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Smoke-free night out in Saigon

By Mark Bowyer | 24 Mar 2017

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Smoke free craft beer - Malt Saigon
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Layla's non-smoking inside.
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Old Compass Cafe - smoke-free indoors
Photo: Mark Bowyer

Smoke-free night out in Saigon

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By Mark Bowyer 24 Mar 2017

When it comes to smoking, Saigon is one of the most liberal cities in Asia. I guess that’s good if you’re a smoker. We prefer places that are smoke-free indoors, so here’s a little guide for those wanting a night out without inhaling a year’s worth of smoke. All the places listed here have smoking areas.

Note: The information provided in this review was correct at time of publishing but may change. For final clarification please check with the relevant service

Layla

One of Saigon’s newest bars - Layla’s great for cocktails. It’s quickly becoming one of the city’s most popular party spots too. And it has a big outdoor smoking area. Everyone’s happy.

2nd floor, 63 Đông Du, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Malt Saigon

This slightly blokey pub, devoted to the city’s craft beers, also happens to be smoke-free. Great place for a chat and a beer.

46 – 48 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Old Compass Cafe

Focused on wine, talks and music, The Old Compass is a cosy, design space. Smoke free inside.

3rd Floor Apartment 11, 63 Pasteur St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (alley next to Liberty Citypoint Hotel)

Pasteur St Brewing

Saigon’s first craft beer space is smoke-free downstairs. They have a smoking space upstairs.

144 Pasteur, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

2 Lam Son Square - Park Hyatt Hotel

Fancy and expensive cocktails and wines in a smoke-free space.

2 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City

Background

If you’ve read Rusty Compass, you’ll know we’re not big fans of Vietnam’s smoking scene. We’re okay with smoking. We just reckon the staff in the city’s bars and restaurants, and the non-smoking customers, should be spared.

In other words, there should be smoke-free spaces. Nothing terribly radical about that given what we know about smoking. That’s the law in Vietnam as well. But it doesn’t seem to get enforced.

So if you prefer your nights out to be smoke-free, here is our list of places that are smoke-free. There are some pretty cool places too.

They all provide plenty of space for smoking outside. They just keep their indoor area smoke-free.

Mark Bowyer is the founder and publisher of Rusty Compass. read more
Twitter: @rustycompass

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