Vietnam’s best cities are a joy during the day but they are even better at night. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) are especially known for their nightlife. Night markets, walking streets and even whole avenues that shut down for traffic and turn into one large party zone. From local beer to swish cocktails, from whisky to wine, from trendy music to lovely jazz bars, here are 12 places to not just grab a drink but also kick back and relax.
Binh Minh Jazz Club, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
For those who like their nights out with a side of old-fashioned musical entertainment, Binh Minh Jazz Club is an ideal choice. Located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, this bar hosts live music every evening from 9 p.m.
onwards, showcasing the best of local and international talent in jazz. There’s no cover, but come early or make a reservation because the place fills up fast!
Address: 1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Timings: 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., Monday to Sunday.
Book Here: https://minhjazzvietnam.com/
The Haflington, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The cosy, warmly-lit Haflington is an ode to Western speakeasies of the early 20th century. Complete with a hidden entrance, dinosaur skeleton suspended over the bar, and vintage art, it feels less like a bar and more like the study of a particularly prolific collector. The staff are friendly and well-trained in classic and modern cocktails, and are always happy to provide recommendations.
Address: 94 P. Hàng Mã, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Timings: 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., Monday to Sunday.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaflington/?hl=en
The Alchemist, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
True to its name, The Alchemist boasts a menu of creative and occasionally wacky cocktails that nevertheless live up to their hype. The ambience is muted, but cheerful, and you can find the space often decked out in celebration of whatever festival is around the corner. There’s also live music on the weekends, performed by local artists from Hanoi.
Address: 25 P. Bát Sứ, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Timings: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday to Sunday.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemistbarsf/?hl=en
The Terminal, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Come the weekend, for Hanoi’s young, hip crowd, the Terminal is the place to be. The bar regularly hosts parties centred around themes or live sporting events and well-known DJs are not a rare find. Drop by during the week for a more relaxed experience, or brave the weekend crowd for a taste of the ritziest Hanoi has to offer.
Address: 30 P. Phùng Hưng, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam
Timings: Open 24x7.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theterminalhanoi/?hl=en
3PIAS Clubhouse, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The hottest new addition to Hanoi’s club scene, this is an edgy and swanky bar with delicious cocktails and wines. Worth trying: their pomelo-based drinks. Located on two floors, the bar counter upstairs is where all the action is while the lower level is much quieter and ideal for laid back conversations.
Address: 30 P. Bát Sứ, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Timings: Open 24x7.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3piasclubhouse/
21 GAM, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
One of Hanoi’s rocking nightclubs, with live DJs and edgy music, they also do some fantastic cocktails. The décor is all glitzy and glamorous, and the vibe is definitely something that brings in people by the droves. Check their Instagram page for celebrity DJ events and check ahead for reservations.
Address: 26 P. Trương Hán Siêu, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Timings: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Sunday.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/21gamofhanoi/
Gin House, Quan 1, HCMC
Calling all gin lovers! Gin House is a swanky establishment in downtown Ho Chi Minh City that specialises in gin cocktails and gourmet food. The spicy cocktails are especially amazing. With an excellent selection of drinks, their unique signature menu, and live music daily after 10pm, what’s not to love?
Address: 28/2A Tôn Thất Tùng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Timings: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Sunday.
Legato, Binh Than, HCMC
Inspired by all things vintage, Legato is an elegant gallery and bar tucked away in HCMC’s District 1. From typewriters to gramophones, the space is littered with old objects that add to the charm of their classic menu and drink selection. There’s also live jazz music on most days, performed by an in-house band.
Address: 126 Phạm Viết Chánh, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Timings: 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., Monday to Sunday.
Chill Sky Bar, Ben Thanh, HCMC
Any list of the best bars in HCMC is incomplete without Chill, and there’s a reason why. Situated on the 26th floor, this bar has an unparalleled view of the city below, and takes full advantage of it with a rooftop style layout. They routinely feature big names in music and entertainment, and their cover matches this. If you’re looking for the experience minus the crowds, weekdays are usually a pretty good bet.
Address: AB Tower, 76A Đ. Lê Lai, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Timings: 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Monday to Sunday.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chill_skybar/
Broma Not a Bar, Quan 1, HCMC
With its unassuming entry tucked away on Nguyen Hue Street, Broma is a quaint little establishment that’s among the oldest bars in HCMC. The bar has three levels - two of which are rooftop - and a large fish tank that dominates the entryway. Their menu specialises in craft beers from across Vietnam and the world, but also includes speciality cocktails and high-end liquor as well as delicious food.
Address: 41 District, 41 Đ. Nguyễn Huệ, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Timings: 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Monday to Sunday.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broma.not.a.bar/?hl=en
Snuffbox Speakeasy, Quan 1, HCMC
As the first and possibly only speakeasy in HCMC, Snuffbox holds a unique place in the city’s nightlife. Set in a historic French-era building, the interiors have been decked out in full 1920s fashion. Their menu includes a collection of classic cocktails and short eats, as well as a handful of signature drinks. Drop by between 6 and 8 for a discounted happy hour!
Address: 14 Tôn Thất Đạm, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Timings: 6 p.m. to 3 a.m., Monday to Sunday.
Pasteur Street Brewing Company, Quan 1, HCMC
If high quality speciality craft beer is your thing, then look no further than the Pasteur Street Brewing Company. This brewpub, established in 2015, serves a selection of their award-winning custom brews on tap, along with cocktails and food. All their locations are designed with a fun, energetic vibe - complete with arcade games and foosball tables.
Address: 144 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Timings: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Sunday.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pasteurstreetbrewing/?hl=en
Anita Rao Kashi
I am a Bangalore-based independent journalist and travel and food writer with over 25 years of experience writing for domestic and international publications including BBC, Nikkei Asian Review and South China Morning Post. I love my city to bits, but am always looking for an excuse to travel. When not travelling, I can be found writing, reading, cooking or eating - and not necessarily in that order!
