TIP: Though this place is listed under Patricia Shultz's "1000 places to see before you die", I feel that it is over-hyped. Not a must see, in my opinion.
This place is simply known as the REX ROOFTOP BAR but I call it the 'elephant bar' as the whole place is eccentrically decorated with bird cages and a blue elephant.
Now before you think I got a thing for elephants and birdies, let me just tell you that I went because of all the hype I heard.
Unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. I really disappointed to find out that it was several levels lower than "Saigon Saigon" (another watering hole at Caravelle Hotel).
Well, no point staying right?
I went to Saigon Saigon for a better view of the city.
To see my comments on Saigon Saigon, click on b'packer's hcmc page
Dress Code: Its al fresco so do what you have to to avoid melting in the saigon heat.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 141 Nguyen Hue Boulevard,District 1,Ho Chi Minh
The evening we were there the place was dead. We only stayed for one drink. Little pricey by Vietnam standards. I think it would be a great place to go on a busier night. There was live music playing and a few people dancing.
Dress Code: Dress well.
Written Oct 5, 2008
Address: 141 Nguyen Hue Boulevard
We were in a group travelling Vietnam and had several nights at the Rex Hotel enjoying their fabulous rooftop bar. On the 5th floor the area is decorated with beautiful palms, coloured lights and a view over the city centre. A few cold drinks are certain to set the scene for an enjoyable evening.
Dress Code: Casual
Written Mar 18, 2008
Address: 141 Nguyen Hue Blvd, District 1
Phone: 848 8293115
Website: www.rexhotelvietnam.com
THE REX HOTEL WAS A PLACE I JUST HAD TO VISIT ON OUR TRIP TO VIETNAM.
I HAVE READ SO MUCH ABOUT THIS HOTEL AND ITS PLACE IN HISTORY.
WE WERE ON A TIGHT BUDGET AND COULD NOT AFFORD TO STAY AT THE REX, BUT A DRINK AT THE ROOFTOP GARDEN BAR WAS WITHIN SIGHT.
THE REX WAS BUILT IN 1950 AND DURING THE VIETNAM WAR HOUSED US ARMY OFFICERS, PLUS FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS FILED THEIR REPORTS FROM HERE WHEN THE WAR WAS AT ITS PEAK.
THE NIGHT WE WENT THERE WAS A BAND PLAYING AND WE WERE ABLE TO GET A TABLE RIGHT BY THE EDGE OF THE ROOF WITH GREAT VIEWS OVER THE CITY..
DRINKS HERE COST A LOT MORE THAN YOU WOULD PAY IN THE REST OF SAIGON BUT WHAT THE HELL IM A SUCKER FOR DOING THINGS ONCE.
AND TO BE HONEST ONCE IS REALLY ENOUGH..THE VIEWS ARE GREAT BUT I GET THE FEELING THIS PLACE IS LIVING ON PAST GLORIES..WE DIDNT STAY FOR ANYTHING TO EAT SO I CANT SAY WHAT THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE..BUT IF YOUR LIKE ME AND LOVE YOUR HISTORY THEN GO TO THE REX HAVE YOUR DRINK TAKE IN THE GREAT VIEWS AND TRY AND PICTURE WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE AT THE HEIGHT OF THE WAR.
BECAUSE IF NOTHING ELSE THIS OLD HOTEL IS A LIVING PIECE OF HISTORY.
Dress Code: CASUAL...BUT NO SHORTS.
Updated Mar 14, 2008
If you are HCM City, you should at least try this rooftop restaurant, when I was there in January this year, there is also a Filipino band playing pop and oldies. The food here is decent, I highly recommend if you want to have your dinner and get a few beers at the same time.
Dress Code: Casual
Written Feb 20, 2007
Address: Rooftop of Rex Hotel
Phone: 848 8292185
Website: www.rexhotelvietnam.com
I had to visit this rooftop bar because of the history of the place. I had read various journalistic pieces from the 50`s, 60`s and 70`s about anyone who was anyone taking cocktails at the Rex rooftop bar. What I didnt recall was reading about the elephant statues and the fact that there was really no view from sitting at a table, you almost had to climb on the wall to see the city below while sipping a Tiger.
I think I should have visited this bar before I went to Saigon Saigon at the Caravelle as it was bound to suffer in comparison.
Dress Code: It is a hotel but they appeared not to be too fussy, it was late April and 37degrees but shorts were frowned upon
Written Sep 15, 2006
Website: www.rexhotelvietnam.com
Its a nice pace to chill out and its quite easy to get there. There is a nice band and it seems that Friday Nights are the best time to be there. Sont forget to get the Saigon Beer . Its only 33,000Vnd
And the bill its also stated in US$. How nice for the concerned traveller.
Dress Code: No shorts please!
Updated May 18, 2006
Address: Most cabs know this place
We heard that the rooftop bar of the Rex Hotel was a really good place to go to watch the sunset. So, after a long day sightseeing we changed into something slightly smarter and set off to check it out. Unfortunately, that evening didn't offer much of a sunset, but we had a really pleasant evening anyway. Located about 5 floors up, it's easy to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for half an hour or so and really relax. The service was excellent and although it's more expensive than other bars, the prices are still pretty reasonable. I think they also serve food here, although we didn't eat, and you can get massages at the hotel too, for about US$10.
Dress Code: They didn't seem to be too strict on dress code, although most people at least made a bit of an effort. We wore cool cotton shirts, cropped trousers and sandals and were fine.
Written Aug 15, 2005
Address: 141 Nguyen Hue Blvd
Phone: 84-8 829 2185
Website: www.rexhotelvietnam.com
We were very focussed on spending our last night in Saigon sipping cocktails on the roof at the Rex. Unfortunately there was a private function on for part of the evening which led to it being quite dead when we did get up there! A good spot though for a view and some nighttime air. The photo was taken in the downstairs restaurant of the Rex where we went whilst waiting for the party to finish - reasonable food and a good place to see some "traditional" folk dancing and music.
Written May 3, 2005
Apart from being one of the classic top10 hotels in Saigon, the Rex has a wonderful rooftop bar with a terrace in which you can sit for a drink in the evening, enjoy the cool Saigon night and watch the busy streetlife down at the Le Loi Avenue...
Deserves a visit!
Written Oct 14, 2003
Address: 141 Nguyen Hue
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Apart from being one of the classic top10 hotels in Saigon, the Rex has a wonderful rooftop bar with a terrace in which you can sit for a drink in the evening,...
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