Vietnam nightlife: the best bars and clubs in Vietnam

It might not be known as one of the world’s nightlife trailblazers, but Vietnam likes to party – and it's home to an ever-growing crop of craft beer tap rooms, rooftop bars, speakeasy cocktail lounges and sociable beach bars. Here are our top Vietnam nightlife spots for after-dark entertainment.

Useful tips about nightlife in Vietnam

Drinking culture in Vietnam

Nightlife in Vietnam isn’t just about the clubs and bars – it’s about connection. Drinking is a social affair, shared with friends and always paired with food. Don’t be surprised if the night turns into a series of lively toasts to health, wealth and happiness – and maybe even world peace. And here’s the local custom: you pour for your friends, and they’ll do the same for you.

Sure, imported beers and spirits flow freely in Vietnam, but the real star of the table is ruou can (rice-distilled liquor). Once seen as a cheap drink for laborers or rural communities, ruou can is making a comeback in upscale bars and restaurants, where higher-quality versions are gaining popularity. Fancy giving it a try? Look for spots in city centers offering a modern twist on this traditional tipple.

Bia Hoi: Vietnamese fresh draft beer

No conversation about Vietnam nightlife is complete without mentioning bia hoi, the fresh draught beer that’s become a staple since the brewing method arrived from Czechoslovakia 40 years ago. Light, crisp, and packing up to 4% alcohol, bia hoi is ridiculously cheap – sometimes just pennies a glass. The catch? It’s preservative-free, so it’s brewed daily and only lasts 24 hours. The best bia hoi spots often sell out by early evening, so plan accordingly.

Bia hoi isn’t just about the drink; it’s a whole vibe. Picture this: groups of friends spilling out of street-side stalls, laughing over a few beers and nibbling on snacks. Traditionally, it’s been a male-dominated scene, but in cities, you’ll spot a few local women and travelers joining the fun. And as with most drinking in Vietnam, food is non-negotiable – from small bites to full-blown meals, you won’t go hungry while sampling the nightlife here.

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Key spots for nightlife in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City: Take nightlife to new heights

Things are looking up for nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City (still known as Saigon to many locals). Flocks of people take to the skies each night, at one of the city's rooftop bars. Dress to impress at Chill Skybar, the most fashionable place in town with its neon lights and cabaret dancers. Located In The Heart of District 1 - Tnr Saigon bar has a wide range of beers on tap.

Techno-heads should make for The Lighthouse, in District 1, which has a roster of both local DJs and international acts. You might be lucky enough to see a big-name DJ at super cool Blanchy’s Lounge – Pete Tong and Grand Master Flash have both played here before.

Craft beer is also having a moment in Ho Chi Minh. Biacraft has around 50 different brews on tap. Pasteur Street has pumped out over 200 different brews since 2014. And it's worth a trip to the Heart of Darkness for the beer's arty branding alone.

If you're on a budget, join in the fun in a streetside bar along De Tham Street (drinks in the upmarket Dong Khoi Street will cost five times the price). Additionally, you can always economize downtown by taking advantage of early-evening happy hours.

Hanoi after dark: beer, snacks and bustling streets

For a capital city, Hanoi goes to bed pretty early. Luckily, the authorities seem to be gradually relaxing their midnight curfew. The nightlife scene here is all about cool cocktail lounges. In fact, we listed it as one of the best cities in Vietnam.

The trend for speakeasies has taken off here: the Alley Cocktail Bar and the Kumquat Tree are both atmospheric. If you've still got life left in you after knocking back those spirits, finish your evening on Ta Hien. This busy street is packed with lively, dimly lit Vietnam bars.

A must-visit for any first-time visitor to Hanoi, Bia Hoi Junction is widely regarded as the quintessential nightlife spot in Hanoi. Bia hoi stalls or shophouses generally open from mid-afternoon to mid-evening, and serve fresh draught beer poured straight from the barrel – just look for the tell-tale metal barrels, and patrons sitting on stools and clutching greenish glass tumblers.

Phu Quoc: Sip, sun and sea at the best beach bars on the island

Settle into island life on Phu Quoc off Vietnam’s west coast. Rory’s Beach Bar on Long Beach is a great place to start. Pull up a lounger to the beach bonfire, or join in a game of beer pong. This Aussie-owned venue often stays open later than advertised.

If you don’t fancy kicking off your shoes, take a seat in the elegant Le Bar inside the colonial-style La Veranda Resort on Duong Dong Beach. Enjoy sea views from the comfort of Art Deco chairs and sip cocktails from the bartenders' fresh and original recipes – this is a nightlife experience with a decidedly relaxed vibe.

Editor's tip: If a beach vacation is what you're looking for, check out our list of the 20 best beaches in Vietnam.

Nha Trang: Where the parties hit the shore

A lively stretch of coast on Vietnam's mainland, Nha Trang has a buzzing nightlife scene.

Sailing Club on Tran Phu Street has been a favorite spot for an eclectic group of party animals for some years. DJs and swing chairs on the beach draw a well-heeled expat crowd and hordes of tourists to its refined beachfront bar, which gets progressively less refined as the night wears on. Try one of the signature cocktails, infused with goodies such as rose petals, ginger and chilli.

A couple of restaurants in Nha Trang are also great for evening drinks. La Mancha offers shisha to go with your cocktails or try the sampler beer set at Louisiane Brewhouse on Tran Phy Beach – which combines pilsner, dark lager and seasonal ales.

Mui Ne: Sundowners by the sea

It’s all about the beach bar nightlife along this popular stretch of seafront in southeast Vietnam.

Dragon Beach has an outdoor pool and a huge dancefloor where you can work up a sweat to local DJs playing electro and deep house.

Part surf shop, part bar, Jibe’s is the spot to mingle with Mui Ne’s kitesurfing community. Grab a cold beer or cocktail, sink into the comfy sofas, and relax after a day on the waves. If you’re feeling adventurous, book a lesson or rent gear from their attached watersports center.

Not just for guests, Mad Monkey’s bar is a hub of social energy. They’re known for lively happy hours, themed parties, and games like beer pong or flip cup. It’s an ideal spot to start your night or keep the drinks flowing.

Editor's tip: Vietnam is full of surprises. Check our list of the weirdest things you’ll see in Vietnam.

Hoi An: Where tradition meets buzz

A small town it may be, but Hoi An has a modest nightlife scene. Particularly lively are the late-night bars across the Thu Bon River on An Hoi Islet, where the party starts after sundown – after a walk along the prom you’ll most likely pick out a favorite.

Overlooking the Thu Bon River, Mango Mango serves up creative cocktails and great food in a stylish setting. Pair your drinks with a view of Hoi An's iconic lanterns reflecting on the water.

Located in the heart of Hoi An's Old Town, Cargo Club is a beloved staple for both travelers and locals. Set along the picturesque Thu Bon River, it combines delicious food, riverside views, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for a night out or a leisurely evening.

Market Bar is indeed set into elevated flanks of the grimy market, though it’s surprisingly elegant. You’ll have to choose between the restaurant and wine sections, though you’ll get the same stuff at either; Latin American snacks like empanadas and queso fundado augment a drinks list including some quirky G&T options, including blue pea flower. Pleasingly off the tourist radar, at least for the time being.

How to survive and thrive in Vietnam’s nightlife

• Be an early bird: In cities like Hanoi, bars often close by midnight, so start your night early — locals don’t wait until 10pm to grab a drink. But in Ho Chi Minh City? The party doesn’t stop until it stops.
• Street food overhangs: Skip overpriced bar snacks. That banh mi cart on the corner or a bowl of late-night pho is your best friend when you need a mid-party refuel.
• Respect the curfew game: While the curfew isn’t as strict as it used to be, police sometimes roll through Hanoi’s nightlife hubs to shut things down. Some bars will pull the shutters and carry on behind closed doors — just play it cool.
• Keep your valuables close: Vietnam clubs are fun but crowded, and pickpockets love a distracted tourist. A crossbody bag or zipped pockets are your go-to.
• Try local drinks: Vietnam’s beer is everywhere, but don’t skip local specialties like rượu ngô (corn wine) in the north or snake-infused whiskey for the bold. Just… don’t ask too many questions about what’s in it.