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Every time a friend asks me about traveling freely in Ho Chi Minh City, wanting to see the most stunning city nightscape or feel the vibrant rhythm of modern Vietnam, I always recommend "Landmark 81" by the Saigon River first! This towering skyscraper, piercing the clouds, stands like a vertical city in Binh Thanh District. Whether you want to overlook the twinkling lights of Vietnam's highest observation deck, enjoy a romantic cocktail at the building's rooftop bar, or take your kids ice skating indoors while shopping and tasting delicious food, this place can satisfy all your imaginations of stylish Saigon.
Attraction Introduction: Vietnam's Tallest Building by the Saigon River
Landmark 81 is located in the premium community of Vinhomes Central Park in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, near Tan Cang Station and Saigon Bridge. This building was designed by the renowned international architectural team Atkins, with its exterior inspired by the "bamboo bundle" from traditional Vietnamese culture, symbolizing unity, resilience, and an upward spirit. From a distance, multiple staggered steel columns extend towards the sky, showcasing a perfect blend of contemporary architectural aesthetics and traditional culture.
Landmark 81 stands approximately 461.3 meters tall, has 81 floors, and officially opened in 2018, making it the tallest building in Vietnam. [Wikipedia]
The entire building is constructed with Low-E high-tech insulating glass, providing excellent lighting and energy-saving effects, and transforms into a giant LED light sculpture at night, becoming the most dazzling landmark on Ho Chi Minh City's skyline.
Main Features: A Vertical City of High-altitude Views, Fashion Shopping, and Entertainment
As a multifunctional mixed-use skyscraper, Landmark 81 offers a rich internal layout that meets the needs of various travelers:
- Landmark 81 SkyView Observation Deck (79F–81F): Located on the top three floors of the building, at an altitude of nearly 400 meters, it provides a magnificent 360-degree view of the Saigon River and the entire city. [Vincom]Floor 79 features cloud-shaped sofas and a scenic coffee area, while Floor 80 offers immersive VR virtual reality games, allowing travelers to experience the thrill of skydiving from the top of the building; and the SkyTouch outdoor terrace on Floor 81 lets you feel the shock of high-altitude wind under safe protection.
- High-altitude Bar and Restaurant (75F–76F Blank Lounge): A favorite among locals and free travelers! Located on the 75th floor, Blank Lounge has outdoor seating at high altitude, where you can enjoy stunning views at an affordable price with just a coffee or craft cocktail.
- Vincom Center Shopping Mall (B1–5F): Includes dozens of international luxury brands, fashion apparel (such as Uniqlo, Zara, etc.), a cinema, and international dining brands like Haidilao, Bornga Korean BBQ, and Di Mai Vietnamese cuisine.
- Vincom Ice Rink Indoor Skating Rink (B1): The largest indoor ice skating rink in Vietnam, featuring an international standard ice surface and advanced cooling system, making it a popular spot for cooling off and family fun in hot Saigon.
Floor Distribution and Entrance Guide: Don't Go to the Wrong Lobby!
Since Landmark 81 combines a shopping mall, residential areas, a five-star hotel, and an observation deck, there are multiple independent entrances. To avoid going the wrong way, it is recommended to choose the entrance based on your destination:
- B1 to 5 Floors (Vincom Center Mall and Ice Rink): Please enter through the main shopping mall entrance at the front of the building. General shopping, dining, skating, or heading to the CGV cinema are all in this area.
- B1 Floor Observation Deck Ticket Counter (SkyView Ticket Office): Take the escalator to the central counter on B1 to purchase or exchange tickets, and then take the dedicated high-speed elevator directly to the 79th floor observation deck.
- 47th to 71st Floors (Vinpearl Landmark 81 Hotel): Hotel guests and travelers heading to the high-altitude restaurant should enter through the side hotel lobby, taking the hotel elevator to the 48th-floor lobby for transfer.
- 75th to 76th Floors (Blank Lounge Observation Bar): You need to enter through the side entrance of the hotel lobby, take the elevator to the 48th-floor hotel reception area, and then transfer to the high-floor elevator directly to the 75th floor.
Suitable for Travelers
The diverse facilities of Landmark 81 are suitable for all types of visitors:
- Couples: Head to the 75th floor Blank Lounge or the 81st floor observation deck in the evening, accompanied by the sunset and slightly tipsy night views, creating an extremely romantic atmosphere.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Overlooking from the building's interior or capturing the skyscraper's panorama from the surrounding Vinhomes Central Park is an excellent perspective for photography.
- Families with Children: The Vincom Ice Rink on B1 and various indoor play areas are perfect for cooling off and entertaining with kids.
- Free Travelers Shopping: Enjoy a one-stop experience of air-conditioned shopping, international cuisine, and brand shopping without suffering from the outdoor heat.
Recommended Activities and Itinerary Pairing
Want to make your trip to Landmark 81 even more fulfilling? I suggest planning as follows:
- Half-day Luxurious Stroll (Afternoon to Evening): Arrive at Vincom Center at 15:30 for shopping or experience the B1 ice rink → 17:00 head to the 75th floor Blank Lounge or ascend to the 79-81 floor SkyView observation deck to enjoy the sunset and dazzling night views → 19:00 have dinner at an international restaurant in the mall → 20:30 take a walk around Vinhomes Central Park to admire the illuminated Landmark 81 building.
- Combine Nearby Attractions: In the morning, arrange to visit Tan Dinh Church (Sacred Heart of Jesus Church) or Ben Thanh Market in District 1, and in the afternoon, take a Grab or Metro to Binh Thanh District, perfectly combining modern skyscrapers with traditional historical cultural sites.
Transportation and Arrangement Suggestions
Landmark 81 is located in Binh Thanh District, about 4.5 kilometers from the city center of District 1 (such as City Hall Square, Ben Thanh Market), making transportation very convenient:
- Ride-hailing Services (Grab / Taxis): The most recommended and comfortable way. Taking a GrabCar or GrabBike from the District 1 city center takes about 15 to 20 minutes, costing around 80,000 to 150,000 VND.
- HCMC Metro Line 1: You can take the metro to Tan Cang Station, and after exiting, walk about 10 to 15 minutes to reach Vinhomes Central Park and Landmark 81.
- Buses: You can take bus number 30 or 56 to get off near Tan Cang Station and then walk over.
Important Notes
- Dress Code: When visiting the 75th floor Blank Lounge or five-star hotel restaurants, please wear smart casual attire, avoiding flip-flops, sleeveless shirts, or sports shorts to prevent being denied entry.
- Weather Impact on Observation Deck Entry: The SkyTouch semi-open platform on the 81st floor may temporarily close in heavy rain or strong winds, so it is recommended to visit on clear, rain-free evenings.
- Prohibited Items: Entry to the SkyView observation deck requires passing through security checks, and outside food, drinks, dangerous items, or large luggage are strictly prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is it more cost-effective to go to the 75th floor Blank Lounge or the 79-81 floor SkyView observation deck?
It depends on your budget and preferences! If your main goal is "to see the night view and have a drink," the 75th floor Blank Lounge only requires ordering a drink priced around 150,000 to 250,000 VND for entry, which is very cost-effective; but if you want to experience the 360-degree panoramic view, the outdoor SkyTouch terrace, and the VR skydiving game, then purchasing a ticket to the 79-81 floor SkyView observation deck would be more complete and stunning.
Q2: Do I need to buy tickets for Landmark 81 in advance?
The Vincom Center shopping mall and Vinhomes Central Park are both free to enter. If you want to go to the SkyView observation deck, you can purchase tickets at the B1 counter on-site, but there may be more people queuing on weekends or public holidays, so it is recommended to book electronic tickets in advance through online platforms, which not only saves you time queuing on-site but sometimes also offers discounts.
Q3: If I don't go to the upper floors, what are some worth visiting places nearby?
The Vinhomes Central Park outside the building is definitely worth a visit! This riverside park, built at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars, features vast lawns, Japanese gardens, fountain landscapes, and a walking path along the Saigon River, making it the best location for capturing the full view of Landmark 81 from a low angle.
