Rex Hotel Rooftop Garden Bar
An iconic Saigon rooftop bar blending history, colonial charm, and stunning city views with nightly live music.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the morning sun
Rex Hotel Rooftop Garden Bar
Best Time
Avoid the morning sun

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Saigon rooftop bar blending history, colonial charm, and stunning city views with nightly live music.
"A time-honored icon nestled in history with a prime vantage point over Saigon's heart."
🎯 Check Live Music Schedule
Inquire about the band's schedule to enjoy live music during your visit.
☀️ Afternoon is Comfier
Mornings can be too sunny; afternoons offer a more pleasant outdoor experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Saigon Views
5th Floor
Sweeping vistas of Nguyen Hue street, the Opera House, and People's Committee Hall. Landmarks feel close and vivid.

Live Music Performances
Enjoy nightly sets ranging from jazz to acoustic and flamenco, adding a lively ambiance to your visit.

Historic 'Five O'Clock Follies' Vibe
Experience the atmosphere where war correspondents once gathered, a unique blend of history and modern Saigon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History and the Vibe
Timing is Key for Views and Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Live Music Schedule
Inquire about the band's schedule to enjoy live music during your visit.
☀️ Afternoon is Comfier
Mornings can be too sunny; afternoons offer a more pleasant outdoor experience.
🥂 Book for Events
Part of the space may be booked for events; check availability for evening entertainment.
🍹 Cocktails & Mocktails
Enjoy a range of cocktails and mocktails, with some guests receiving complimentary options.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Live Music Schedule
Inquire about the band's schedule to enjoy live music during your visit.
☀️ Afternoon is Comfier
Mornings can be too sunny; afternoons offer a more pleasant outdoor experience.
🥂 Book for Events
Part of the space may be booked for events; check availability for evening entertainment.
🍹 Cocktails & Mocktails
Enjoy a range of cocktails and mocktails, with some guests receiving complimentary options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Rex Hotel Rooftop Garden Bar for its iconic historical significance, stunning panoramic views of Saigon, and classic ambiance enhanced by nightly live music. While the food is often described as average and service can be slow, the overall experience is elevated by the unique atmosphere and prime location.
"Great Foods, Drinks and the View !
Why Visit
A time-honored icon nestled in history
This rooftop bar once served as a hangout for war correspondents and US military officers during the Vietnam War—famously linked to the "Five O'Clock Follies."
Prime vantage point over Saigon’s heart
Located on the 5th floor, it offers sweeping views of Nguyen Hue, including the Opera House and the People’s Committee Hall—thanks to its lower elevation, the landmarks feel close and vivid.
Classic atmosphere with nightly live music
The place blends colonial charm with a garden terrace aesthetic—wooden decking, bonsai, decorative statues—and hosts live performances ranging from jazz to acoustic and flamenco."
Paul Parent
"📍UNIQUE dining location at CENTRAL CITY !
For celebration of Union Day, our fam enjoyed the breakfast at the iconic REX hotel. Been there a few times for drinks & sightseeing.
Drinks starting from 180k ~7$ & breakfast (either phở, bún bò, miến) starting from 280k - 10$-12$). Meals were relatively slow to be served.
Vibe is definitely the reason to come; however, I prefer afternoon dining, as morning was to sunny to stay outside.
Mine was bún bò huế; they carefully peal the beef from knuckle before serve; so no messy eating 👌. Food was average at best; it wasn’t our priority so no big deal. 4.5 mil ~ 175$ for 8 pax - nice for these special visits."
Nhan To
"Just dropped in for a drink before the Opera. We had a banana/strawberry smoothie and a Red Label beer. Total cost was d239000.
The hotel and restaurant are extremely elegant. We thoroughly enjoyed the break."
Geoff Lewis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rex Hotel Rooftop Garden Bar is located on the 5th floor of the iconic Rex Hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It's easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services, situated centrally on Nguyen Hue Street, making it a convenient destination for exploring the city.
Yes, the Rex Hotel is a well-known landmark in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The rooftop bar is on the 5th floor, so look for signs directing you to the rooftop or ask hotel staff for assistance.
From Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Grab. The journey typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, typically you do not need to purchase separate tickets to enter the Rex Hotel Rooftop Garden Bar. Entry is usually free, and you pay for your food and drinks. However, it's advisable to check if there are any special events or cover charges.
The rooftop bar is generally open throughout the day and into the evening, offering breakfast, drinks, and dining. Specific hours can vary, and it's best to confirm directly with the hotel, especially for live music times.
While not strictly enforced, smart casual attire is recommended to match the elegant atmosphere of the Rex Hotel. Avoid beachwear or overly casual clothing, especially for evening visits.
Reservations are recommended, especially for evening dining or if you wish to secure a table with a good view, as parts of the rooftop can be booked for private events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll get a prime vantage point overlooking Saigon's heart, including Nguyen Hue Street, the Opera House, and the People's Committee Hall. The lower elevation makes the landmarks feel very close and vivid.
Yes, the bar features nightly live music performances, ranging from jazz to acoustic and flamenco, adding to the classic atmosphere.
The atmosphere is a blend of colonial charm and a garden terrace aesthetic, with wooden decking, bonsai trees, and decorative statues, creating a classic and elegant setting.
Yes, families can enjoy the breakfast and sightseeing opportunities. However, the evening atmosphere with live music might be more suited for adults.
Anywhere with a clear view of the city landmarks will offer great photo opportunities. The garden elements also provide charming backdrops.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The menu includes options like pho, bun bo, mien, and smoked salmon banh mi. They also offer steak and seafood on a hot stone, though food quality is sometimes described as average.
Drinks start around 180,000 VND (~$7 USD), and breakfast items like pho are priced from 280,000 VND (~$10-12 USD). Meals can be slow to serve.
While specific options aren't detailed, the menu includes noodle dishes and other Vietnamese staples that may have vegetarian variations. It's best to inquire with the staff.
Yes, the Rex Hotel offers breakfast at its rooftop location, with options like pho, bun bo, and mien.
Some reviews mention that meals can be relatively slow to be served, so factor this into your dining plans.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for cityscapes and portraits. Evenings provide a different charm with the city lights.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photoshoots might require prior permission.
The panoramic city views are a major draw. The garden elements, colonial architecture, and live musicians also make for great shots.
Yes, you can usually take photos of the live bands, but be mindful of not obstructing their performance or other guests' views.
A versatile lens for cityscapes and portraits would be ideal. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also sufficient for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's important to note that the atmosphere can shift in the evening with live music and a more adult-oriented crowd. Mornings can also be quite sunny, so consider bringing hats or seeking shaded areas. While the food is generally considered average, the unique setting and historical context make it a worthwhile stop for families looking for a memorable experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during happy hour if available, or opt for a single drink to soak in the atmosphere. Breakfast options are also priced relatively affordably for a hotel of this caliber, offering a chance to experience the iconic location without a significant splurge.
💖 Couples
For an even more intimate experience, try to secure a table with a prime view. The garden terrace elements add to the charm, making it a picturesque spot for couples looking to enjoy good drinks and conversation in a sophisticated yet relaxed environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
This historical context adds a layer of depth to the experience, making it more than just a place for drinks and views. It's a chance to connect with a significant part of the city's past while enjoying modern amenities. The blend of colonial charm in the hotel's architecture and the garden terrace aesthetic of the rooftop further enhances this historical immersion.
The Art of the Rooftop View
The views are particularly captivating during the 'golden hour' before sunset, casting a warm glow over the city, and at night when the urban landscape transforms into a glittering tapestry of lights. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely breakfast or a cocktail in the evening, the ever-present cityscape serves as a stunning backdrop, making every moment memorable.
Evening Ambiance and Entertainment
While the live music is a major draw, it's worth noting that parts of the rooftop may be reserved for private events, which could affect the general seating availability or introduce ambient noise from receptions. Therefore, checking in advance or arriving early is advisable to ensure the best experience, especially if you're looking forward to enjoying the music and city lights.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit