59 Best Bars in Vietnam

Although it was founded in Danang, 7 Bridges has found a comfortable niche in the Hoi An nightlife scene. A huge factor in their recipe for success is a stunning venue in the Old Town that has arguably one of the most attractive beer gardens in the country. As you'd expect from a brewer, beers are of an exacting standard with a broad selection of award-winning brews on tap. 

Vietnam’s homegrown craft beer scene has emerged as one of the liveliest in the region, and East West Brewing is flying the flag for delicious brews proudly on the beachfront in Danang. The lively venue, which has a new upstairs lounge with great views over the beach, offers an excellent selection of bottled beers and tap-offerings. Tasty culinary offerings make this a decent spot for a meal.

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.

Ne is famous for its signature cocktails. 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.

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 are others across the city including at 26A Le Thanh Ton with 12 taps and an open-air rooftop and one with 150 seats located at 23A Ngo Thoi Nhiem in District 3.

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.

Owned and operated by the late 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 decent selection of wine. Mr Duc, who passed away in 2023, also organized regular music nights, and the inheritors are keen to continue his legacy.

One of the only clubs in Hanoi's Old Quarter, 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.

Tucked down a little alleyway, this little speakeasy pays tribute to owner Minh Tan Pham's birthplace, the Mekong Delta. The Alley attracts a cool young crowd, who come for the well-executed cocktails, great food, and the friendly vibe, all in an industrial-chic setting.

Located on Truong Cong Dinh Street, which has a concentration of bars, B21 is a hit with the young Vietnamese crowd, morphing into a club vibe at night with DJ, loud music, and live shows while serving cold, cheap beer. At that time, it's perhaps a little too loud to sit inside, but the terrace is a great place to watch the city go by.

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.

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.

Lively tunes, a pool table, and a generous 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.

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.

Cat Ba's bar scene can be a fluid beast with frequent name changes having the potential to confuse visitors. This lively oceanfront option used to be The Good Bar, which itself was part of Noble House. Nothing much has been done to change the long-standing formula for success, bar the addition of some pretty deafening DJ nights. Drinks are cheap, there are diversions such as foosball and pool, and the outlook over the ocean is stunning. Most of the foreigners who live on the island head here.

This 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 around 9 pm each night.

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).

Sister bar to Standing Bar, The Bottle Shop serves a dizzying array of bottled craft beers from Vietnam and beyond. There are a couple of pub benches at the front and a cozy beer yard out back that's popular with expats, especially on warm weekend afternoons.

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.

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.

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 Saturday from 9 to 11 pm. They serve beer and cocktails and have a nice regular crowd of businesspeople. Open 2 pm to 1 am.

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.

The pub is a welcoming hub for international travelers who gather for nightly live music, and cheap shots and cocktails. The cheerful staff and convivial atmosphere makes it an easy place to meet new people and have fun.

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."

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.

Set to be Danang’s premier live-music venue, this establishment is a lively place to sink some drinks. 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.

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.

A long-standing staple of Mui Ne's nightlife scene, Dragon Beach only really gets buzzing late at night when the buckets of budget booze flow and the dance floor fills. The club has a number of waterfront loungers, where you put your feet up and watch the waves crash below you.

A sports bar with pool table, foosball table, and all kinds of sports being broadcast, it's usually a lively choice in high season and quieter in the off-season. The friendly staff add to the relaxed atmosphere, and the pub grub menu is satisfying.

A cozy 27-seat bar focusing on "bespoking" whiskey- and whisky-based cocktails (and if you don't know about the different spellings, strike up a conversation with the bar staff) in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Hundreds of specialty liquors from around the world line the bar (including over 250 types of whiskies), and a tasty menu of gourmet bar snacks complements the drinks. Ask about whiskey (and whisky) tasting flights.