59 Best Bars in Vietnam

The beer alone is worth the trip but it’s the employees that make this bar truly special. They are passionate not only about the beer, but about customer service as well. There are always 8 to 10 beers on tap, but the brewers have created more than 50 different varieties since they opened. The pho beer has a taste profile similar to that of a spiced Christmas ale back home, and the bar is big enough to host your whole party.

Welcome to Indika, the "house of curiosity" that's focused on chill, in the garden or the bar. Indika regularly hosts events, so check their Facebook page for the latest schedule of live music, "wine and words" book club, and film screenings. A rotating menu that includes authentic wood-fired pizzas and lots of vegan and vegetarian options will satisfy any hunger pains from 10 am to midnight.

On a small street close to the Opera House is Kumquat Tree, one of Hanoi's first speakeasy bars. You'll need a not-so-secret code (the security guard will tell you what it is) to get into this ambient space offering on-point cocktails and regular DJ nights.

Sit on the sidewalk terrace and watch the world motor by at this jazzy, warmly lit wine bar, where a sizeable wine by the bottle menu and large charcuterie and cheese boards make it an ideal place for sharing. For those flying solo, there are a few wines by the glass.

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 a balcony overlooking the Old Quarter. There is occasional live music, too. It's wise to make a booking on the weekend.

Hanoi is not a nightlife hub, but if you are looking for unreconstructed late-night fun then this is the place to go. Inside things are smoky, hot, and sweaty, but there's fresh air on the outside terrace and a river close by. Expect young backpackers on pub crawls and hedonistic locals.

Lush's longevity in the ever-changing nightclub scene of Ho Chi Minh City is a tribute to its eternal grooviness and cool beats, a combination that attracts a clientele of young Vietnamese, tourists, and expats. The indoor and outdoor sections can get crowded on Tuesday (Ladies Night), Friday, and Saturday with DJs, dancers, and live music performers.

This restaurant-lounge-bar makes an array of refreshing cocktails with—you guessed it—mangoes. This place is often chock-a-block with expats and tourists. A full menu with starters, salads, mains and desserts is served, complemented by an innovative cocktail selection. Bypass the front busy dining room for a low table in the back beside the river. It's best at sunset.

A smart-casual bar run by an Australian couple, Matilda's Pub is one of Vung Tau's most popular watering holes for travelers and expats, with five TV screens showing sports. The pub offers a range of Western and Vietnamese comfort food at very reasonable prices, and does a great breakfast, too.

A funky coffee shop during the day, Mya Bar gets crowded in the evenings with locals and travelers alike. There are high wooden tables, a large fully stocked bar, and friendly staff waiting on your every need. The walls are covered in one-of-a-kind graffiti and art projects. 

Curious where the locals gather on weekend nights? Check out Hue's Night Pedestrian Zone, which is open from 6 pm to 11 pm Friday to Sunday. The streets of Pham Ngu Lao, Vo Thi Sau, and Chu Van An are turned into a huge outdoor night club where music, street food, and beer flood this watering hole with delight after dark.

Loungey relaxed beach club by day, club by night, Nirvana is popular because they offer it all: cocktails, food, quick service, sunset on the water, music, an alfresco dance floor, and an overall fun vibe.

An Irish pub with pool tables, exposed brick walls, friendly staff, daily happy hour, and pretty fine food, O'Brien's Factory is a great place to relax, meet new friends, watch sports. Check their Facebook page for notices of live music acts, usually on Friday night.

Nobody could ever call Cat Ba Town's nightlife sophisticated, but it can be fun. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Oasis Bar, where staff preside over a mixed crowd of travelers. Drinks are very reasonably priced and the food does an acceptable job of soaking them up. There's a pool table, and karaoke is available for those who fancy strutting their vocal stuff.

There's an air of mystery as you walk down the dark alley, but if there's any doubt, just follow the sound of the shakers to this classy, urban cocktail bar where the music isn’t too loud, the lighting isn’t too dark, and the drinks are made just right.

The first brewery to open in Vietnam, Pasteur Street has had immense success throughout the country. Serving several styles of craft beer and comfort food, this modern building is located right next to the cathedral. Get a growler of original craft beer and the Nashville hot chicken burger after you find a seat on the outdoor terrace.

A polished and vintage cocktail bar and one of the first of its kind in Hanoi, Polite & Co attracts a crowd of regulars. The watering hole is known for its stylish atmosphere and bartenders, so dress up (a little) and step out. You'll need to book on the weekends.

If you're not interested in Dragon Beach's nightclub atmosphere, its neighbor Port Side has a far more casual vibe designed to attract backpackers who want to play pool, chill out by the water, and chat over drinks and shisha, while being served by friendly staff.

Saigon Outcast has a little something for everyone. It's an open-air café-bar, with a skateboarding section (free) and a rock-climbing wall (fee). Check the website to see what's coming up in the way of live music, movie nights, local theater, markets, charitable events, craft classes, and open mike sessions. The bar stocks local and craft beers, and the kitchen turns out some tasty international fare.

From morning right up to the early hours, this beach club is the place to be. After dinnertime, the space morphs from chill beach hangout to nightclub with a DJ, sometimes with live music or a fire show. Book a cabana, sit beachfront, or get on the dance floor with good wine, beer, and signature cocktails.

Located 23 stories above the city, Shri boasts great views, stylish decor, and innovative food and beverage offerings. Signature cocktails are inspired by the flavors of Vietnam, including pho. If the weather's nice, a seat on the outdoor terrace is spectacular. Otherwise, the artfully lit interior sets the mood for a satisfying night out.

Taking cocktails to new levels, the 36th floor of the Novotel Danang Premier Han River, to be precise, Sky36 is a glitzy, glam, neon hangout with fantastic views of the whole city. Floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides give way to sparkly city views. The high-energy (and extremely loud) nightclub is a great place to see and be seen. It may be pricey, but the cocktails and dancing are worth it.

On the 43rd floor atop Premier Havana Hotel, Skylight boasts a 360-sky deck and an amazing view of the beach, city, and mountains. It's touted as a "rooftop beach club" where you can enjoy high-end cocktails, ice-cold beer, and tasty cuisine before hitting the dance floor. Prices are high, but such a setting demands it.

This is a cool, cozy café featuring good live acoustic music most evenings 7:30–9 pm, as well as a people pleasing menu of Western and Vietnamese comfort foods.

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 or pay the theater a visit to see the performance schedule.

This posh lounge bar gets lively in the evening thanks to a generous happy hour 4:30–8:30 pm Monday to Saturday, with half-price cocktails. A classic martini, an oyster shot or something uniquely Vietnamese—the choice is yours. The bar menu is more extensive and surprisingly value-priced than elsewhere, focusing on modern cuisine. Smart-casual wear is expected.

A laid-back place to chill, drink craft beer, and soak in the beach views during the day, the Louisiane Brewhouse perks up at night, with live music and beach views.

Not to be confused with the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, this venue offers a musical performance focused on traditional Ca Tru ceremonial singing. The hour-long shows take place three times per week at 8 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. During the 20-minute intermission, guests are invited to try out the instruments and enjoy complimentary tea and cakes. By day you can tour Memorial House.