9 At night, authentically local activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon comes alive at night with a plethora of people making their way through the city and an electrifying energy. My articles, written by an insider in Saigon, will outline some of the things to do on your fantastic night out in the city. Rooftops and bars are places to socialize and meet new people, but those activities seem very Westernized to me. Please pardon me when I only discuss local activities in this article instead of all the Western-style ones. Below are the top 9 local things to do in Ho Chi Minh city at night.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh city at night

1. Ca Phe Bet near the Notre Dame Cathedral

"Ca Phe Bet" refers to drinking while seated on level ground.

Coffee after 3 p.m. seems like something most people should avoid doing. However, for this unique local experience, head to the Ca Phe Bet park, which is adjacent to the Cathedral. The name of this park, Ca Phe Bet, literally translates to "coffee on the flat ground," and it is situated between two major roads in District 1, Le Duan and Pasteur. You can see the locals, who are between the ages of 15 and 25, sitting in big or small groups and chatting the night away there starting at 5 p.m. Some bring their musical instruments like acoustic guitars, others sing. You feel hopeful about the nation's future because of its youthful energy.

Ca Phe Bet

As I mentioned, if you are not into coffee after 3 p.m., stop by this place for some locally sourced food. Popular in the park are street vendors who will give you some cardboard to lay down on the concrete or newspapers. You can order a drink, stir-fried corn, or grilled rice paper while you are seated on them.

Pocket tip:

– If you’re sitting in the park then man approach you to offer the shoes cleaning services, just say no. It’s a common scam in Vietnam. They will clean your shoes then charge you with the big bill.
– Local food at Ca Phe Bet park is often less than 50,000 vnd per item. Check your local currency carefully.

2. Discover Pham Ngu Lao area and drink Saigon beer

Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area

This is the place to try 30 cent beers if you have never heard of them. It might be a good idea to order Saigon Special beer and hang out with your friends. There are a lot of street food vendors in this area. You can easily locate the popular street food items, such as the fried corn Bap Xao, egg balut Hot Vit Lon, and fry squids hanging down over a charcoal fire with bottled chili sauce. Sipping a beer while observing the people walking past you, fully embracing this never-ending Saigon metropolis, and honoring all the distinctions you have encountered on your journey to end your day. Additionally, there are many restaurants that serve irresistible late-night bites.

Saigon Special beer

Pocket tip:
- When traveling in Southeast Asia, it seems common sense to be aware of your possessions. Get comfortable walking around in sandals or a decent pair of shoes.
- Would you be willing to test your survival skills with a two-dollar daily budget? The good news is that the challenge has been completed—one Saigon Special beer and one street food!

3. Nguyen Hue walking street at night

A corner of Nguyen Hue walking street

A wide pedestrian promenade called Nguyen Hue Street runs through the heart of District 1's city center. Magnificent examples of French colonial architecture, such as the People's Committee, the Rex Hotel, and an upscale mall, border this pedestrian zone. A nighttime fountain show and a statue of Uncle Ho Chi Minh are located in front of the People's Committee. The Saigon River is located at the opposite end of the promenade, and from there you can take in some lovely views and a cool breeze. It takes about ten minutes to walk between one end of the street and the other, and you will pass by some excellent eateries and bars. Taking a stroll along Nguyen Hue Street or relaxing on one of the benches allows you to observe locals going about their everyday lives.

As you can see, Ho Chi Minh City is quite crowded. As such, locals should definitely visit this location to enjoy some fresh air and street performances. Parents enjoy bringing their children here to purchase toys from the vendors.

4. District 7 and the Starlight bridge

District 7 is more quiet and serene than other districts, which have buzzing lights and noises. An ideal retreat to rejuvenate, decompress, and escape the bustle of the city. Strolling by Crescent Lake, one of the area's attractions, can make for a perfect night. Venturing through an open, airy space is incredibly soothing.

Things to do in ho chi minh at night

The Starlight Bridge transforms into a light show at night that makes the area even more enchanting and gives you the impression that you are strolling among the stars. If you do not mind sharing the moment with throngs of other enamored couples brandishing selfie sticks, the pedestrian bridge is an ideal location for an evening stroll.

6. Enjoy live music in coffee shops at night

Music is great. Your night can be exciting and soulful if you listen to a local band perform songs in English. There are hundreds of coffee shops in the town, and each one offers its customers a different atmosphere and environment in addition to great coffee. These can be divided into three categories based on my observations over the years: garden cafes, vintage cafes, and "modern" cafes. Additionally, some of them host live performances by skilled singers, guitarists, and violinists at night in addition to candlelight.

Cafe Ngoi Nha So 7

Some live music coffee shops:

+ No. 7 Cafe House– 7 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Ward 7, District 3, HCMC
+ Gu Cafe – 145 D3, Binh Thanh District, HCMC
+ Cõi Riêng Cafe – 334A Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Ward 2, Tân Bình District, HCMC

7. Dine along the streets

Another version of Banh Mi

In Ho Chi Minh City, street food vendors emerge at night, much like vampires. The city is filled with numerous stands, both individual and collective. After a long day at work, locals adore relaxing on the sidewalks with a steaming bowl of soup or a plate of rice. See Co Giang and Co Bac, two of the most well-liked alleyways for street food. You will pay one or two dollars for the majority of the dishes here.

Scooter food tour with the female bikers

Pocket tips:

– If you are a street food fan, check it out our top street food paradise in Ho Chi Minh city. Co Bac Street and Co Giang Street in District 1 are the well-known ones.
– Vietnamese street food is yummy, but make sure you leave some space for the next dishes so that you can try a little bit of everything.
– Eat the local street food, use the local transport if possible too, which is the motorbike.

8. Sing your heart out at karaoke in Ho Chi Minh city at night

Vietnam has elevated the beloved Asian past time of karaoke to a whole new level. There are enormous lounges that are opulently decorated, as though they are ready for royalty. For as little as USD $30.00 per group, rooms can be reserved; this price includes hours of loud music, finger food, and drinks. Would you like to belt out some Backstreet Boys, Avril Lavigne, Guns 'n' Roses, or Outkast songs? No problem. The playlists are endless. The most well-liked karaoke bars in the area are King Karaoke and Nice Karaoke.

Karaoke is fun

Pocket tips:

– Vietnamese love singing. Try your hand at singing even if you are not comfortable with your voice. Be bold and courageous. Follow the Vietnamese lead when visiting Vietnam.
– Go with at least one of your local friends if possible. Even though the song lyrics are displayed on the karaoke TV, watching your friends sing locally may entice you to join in on the fun.

9. Getting around the city at night with the green bikers Grab

Grab takes over Uber

Motorbikes rules the city

While exploring the city on a scooter to find the best food and hidden gems can be enjoyable, having a driver or tour guide who speaks English is not always necessary. In this instance, using Grab is fantastic because it allows you to utilize the local transportation system.

Similar to Uber, Grab provides you with bikes in addition to taxis. Strolling around the city's pedestrian areas and wondering why green helmets and jackets are so popular. You know the answer: they are drivers for Grab. In 2018, Uber sold to Grab and left Vietnam because it could not compete with Grab's local knowledge advantages throughout Southeast Asia.

Your driver will arrive at your location for the pickup in approximately five to ten minutes after you confirm your ride via the app. If you are fortunate enough to find a driver who speaks a little bit of English, you should ask them a few basic questions, such as where they are from and if they enjoy their work. You will notice that they are making an effort to have a friendly conversation in English and are only asking for your business.

Pocket tips:

– Since most of Grab drivers don’t speak English. Occasionally the driver pulls up right next to you, but he does not always hesitate to call you to ask who is staying. In this situation, would you kindly assist them by searching the area for the helmets and green jacket? He will appreciate your help.
– Although tipping is not popular in Vietnamese culture. They will be overjoyed with a 10,000 or 20,000 vnd donation. Since that amount of money is less than $1, please be kind and help the community members.
– Going for a night drive is fun when the roads are a little less crowded, giving more freedom than during daytime.

Above is the best local things to do in Saigon at night I want to suggest when you travel to our city. Please feel free to remark and ask questions. If you decide to take a solo tour of the city, that is excellent. But in case you want an in-depth experience, you can check out the Saigon Evening Street Food Tour by Scooters, provided by the #GirlPower female rider of Saigon Kiss Tours.

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