The entrance to this spot is brilliant. From the street, it looks exactly like a functioning ATM booth. Open the secret door inside the booth, and you’ll step through a narrow path into a massive, luxurious lounge that smells of rich agarwood. The classic, cozy decor paired with smooth jazz sets the perfect mood for their standout spicy Margaritas.

• Address: Nguyen Binh Khiem St, Da Kao Ward, District 1, HCMC.

Nestled on the first floor of an old building, Firkin is marked only by a matte black door with a subtle letter “f”. Walk up the long staircase to find a sleek, sophisticated sanctuary dedicated to whiskey lovers. Their menu features pages of premium labels, but the move here is ordering “bespoke”—tell the bartender your mood, and they will craft a custom drink just for you.

• Address: Mac Thi Buoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.

Hidden on the second floor of a weathered colonial building, Layla brings a fresh, leafy green aesthetic indoors. It strikes a beautiful balance between a relaxed country house and a modern industrial lounge. Complete with leather sofas, a pool table, and an outdoor terrace for smokers, it’s an ideal spot for a low-key night out with friends.

• Address: Dong Du St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.

Housed in a 150-year-old French colonial building, this bar lives up to its name as a “hospital for the soul.” The design preserves the original orange-brick walls and concrete pillars, mixed with raw steel for a contemporary industrial vibe. They are famous for their house-made fruit and herb infusions and an impressive gin collection.

• Address: Ham Nghi St, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, HCMC.

This is a true “hidden gem” hidden behind peeling staircases with absolutely no signage. Inside, the bar feels like a scene straight out of a classic Wong Kar-wai film—cinematic, poetic, and beautifully nostalgic. Their whiskey menu is uniquely divided by flavor profiles and the exact emotional state the drink will evoke.

• Address: Nguyen Hue St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.

Tucked down a quiet alley, The Gin House welcomes guests with a heavy wooden door and a dramatic red velvet curtain. Known as the mecca of gin in Saigon, this cozy lounge specializes in house-infused gins using local Vietnamese herbs and tropical fruits. The low, moody lighting makes it incredibly “chill.”

• Address: Ton That Tung St, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC.

Finding PK Maltroom requires navigating an alley, passing a French restaurant, and heading up to the first floor. It’s an intimate, nostalgic space where the owners will gladly share the history and distillery stories behind every bottle on the shelf. It’s the ultimate living-room style bar for premium single malts.

• Address: Vo Vin Tan St, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC.

Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this underground bar requires you to step “down the rabbit hole.” It features a classic American speakeasy vibe with sophisticated dim lighting and a stellar list of avant-garde cocktails. It is a quiet, intellectual retreat right beneath the bustling heart of the city.

• Address: Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, HCMC.

Located inside the ultra-luxury Park Hyatt hotel, the Martini Bar offers a sophisticated, 5-star interpretation of the classic lounge. It is the premier destination for successful entrepreneurs and international travelers looking for timeless cocktails like the Smoky Uncle Tam or a sharp Saigon Coffee Martini.

• Address: 2 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.

Perched on the first floor of a historic apartment block in the old banking district, The Iron Bank feels instantly warm and rustic with its exposed brick walls and flickering candlelight. Their creative menu is famously split into three eras: “New Money” (innovative signatures), “Old Money” (timeless classics), and “Local Cocktails” utilizing traditional Vietnamese rice wines.

• Address: Ton That Dam St, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, HCMC.