Last Updated: July 3, 2024
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Restaurants And Romantic Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City – Voted by Vietnam Is Awesome Community

Are you in pursuit of the most romantic experiences in Ho Chi Minh City or perhaps seeking a memorable date night idea to cherish your time together? Look no further. Our community members have meticulously selected and curated a collection of the city’s most enchanting cafes, restaurants, and activities each designed to kindle the flames of romance.

Explore intimate dining spots with breathtaking views, uncover hidden gems and discover unique, budget-friendly date ideas. Here, in the heart of this vibrant city, you’ll find the perfect setting to express your love and create memories together.

Romantic Restaurants, Bars & Cafes

From the city’s network of hidden alleys to the rebuilt apartments lining the Nguyen Hue Walking Street promenade, Ho Chi Minh is full of romantic cafes and eateries. You need to know where to look, though! Whether you are searching for a romantic night out at a restaurant with your significant other or you are getting to know a new date over coffee, let us guide you through a few of our favorites.

Note that this guide will not focus on Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife scene, which offers a different, faster-paced type of romance.

1. Enjoy Sunset and Drinks with Panoramic City Views

Top Pick: Experience elegance at Landmark 81′

From upscale restaurants to casual eateries, Landmark 81 offers a variety of dining experiences set against the backdrop of panoramic cityscapes and the tranquil river.

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Bitexco, one of the landmarks of HCMC. Photo by VIA Ambassador Adrien Jean
Ussina Sky 77 Restaurant 

Ussina restaurant is a beloved dining spot, renowned for its prime location, spacious ambiance, and diverse cuisine. Perched on the 77th floor of Landmark 81, it offers unparalleled city views and a unique dining journey at Cloud 9, making it a top choice. 

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Photo by Ussina Sky 77 Restaurant – Vincom Landmark 81
The Truffle Saigon 

Perched atop the 73rd floor of Landmark 81, The Truffle has been a celebrated icon in Vietnam for over 4 years. The Truffle invites guests into a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere, where every visit promises a unique culinary journey with a meticulously curated menu that evolves every two months.

truffle restaurant saigon
Photo by Truffle Restaurant
S79 – Skyline Dining

S°79, perched on the 79th floor of the Landmark Building, celebrates simplicity with hidden beauty. Their chefs have reimagined classic dishes with innovative cooking techniques, introducing a fusion of Asian ingredients with Western and Japanese influences.

Landmark 81 stands as an exceptional choice for dining with its array of restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences. Each restaurant on its soaring floors promises not only exquisite food but also breathtaking views of Ho Chi Minh City.

S°79 – Skyline Dining
Photo by S79 – Japanese Teppanyaki

2. Indulge in a Boozy Brunch

Top Pick: The Vintage Emporium

You don’t always need sunset views, candles, or classical musicians playing in the background to be romantic. Sometimes, a fantastic brunch, chic decor, and a delicious menu are enough! The Vintage Emporium has all of that and more, with two outlets in District 1 and District 2 that both feature bistro-style decor, a unique drinks menu, and an all-day brunch.

Addresses: 95 Nguyen Van Thu, District 1; 1 Street Number 39, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

The Vintage Emporium - Restaurants And Romantic Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City - Voted by Vietnam Is Awesome Community
Photo by The Vintage Emporium

3. Chat & Hangout Over Coffee

Savoring a coffee with your significant other is a delightful experience that blends the vibrant energy of the city with intimate moments. Engaging in heartfelt conversations while seated at a charming café, savoring the rich aroma of freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee is a perfect way to connect and create lasting memories together.

Top Pick For Specialty Coffee: The Hummingbird Cafe 

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Photo by Hummingbird

The Hummingbird Cafe is a haven for coffee enthusiasts in Saigon, celebrated for its dedication to specialty brews. Nestled in a cozy corner of the city, this charming café exudes warmth and tranquility, offering a retreat from the bustling streets outside. 

Address: 103BIS Đ. Võ Thị Sáu, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh

Top Pick for Local Style Coffee: Thaiyen Cafe

Thaiyen Cafe embodies the essence of a local-style café in Saigon, offering a cozy retreat for coffee lovers seeking an authentic experience. Nestled in a quiet corner, it radiates a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a freshly brewed cup of Vietnamese coffee.

Address: 79/2/1 Phan Kế Bính, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh

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Photo by Thaiyen Cafe

4. Romantic Sunset Date on the Saigon River

Top Pick: Chang’s Bistro & Cakes 

End your day with a romantic sunset dinner at Chang Bistro, perfectly positioned beside the serene Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City. Delight in a serene atmosphere as you savor a delightful meal, with panoramic views of the river gently flowing by.

Address: 16/9 Nguyen Van Huong, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Top Pick: The Deck Saigon

The Deck Saigon offers a truly romantic setting for a sunset meal along the River. Nestled amidst lush greenery and elegant decor, this waterfront restaurant provides an intimate ambiance perfect for couples seeking a memorable dining experience.

A relaxing dinner cruise along the Saigon River is a truly novel date night idea. Not only is it a different way to enjoy the twinkling lights of Ho Chi Minh City reflecting off the water at dusk; but it’s also a wonderful way to get to know each other better over a slow, luxurious meal.

Address: 38 Nguyễn Ư Dĩ, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Hồ Chí Minh 10000

Tiffany Hoang

Tiffany Hoang

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Hey Cassie! I usually go to The Deck Saigon for sunset and have drinks there with my boyfriend. The view there is unbeatable for sunset and it’s considered to be the romantic thing to do for a date too, isnt it? 😉

Jun 17, 2024
Adam Girvan

Adam Girvan

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Hi Cassie, the weekend has passed already. I agree with Tiffany , go to the Deck. I go there with my other half sometimes. Great view and has a sophisticated feel to it.

We also go to Chang Bistro because it’s got a great view of the river and LM81 tower, and is beautiful at sunset. It’s great pasta and much cheaper than the deck!

Anything on the riverside is nice during sunset. For early morning, it’s a coffee shop on the river. It’s a good place to see the world move without inhaling pollution on the roadside.

I like Stoker for an upmarket place as it has great food and a nice little garden. It’s so close to other bars in Xuan Thuy and there are lots of places there.

There are loads of restaurants to choose from in Saigon! D1 has a fair few rooftop restaurants and bars to see the city. Chanh Bistro is one place.

Just doing things and experiencing new things together is romantic enough for me, so we try to do new activities when we’re not busy. We just try to vary what we do.

For example, a quick coffee or tea, then a stop to see the Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Post Office, followed by a show at the Opera House. Get dinner afterwards around the area and take a walk down Nguyen Hue. Not bad and possible for 2 people under 3m VND.

A budget date for me is the park at Vinhomes Central Park. Make a picnic, or have a BBQ, or both! or forget that and buy stuff at the convenience store and sit at the park! It can get quite busy there at weekends , though it’s still a nice experience.

whatever you do, make sure you bring a smart phone with a good quality camera!

Jun 20, 2024

Top Pick: Saigon River Cruise

Savor a dreamy dinner cruise on the Saigon River in Vietnam, starting with hotel pickup and a scenic drive through bustling Saigon streets before boarding a traditional ship. Choose between two set menus when booking, and indulge in a five-course Vietnamese feast, each dish a flavorful exploration of local cuisine. 

Want to spend a memorable night in the Saigon River? Book Your Dinner Cruise with Vietnam Is Awesome.

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Saigon Dinner Cruise

5. Wine & Dine at Saigon’s Most Fabulous Date Night Restaurants

Saigon offers various places where you can savor a delightful meal crafted by award-winning chefs when you visit Vietnam! While Vietnam is renowned for its street food scene, this dynamic city also boasts numerous high-end establishments perfect for celebrating special occasions.  

Ciao Bella

Treat your partner to comforting and delicious Italian food at one of the best Italian restaurants in Saigon!

Address: District 1 & Thao Dien

Racha Room

The Racha Room boasts Thai-heavy Asian cuisine and an intimate and cozy interior, making it a great spot to celebrate your love with drinks or a romantic dinner.

Address: District 1 & Thao Dien

Octo Tapas Restobar

There’s something great about sharing small plates of food; it makes the entire dining experience more intimate and special. Spend your romantic date night at Octo to enjoy an impressive spread of Spanish dishes. Octo was one of the restaurants in Vietnam recognized by Michelin.

Address: 75 Ho Tung Mau, District 1

Maison des Rêves

Enjoy gourmet French and Vietnamese fusion dining in a casual and low-stress atmosphere. 

Address: District 3 

NP Bistro

Offers a culinary journey that satisfies both adventurous palates and those seeking familiar flavors with the goal of evoking happy memories

Address: Binh Thanh 

Madame Lam

Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine with a creative twist in a relaxing, stylish setting. Discover their story here.

Address: Thao Dien

Quince Saigon

A Modern European fusion feast with sharing boards and an exciting open kitchen, perfect for foodie couples looking to wine and dine.

Address: District 1

Anan Saigon

For a romantic date with a touch of luxury, Anan Saigon is a Michelin-starred gem. Chef Peter Cuong Franklin’s fusion of modern cooking and traditional street food creates an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for a special evening in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Address: District 1

Pickles Eatery

Step inside savor an eclectic meal that blends international flavors and local ingredients, all while seated in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. 

Address: Binh Thanh

Thanh Pham

Thanh Pham

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How about taking them to fine dining restaurants sometimes to surprise them? Dress up and feel like a first date? I know some really romantic vibe restaurants such as Madame Lam, Noir, Omakase Tiger, Maison des Rêves Saigon, NP Bistro, Pickle Eatery, Ciao Bella

Jun 21, 2024

Something Unique: Romantic Ideas In Ho Chi Minh City

In the mood for something more original than coffee shops or restaurants? We have got you covered with these 5 fun activities to try with your significant other on your next date.

1. Take Dancing Classes

romantic things to do in ho chi minh city
A group of people taking salsateka dance.

All kinds of couples’ dance lessons are available in Saigon. For example, Saigon Swing Cats in District 1 teaches Americana jazz dances like the Lindy Hop, the West Coast Swing, and the Shap. La Salsa in District 3, which is only open on weekends, teaches salsa and other Latin American dances. Not only will dance build your trust in one another, but the sensual dance moves will surely spice up your date night.

Addresses: 5 Le Duan, District 1 (Saigon Swing Cats); 212 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3 (La Salsa)

KN

Khang Nguyen

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I took my girlfriend out for some dancing class and she loves it! There are many classes in town but I think you can try Saigon Swing Cats in D1.

Jun 21, 2024

2. Break Free Inside the Xscape Room

If both of you are in the mood for something more thrilling (and, at times, scary) than a traditional date night, put your brains to the test at Inside Xscape Room. An escape room is a great date idea anywhere, as it will get you two working together towards a common goal.

Xscape Room is located in Phu Nhuan District, a chic and vibrant area of the city. It has five themed rooms, most of which include live actors that will occasionally drop into the rooms during the games to help create a more vivid experience. 

Address: 240 Nguyen Dinh Chin, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City

4. Go to the Saigon Opera House

If other types of performances are more up your alley, take your date to the Saigon Opera House for an acrobatic, ballet, live music, or orchestra show. The Opera House may just be the most elegant example of French Art Deco in the city, and just the building will create a romantic spark. 

Address: 7 Lam Son, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

5. Take A Trip Down The Mekong Delta

This is a great way to see the country together while not venturing too far from Ho Chi Minh City.

Nothing is more romantic than cruising the Mekong Delta in a rowboat with your special someone. The lush green backdrop of provincial Vietnam is an excellent canvas for romance, and that’s especially true in the colorful and fancy-free atmosphere of the Mekong Delta region. Couples can book a guided trip to the Mekong Delta that will include excursions to floating markets, pagodas, and other colonial structures.

6. Unwind, Relax and Connect with a Luxurious Spa Date

Take time to unwind, kick back, and bond over a luxurious spa day in Ho Chi Minh City. The city is a spa paradise with options galore for couples—think jacuzzi dips, soothing massages, revitalizing facials, and sauna delights. Don’t miss out on the unique experience offered by Noir Spa in the Dark!

Discover our carefully curated list of Spa’s in Saigon here and treat yourselves to a well-deserved pampering session.

Jessica Luong

Jessica Luong

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For me, after a week of hard working, my partner and I usually choose a couple spa and enjoy together as couple therapy. I guess this is a romantic act too for people like us who just want to relax and unwind 😀

Jun 21, 2024

7. Sit By Turtle Lake

With a tower resembling a lotus, little fountains, and many fishes, Turtle Lake has become a hot spot where young adults hang out and buy banh mi from street food vendors while chatting. Come here to sit by the pond and stare into each other’s eyes while the city bustles around you.

The lake is located at the intersection of Vo Van Tan and Pham Ngoc Thach Streets in District 3.

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Sitting by Turtle Lake. Photos on Unsplash.
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Sitting by Turtle Lake. Photos on Unsplash.

8. Picnic At Vinhomes Central Park

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Apartment Complex of Vinhomes Central Park in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Long Bùi

Both locals and foreigners consider Vinhomes Central Park in Binh Thanh District to be one of the nicest parks in the whole of Ho Chi Minh City. With well-maintained lush green lawns and a huge Japanese Garden featuring zen ponds, it is a beautiful and peaceful spot for lovers. 

Pack a picnic full of your date’s favorite foods, tea, coffee and perhaps even a bottle of Dalat wine. Looking for an even more laid-back experience? Buy some snacks at the convenience store and just enjoy each other’s time while sitting in the park!  

Top Tips from Cupid in Vietnam

If you are looking for romantic nights out with your long-time partner or planning your first date with a new flame – we hope you have a pleasant, fun evening with the following tips:

  • Bring a small surprise or gift.
  • Take turns to treat each other.
  • Treat waitstaff well.
  • Be kind, keep an open mind & stay respectful.
  • Book your reservation in advance – some of these restaurants get busy.

Happily Ever After

We hope this guide has given you at least a few ideas of where to take your loved one on a date night in Ho Chi Minh City! And after you go on your date here in Saigon, why not check out a few of Vietnam’s most romantic getaways? To learn more about history and culture, check out our Ho Chi Minh City tours here!

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Written by Dustin Kemp
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Dustin moved to Ho Chi Minh City in 2014 and quickly fell in love with the culture and people of Vietnam.