Thao Dien is the riverside neighbourhood in the old District 2 that expats call “the bubble”, and it has more good bars per street than anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City outside District 1. These are the bars in Thao Dien we actually send friends to, grouped by the kind of night you want.
A quiet glass of wine, a serious cocktail, a cheap pint with the regulars, or a drink on the river: each has its own section below. Eight of these bars are Saigon Scene partners, linked in each entry, and give members 10% off with the Saigon Scene app.
The Sophisticates: For Wine, Whiskey, and Artisanal Cocktails
For those evenings that call for refined tastes and intimate conversations, these venues offer exceptional quality in a stylish setting.
MAD Wine Bar: A Chic European Courtyard
Tucked away on the bustling Xuan Thuy street, MAD Wine Bar feels like a secret Parisian garden. Its leafy, romantic courtyard is one of the most beautiful settings in Thao Dien for an evening drink. As the name suggests, wine is the star here, with a meticulously curated global selection. The highly trained staff act as friendly sommeliers, ready to guide you to the perfect bottle, whether it’s a crisp Chablis for a warm evening or a bold Bordeaux. Paired with their excellent cheese and charcuterie boards, it’s an experience that’s hard to beat.
DRAM Bar: A Moody Den for Mixology Masters
If your passion is for cocktails crafted with precision and artistry, DRAM is your sanctuary. This bar elevates mixology to a new level with a menu of both classic and innovative concoctions. The atmosphere is dark, intimate, and sophisticated, with plush leather booths, a stylish pool table, and dim lighting that showcases the impressive back bar. It’s the ideal spot for a date night or a deep conversation, where the quality of the drink in your hand is the main event.
86 Proof: A Whiskey Lover’s Library
For the discerning whiskey drinker, 86 Proof is an essential destination. Boasting one of Vietnam’s most extensive whiskey collections, this is a place to linger and explore. From smooth Japanese single malts to peaty Scotch and classic American bourbons, the menu is a journey in itself. The bartenders are true experts, equally capable of recommending a neat pour or crafting Saigon’s most iconic Whiskey Sour. With a relaxed outdoor patio overlooking Xuan Thuy, it’s a mature and sophisticated hideaway from the street’s livelier spots.
The High-Energy Hubs: For Sunsets, Socializing, and Dancing
When the goal is to see and be seen, meet new people, and soak in a vibrant atmosphere, these social powerhouses deliver.
Le Café des Stagiaires: The All-in-One Social Experience
It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love Le Café des Stagiaires, simply because it offers something for every mood across its multiple floors. Start on the ground floor for a casual street-side beer. Discover the “secret” fridge door that leads to an indoor pétanque court for some friendly competition. As the night progresses, head to the middle floor, a dedicated party space with great DJs and a huge dancefloor. But the crown jewel is the rooftop, offering unparalleled, panoramic views of the Saigon River and the Landmark 81 tower. Arrive around 5 PM to watch a spectacular sunset.
The Racha Room: Thai Spice and Cocktail Seduction
The Racha Room brings a fusion of bold Asian flavors to Thao Dien’s cocktail scene. The decor is stylish and modern, and the inventive drinks are often inspired by Thai ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime, and chili. It’s a sensory experience where the food and drinks are designed to complement each other perfectly. Don’t miss their legendary Happy Hour, which often features half-price cocktails and delicious dumplings—a fantastic way to kick off an evening.
Hem Chill: A Korean Soju Party in the Heart of Thao Dien
Capturing the vibrant, youthful energy of a night out in Seoul, Hem Chill is a hub of Korean street food culture. The decor is bright and playful, the music is often live or features K-pop hits, and the atmosphere is always buzzing. It’s the perfect spot for a fun, unpretentious night with a group of friends, fueled by affordable soju cocktails, Korean beer, and delicious street food snacks.
The Casual Hangouts: For a Chill Pint and Good Company
Sometimes you just want a relaxed, no-fuss spot to play some pool, watch a game, or catch up with friends. These are the pillars of Thao Dien’s pub scene. If a proper craft pint is the whole point, see our pick of the craft beer taprooms in Saigon.
High Tide & Buddha Bar: The Enduring Community Hubs
High Tide and Buddha Bar are true Thao Dien institutions, long-standing favorites for both locals and expats. These are the quintessential pubs: welcoming, lively, and equipped with everything you need for a classic pub night. With big screens for sports, pool tables, dartboards, and regular live music, they function as community hubs where you can always find a friendly crowd and a cold pint of beer. High Tide’s chicken wings are legendary for a reason.
Play! Bar & TD Lounge: Your Friendly Neighbourhood Watering Holes
Offering some of the best value in Thao Dien, Play! Bar and the newly refurbished TD Lounge are fantastic all-rounders. They are the perfect spots for a casual hangout, with outdoor seating, pool tables, and affordable drinks. Play! is especially known for its late-night scene, often keeping the party going when other places have wound down. Both are reliable choices for a low-key, fun evening.
Umbala: Thảo Điền’s Live Music Room
Umbala is Thao Dien’s live music room, upstairs at 14 Đường Số 11. It is the same address that traded for years as Bardo Cocktails & Arts, reshaped by the same owner into a venue built around live music and events. What is on changes week to week, so check the listings before you go. Saigon Scene members get 10% off the bill.
The Riverside Retreat: For a Touch of Luxury
CLAY: Wood-Fired Dinner and Cocktails on the River
CLAY sits right on the Saigon River at 18 Street 6, An Khánh (formerly Thảo Điền), and it is the pick in the neighbourhood if you want dinner and drinks in one place with the water in front of you. The kitchen cooks over wood fire and the cocktail list is built for a long evening, so come for sunset, get a table by the river and stay. Mediterranean-style terrace, a lot of greenery, a good date-night call. There is Duvel too, if beer is more your thing.
10% off at CLAY with the Saigon Scene app.
The Deck: Saigon’s Premier Waterfront Escape
For a truly special occasion, The Deck offers an experience of serene luxury. Its picturesque setting directly on the banks of the Saigon River provides a tranquil escape from the city’s chaos. This is the place for sipping expertly crafted sunset cocktails while watching boats drift by, or indulging in a gourmet meal under the stars. It’s one of Saigon’s most iconic and romantic venues, and a visit is always a memorable affair.
Thao Dien’s bar scene is a rich and diverse tapestry, offering a perfect venue for every possible mood or occasion. From the most sophisticated cocktail lounges to the most relaxed, unpretentious pubs, the neighborhood proves that you never have to travel far to find your ideal night out. So gather your friends, pick your vibe, and dive into the endless energy of Thao Dien. If the night takes you over the bridge to District 1, our guide to where to go out in Saigon covers the rest of the city.
Bars in Thao Dien: frequently asked questions
Q: What is the general price for a drink in Thao Dien’s bars?
A: Thao Dien caters to a wide range of budgets. You can expect:
- Casual Pubs ($$): A local draft beer costs around 70,000 – 90,000 VND.
- Mid-Range Bars ($$$): Cocktails and glasses of wine typically range from 150,000 – 250,000 VND.
- Upscale Lounges ($$$$): Signature cocktails or premium spirits can cost 250,000 VND and up.
Q: Is there a dress code for bars in Thao Dien?
A: It depends on the venue. For the casual pubs like High Tide or Buddha Bar, the dress code is very relaxed. For the more upscale spots like MAD Wine Bar, DRAM, or The Deck, smart casual attire is expected. It’s best to avoid shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops at these more sophisticated establishments.
Q: Do I need to make a reservation for bars in Thao Dien?
A: For the casual pubs, a reservation is usually not necessary. However, for the more popular and upscale venues like Le Café des Stagiaires (for the rooftop), The Deck, and MAD Wine Bar, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially on weekend evenings, to secure a good table.
Q: What is the best way to get around between bars in Thao Dien?
A: Thao Dien is quite spread out, so walking between all the bars can be time-consuming. The most convenient way to bar-hop is by using ride-hailing services like Grab Bike or Gojek, which are fast, affordable, and readily available throughout the area.
