Vietnam's tallest tower at 461 m, with an observation deck on the upper floors (79th-81st) looking over the Saigon River bend, the city grid and the Dong Nai plain. Weekday tickets are cheaper than weekend ones.
Landmark 81 SkyView occupies the upper floors of Vietnam's tallest tower, at 720A Dien Bien Phu in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. At about 461 m for the tower, the observation deck on the 79th to 81st floors looks south-west over the Saigon River bend, the grid of District 1 and the Dong Nai plain beyond, with the Vinhomes Central Park development and the river wharves directly below. The river curls around the foreground, which gives a natural leading line toward the older city, and the Bitexco tower is a recognisable marker on the skyline. The best light arrives in the hour before sunset, when the sun sits behind the District 1 towers and the river turns reflective, followed by blue hour as city lights come on. Morning frames are flatter and often hazy, though early dry-season mornings can be crisp. December to April gives the clearest air and driest evenings; the wet season brings dramatic cloud and storm cells that can be photogenic when they clear. Weekday tickets are cheaper and the deck is quieter than at weekends, and the crowd peaks around sunset. Tripods are generally not allowed, so a lens hood or rubber shroud pressed to the glass is the standard approach for killing reflections. Drone flying near the tower and over the city centre is restricted and not practical. The ticket desk is on level B1, and a ticket fee applies that varies by day and package, so visitors should confirm current prices at the desk or on the official website. Restrooms and refreshments are available in the tower complex. Because the tower is about 5 km north-east of Ben Thanh Market, a taxi or ride-hailing car is the easiest way to arrive.
| Best time | 16:30-18:30 for sunset; ticket desk is on level B1 and the deck is open to about 22:00 (confirm on the day) |
|---|---|
| Best season | December to April for clear air and the driest evenings |
| Address | 720A Dien Bien Phu, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Wide-angle lens (14-24mm), Rubber lens hood pressed to the glass to cut reflections, Tripods are generally not allowed
Location
720A Dien Bien Phu, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
10.7949, 106.7218 View on map
Highlights
- Highest public vantage point in Vietnam, looking over the Saigon River bend
- Sunset and blue-hour views toward District 1 and the Bitexco tower
- Leading lines from the river curve and Vinhomes Central Park below
- Weekday tickets are cheaper and quieter than weekends
Tips for visiting
- Arrive 45 minutes before sunset and pick a south-west-facing window.
- Use a rubber lens hood pressed to the glass to cut reflections.
- A 14-24mm wide-angle captures the full river bend from the glass.
- Visit on a weekday for lower ticket prices and thinner crowds.
- Confirm opening hours on the day; the deck is open to about 22:00.
When to visit
16:30-18:30 for sunset on a dry-season weekday; mornings are flatter and hazier.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Where is the ticket desk for Landmark 81 SkyView?
The ticket desk is on level B1 of the tower complex. Visitors should confirm current prices and opening hours on the day.
Are tripods permitted?
Tripods are generally not allowed on the observation deck. A lens hood against the glass and a steady rest are the usual workarounds.
Which direction gives the best sunset view?
The south-west side faces District 1 and the river bend, which catches the strongest sunset light and the best blue-hour city lights.