Stepping into the hidden world of Saigon’s speakeasies, adventurous travelers embark on a captivating cocktail journey. This immersive experience guides them through a selection of clandestine venues, where they’ll savor Vietnamese craft gins and expertly crafted cocktails paired with modern Vietnamese snacks. Expert insiders share captivating stories, unveiling the historical significance and evolution of the city’s vibrant drinking culture. With an engaging outline that promises an unforgettable exploration, this tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the allure of Saigon’s clandestine cocktail scene. What secrets await those bold enough to venture beyond the ordinary?
Key Points
- Immersive tour exploring 4 secret speakeasies in Saigon, offering insights into the city’s cocktail culture and history.
- Tasting of 5 distinct award-winning Vietnamese craft gins, accompanied by 3+ cocktails and modern Vietnamese snacks at each location.
- Availability in multiple languages, with private tour options for larger groups.
- Pricing starts at $83.64 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highlights include vintage-inspired lounges, password-protected speakeasies, and colonial-era cocktail bars featuring live music.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Experience Overview
- Tour Highlights
- Booking Information
- Meeting Point & Directions
- Explore Secret Speakeasies
- Craft Gin Tasting Experience
- Cocktails and Vietnamese Snacks
- Insider Stories and Culture
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Those With Food Allergies?
- Can Participants Bring Their Own Alcoholic Beverages?
- Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
- Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available for the Tour?
- Can the Tour Accommodate Guests With Physical Disabilities?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Ho Chi Minh City
- More Tour Reviews in Ho Chi Minh City
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Experience Overview
The Hidden Saigon: A Speakeasy & Cocktail Experience is a unique, immersive tour that takes participants on a journey through the city’s clandestine cocktail scene.
The 3-hour (or 3.5-hour) experience allows groups of 2 to 10 adults to explore four secret speakeasy spots, enjoy a tutored tasting of award-winning Vietnamese craft gins, and savor a variety of full-sized cocktails and modern Vietnamese snacks.
Participants will also learn about the city’s vibrant cocktail culture and uncover stories from expert insiders.
The tour is available in Chinese, English, and Vietnamese, and private options are available for larger groups.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and ID is required for age verification.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tour Highlights
Explore four secret speakeasy spots that transport guests to a bygone era of illicit libations and clandestine revelry. Along the way, enjoy a tutored Vietnamese craft gin experience, sampling five distinct award-winning gins. Savor over three full-sized cocktails and modern Vietnamese snacks at each location, as expert insiders uncover the stories behind the city’s vibrant cocktail culture. Prepare to be captivated by the hidden gems of Saigon’s speakeasy scene.
| Experience | Details |
|---|---|
| Speakeasies | 4 secret spots |
| Gin Tasting | 5 award-winning Vietnamese craft gins |
| Cocktails | 3+ full-sized cocktails per location |
| Vietnamese Snacks | Served at each speakeasy |
| Insider Stories | Shared by expert guides |
Booking Information
Typically, the experience is priced from $83.64 per person. Customers can reserve their spots now and pay later, with no payment required today.
There’s also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, private tours are available for larger groups of more than 8 participants.
The key booking details include:
- From $83.64 per person
- Reserve now, pay later
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Private tours for groups larger than 8
Meeting Point & Directions
The experience takes place in Ho Chi Minh City, and customers can check availability for different starting times. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking during the tour. The meeting point and directions are as follows:
| Meeting Point | Directions |
|---|---|
| Location | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Bring | Comfortable shoes |
| Additional Info | Cash recommended for personal expenses as not all places accept credit cards |
Remember to bring an ID card or passport for age verification, as this is an adult-only tour. Lastly, plan for the possibility of the tour extending to 3.5 hours.
More Great Tours NearbyExplore Secret Speakeasies
Participants often find themselves immersed in an air of mystery as they discover the hidden speakeasy spots throughout the tour.
The expert insiders guide visitors through a captivating exploration of four secret speakeasies, each with its own unique charm and story.
Visitors may encounter:
- A vintage-inspired lounge hidden behind an unassuming bookshelf
- A speakeasy tucked away in a narrow alleyway, accessible only by a secret password
- A sophisticated cocktail bar located inside a repurposed colonial-era building
- A lively underground hideaway with live music and a prohibition-era vibe
Through this immersive experience, guests gain a deeper understanding of Saigon’s vibrant cocktail culture and the intriguing history behind these enigmatic establishments.
Craft Gin Tasting Experience
Visitors explore a captivating Vietnamese craft gin experience, sampling an array of award-winning gins meticulously curated by expert bartenders. The gin tasting is a highlight of the tour, featuring five distinct gins that showcase the diversity and complexity of Vietnamese botanicals. During the tasting, guests learn about the unique distillation process and the stories behind each gin.
| Gin Name | Botanicals | Tasting Notes | ABV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nhất Phẩm | Lemon grass, Calamansi, Ginger | Bright, Citrusy, Refreshing | 43% |
| Ginious | Turmeric, Coriander, Black Pepper | Earthy, Spicy, Bold | 41% |
| Bà Năm | Lotus, Jasmine, Mint | Floral, Fragrant, Delicate | 40% |
| Ngọc Linh | Ginseng, Cardamom, Cinnamon | Warming, Herbaceous, Smooth | 42% |
| Hanoi Gin | Kumquat, Kaffir Lime, Star Anise | Zesty, Aromatic, Balanced | 42% |
Cocktails and Vietnamese Snacks
Savoring full-sized cocktails and modern Vietnamese snacks at each hidden speakeasy location is a highlight of the experience. Guests can expect to enjoy:
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3+ expertly-crafted cocktails, showcasing the mixology skills of the local bartenders.
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A variety of Vietnamese-inspired snacks, such as banh mi, spring rolls, and more.
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An opportunity to learn about the local cocktail culture and the stories behind each hidden bar.
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A chance to indulge in a unique and immersive experience, blending classic Vietnamese flavors with modern mixology.
The cocktails and snacks are carefully curated to complement the speakeasy atmosphere and provide a well-rounded, memorable experience for participants.
Insider Stories and Culture
Beyond the flavors and mixology, the Hidden Saigon experience allows guests to uncover the stories and culture behind the city’s speakeasy scene. Expert insiders guide participants through the history and evolution of Vietnam’s modern cocktail culture, sharing insider perspectives and little-known tales. Guests gain a deeper appreciation for the art of mixology and the vibrant nightlife that has emerged in recent years. The experience is designed to immerse visitors in the local community, fostering a genuine connection to the city’s hidden gems.
| Insider Perspective | Insider Insight |
|---|---|
| The rise of speakeasies as hidden gems | Stories of how speakeasies overcame challenges |
| Influence of French colonial era on cocktails | Mixologists’ creative approaches to modern twists |
| Revitalization of local gin distilleries | Insider tips on navigating Saigon’s nightlife |
| Evolution of Saigon’s cocktail scene | Unique flavors and techniques used in local drinks |
| Speakeasy culture as a reflection of Vietnamese identity | Importance of preserving traditional ingredients and methods |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Those With Food Allergies?
The tour may accommodate vegetarians and those with food allergies if they notify the organizers in advance. Alternative snack options can likely be arranged, but the availability and variety may be limited compared to the standard menu.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Alcoholic Beverages?
Participants cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages to the tour. The experience is designed to showcase award-winning Vietnamese craft gins and specialty cocktails at the featured speakeasies, so outside drinks are not permitted.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no formal dress code for this tour, but guests are advised to wear comfortable, smart casual attire. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing, as some speakeasy venues may have a more upscale ambiance.
Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available for the Tour?
There are no specific discounts or promotions listed for this cocktail tour. However, customers can take advantage of the ‘reserve now & pay later’ policy and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Can the Tour Accommodate Guests With Physical Disabilities?
Unfortunately, this tour may not be fully accessible for guests with physical disabilities. The venues visited are small and could have limited mobility. It’s best to contact the tour operator to discuss any special accommodations that may be available.
Hidden Saigon: A Speakeasy & Cocktail Experience
Recap
"Hidden Saigon: A Speakeasy & Cocktail Experience" offers an immersive journey through Ho Chi Minh City’s clandestine cocktail scene. Participants explore four secret speakeasies, savor Vietnamese craft gins, and enjoy expertly crafted cocktails paired with modern Vietnamese snacks. With expert insiders sharing captivating stories, the tour highlights the historical significance of each venue and the evolution of Saigon’s vibrant drinking landscape.
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