Mooneys Saigon

Mooneys Saigon is a small Irish bar tucked into Alley 40, a minute's walk off Bui Vien Walking Street in the backpacker quarter of District 1. Step out of the neon and noise of the main strip and you find a few tables out front among the pot plants, a chalkboard by the door and a cosy wooden bar inside.

The bar is run by its Irish owner, Liam, and regulars describe it as a chilled, conversational spot where it is easy to get chatting to the expats, long-stayers and travellers at the bar, a useful escape from the shouting promoters and thumping speakers on Bui Vien itself.

Music is the big draw. Local and expat acts play regularly, and Mooneys hosts open mic nights and community gigs such as the free "No Cover" nights with a raffle for the performers. For a more traditional pub nearby, try O'Brien's Factory on Hai Ba Trung, or head to The Rabbit Hole in Binh Thanh for the big games.