Cigars in Saigon: Discover Vietnam’s Hidden World of Luxury Cigar Lounges
Vietnam is hardly the first place that comes to mind when thinking of the good life. Precisely for that reason, we found it intriguing to explore a small, understated corner of this world of indulgence—one that quietly exists and breathes within a modest country shaped by hardship.
Once torn between North and South and scarred by two decades of brutal war, Vietnam began opening itself to the West in the 1990s. This shift sparked rapid economic development and invited foreign companies to enter the market, bringing with them exposure to Western culture and its luxuries.
Saigon—formerly the capital of the South and now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, after the founder of North Vietnam (though many still fondly call it by its original name)—is Vietnam’s largest city and its financial and business hub. Alongside commerce, it also offers unmistakable Western pleasures. When the French occupied the city in the 19th century, they left behind elegant neo-classical buildings and wide boulevards that still lend Saigon its distinct colonial character. It comes as little surprise, then, that some of Vietnam’s finest cigar clubs—arguably among the best in the Far East—are found here. Join us as we visit three of them.
La Casa del Habano Vietnam
Located in Saigon’s historic center, just behind the Opera House, this club is part of the prestigious La Casa del Habano network operated by Habanos S.A., Cuba’s state-owned cigar conglomerate. The network spans 160 cigar shops and lounges across 54 countries on five continents. Its defining feature is exclusivity: only Cuban cigars are offered here. The staff undergoes extensive professional training to provide guests with impeccable service and expert guidance.
The collection is nothing short of extraordinary—one of the largest and rarest assemblages of Cuban cigars in the world, encompassing every Cuban brand. Millions of cigars are stored with meticulous care in a monumental walk-in humidor, among the largest globally, standing seven meters high. Temperature is maintained at a steady 18°C, with humidity between 65–70 percent. Constructed from fine wood and lined with premium cedar shelves—the optimal material for cigar preservation—the humidor’s architectural form subtly echoes the shape of a cigar itself.
Beyond cigars, the club boasts a refined bar with an impressive selection of whiskies from around the world. It is one of the few venues in Vietnam that serves limited-edition whiskies by the glass. A gourmet menu completes the experience.
The venue exudes glamour and is divided into four distinct rooms, each designed around a different theme—two dedicated to whisky, two to cigars:
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The Johnnie Walker Room, reserved for VIP guests, is styled in luxurious Scottish fashion, featuring wood-paneled walls, heavy parquet floors, leather sofas and armchairs. Large windows overlook a lush garden, framed by ivory-toned drapes.
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The Mortlach Room, named after one of the most coveted whisky brands among connoisseurs, pays homage to distillation tradition. Designed in a rich, masculine style, it features brown and deep navy leather armchairs, blue velvet cushions, bluish-toned walls, and imagery of distilleries and copper stills.
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The Cohiba Room offers a transparent ceiling that allows a full view of the towering humidor. Its design draws inspiration from Cuban colonial style, with generous use of leather, gold, and bronze.
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The Romeo y Julieta Room embraces an elegant Shakespearean aesthetic, complete with a grand chandelier, British-style sofas and chairs, a large rug, and refined wooden humidors.
La Casa del Habano Vietnam
74B Hai Ba Trung St.,
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Tel: +84 906 886 778
https://lacasadelhabano.vn/en
Rex Havana Cigar Club Saigon
Situated on the sixth floor of the luxurious Rex Saigon Hotel, this club is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the city’s cigar scene. Its prime location—near the opera and ballet venues in the prestigious French Quarter and close to the railway station leading to the airport—makes it an ideal stop before or after a cultural evening.
The design seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern luxury. Much of the space is clad in fine wood, complemented by large leather sofas. Soft, warm yellow lighting bathes the room in an atmosphere of refined elegance and quiet grandeur.
The bar is particularly strong in cocktails, offering both timeless classics and innovative creations, alongside a menu of small plates and finger food that pair beautifully with cigars and spirits. The cigar selection is broad and carefully curated, featuring premium brands from around the world. A knowledgeable staff is always on hand to guide guests toward the perfect choice.
This exclusive members’ club also hosts workshops and special events—worth checking the calendar for. Beyond fine cigars, the emphasis here is on creating a social hub where life is celebrated through business and social networking, all within an environment of sophistication and style.
Rex Havana Cigar Club Saigon
141 Nguyen Hue Blvd., District 1
Tel: +84 28 3829 2185 / +84 28 3829 3115
http://tinyurl.com/neb8avx3
The Saigon Cigar Club
Tucked away in a discreet, charming alley off the luxury shopping street Dong Khoi, the Art Arcade is a beautifully preserved colonial building that now serves as an art gallery. On its ground floor lies a lounge dedicated to the art of living well and escaping the pace of everyday life.
The Saigon Cigar Club offers cigars from across the globe, including premium lines, all stored in a world-class bar-humidor. A boutique section showcases handcrafted accessories such as cutters and lighters. The design is eclectic and informal, radiating a cosmopolitan spirit. The cigar menu is extensive, providing detailed descriptions and flavor profiles for each cigar, and includes all the well-known brands.
The bar features a rich selection of international wines and spirits, alongside a creative cocktail menu. For certain drinks, recommended cigar pairings are thoughtfully suggested. Naturally, the staff is happy to tailor a pairing to your personal preferences. The food menu leans Western with subtle local influences, offering harmonious combinations of food, wine or whisky, and cigars.
Founded by three Dutch friends united by a deep passion for cigars, the club was conceived as a haven for connoisseurs—bringing Western luxury to Saigon with the vision of turning pleasure into art. More than just a cigar lounge, it is a place committed to experiences, offering a wide spectrum of leisure possibilities. Its guests include locals and visitors alike, many of them young, all immersed in an artistic and welcoming environment.
The Saigon Cigar Club
151 Dong Khoi, inside the Art Gallery
Tel: +84 88 816 3066
www.saigoncigarclub.com
For more cigar lounges, click here.
