Standing at 461.3 meters, Landmark 81 changes everything about how you see Ho Chi Minh City. From the foot of the tower, it dwarfs the surrounding skyline. From the top, the Saigon River bends below you like a ribbon of copper in the late afternoon light, and the city spreads in every direction further than the eye can resolve. This is Vietnam’s tallest building, and one of the most striking skyscrapers in Southeast Asia.
This guide covers every practical detail: observation deck tickets and hours, the Blank Sky Lounge SkyBar, transport options, hotel prices, and what else to do once you are there. Whether you are spending two hours or an entire afternoon, you will leave knowing exactly what to budget and what to expect. For more on planning your time in the city, see our Saigon itinerary guide.
[ORIGINAL DATA] Based on our hosting experience in District 1, Landmark 81 comes up in almost every guest conversation about the city. It is the single landmark that visitors recognize from the plane window before they even land. Of the guests who visited and reported back, those who booked the SkyView observation deck online in advance consistently reported shorter queues and saved around 15-20 minutes compared to walk-up visitors on weekends.
Key Takeaways
– Landmark 81 stands 461.3 m tall across 81 floors: Vietnam’s tallest building since 2018 (CTBUH).
– The SkyView observation deck (floors 79-81) costs 300,000 VND (~$12) on weekdays; 420,000-500,000 VND on weekends.
– The Blank Sky Lounge SkyBar (floors 75-76) has no entry fee: one drink minimum (~150,000-250,000 VND).
– You can reach Landmark 81 from District 1 for free via VinBus, or by Saigon Waterbus for 15,000 VND.
– Allow 1-2 hours for the observation deck; pair it with the SkyBar for a half-day visit.
What Is Landmark 81 Saigon?
Landmark 81 is a 461.3-meter, 81-floor supertall skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Thanh District, completed in 2018. It is Vietnam’s tallest building and ranked 17th tallest globally as of 2026. Developer Vinhomes (part of the Vingroup conglomerate) commissioned UK firm Atkins as architect and Arup as structural engineer. The building opened July 26, 2018, at a construction cost of approximately US$123 million (Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat), making it one of the most capital-intensive vertical projects in Southeast Asia.
The design references Vietnamese bamboo bundles. Architect Atkins grouped the tower’s structural columns to mimic the way bamboo stalks bind together, an intentional symbol of unity and national resilience. Up close, the exterior reads as a series of interlocking vertical fins. From a distance, particularly from the Saigon River, the tower has a tapering silhouette that narrows toward its antenna tip.
Landmark 81 anchors the southern edge of Vinhomes Central Park, a 14-hectare riverside development that includes residential towers, a landscaped park, the Saigon Waterbus terminal, and a large retail podium. The building’s address is 720A Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District, roughly a 15-to-30 minute ride from District 1 depending on traffic.
Landmark 81 at a Glance
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Height | 461.3 m (1,513 ft) |
| Floors above ground | 81 |
| Rank in Vietnam | #1 (tallest) |
| Rank in Southeast Asia | #2 (after Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur) |
| Rank globally | #17 |
| Developer | Vinhomes (Vingroup) |
| Architect | Atkins |
| Structural engineer | Arup |
| Construction cost | ~US$123 million |
| Groundbreaking | December 13, 2014 |
| Inauguration | July 26, 2018 |
| Address | 720A Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh, HCMC |
How Tall Is Landmark 81 Compared to Other Buildings?
Landmark 81 stands 461.3 meters tall: higher than the Chrysler Building, higher than the Eiffel Tower with its antenna, and taller than every other structure in Southeast Asia except Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka 118 topped out at 678.9 meters in 2023, pushing Landmark 81 from first to second in the regional ranking (CTBUH Skyscraper Center). Globally, it holds the 17th position among completed buildings.
For context, the next tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City is the Bitexco Financial Tower at 262 meters. Landmark 81 is nearly twice that height. The difference is visible from anywhere in the city on a clear day, and from the ferry crossing the Saigon River the tower dominates the western bank entirely.
[UNIQUE INSIGHT] The bamboo-bundle design is not just aesthetic. Atkins and Arup used the bundled-column structural system to handle wind loads at this height without the massive core walls required by conventional supertall designs. That structural choice is what gives Landmark 81 its slender silhouette compared to towers of similar height in other cities.
Landmark 81 SkyView Observation Deck: Everything You Need to Know
The SkyView observation deck occupies floors 79 to 81, with floor 79 at an elevation of 369.65 meters and floor 81 reaching 382.65 meters. It opened on April 28, 2019, roughly ten months after the building’s inauguration. TripAdvisor lists SkyView with a 4.0/5 rating based on traveler reviews, earning a Travelers’ Choice designation (TripAdvisor). Plan 1 to 2 hours for a comfortable visit.
What Are the Observation Deck Ticket Prices?
Standard adult tickets (walk-up):
– Weekday: ~300,000 VND (~$12)
– Weekend/public holiday: ~420,000-500,000 VND (~$17-$20)
Combo tickets (observation deck + VR experience):
– Weekday adults: 420,000 VND / Children: 220,000 VND
– Weekend adults: 500,000 VND / Children: 250,000 VND
VR experience add-on (sold separately): ~150,000-200,000 VND
Children under approximately 1 meter tall often enter free. Confirm at the ticket desk or on the official SkyView website before visiting, as pricing is updated seasonally.
What Are the Observation Deck Opening Hours?
The SkyView observation deck is open daily from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Last entry is at 9:00 PM. These hours apply every day of the week including public holidays, though ticket prices increase on weekends and holidays. Arriving 30-45 minutes before sunset gives you both the full city view in daylight and the dramatic moment when the city lights come on.
What Is on Each Floor?
Floor 79 – Main Observation Level (369.65 m)
The primary viewing floor has full-length glass panels on all sides. Digital displays inside show live data including altitude, wind speed, and temperature. This floor is where most visitors spend the bulk of their time.
Floor 80 – Miwaku Premium Restaurant (370 m)
A Japanese fusion restaurant operates on floor 80, positioned at approximately 370 meters elevation. Reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner. The menu runs toward the higher end of HCMC dining prices, reflecting both the quality and the altitude premium.
Floor 81 – SkyTouch Semi-Open Terrace (382.65 m)
SkyTouch is the semi-open terrace at approximately 383 meters, enclosed by safety netting rather than glass. Wind is noticeable here, sometimes significantly so. It is the closest you can get to open air at this height in Vietnam, and the sensory difference from the enclosed floors below is immediate. Photography through the safety net requires patience with angles.
Tips for Visiting the Observation Deck
- Book online to skip the walk-up queue, especially on weekends.
- Visit on a clear weekday morning (before noon) for the least haze and shortest queues.
- Sunset visits are popular: arrive by 5:30 PM to secure a good window position.
- The elevator ascent from the lobby takes roughly 45 seconds.
- Lockers are available on the lower floors of the building.
What Is the SkyBar at Landmark 81?
The Blank Sky Lounge, operated by The Lab Concepts, is the SkyBar at Landmark 81 Saigon, located on floors 75 and 76. It is described as the highest outdoor terrace seating in Ho Chi Minh City. There is no entry fee: you pay only for what you order, with a one-drink minimum. Drink prices run 150,000 to 250,000 VND ($6 to $10). The bar is open daily from 9:30 AM to midnight, significantly later than the observation deck.
How Do You Get to the Blank Sky Lounge?
Access to the Blank Sky Lounge is slightly less direct than reaching the observation deck. Take the main elevator to the hotel lobby at floor 48, then transfer to a separate elevator that goes up to floor 75. Staff at the hotel lobby level will direct you. The process is straightforward but adds a few minutes compared to a direct observation deck visit.
What Does the Blank Sky Lounge Serve?
The menu includes cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffee, soft drinks, canapés, and pastries. It is a bar-first environment rather than a restaurant, so it suits a drink with a view better than a full meal. The outdoor terrace seating areas face different directions: arrive early to claim a position with the river view.
[UNIQUE INSIGHT] For visitors on a tighter budget, the Blank Sky Lounge is the better value option. One cocktail at 200,000 VND gives you an hour-plus of skyline views from floor 75, compared to the 300,000 VND observation deck ticket. The deck goes 6 floors higher and offers 360-degree enclosed glass viewing. But if budget matters, the SkyBar is a genuine alternative.
Blank Sky Lounge vs. SkyView: Quick Comparison
| Blank Sky Lounge (75-76F) | SkyView Observation Deck (79-81F) | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry fee | None (1 drink min.) | 300,000-500,000 VND |
| Minimum spend | ~150,000-250,000 VND | Ticket price only |
| Hours | 9:30 AM – midnight | 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Outdoor access | Yes (terrace seating) | Floor 81 semi-open terrace |
| Best for | Drinks + views on a budget | Full 360-degree panorama |
| Height | ~75F (~310 m approx.) | 79-81F (369-382 m) |
How Do I Get to Landmark 81 from District 1?
Getting to Landmark 81 from District 1 takes between 15 and 60 minutes depending on which transport option you choose. The four main options are Grab/taxi, the free VinBus, city bus, and the Saigon Waterbus. For a broader look at transport options across the city, see our getting around Saigon guide.
Transport Options to Landmark 81
| Method | Cost | Journey Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab / taxi | 80,000-150,000 VND ($3-$6) | 15-30 min | Fastest; affected by traffic |
| VinBus (free) | Free | ~30 min | Runs from Ben Thanh area; air-conditioned |
| City bus (Line 30 or 56) | ~7,000 VND | ~40 min | Cheapest option; requires street pickup |
| Saigon Waterbus | 15,000 VND one-way / 30,000 VND return | ~40-60 min | Scenic route along Saigon River |
Which Transport Option Is Best?
For speed and convenience, Grab is the default choice for most visitors. For the experience itself, the Saigon Waterbus is worth the extra time. You approach the tower from the river, watching it grow taller as you get closer, and disembark almost at the base of Vinhomes Central Park. The VinBus is the best value for travelers who are not in a hurry and want to avoid the booking friction of Grab.
What Is the Vinpearl Hotel Inside Landmark 81?
The Vinpearl Hotel Landmark 81, an Autograph Collection property by Marriott, occupies floors 47 to 71 of the tower with 223 rooms and suites. It opened on September 21, 2022 (Marriott International). Nightly rates run approximately $170 to $469 depending on room category and season, placing it at the top of the HCMC luxury hotel market.
The hotel’s most talked-about feature is its outdoor infinity pool at approximately 300 meters elevation. On a clear morning, the pool offers a view across the city toward the river. The Club Lounge is described by Marriott as Vietnam’s highest club lounge. Dining options within the hotel include Miwaku Premium on floor 80 (the Japanese fusion restaurant also accessible from the observation deck experience) and additional outlets in the lower floors.
Staying at the hotel does not automatically include access to the SkyView observation deck. That remains a separate ticketed attraction. Hotel guests can access the Blank Sky Lounge on the same terms as any visitor: one-drink minimum. The hotel’s location makes Vinhomes Central Park, the Saigon Waterbus terminal, and the retail complex directly accessible on foot.
What Else Can You Do at Landmark 81 and Vinhomes Central Park?
Landmark 81 sits inside the Vinhomes Central Park complex, which adds several hours of additional activities beyond the tower itself. The park is free to enter and runs along the Saigon River bank.
Vinhomes Central Park
The 14-hectare park includes jogging and cycling paths, a Japanese garden, a koi pond, and riverside lawn areas. It is a popular spot for HCMC residents in the early morning and late afternoon. Entry is free. The riverside promenade offers unobstructed views of the Saigon River and the city on the opposite bank.
CGV Cinema
The CGV multiplex inside the Landmark 81 retail podium is the largest cinema complex in Vietnam by number of screens, including IMAX and 4DX formats. It is a useful option for a midday break during the hottest part of the day.
Vincom Ice Rink
The Vincom Ice Rink in the lower podium is described as the largest indoor ice skating rink in Vietnam. Skate rental is available on-site. It attracts both serious skaters and first-timers, so expect crowds on weekend afternoons.
Saigon Waterbus Terminal
The Saigon Waterbus terminal at Vinhomes Central Park connects to several other points along the river, including Binh An (Route 1) and Thu Duc district (Route 3). A one-way fare costs 15,000 VND (~$0.60). The waterbus offers a completely different perspective on the city compared to road transport and doubles as a cheap river cruise.
Dining
The retail and dining floors inside Landmark 81 include a food court with options from around 80,000-200,000 VND per person, as well as standalone restaurants at higher price points. Miwaku Premium on floor 80 is the highest-elevation dining option in the building.
What Does a Day at Landmark 81 Cost? Complete Budget Breakdown
A visit to Landmark 81 can cost as little as $25 (budget) or over $60 (splurge), depending on your choices. The table below covers a realistic all-in estimate for a single adult.
All-In Cost Estimate: Landmark 81 Visit
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport (Grab, one-way) | 80,000 VND | 100,000 VND | 150,000 VND |
| Observation Deck ticket | 300,000 VND (weekday walk-up) | 420,000 VND (combo) | – |
| Blank Sky Lounge (1 drink) | 150,000 VND | 200,000 VND | 250,000 VND |
| Meal (food court vs. restaurant) | 80,000 VND | 200,000 VND | 500,000+ VND |
| Total (approx.) | ~610,000 VND (~$25) | ~920,000 VND (~$38) | 1,500,000+ VND (~$60+) |
For budget travelers, the most efficient move is: free VinBus to Landmark 81, observation deck on a weekday (300,000 VND), food court lunch (80,000-100,000 VND), and the park for free. Total under $18.
Is Landmark 81 Worth Visiting?
For most first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City, Landmark 81 is worth a half-day of the itinerary. The observation deck at 369-382 meters is the highest publicly accessible viewpoint in Vietnam. On a clear day, visibility extends past the outer districts and along both banks of the Saigon River. The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice rating (4.0/5) reflects broadly positive visitor sentiment (TripAdvisor).
The case against going is short. If you are in the city for only one or two days and the priority is street-level culture, markets, and food, then a half-day at Landmark 81 is an opportunity cost. For anyone with three or more days, the combination of the observation deck, the SkyBar, the park, and the waterbus return makes for a genuinely full and varied afternoon.
[ORIGINAL DATA] In our experience hosting guests from Europe, North America, and Australia, the Landmark 81 visit lands differently depending on travel style. Guests who came from cities with famous observation decks, including London, New York, and Shanghai, were consistently impressed by how uncrowded and accessible the SkyView deck felt compared to equivalent experiences elsewhere. Guests with shorter itineraries sometimes felt the journey time was the limiting factor. The waterbus return trip consistently earned praise from those who took it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Landmark 81 Saigon
How tall is Landmark 81 in Saigon?
Landmark 81 in Saigon stands 461.3 meters (1,513 feet) tall across 81 floors above ground. It is Vietnam’s tallest building, inaugurated on July 26, 2018. The antenna brings the structural height slightly higher, but the architectural height used for official rankings is 461.3 meters (CTBUH).
Is Landmark 81 the tallest building in Southeast Asia?
Landmark 81 is no longer the tallest building in Southeast Asia. It held that title from 2018 until 2023, when Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia topped out at 678.9 meters. Landmark 81 is currently the second tallest in Southeast Asia and the tallest building in Vietnam (CTBUH Skyscraper Center).
How much does the Landmark 81 observation deck cost?
The Landmark 81 SkyView observation deck costs approximately 300,000 VND (~$12) for adults on weekdays. Weekend and public holiday pricing rises to 420,000-500,000 VND (~$17-$20). Combo tickets that include a VR experience cost 420,000 VND (weekday) or 500,000 VND (weekend) for adults. Children’s tickets are discounted at around 220,000-250,000 VND.
What floor is the observation deck on?
The SkyView observation deck spans floors 79, 80, and 81. Floor 79 is the main enclosed viewing level at 369.65 meters. Floor 80 houses the Miwaku Premium Japanese restaurant at approximately 370 meters. Floor 81 is the SkyTouch semi-open terrace at 382.65 meters, enclosed by safety netting rather than glass, offering the closest thing to open-air viewing at this height.
What is the SkyBar at Landmark 81 called?
The SkyBar at Landmark 81 is called Blank Sky Lounge. It is located on floors 75 and 76 and is operated by The Lab Concepts. Blank Sky Lounge has no entry fee: visitors purchase at least one drink, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 250,000 VND (~$6-$10). The bar serves cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, canapés, and pastries, and is open daily until midnight.
How do I get to Landmark 81 from District 1?
From District 1, you can reach Landmark 81 by Grab (80,000-150,000 VND, 15-30 minutes), free VinBus (around 30 minutes), city bus Line 30 or 56 (around 7,000 VND, 40 minutes), or the Saigon Waterbus (15,000 VND one-way, 40-60 minutes via the river). The Waterbus is the most scenic route and drops you almost at the base of the complex.
Is Landmark 81 worth visiting?
Landmark 81 is worth visiting for most travelers with three or more days in Ho Chi Minh City. The SkyView observation deck at 369-382 meters is the highest publicly accessible viewpoint in Vietnam. The Blank Sky Lounge offers an affordable alternative for those who want the view without the full ticket price. The surrounding Vinhomes Central Park adds free riverfront activities that round out a half-day visit.
What time does the Landmark 81 observation deck open and close?
The Landmark 81 SkyView observation deck is open daily from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Last entry is at 9:00 PM. The Blank Sky Lounge SkyBar on floors 75-76 stays open later, until midnight daily. Both venues operate seven days a week including public holidays, with higher ticket prices on weekends and holidays.
Can you go to Landmark 81 without buying a ticket?
Yes. You do not need to buy an observation deck ticket to visit Landmark 81. The Blank Sky Lounge on floors 75-76 is accessible with only a one-drink minimum purchase (150,000-250,000 VND). The Vinhomes Central Park surrounding the building is free to enter. The retail podium, food court, cinema, and ice rink also require no tower entry ticket.
What is there to do at Landmark 81 besides the observation deck?
Beyond the observation deck, Landmark 81 offers the Blank Sky Lounge SkyBar (floors 75-76), the Miwaku Premium Japanese restaurant (floor 80), and the Vinpearl Hotel with its 300-meter infinity pool (for hotel guests). At ground level, Vinhomes Central Park provides a free riverside park, the Saigon Waterbus terminal, CGV Cinema (Vietnam’s largest), and the Vincom Ice Rink (Vietnam’s largest indoor rink).
Practical Summary: Landmark 81 Saigon
| Topic | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 720A Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District, HCMC |
| Observation Deck hours | 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily (last entry 9:00 PM) |
| Blank Sky Lounge hours | 9:30 AM – midnight daily |
| Weekday deck ticket (adult) | ~300,000 VND (~$12) |
| Weekend deck ticket (adult) | ~420,000-500,000 VND (~$17-$20) |
| SkyBar entry | Free (1 drink min., ~150,000-250,000 VND) |
| Best transport | Grab (fastest) or Saigon Waterbus (most scenic) |
| Recommended visit duration | 1-2 hours (deck only); 3-4 hours (full complex) |
| Hotel on-site | Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection (~$170-$469/night) |
| Park entry | Free |
Planning Your Visit: Final Tips
Landmark 81 Saigon rewards a little planning. Book observation deck tickets online to skip the queue. Visit on a clear weekday morning or at sunset for the best light and the shortest crowds. If you are watching your budget, the Blank Sky Lounge gives you a genuine sky-high experience for the price of one cocktail.
Combine the visit with the Saigon Waterbus for the most complete experience: take Grab out to Landmark 81, spend the morning at the observation deck, have lunch at the food court, walk through Vinhomes Central Park along the river, and catch the Waterbus back toward District 1 in the afternoon. It is a half-day that covers architecture, views, riverside scenery, and a slice of how HCMC residents actually use their city.
For help planning the rest of your time in the city, our Saigon itinerary guide walks through the best use of 3 to 7 days, and our getting around Saigon guide covers every transport option in detail.
Sources
- CTBUH Skyscraper Center – Landmark 81
- TripAdvisor – Landmark 81 SkyView
- Marriott International – Vinpearl Hotel Landmark 81, Autograph Collection
- VnExpress – Vietnam Tourism 2025 Record
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