Another skyscraper that extends towards the clouds is the Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Minh City. This building is comprised of 68 floors and houses multiple offices, shops, and restaurants as well as the Saigon Skydeck.

2nd Tallest Building in Saigon

Towering over the city, the Bitexco Financial Tower sits on the riverbank in Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Business District. It measures 262 meters (861 feet) and 264 meters (866 feet) to the tip.

The sun rising behind the Bitexco Financial Tower, Saigon. Photo: Malcolm Surgenor

Easily accessed and close to the Saigon Bridge, the tower’s centralized position makes it well-connected to both the city’s tourist and business hubs. Other landmarks near the tower include the Thu Thiem Tunnel, Tan Thuan Bridge, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Quick stats:

Developer: Bitexco Group
Construction: 2007-2010
Opened: October 2010
Height: 262 meters/861 feet; 264 meters/866 feet to the spire
Observatory: 259 meters/848 feet
Floors: 68 + three basement levels
Floor Area: 1, 230, 000 square feet
Features: Offices | Shopping Mall | Restaurant | Helipad | Observation deck

Design

Known for its futuristic, space-like appearance, Carlos Zapata Studio designed the Bitexco Financial Tower to stand out. Inspired by Vietnam’s national flower, the lotus, this giant metal structure juts into the sky.

Bitexco Financial Tower. Photo: Gyver Chang

Similar in shape to the petal of a lotus flower, the tower’s prominent helipad protrudes from the side of the building. Unlike most other towers in Vietnam, Bitexco’s on-site helipad is a feature distinct to this establishment.

Although a topic of debate, the unique design created by Zapata has garnered widespread acclaim. The building has made it onto “Skyscraper Icons” lists as well as coming in second place as the “Coolest Skyscraper in the World”.

Upwards view of the Bitexco Financial Tower. Photo: Mark Pegrum

Guests to this building are greeted with a spacious lobby and oversized glass windows that give every floor an incredible view of the city below. On the subsequent floors, a series of elevators transport guests to the offices, shopping center, helipad, and observation deck.

Observation Deck

Known as the Saigon Skydeck, Bitexco Financial Tower’s observation area gives visitors a 360-degree view of Ho Chi Minh City from the 49th floor, just below the helipad.

Bitexco Financial Tower. Photo: manhhai

Traveling at 16 miles per hour, visitors are shuttled to the observation deck by a speedy elevator. Upon arrival, guests are provided with access to not only excellent views but also the Ao Dai Museum with panoramic points, a full restaurant with a bar, and a gift shop.

The Ao Dai Museum. Photo: Saigon Skydeck – Bitexco Financial Tower

Although designed to be able to hold several tons of weight, for guest’s safety, access to the helipad is restricted. However, reviewers guarantee that visitors can still see far and wide from the safety of the observation deck.

What to Do

Unlike most of the other skyscrapers in Vietnam, the Bitexco Financial Tower does not have any private residences or a hotel. Instead, visitors will spend the day exploring the observation deck and shopping center.

With fewer services than other skyscraper icons, this site is perfect for a day trip into the city. Guests can spend time marveling at the view or taking photos from the observation deck before heading to the stores at the Icon68 Shopping Center.

Inside the Mall

Spread throughout the first six floors of the tower is the Icon68 Shopping Center. There are two main entrances to Icon68 and both are joined by a large lobby.

Inside the Icon68 Shopping Center. Photo: Ngô Trung Ngô

A reception desk can provide answers to any inquiries, and for shoppers who prefer to peruse the stores on their own, a directory and map provide a list of all the merchants and their location.

There are dozens of stores and brands throughout the center. The mall has local labels as well as a few of the internationally recognized brands, including Converse, Adidas, and Pierre Cardin.

On the fourth floor, the Food Center holds all of the center’s eateries. Lotteria is a local fast-food establishment that is popular throughout Vietnam. Other options include clay pot dishes at Com Nieu or noodle soup at Pho24.

Nearby Hotels

The Bitexco Financial Tower does not have any space reserved for private residences or a hotel. Unlike most of the multi-use buildings in Vietnam, this site is entirely for business.

However, due to the tower’s prime location in Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Business District, there are quite a few hotels that are nearby. Visitors who wish to stay closer to the tower won’t have to look far for a quality hotel.

Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline with a rainbow. Photo: Marco Verch Professional Photographer

A few of the top-rated hotels near the Bitexco Financial Tower include the chúng mìnhie Saigon, Sheraton Saigon Hotel, and Renaissance Riverside Hotel. Other accommodations include looking for local residences to rent on a nightly basis.

Restaurants and Bars

Eon51 is the Bitexco Financial Tower’s main restaurant and bar. The establishment is quite large and it utilizes multiple floors in the building. Located on floors 50, 51, and 52, guests at Eon51 can share a meal or sip cocktails, all while marveling at the city below.

Eon51 Restaurant & Lounge. Photo: EON51 Restaurant & Lounge – Level 51 Bitexco Financial Tower

For those wanting to try an array of foods, there is a 5-star buffet on the 50th floor. Regarded as one of the classiest buffets in the city, the Strata Restaurant is less formal than Eon51 and boasts over 50 dishes.

Any other restaurants within the building are a part of the Icon68 Shopping Center’s fourth floor Food Center. Offering a wide range of restaurants that cater to both full-service meals as well as fast-food options, these restaurants are the best for those who need to re-energize before exploring more of the tower.

Bitexco Financial Tower. Photo: manhhai

An integral part of Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Business District, the Bitexco Financial Tower is worth a visit. Guests will enjoy exploring the tower’s quality services and state-of-the-art observation deck. Furthermore, the Icon68 Shopping Center provides endless entertainment for guests looking for a little retail therapy.