Vietnam
On of the city's most popular restuarants as evidenced by the lunchtime and evening queues.
Vietnamese cuisine served in an airy courtyard.
Good value.
138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia
Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
(0)8 829 9449
Google map: tinyurl.com/ybzyy99
An area that is regarded as Ho Chi Minh's backpacker area. The Vietnamese equivalent to Bangkok's Kao San Road.
Plenty of bars (Go2 bar, Crazy Buffalo), travel agencies etc.
Centred around De Tham street
Google map: tinyurl.com/y86tlb6
A (wine) bar that specialises in Asian tapas with an emphasis on seafood.
Variety of wines by glass / bottle.
UK prices.
110 Pasteur Street, District 1 just off Le Loi.
Great rooftop drinks and fantastic views of historic HCMC centre from this 20th floor bar and terrace, and one of the pluses is that because you're in it, this modern edifice isn't spoiling your view as it towers over the Opera House, Post Office, Rex Hotel and Notre Dame Cathedral. Hang on to your money in the breeze for the sake of the waiters. A couple of notes we were leaving for a tip blew through the balustrade, and the waiter leapt over onto a narrow 20th floor ledge to rescue them before we could offer replacements. Good service or madness?
On Dong Khoi, the French and Americans famous Rue Catinat, at Lam Son Square
www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury_hotel/ho_chi_minh_city/caravelle_hotel
An offshoot from Le PUB Hanoi, this bar located in the backpacker area of HCMC is a refreshing change to the regular places in the area. Fantastic music, free wifi, well-priced excellent food and a huge selection of drinks, coffee and smoothies makes it a great spot for people watching.
175/22 Pham Ngu Lao. Dist 1, HCMC
08 837 7679
le.pub.saigon@gmail.com
Many excellent bars for westerners in downtown Saigon (District 1), such as:
Number 5, 5 Ly Tu Trong;
Bottom Line, 21 Ton Duc Thang;
Nguyen Du Brauhof, 98 Nguyen Du;
Sheridan's 17/13 Le Thanh Ton;
Rex Rooftop Bar, Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Du.
See more on our magazine Saigon Inside Out.
Head up to the Caravelle Hotel's rooftop bar in the evening and watch the sun set over Ho Chi Minh City.
Non-residents are welcome, although it's probably a good idea not to turn up in a scruffy T-shirt and shorts.
It's a five-star hotel, so expect to pay five-star prices, but it's worth it for the view.
19 Lam Son Square, District 1.
www.caravellehotel.com/
Search Been there