High Times: Chill Out at the Summit of Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam's upwardly mobile have found an appropriately lofty new hangout in Chill, a sleek sky bar and restaurant on the 26th and 27th floors of Ho Chi Minh City's AB Tower. The building is located in District 1 — the city center — and a short distance from tourist favorite Ben Thanh Market.

Chill's patrons arrive in a dark-wood-paneled lift lobby and can choose from an upstairs lounge (with indoor and outdoor sections) or downstairs dining area, both offering fabulous views of the city. A 5-m-wide timber staircase — dramatically bisected by a wall of sloping glass — connects the upper and lower levels. (See the best of Vietnam.)

Inside, a muted palette of earth tones, timber, wine-colored fabric and dark mirrors means that there are no visual elements competing with the view. There are gustatory distractions aplenty, however. Australian chef Andy O'Brien — formerly a private chef to Madonna and Bon Jovi — offers substantial fusion fare like barbecued honey-lacquered short ribs, and gratinated Nha Trang lobster with smoked paprika and sea cresses.

Both pre- and postdinner drinks can be had at the statement outdoor bar — an elliptical aerie where German mixologist Bernardo Bernard concocts premium cocktails as guests take in Ho Chi Minh City's ever growing skyline. Try the signature chill sour, and if you don't have a head for heights, keep well away from the glass walls. (See 25 authentic Asian experiences.)

For more information, see chillsaigon.com.

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