57 Best Nightlife in Vietnam

H'mong Sisters

Fodor's choice

Raucous and rowdy, this is by far the liveliest nightspot in Sapa. Busy every night of the week, the bar attracts an eclectic crowd that spans backpackers, locals, trekkers, and members of Sapa's small expatriate community. A pool table, sports on the TV, a great selection of music, and generously strong drinks keep the party going until late.

Leo's

Hoan Kiem District Fodor's choice

Hanoi is becoming somewhat of a cocktail bar hub, as demonstrated by Leo's, which opened in 2020. The bar is small, cozy, packed with locals, and boasts one of the most creative menus in the city. There is occasional live music, too. It's wise to make a booking on any evening.

Ne Cocktail Bar

Hoan Kiem District Fodor's choice

Ne is famous for its signature cocktails and luxurious atmosphere. The bartenders are professional and they take presentation seriously, so grab a seat at the bar for the full experience. The pho cocktail does not disappoint, and the blues and jazz will go on as long as customers keep up the orders.

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Pasteur Street Brewing Co.

District 1 Fodor's choice

The place that really kicked off Saigon's craft beer scene, Pasteur Street is dedicated to combining American-style craft beer with uniquely Vietnamese flavors, such as jasmine, jackfruit, and chocolate. Do try a flight of beers to experience the full range of amazing flavors. Great-tasting American comfort food can be paired with the beer. The original taproom is tiny, but there's another taproom at 26A Le Thanh Ton with 12 taps and an open-air rooftop, while a third taproom with 150 seats is located at 23A Ngo Thoi Nhiem in District 3.

Rory's Beach Bar

Fodor's choice

Relaxed, welcoming, and right on the beach, Rory's is a must-visit when on Phu Quoc for its chilled vibe, cold beers, friendly staff—especially Rory and his wife Yoon—and classic takes on café-bar food. Nighttimes can run late, with bonfires on the beach (weather permitting), foosball games, and general laid-backness. Rory's attracts all types, from families to backpackers to old-timers; expect to hear some interesting conversations at the bar, involving people with an interest in the world and its travelers.

Shri Restaurant & Lounge

District 1 Fodor's choice

As well as great views and stylish decor, Shri has truly innovative food and beverage offerings, including a spectacular menu of Saigon-themed cocktails by artist / bartist Richie Fawcett. Don't just go for drinks—the food menu is excellent, making it the place for a special night out.

72 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
028-3827–9631

Standing Bar

Tay Ho District Fodor's choice

At Standing Bar you’ll find a tempting selection of beers and ciders with which to wash down elaborate beer snacks, including smoked sausage, goat's cheese croquettes, and sun-dried tuna. The west-facing lakeside setting shines at sunset, and the second story plays host to comedy nights and live music.

Tadioto

Hoan Kiem District Fodor's choice

Owned and operated by journalist and raconteur Nguyen Qui Duc, this Hanoi institution is now in its fourth incarnation near the Opera House. Expect a bohemian crowd, an eclectic music policy, and a nice selection of wine. They also have a reputation for great sushi.

Vietnam National Tuong Theatre

Hoan Kiem District Fodor's choice

Rivaling the musical aspect of the famed Water Puppet Theater, but sans the water puppets, this remarkable show blends acting, music, comedy, and storytelling in an hour-long performance. This version of a Chinese opera comprises five acts, and there is English translation between each segment. Check the website to see the performance schedule. Note that the theater has another location out west in Chau Giay District.

1900 Le Theater

Hoan Kiem District

One of the only clubs in Hanoi, 1900 Le Theater has multiple stages, bars, and eccentric decor. There is generally a cover price and often live music or a DJ. Be forewarned, there is no customer limit so the dance floor is often jam-packed. If it’s a night out you’re looking for, it’s best to reserve a table and pay for bottle service.

8 Ta Hien, Hanoi, Ha Noi, Vietnam
091-111–1900

7 Bridges Brewing Company - Taproom

This rooftop bar offers amazing views of the skyline, great service, and delicious frosty beverages. The seven-beer flight will excite your taste buds, and if you get hungry, the sloppy joe and chicken wings will satiate your appetite. There’s also a pool table on the third floor.

AIR Saigon

District 1

AIR Saigon (formerly known as Air 360 Sky Lounge)  has fantastic views of Ho Chi Minh City, and is a great place to catch the sunset. Staff are usually attentive and the menu is a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes. The drink prices are reasonable during happy hour (6–8 pm) but quite pricey otherwise.

136–138 Le Thi Hong Gam, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
097-458–7788
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Opens at 5:30 pm but starts serving at 6 pm

B21 beer

Located along "Artists Alley" on Truong Cong Dinh Street, the first thing that is apparent about this bar is that it's a hit with the young, hip Dalat crowd. The recipe is fairly simple: the bar plays loud music and puts on entertaining live shows while serving cold, cheap beer. It's perhaps a little too loud to sit inside, but the terrace is a great place to watch the city go by in the evenings.

Bamboo 2 Bar

This lively dive bar draws a vast and varied crowd of visitors, and is big enough to accommodate them all. With three floors and wraparound balconies, there is always a seat somewhere. The pool table is located on the second floor, TVs broadcasting sports are located on the ground level, and there is a great selection of imported beer. It's the bar for river views and late-night food. Open 10 am til late.

Beaumont Coffee & Bar

A club that promises dance music by night and espresso in the morning, Beaumont is the go-to choice if you are celebrating. The wooden ceiling beams and low lighting add to the ambience, and the comfortable armchairs are a perfect place to kick back with a hookah to share. There are several whisky and Champagne options as well. Open from 7 am to 2 am.

50A Dinh Tien Hoang, Haiphong, Hai Phong, Vietnam
0225-351–5979

Before & Now

Lively tunes, a pool table, and a 5–9 pm happy hour pull in crowds late into the night at this lively bar in Old Town. Cheerfully grungy street art plasters the walls surrounding the bar, where service can be slow and conversation almost impossible. Quieter surroundings can be found upstairs in the sofa-strewn lounge bar.

Ben Xuan Garden House Theatre

This opulent theater is nestled in a verdant garden on Huong River shore between Temple of Literature and Thien Mu Pagoda. You'll feel like you've gone back to the golden time of the Nguyen Dynasty. The graceful hosts, Huyen Ton Nu Camille, one of the sixth generation descendants of Emperor Minh Mang, and her husband, Ngo, welcome you to their home in this experience that's best suited to groups. Camille and her band treat you to East-meets-West variations on Hue royal tunes and Vietnamese folk melodies; Camille sings both English and French songs while the musicians accompany her with traditional instruments. The performance is followed by a six-course dinner meticulously created by the hostess herself. The whole package is private. The best way to experience this haven is via boat on the Perfume River right before sunset. Make a reservation through your travel agency or directly with the owners at least one day in advance.

Binh Minh's Jazz Club

Hoan Kiem District

Minh's Jazz Club is owned by one of Hanoi's best-known jazz musicians, Quyen Van Minh. Live jazz performed by both foreign and local musicians, including Minh's son, are the big draws here. Music starts at 9 nightly.

1 Trang Tien, Hanoi, Ha Noi, Vietnam
024-3933–6555

Blanchy's Lounge

District 1

Blanchy's Lounge is one of the city's most popular late-night haunts, attracting a mix of expats, tourists, and locals. If downstairs gets too crowded for your tastes, head for the rooftop terrace on the third floor. The three-hour-long happy hour on weeknights is a great value for a flash bar in a major city. For those curious about the peculiar name, it honors the moustache of Paul Blanchy, a colonial entrepreneur who made his fortune cultivating pepper and went on to become the first mayor of Saigon (1895–1901).

95 Hai Ba Trung, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
093-799--2636

Broma: Not A Bar

District 1

A small, trendy bar, Broma stocks an impressive array of bottled beers from all corners of the globe, and the bar staff mix an excellent cocktail. Make sure to sit in the open-air lounge on the top floor, where you will be right in between two of the city's flashiest skyscrapers (Saigon Times Square and Bitexco Financial Tower). The only drawback is the music, as customers often hijack the sound system.

41 Nguyen Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
028-3823--6838

Brown Eyes

With a motto like "From 5 pm 'til the last one passes out," it's no wonder that this joint has become one of the most popular bars in Hue. If the street promoters with flyers don't grab your attention, the blaring sound system with pumping bass certainly will. There's a dance floor, pool table, and happy hour that generally lasts all day. This expat and backpacker hangout is small and crowded, but the cool air-conditioning and garden patio make it bearable.

56 Chu Van An St., Hue, Thua Thien-Hue, Vietnam

Buzz Pub

Buzz Pub is a smoky brick club that sells the regular spirits along with 14 types of cigars. Reminiscent of a London dive bar, there are vintage touches scattered here and there. There is also a small stage, where you can find live music on Saturdays from 9 to 11 pm. They serve beer and cocktails and have a nice regular crowd of businessmen. Open 2 pm to 1 am.
Pub
27 Hoang Van Thu, Haiphong, Hai Phong, Vietnam
096-514–0400

Cask

This is the only bar in Vung Tau serving Pasteur Street, East West, and Rooster craft beers from Ho Chi Minh City. It has great music and a friendly vibe, with a balcony overlooking Front Beach.

Chill Skybar

Far above the bustling crowds, Chill is an impressive open bar on the 26th floor of one of the city's modern office blocks. With unimpeded views of downtown Ho Chi Minh City and beyond, this is a dramatic vantage point to watch the sun go down and the metropolis's lights go on. It's a slick, pricey venue that attracts plenty of glamorous, well-heeled guests, but it's worth a splurge.

Gentlemen, make sure you slip on some casual wear lest you have to borrow the dreaded "trousers and shoes for lend."

Color Bar

This atmospheric spot is a little out of the way, but worth the journey for its friendly, bohemian vibe. Owned by a Vietnamese artist, the venue has a mellow feel with a soundtrack of laid-back tunes and unlimited ice-cold beer of the usual local varieties along with classic cocktails. There are occasional exhibitions of live music, dance, and even art workshops, so be sure to check their Facebook page for the latest goings-on.

Dinh Cau Night Market

Dinh Cau Night Market's atmosphere buzzes in the high season, with a growing number of bars and seafood restaurants, some with views of the river and of colorful fishing boats.

Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam

Dirty Fingers Danang

Set to be Danang’s premier live-music venue, this establishment is the place to be. The warehouse comes complete with murals of pin-up girls and a giant wraparound wooden bar. There's ample seating both inside and out. Expect finger-picking music and finger-licking good food.

Dive Bar Hoi An

Great cocktails and live music are the reason people come here, yet the excellent Italian menu and shady rear courtyard make for some of the calmest lunchtime dining in the center. Slightly more upscale than the brimming-with-backpackers Before & Now, the Dive Bar is a favorite hangout for expats and travelers looking for a relaxed vibe. The bar is also where diver-wannabes or enthusiasts can book for courses and escapades on Cham Island.

DMZ Bar

Located in the heart of the tourist zone, this hopping spot is Hue's longest running bar. Cheap eats are overshadowed by the atmosphere and drinks that are ridiculously cheap during happy hour, offered three times daily. This backpacker's hangout is where everyone comes to dance the night away to loud and outdated hits. For a drink with a view, head upstairs to the balcony overlooking the bustling avenue. It's tradition for patrons to add some graffiti to the wall before leaving.

60 Le Loi St., Hue, Thua Thien-Hue, Vietnam
0234-382–3414

Dragon Beach Bar & Lounge

A long-standing staple of the late night Mui Ne scene, Dragon Beach only really gets buzzing late at night. The bar staff have access to a wide range of drinks, but they prefer to stick to "buckets" of budget booze, a hit with most revelers at this hour. The club itself is actually rather nice to look at, and has a number of great waterfront loungers, where you can put your feet up and watch the waves crash just below you.