission of visa application at the Embassy, you may use FedEx envelopes available at the Embassy and are required to pay for the additional mailing service.

The process above seems rather straightforward.

I have personally always gotten my Visa on Arrival, but I can see how getting your visa before leaving would be easy just to have it completed and done before leaving. One less thing to worry about when traveling with a large group or small children

What is the Pro’s and Con’s of getting your Visa from the Consulate/Embassy?

 

Pro’s:

 

Scam Free

If you are worried about submitting for your Vietnam Visa on arrival through a scam site, then bypass those worries and just apply directly with the embassy.

Worry Free

When planning travel and on the actual date of flying, sometimes thinks can feel rushed and overwhelmed. If you get your visa through the consulate/embassy its done and there will be no surprises when you land in Vietnam. This peace of mind is comforting and a huge reason to get your visa through the consulate.

Debit/Credit Card Payment

Many of the consulates/embassies provide an online payment source for you to pay for your Visa before sending your Passport to them for the Visa. Some people enjoy this rather then having to worry about cash payments on arrival in Vietnam.

No Waiting

If you have your Visa already, you will queue up in the immigration line and not have to wait for the “Visa on Arrival” line that can sometimes add over an hour to the immigration process depending on how long the wait is when you arrive. After a long flight, I do find this additional line irritating.

Length of Time

Getting a Visa from your embassy/consulate provides the option for you to apply for single or multiple entry Vietnam Visa and 1 month or 3 months Vietnam Visa.

 

Con’s:

 

Time

If you don’t have the luck of living right next to an embassy or consulate, you will have to send your Passport in via the post. This might take up to 6 weeks to get your passport back. If you are great at planning and do this part early, then time may not be a factor that you’ll need to worry about.

Price

Depending on your individual consulate, this might turn out being the most expensive way to get your visa. But the peace of mind might be worth it.

Paying in Check or Money Order

This feels like a bit of a con because I don’t write many checks or get money orders in the days of debit/credit cards. This may not be a big deal for those who often deal with these forms of payments.

Verdict: If I was traveling with just myself or as a couple. I might go for the option of getting my visa on arrival or Evisa listed below. If I was traveling with children or any sort of large group whether its all friends or family, I would prefer to gather all the passports and send them in for a Visa before the trip just for the knowledge that I won’t have any surprises when I land. This is my personal opinion though, and please use all the information provided to find out what works best for you.

What is Visa On Arrival and a Approval Letter?

Okay, here is the deal with the Visa on Arrival.

Step 1: You Fill out some information online and make a payment to receive a Approval Letter. This letter allows you to get a Visa when you land before you go through immigration.

Step 2: You land in Vietnam, before you can go through immigration, you have to wait in line to get your Visa. This is where you will give them your approval letter, a form, and the additional photos you brought along. You will have to also pay a Stamping Fee here, which they would like for you to pay in cash. If you don’t have cash they will have someone escort you to an ATM inside the airport( I have had this happen before)

Step 3: Once your passport is stamped, you get your passport back with your visa inside and now you can go through immigration. Enjoy your time in Vietnam ?

What are the Pro’s and Con’s for the Visa On Arrival?

 

Vietnam Visa on Arrival Pro’s:

 

Time

You can sign up for your approval letter rather quickly, and in just a few days receive the letter allowing you to travel to Vietnam and get your Visa.

Price

The Visa on Arrival might be a little bit cheaper than sending your Passports to the embassy or consulate in your home country. This does depend on each country individually as the price for the visa differs country to country.

Emergency Travel

In Emergency cases you can get your Approval letter in just 4 hours. This does depend on the time and availability of the immigration office and the agency you are using for you letter.

Location

The Visa on Arrival does not require you to go out of your way when preparing for a trip to Vietnam. After receiving your Approval Letter via email, the only thing you need to do is fly to Vientam where you will get your visa right when you get off the plane.

Length of Time

The Vietnam on Arrival provides the option for you to apply for single or multiple entry and 1 or 3 months.

 

Vietnam Visa on Arrival Con’s:

 

Scams

I have used the Visa on Arrival process every time I have needed to travel when I first came to Vietnam before receiving my Residency card. There was never an issue i had with scams but apparently it does happen, so often that you can find warnings issued on Vietnam Embassy websites as you can see here:

(The following is an excerpt from http://vietnamconsulate.org.au)

Warning from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia: There has been an increase in the number of Australians applying online for a ‘visa on arrival’ approval letter. There have been reports of visa scams involving online Vietnamese visa applications. There have also been reports of applicants’ personal details being made public by online visa websites. As result, we recommend you apply for a Vietnamese visa directly from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam.

Warning:

– We have the honour to announce that the following websites are not legitimate:

http://vietnam-embassy.org, http://myvietnamvisa.com, http://vietnamvisacorp.com, http://vietnam-visa.com, http://visavietnam.gov.vn, http://vietnamvisa.gov.vn, http://visatovietnam.gov.vn, http://vietnam-visa.gov.vn

– The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam has recently received many feedbacks from foreign nationals on the visa online service provided by above-mentioned websites.

– We holds no responsibility for any visa application for Viet Nam provided by these services.

Personally, I have had no issue using an online service, but it is important to be made aware that these services are not the Vietnamese Government so they do hold some risk when relying on them for your visa.

Time

I have marked time as a pro when it comes to getting the approval letter, but the time spent waiting for your stamp after a long flight can be excruciating. I have also waited for hours at the airport when friends and family were waiting to receive their Visa stamp before going into already long immigration lines.

Miscommunication/Errors

I believe the biggest con here is that if there were any issues in your Approval letter process, then you might have a difficult time on arrival that will not be a great way to start your vacation. The other issue here is that sometimes people forget, I have been caught at the Visa on Arrival window myself with no cash for the stamping fee. That was painful after a long flight. A different example, my friend forgot her photos to give to the VOA when she arrived so she had to take time to get new photos and pay for that. While not expensive, its just painful after a long flight and doesn’t provide a “I’m ready for vacation” mood.

Not applicable for Land or Sea Arrival

The Vietnam on Arrival ONLY applies to travelers coming into Vietnam through an International Airport in Vietnam. This leaves Land or Sea Arrivals needing a different way to get a visa like the Vietnam E-Visa.

Verdict: Visa on Arrival is really useful if you are in a pinch and need a visa quickly. If that is the case, then that one pro outweighs all of the cons of the Vietnam Visa on Arrival. If you are planning your vacation in advance, then getting your visa before you arrive might be a better option.

What is the Vietnam E-Visa?

I am glad you asked! The Vietnam E-visa is an excellent step forward for Vietnam. Adapting their tourism policies and infrastructure to their customers needs is very important and we are so excited to see that happening last year with the introduction of Vietnam E-Visa.

The first and most important thing you need to know about the Vietnam E-Visa

You can only get the Vietnam Visa here ->

Any other site is not an E-Visa and is either a scam or just signing you up for the Visa on Arrival.

This is so important I am gonna say it twice ?

You can only get the Vietnam Visa here ->

Alright, Now that we have that cleared up let’s get into understanding what you’ll need for the E-Visa.

You will need a photo of yourself that looks like this. Your face will need to be clear with a white or light colored background.

The next thing you will need is a clear photo of your passport details that looks like this.

Here are a few tips from struggles we have read about online.

Be sure that your photos are Jpeg images

You might need to resize the photo so that it is smaller for upload if you are using a photo from your phone rather than scanning your passport and photo. This can easily done by opening Paint program and resizing the photo to a smaller size.

To resize the image copy:

1. Right click on the image file in the File Explorer, select Open With, Paint.
2. Select main menu item Image, Stretch/Skew … Change the Horizontal and Vertical percentages to a percentage less than 100. Keep the percentages equal to preserve the aspect ratio.
3. Select the main menu item File >> Save As to save the resized image.

After you have all that, its a simple process of filling in and submitting the form.

You will need to pay $25 for your Vietnam E-Visa which is Single Entry for 30 days which should cover most travelers coming to Vietnam.

The Pro’s and Con’s of the Vietnam E-Visa

 

Vietnam E-Visa Pro’s:

 

Cheap

The E-Visa is the cheapest option out of all three. At $25 for a 30 day single entry this is a nice price compared to the charge by embassies and consulates. Its not such a far departure from the price for Vietnams Visa on Arrival but still cheaper.

Credit/Debit Payment

This is the only option for paying your full Visa fee with a credit or debit card.

3-5 Day Approval

Receiving your Visa back in 3-5 days is great turn around for the complete Visa.

All Ports

You can use your E-Visa at every port of entry into Vietnam.

Simple Process

After viewing the website and entry form, this is a simple process to get your visa.

Peace of Mind

Once you have received your Visa with No Errors on it, you are 100% done, just go right through immigration when you get to Vietnam with no worries. Personally, this is my favorite part, I like knowing that things are complete and done with no hang ups.

 

Vietnam E-Visa Con’s:

 

No Option For Multi Entry or Longer Stay

The current process doesn’t allow for travelers to select anything other than the 30 day single entry Vietnam Visa. If you need to leave and come back, you will need to have another Visa.

Filling out Forms

Currently, you can only apply for 1 visa at a time on the website. This means a family of 4 will have to enter in 4 different forms and make 4 different payments on the government website for the Vietnam E-Visa. This is a bit painful for most of us, but might be worth it when considering the price.

Website Issues

It seems that the website has some issues every now and again not letting people submit photos. These seems to be debugged rather quickly and sometimes are user errors but it travelers should still be aware.

Typos

Some name Typos may occur on your visa, these issues can from from the user or the immigration office. Either one still causes an issue going through immigration if the name on your Visa doesn’t match your passport. Please check each name carefully.

This wraps up most everything you would need to know when it comes to getting a Vietnam Visa. As you can see there are multiple options with multiple pro’s and con’s.

If you have any more questions about traveling to Vietnam or the Visa Process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@backofthebiketours.com. We would love to help!

Read Full Article Here: Do I Need A Visa For Vietnam?

Christmas is nearly a month away, and can be trully a magical time in Vietnam (minus the snow). If you decided to spend our favorite holiday in the South of Vietnam, make sure to check out our video on what Xmas is really like like in Saigon!

Are you spending Christmas in Vietnam? What are you going to do ?

If you are interested in then be sure to check out our, if you are looking to check out a specific area of Ho Chi Minh City then ask about our private tours!

Post Source Here: Spending Christmas in Saigon, Vietnam

On the 14 of October, we took our friend Mr. Colin taste some of the finest streetfood in Saigon. Down below is an album of the best shot we took during that tour. Feel free to email us at with the name of the pictures along with the tour date if you would like to get the picture in a higher resolution.

Learn More Here: Street-food Tour with Mr. Colin

Back in May, Our team and I had the chance to go on a custom History tour with a man from the UK named Tim Doling. Tim’s knowledge of Historic Vietnam may be unparalleled by any foreigner living in Vietnam. Researching into some of the most historical figures, architecture, railways, and history of Vietnam, Tim will blow you away on his Historic Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City or Cho Lon.

 

When meeting with Tim, we had the chance to sit down over coffee and discuss the details of Historic Vietnam starting around the 1600’s into the 1950’s with the exit of the French from Vietnam.

 

This chance to jump into your imagination and experience Saigon in the past is one that has stuck with me since. It has changed the way I even drive down the street. Now my eyes are constantly darting to the sides looking for old architecture that I might have driven by thousands of times before but never realized.

 

This has also led to a major shift into our City Tours here at Back of the Bike Tours. Armed with new knowledge from an excellent Historian we were able to adapt some of the things we learned working with Tim Doling to help us create what we feel must be the best City Tour on a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Tim has actually released a new book called “Exploring Ho Chi Minh City”. This book has 13 interesting walking tours for anyone who is interested in diving into the History and Architecture of old Ho Chi Minh City. If you are an expatriate living here in Ho Chi Minh City, please get up right now and go to the book store to purchase your copy.

 

You can also contact Tim to set up a walking history tour with him on his website at http://www.historicvietnam.com

 

As always, if you are interesting in experiencing the History and modern culture of Saigon you can check out our Morning City Tour all done with local, experienced, and professionally trained drivers.

Learn More Here: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City

Put some Pate on It : The Best Banh Mi Saigon and Where to find the best Banh Mi Saigon at Huynh Hoa

The Banh Mi has become a Phenomenon across the globe over the last few years. In London alone, you can find approximately 26 shops selling their own versions of the Banh Mi for 4-6 on average. America is being swept up by its own wave of Banh Mi enthusiasts who are not even blinking while shelling out an expected $6 dollars for a quality Banh Mi.

 

What is it that makes the Banh Mi so fantastic that its notoriety is spreading across the world so quickly?

 

As a cook and foodie, I appreciate the balance of the sandwich. It touches every sensation on my tongue perfectly and leaves nothing more to be desired from such a humble and simple sandwich. Layered with meat, smothered in pate and mayo, and topped with fresh herbs, pickles, and chili creates a texture and flavor party that leaves the masses standing in line with their hands open begging for more night after night in Saigon.

 

The Saigon Banh Mi is a special type of bread that is unique and different from a standard French Baguette you might find at a French bakery.

Not only used for sandwiches, the Banh Mi has found its way onto many different Vietnamese dishes as a necessary side. One of the most notable being the French influenced Vietnamese dish Bo Kho, which requires the Banh Mi for soaking up the meaty rich broth making for an excellent breakfast. A very popular Goat Curry restaurant in Saigon, provides its guests with a stack of Banh Mi at each table used to soak up the rich curry gravy which provides a unique substitute to the Naan Bread that is typically placed alongside curry dishes.

The bread itself is much debated online in various forums given to the difficulty for finding a legitimate recipe that uses Rice Flour to create the Banh Mi. The complexity comes from the nature of Rice flour not containing any of the necessary proteins that help create gluten which assists the leavening agents to capture pockets of gas. Also that rice flour, depending much on the granule size of the flour itself, is slower to absorb liquids than wheat flour but will also absorb more liquid. This is a mystery that should be left to solve with someone that has an oven inside of their apartment, which would not be me at the time of this article.

 

Is the best Saigon Banh Mi the only sandwich we need to eat in Vietnam?

The Banh Mi sandwich has very different forms depending on where you are in Vietnam. There is the Infamous Banh Mi of Hoi An that was visited by Anthony Bourdain. This Banh mi is dubbed the “Deluxe” and along with fresh salad, pickles, and 4 types of pork is topped with a fried egg. Just a little bit up the road in Da Nang, you can find a specialty in the dehydrated pulled chicken sandwich called Banh Mi Ga. In Hanoi, you can find a grilled pork in a spicy sauce with fresh vegetables. Other variations found all over Vietnam include Fish sauce marinated grilled pork, Grilled Pork Patties with a sweet sauce, Meatballs in tomato sauce, and a morning favorite of fried egg. These are just a few of the variations, not even mentioning what foreign chefs and cooks are now doing with the humble Banh Mi.

Our favorite Banh Mi, aka The Best Banh Mi Saigon

 

Where is it?

At Banh Mi Huynh Hoa located at 26 Le Thi Rieng, There are two carts stacked with 9 different types of meat, fresh pate, and homemade mayo pushed up against the right wall of the building. On the left side, there will be a man who is constantly heating up baguettes inside of a low heat oven. Depending on the time that you have chosen to get the best Banh Mi Saigon, there will be a mob standing on the outside of the store, which is helpful in identifying the shop if you are not familiar with Ho Chi Minh City.

How to order

You want the best Banh Mi in Saigon? You are going to have to get through the mob. Now, don’t be intimidated or offended by people cutting in front of you and ignoring you when you enter the mob. This is just Darwin’s Theory at work, only the strong will get a sandwich!! Politely, but confidently push your way to the front as you feel that your turn is coming. The Banh Mi maker will be slathering bread and placing meat onto sandwiches at the speed of light. When it comes your time to order, be ready! Just use your fingers to indicate how many sandwiches you want. This lady is busy and has no time to provide excellent customer service. The Best Banh Mi in Saigon will do that for them. If she asks a question just shake your head “Yes”. Most likely she asked if you want Chili or not. The sandwich is now getting made! Get excited! The Banh Mi will be passed down the line to be finished with pickles and vegetables. It will then be passed to a man who stands on the left side of the first sandwich maker. This will be the man you will pay.

Vietnam is not the easiest place for travelers especially when trying to experience it like a local. You just located and purchased the best Banh Mi Saigon without speaking any Vietnamese, Well done! Now please enjoy!

What is in the best banh mi Saigon?

I thought you might be curious on what you now have holding in your hand. This is a Banh Mi Thit, which translates into Wheat Bread Meat Sandwich.

• Light and crispy Vietnamese Baguette
• 6 types of deli meat made from pork, with ranging textures. Some are smooth like Bologna and others chunky like head cheese with lots of fat.
• 2 types of roasted pork
• Pork Floss, which is much like a dehydrated pulled pork that is packed with flavor
• Homemade Mayonaisse
• Homemade Pork Liver Pate
• Pickled Carrots and Daikon
• Cilantro
• Chili

Well, that covers the best Banh Mi Saigon in our opinion. If you disagree, please let us know. We want to hear what your favorite is!

If you are interested in then be sure to check out our, if you are looking to check out the Best Banh Mi Saigon then ask about our private tours and chefs tours!

Learn More Here: Best Banh Mi Saigon: Saigon’s Banh Mi Thit at Huynh Hoa

Secret Supper Club

Article Source Here: Back of the Bike Tours Chef’s Underground Restaurant Project in 2013 by Oi Magazine

There has been alot of buzz around the world with the new concept of the “underground” or “pop up” restaurant. The idea is that Chef’s who can’t afford to jump right into starting their own restaurant can have the chance to do it inside of their homes or at featured venue’s. This is an exceptional idea and a unique way for Sous Chef’s or Cook’s to show their chops without their hard work being hidden by the name of a restaurant or the Executive chef. All of this without the risk of crippling debt that comes with a failed restaurant.

I have lived in Saigon for the last two years and suffer from “Great food envy”. This is the dark and deep depression that might enter a cook, chef, or foodie’s life when he is not able to book a dinner at a new restaurant with a creative menu from a young aspiring chef. The excitement that comes from seeing a cook push the envelope or take a step on the ledge with a new tasting menu or restaurant concept.

Why do I suffer from this when I am surrounded by some of the best street food in the world? Well, in all honesty, I grew up on it. Spending away the hard earned minimum wage money that I earned on my Externship eating my way around the Big Apple at 18. It was just what I was into at the time, and I have not grown out of it.

It seems that Saigon is lacking a movement of Chef’s who are looking to remove labels from their food such as “Vietnamese Cuisine”, “French Cuisine”, or anything else that will restrain the creativity in which a chef or cook looks at when planning a menu or dish. Sure, you can find a few restaurants out there who are serving great Vietnamese, French, Spanish, or Italian cuisine. This isn’t what I want though! I want someone who went to the market in the morning, found fresh ingredients, and came back to the restaurant to create.. Whatever the hell they wanted! Without the labels or confining themselves to stick to a certain realm of techniques just to satisfy the classification of their restaurant.

This is where Chad and I stepped in to take care of business ourselves during the summer of 2013 when we created, Tasty Inc. Chad and I met in Culinary School in New York in 2005, we were both cooks, and in 2013 we were living in Saigon with some time on our hands. Chad being the owner of Back of the Bike Tours. Fredrick, that is me, was looking at starting up cooking classes and was already restaurant consulting.  Both of us had a bit of extra time on our hands and were interested in starting up a new project. We looked at the size of our apartment, kitchen, and the interest of possible foodies in the city. It would be difficult to do but nothing worth doing isn’t. So we picked up a few kitchen equipment supplies, dishes, and had some furniture built. Within 4 weeks, we were serving our first guests.

 

Chad took the role of Executive Chef in the way of planning our menu’s. I took the role of Sous Chef, which meant doing whatever was needed to make the dinner a success.

Our first dinner was an excellent experience with Chad showing a bit of his time at Daniels Restaurant in NYC and some inspiration from his time at Alinea in Chicago. These two styles combined with the fresh local ingredients at the market were a huge success.

 

Braised Beef and Chili
Cashew Puree, Lime, Candied cashews, Onion, Cilantro

Shrimp salad
Avocado Puree, Pickled leeks, Shaved Radishes, Fennel, Shallot

Pork Belly
Braised Pork Belly With Roasted Pumpkin, Mustard Leaf Puree, Garlic Puree, and Garlic Chips

The above dishes are 3 of the 6 courses that were served on our first night.

We would continue to serve out of our house for the next two months and begin to get some regular guests and great feedback. Among our greatest moments, we got a write up in Oi Magazine which you can read here: Secret Supper Club
We even got the chance to do a private dinner for Chef Luke Nguyen, one of the judges of Australia’s Master Chef show.

Unfortunately, we had to close the door when Chad and Thuy, his wife and co-founder of Back of the Bike Tours, decided that it was time to move back to America.

When I think about my favorite time of cooking in my entire life, I think of the days of Tasty Inc. The idea of going to the market and cooking whatever looks best that day was a consuming desire when I was a young cook. This was the backbone of Tasty Inc and what made us so unique and interesting for our guests. The techniques and ways of thought about food that I learned while working with one of my best friends in our small apartment kitchen will never allow me to look at cooking the same way again. This was also the heart of Tasty Inc, pushing the envelope on what people have come to expect when eating dinner in Saigon.

I hope that someone else takes the torch that was lit by Chad and I. There are hungry people in Saigon who are looking for something new and different. I am one of them!

 

Read More Here: Seeking New and Great Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Health issues are one of the top concerns of a traveler when visiting or moving to a new country. As Vietnam is one of the developing countries in the tropical area, it is necessary that you know what to eat and drink safely to avoid epidemics in this hot and humid weather. Our article will guide you on whether you can use water in Vietnam depending on where you are located and what you use it for.

Can I Drink Water in Vietnam? No, you cannot drink water straight from water sources without boiling or filtering. Bottled Water, Filtered Water, or Green Tea are the main sources of drinking water in Vietnam. You should never drink water straight from the tap or ground source to avoid contamination.

Vietnam’s Water Supply

Water supply and sanitation is still a huge challenge for Vietnam’s government. Besides urban areas, there is limited access to pipe water systems in rural areas. The local people there still have to use groundwater, river water, and rain water for daily activities. Even in major cities, during dry seasons, there can also be a shortage of water due to poor operation and management.

“Can I Drink Water In Vietnam?” is one of the most frequently asked questions of travelers first coming to Vietnam. This is natural as many countries are lucky that they have the infrastructure to drink straight from the well or tap.

Can I Drink Tap Water in Vietnam?

Water is vital for everyone. In developed countries, people can drink water right from the tap. Unfortunately, you must not do that in Vietnam. Tap water is considered to be suitable for only basic use like watering trees and washing. Though the government has announced that water supply system in urban areas are under strict surveillance and censorship, it is uncertain that the water filtration systems can purify water from the river.

Instead of drinking water directly from the tap, local people boil the water for at least one minute to kill bacteria and viruses. Then they store it in their own pitchers. Water is used within the day only. The remaining boiled water will be poured away to ensure the quality of water. Some local people also use bottled water from reputable firms with a water purifier. Some popular bottled water suppliers you can consider in Vietnam market are Lavie, Nestle, Aquafina from Suntory Pepsico, Dasani from Coca Cola, etc.

But if you travel during a few days in Vietnam only, portable bottled water in small bottles of 350ml to 1500ml, ranging from $0.2 to $1, is the most convenient choice for you. You can buy them at any convenience stores, supermarkets, and local markets throughout Vietnam. In some rural areas where there are almost no facilities like in the cities, you can ask the local where the nearest mom-and-pop stores are and pick up some bottles there.

Can I Eat Vegetables Washed in Water?

If you were to avoid eating fresh vegetables in Vietnam because they were washed in tap or well water, I believe you would be missing out on a ton of great food in Vietnam that depends on fresh herbs and vegetables. We use a common sense approach for this in Vietnam, it is okay to eat vegetables washed in tap water as long as you don’t consume a lot of water.

The most important factor here will be the food safety of the actual restaurant. If there are a lot of locals eating here and the restaurant or vendor looks and feels safe to you, you will be okay. I would not stress about it.

Can I use tap water to brush my teeth in Vietnam?

Yes, you can brush your teeth with the water in Vietnam. You can be sure that the tap water in urban areas is safe to brush your teeth and bathe. In most rural areas, the water is going to be safe as well for bathing and brushing your teeth.

If you are in a very poor village with no infrastructure, brushing your teeth and taking a bath with bottled water will be better for you. Though it is a bit costly, it can prevent you from using the dirty water and getting sick.

What else can I drink in Vietnam?

Green Tea is by far the #1 drink that is consumed on a daily basis in Vietnam. Coffee must be a close second. As a country located in the tropical area, Vietnam is well-known for a lot of fruits which you can’t find or are too expensive to buy in your own country. There are a variety of smoothies and fruit juices made with these fruits.

One favorite drink that many tourists love to drink is fresh coconut water. You can order this drink almost everywhere in Vietnam, even street food stalls. This can be drunk directly from the coconut with a straw and you can be sure that it is safe for your health.

You will regret traveling to Vietnam without trying Vietnamese traditional iced coffee. It is regarded as one of the strongest coffee’s in the world. But the way we make coffee is special and a large part of our Culture. Coarsely ground beans go into a French drip filter (called a phin), which sits on top of the cup. The beans are pushed down with a thin lid, hot water is added to the phin, and then the water slowly trickles through into the cup. You can drink coffee with sugar or condensed milk. You can also drink with or without ice. A cup of coffee costs you from $0.5 if you drink in local cafeteria to $4 if you drink in luxurious coffee shops and restaurants. If you want to know if drinking coffee is safe in Vietnam, go ahead and check out our blog post.

If you love drinking beer, there are a variety for you to choose from. While local beer such as Saigon Beer, Huda, Ha Noi Beer is quite affordable for those who are on a budget, costing you around $0.5 per can. If you prefer international brand name, you can consider Heineken, Budweiser, Beck’s, costing you from $0.8 per can.  Drinking beer on ice is very common in Vietnam, we recommend you check out our blog post about “Is Ice Safe to Drink in Vietnam?”, if you want to learn more.

Where to go if you get sick from drinking water in Vietnam?

Sad but true, however careful you are when you choose where to eat and drink, you may suffer from some incidents. If your stomach is not strong enough, keep in mind some ways to get medication. You can ask the locals to guide you to reliable drugstore to buy medicine if it seems to you that the illness is not serious. Otherwise, it is highly recommended that you go to the doctor or the hospital. If you travel around Ho Chi Minh city, you can go to Vinmec International Hospital, which has branches spreading all over Vietnam with good customer service and modern facilities.

Vinmec International Hospital

• Website: https://vinmec.com/
• Address: 458 Minh Khai Street, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi
  • • 30 Thang 4 Street, Residential Area 4, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City
    • 208 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hotline: Ha Noi: (+84) 2439743556
  • • Da Nang: (+84) 2363711111
    • Ho Chi Minh: (+84) 2836221166

Besides, there are other prestigious hospitals in Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, FV Hospital, City International Hospital are considered to have the best and fastest service for foreigners. In Ha Noi, HFH is known as the first International hospital in Hanoi. Thu Cuc International General Hospital is also a reliable address if you have health problems when staying in Ha Noi. If you travel to Hoi An or Da Nang City, you can bear in mind hospitals such as Hoan My Hospital, Gia Dinh Hospital.

FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City)

• Website: http://www.fvhospital.com
• Address: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Southern Sai Gon (Phu My Hung), District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hotline: (+84) 2854113333

City International Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City)

• Website: https://cih.com.vn/
• Address: No. 3, 17A Street, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hotline: (+84) 862803333

HFH (Ha Noi)

• Website: https://www.hfh.com.vn
• Address: 1 Phuong Mai, Dong Da, Ha Noi
• Hotline: (+84) 2435741111

Thu Cuc International General Hospital (Ha Noi)

• Website: https://benhvienthucuc.vn/
• Address: 286 Thuy Khe, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
• Hotline: (+84) 904970909

Hoan My Hospital (Da Nang)

• Website: https://www.hoanmydanang.com/
• Address: 291 Nguyen Van Linh, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang City
• Hotline: (+84) 2363650676

Gia Dinh Hospital (Da Nang)

• Address: 73 Nguyen Huu Tho, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City
• Hotline: (+84) 236363233

In brief, drinking water in Vietnam isn’t as serious of an issue as some travelers may think. With the rapid development of tourism, food services in Vietnam are gradually improving in recent years. Like going to any other Southeast Asian countries, being prepared and choosing wisely will help you prevent unfortunate incidents so you can enjoy your trip. We hope that our guide in this blog will help you understand how and where to choose potable water when you travel to Vietnam and have a safe and memorable journey here.

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Smoking isn’t cool but riding the mist is! While vaping has gradually competed with traditional cigarettes in many countries worldwide, it is now facing a new obstacle: vaping while traveling. Nowadays, vaping is banned in many Asian countries like Thailand and Singapore, but is it the same state of affair in Vietnam?

Thankfully, Yes, you can vape in Vietnam legally! You can freely vape in public when travelling to Vietnam, and you can even purchase a new vaporizer or oil in a shop. However, let’s read more to know the stance of the Vietnamese authorities about this “cloud chasing game”, and also where to find the best vape shops in the most popular destinations throughout Vietnam.

Does the Vietnamese Government Ban Vaping in the Country?

As a matter of fact, the Vietnamese Government has been struggling with chooing to either outlaw or legalize vaping in the country. You can tell that vaping is not illegal by easily spotting out people vaping on the streets in big cities, such as Hanoi and Saigon. There’s no discrimination against this action from other people around or even the police.

According to Chu Xuan Kien, Head of the Market Management Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the case of e-cigarettes and vape is tricky as it’s unclear whether those devices should be treated by law enforcement as traditional cigarettes or not. Other than that, Kien also stated that there were no specific rules against vaping in Vietnam that was introduced.

This brings hope to the vaping industry in Vietnam which has just taken off for several years now. Literally, you can search for several vape shops online in the big cities where could you travel to, and visit them to grab some juices on the spot. Just so you know, these shops are totally legal in what they are selling, so there are no concerns if you want to purchase vaporizers or juice in Vietnam.

Where Can You Vape in Vietnam?

You can vape either inside a vape shop or even on the streets! There’s no rules or sanctions with vaping just like I have mentioned above, however, please be mindful that vaping in public is still somehow affecting other people around you, especially in places where there are kids, pregnant people or the elderly. Which means even though vaping is not against the law, social etiquette is still a big consideration you may want to pay attention to.

I’ll let you in on a little secret: vaping is extremely popular in the backpacker areas such as Ta Hien Street in Hanoi and Bui Vien Street in Saigon, just to name a few.

Therefore, if you don’t want to ride the mist all alone, then don’t hesitate to come over to these areas, join the crowd and make some local friends as well.

Can You Bring Vape on the Airplane in Vietnam?

The answer is yes, as long as you agree to comply with the airline’s carriage conditions. As of the moment, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jetstar and Bamboo Airway have not yet introduced any regulation listing vape as a dangerous or restricted item.

However, since vape is formed by various different segments, such as the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and the nicotine filled e-juices, you should take care on how to properly handle and store these when travelling.

How to Fly with Your Vape?

• First, you need to put your juice in your check-in baggage while the battery in your hand luggage. As you may be aware, the vape is still an electronic device by itself, so it should be treated like any other electronic gadgets in your baggage, such as a laptop, smartphone, iPad and so on. Hence, all of the batteries, chargers and cable wires needs to be kept separately in their own plastic bags.
• Second, detach every single part of the device, put them into separate transparent bags and display them outside of your hand baggage when you are being processed for the security check. One thing you should bear in mind about the juice is that it should be stored in the same bag with your other liquids like shampoo or sunscreen. The limit for liquids is 100 millimeters per container and not more than 1 liter in total. Meanwhile, the vapor atomizer should be put in another transparent plastic bag without any liquid stored inside.
• Last but not the least, don’t forget about the fact that the vape juice can leak at any time during the flight, which is usually caused during the change in pressure. Any kind of liquid has a big chance of leaking and the vape juice is definitely one of them. That is the reason why the juice should always be kept in a different well-covered bottle and not in your atomizer.

If you take note of the tips mentioned above, this will surely smoothen your security check and hence help you stay away from unwanted situations. One of which could be the vape raising doubts to the security personnel and he or she may request you to open your bags wide for a double check!

If the security happens to ask you whether you have any E-devices along, then the best answer is always to declare that you have a vape in your bag and you’re ready to show them if needed.

One option you should consider when traveling from place to place is to look for a single-use e-cig to use during your travel. These disposable vaporizer usually look similar to analogue cigarettes and has been designed for ease of use, storage and if needed, disposal.

Depending on which airline you are taking, different policies for vapes can vary. You should closely check with your airline operators or scan through their luggage conditions on their website before deciding to put the electronic device into your luggage.

Where to Get Vape in Vietnam: Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City?

As mentioned, vaping is allowed in all regions across Vietnam. This has slightly raised the vape industry and turned it into a big culture here. In the most popular cities such as Hanoi in the North, Ho Chi Minh City in the South and Hoi An in Central Vietnam, there exist multiple popular vape shops that are highly praised by the locals. Let’s take a look!

In Hanoi

• The Vape Club – 63 To Hien Thanh, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.
• The Vape Hanoi – 6 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
• The Vapist Premium Vape Store – 137 Trieu Viet Vuong, Bui Thi Xuan, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.

In Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon

• MD Vapor – 205 Tran Huy Lieu, Ward 8, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Vape Saigon – 4B Tran Hung Dao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Vape Revolution Vietnam – 43 Co Bac, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• World Vape Shop – 150/34 Nguyen Trai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• E.C Workshop – Vape & E-Juice – 12/7 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Pexiga Vietvape – 57 Phan Dinh Phung, Ward 17, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City | 27 Nguyen Huu Tho, Tan Hung, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

In Hoi An

• Rin Vape Shop – Floor 2, 236 Ly Thuong Kiet, Cam Chau, Hoian, Quang Nam.
• Shop Vape and Juice – 561/7 Hai Ba Trung, Cam Pho, Hoian, Quang Nam.

 

Now that you know vaping is allowed in Vietnam, feel free to bring your vape along without further concerns. If this article helps you answer all of your questions about vaping in Vietnam, then don’t forget to share it with your friends!

Original Post Here: Can You Vape in Vietnam? : Full Guide to Vaping in Vietnam 2019

District 3, Saigon has been a part of my daily life for two years since I started my career as a freelance tour guide. As a guide, I like discovering new places in my free time, either by myself or with a group of friends. As a result, I found so many interesting things to do in my current area. District 3 to me is a quiet town where a majority of the middle-class Saigonese live. When darkness falls, District 3 starts coming to life as people from other parts of Saigon flock here for a night of stress-killing.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City District 3 at night?  District 3 nightlife has many coffee shops, boutique stores, hipster bars, restaurants, and clubs. Down below I will recommend my favorite spots to spend a night out in District 3. The price, vibe, and experience are different and diverse depending on which location you pick.

Feel free to mix and match from these recommendations to create a fun night out that is customized for you and friends! For me, a night date with my boyfriend would start with watching live music with a drink at the Acoustic Bar, then a lovely dinner at Shri, and a late night filled with dancing at the Social Club.

Acoustic Bar – Cafe Rock

Acoustic Bar to me is one of the leading bars with live music in Saigon. They hire fantastic bands who jam out classic rock ballads for customers to dance and sing to. These smart choices of rock ballad songs keep the faithful regulars coming back to the Acoustic Bar night after night. What we love about Acoustic Bar, besides the music, is the lounge itself which is not too big so we can actually feel the beat of the music.

There are several familiar bands playing at the bar each night as their regular customers always praise them highly. My favorites are the Stick-it-tu-da-man (Rock ballad), Akalika (Alternative Rock) and Acoustic Band (R&B, Pop Ballad, Blues).

When coming to the bar I would recommend taking a grab bike or taxi cab. Acoustic Bar is located at the end of an alley so parking is very limited. There are two things I would like to see improved in the future at the Acoustic Bar. The first is that smoking is allowed inside which becomes a bit heavy and smelly for non-smokers. My second suggestion is that the cocktails could have a better taste and variety if compared to other cocktail bars in the city. However, if you’re here just for the live music then a bottle of Strongbow or beer still works perfectly for a fun night out. For fans of rock out there, remember to come before 9:45 PM, as this is when the bands ignite the crowd with impressive rock beats! Afterwards, feel free to request your favorite songs for the band to play. These bandmates are always happy to please their fans!

Address: 6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, Ward 7, District 3, HCMC

Open hours: 06:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Phone number: (+84)816 777 773

Price: $

 

Biacraft Artisan Ales

I’m more than happy to include Biacraft Artisan Ales to any of my guests or friends every time they ask me for recommendations. I always come here at least once a month because Biacraft has the most extensive collection of craft beers in Vietnam, both locally brewed and imported.

The Space is cozy and delightful, which is fantastic for a discussion with customers, a romantic date, or simply a stress-killing night. Biacraft founders did an excellent job in offering a wide range of beers that differ in their taste and smell. The way they name their beers is cool and exceptional. You can find some beers with their funny names such as Holy Grail, Short But Arrogant, or Ugly But Vain. In addition to the beer itself, the food is very tasty. Biacraft offers some classic comfort food along with more creative dishes. I have really enjoyed their Chicken Skin Nachos, Fresh Oysters, and Fish and Chips. If you are craving some great craft beers and comfort food then don’t miss Biacraft for a night out in D3.

Address: 1 Le Ngo Cat Street, District 3, HCMC

Open hours: 11:00AM – 11:00PM

Phone number: (+84)2839 330 903

Price: $$

 

SOHY – Sky Lounge and Dining

SOHY comes to my mind when I need a panoramic view of the city and a deep conversation with my friends. To me, SOHY is a lot more than just being the highest rooftop lounge in Saigon.

My experiences with SOHY usually start at around 7 PM, a great time for dinner. I prefer booking a table for a group of 4 somewhere near the glass window. I enjoy the vibrant view when looking down at the buildings lit up at night. I’m a devoted fan of Vietnamese cuisine , but there are times when I’m desperate for a new cuisine to taste. That’s when SOHY pops up in my head with its wide range of European cuisine besides Vietnamese food.

Even though the food is very good, what I think SOHY does best is its theme as a drinking establishment rather than a restaurant. I prefer coming here for a glass of wine, and I love how diversified its wine choices are.

The space at SOHY is fancy, serene, charming, and cozy. Since the lounge attracts a huge number of celebrities in the city, the quality of staff, food and drinks are second to none, which make sense of the price. I think SOHY is a great choice for a drink at a rooftop lounge to enjoy the company of friends or a date. The price is on the expensive side so do expect to pay for the view.

Address: Floor 25-26 Centec Tower – 72 – 74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, HCMC.

Open hours: 5:30 PM – 1:30 AM

Phone number: (+84)907 878 778

Price: $$$

 

The Gangs – Grill and Beer

Beer and grilled meat definitely cannot go without each other, and The Gangs does a great job in combining the two together. This is indeed an exciting and popular spot where people can gather for a fun night out for delicious food and beers.

The Gangs offer both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, which I prefer the outdoor setting more as it’s spacious, refreshing, and better for smoky grills. The grilled meat platters here are all excellent in taste and diversity. When I come with my close friends, we go for The Gangs Meat Platter. On the platter my favorite dish is the lamb shank. The meat can sometimes be a bit on the chewy side, which is the preferred texture for Vietnamese. If this is an issue for you, please be sure to let your waitress know. The next thing I would say about The Gangs is the atmosphere is very lively and crowded. This is a typical example of a memorable hangout or even a date with someone you like. Hence, there’s no reason why you should skip this place when looking for what to do in Ho Chi Minh City District 3 at night!

The staff are active and quick when called, which means your girls’ night out or boys’ night out with beer, BBQ, talkfest, and laughter will be handled well with no issues. Some of their staff also speak a little bit of English to make it easier for travellers.

Address: 131 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, Ward 10, District 3, HCMC

Phone number: (+84)971 565 557

Open hours: 11:00 AM – 02:00 AM

Price: $$

 

The Square Restaurant – Novotel Saigon Centre

Since I’m a big fan of casual fun talk and crowded nightlife, I don’t really go to a buffet restaurant quite often. In case I need some changes once in a while, I’ll be opting for The Square Restaurant at Novotel Saigon Centre for their famous seafood buffet. The Square is located on the second floor of 4-star hotel in District 3 – Novotel Saigon Centre. That’s why interior decoration and staff quality are undoubtedly excellent. This open kitchen allows you to feast in a wide array of Asian – European cuisine every day, where you can observe the cooking process up-close.

The seafood buffet is universally praised by patrons of the restaurant. Their seafood is fresh, tasty and diverse, which comes in a range of about 50 – 70 different dishes. Oysters, lobsters, crabs and fish can be grilled upon request. Sushi and desserts are available as well. While an expensive option, this is an excellent and fancy choice for a night out on the town.

Address: Novotel Saigon Centre – 167 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3, HCMC.

Open hours: 06:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

Phone number: (+84)2838 224 866

Price: $$$

 

Rico Taco Saigon

Rico Taco is where big fans of authentic Mexican food can satisfy their needs when in District 3, Saigon. I’m honestly not an expert when it comes to Mexican food, but Fish Taco here really wake up my taste buds. It’s crispy and delicious with a sweet corn salsa. I highly recommend Fish Tacos for anyone intending to check it out.

At Rico Taco Saigon, the staff are well-trained and the atmosphere is perfect. There are two dining sections, one with A/C indoor and one outdoor. The Mexican background music boosts the dining space even more. They also offer pizza for those who aren’t in the mood for traditional mexican fare.

 

Address: 29 Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, District 3, HCMC

Phone number: (+84)2839 300 233

Open hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Price: $$

 

Shri Restaurant and Lounge

It’s not hard to find Shri mentioned in multiple platforms and blogs advising people where to have fun in District 3 at night. What I like about Shri beside its fantastic view are the food and drink selections.

Shri is well known for its stunning view from the outside patio on the 23rd floor. While Shri does serve food throughout the day on their lunch and dinner menu, I highly recommend checking out the Bar and Tapas menu for some small plates. This will go great with a cocktail on the patio as you sit and enjoy the gorgeous view of the city with a drink in your hand. I would recommend Shri for a romantic view and some cocktails with your significant other or a quiet conversation with a group of friends.

Address: Floor 23, Centec Tower – 72-74, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, HCMC

Open hours: Mon – Fri: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM | Sat – Sun: 04:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Phone number: (+84)2838 279 631

Price: $$$

 

Social Club – Hotel Des Art

Sitting up above the rooftop of the Hôtel des Arts Saigon, Social Club Rooftop Bar is where I drop by for an overview of the hectic streets of District 3 down below. The first time I came to Social Club, I was joining a networking event by Travel Massive. I knew right away I would be back soon.

You will find a setting of standing tables and  tall chairs scattered throughout the outside lounge, which is a thoughtful design for different group sizes. The quiet and high-end atmosphere here makes it perfect for a meet-up with customers or a date.

I don’t just come here for a sip of cocktails, because the vibrant ambient music and DJs playing also help chase my stress away, especially at the end of a hard-working day. Uplifting music by the local DJ is in between 8:30 PM and 1:00 AM weekdays, and 8:30 PM – 2:00 AM weekend. Social Club’s staff are fluent in English, well-trained, and active. If you are staying nearby this area, you may consider coming here at least once during your stay.

Address: 76 78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, HCMC

Phone number: (+84)2839 898 888

Open hours: 12:05 PM – 12:00 AM

Price: $$$

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City District 3 at night? It’s not a problem anymore with the list above. I believe you will have up to two or three fun nights out with these 8 places. Feel free to save this list for later use and don’t hesitate to share it with your friends!

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