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.

The best places for nightlife in Vietnam

Vietnam’s nightlife is as wild or laid-back as you want it to be. Ho Chi Minh City goes full throttle with rooftop bars and pulsing clubs, while Hanoi’s Bia Hơi corners keep things cheap and cheerful. In Phu Quoc, beachfront bars serve fresh seafood and cocktails by the waves, while Hoi An’s lantern-lit spots offer a more relaxed vibe. Whether you’re after EDM, live music, or a quiet nightcap, here’s where to go after dark.

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). The city comes alive after dark, from craft beer spots and underground clubs to streetside bars buzzing with backpackers.

1. Bui Vien Street (Backpackers’ District)

This is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's nightlife, with neon lights, affordable drinks and a lively atmosphere. Here you will find countless bars, pubs and clubs where locals and tourists mingle. Popular spots include The View rooftop bar and Lush Bar. Expect street performances and late-night food stalls.

2. Pham Ngu Lao

Right next to Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao offers a slightly more laid-back vibe while still keeping the energy high. You’ll find plenty of street-side bars, casual pubs, and live music spots where you can grab a beer and soak up the atmosphere.

3. District 1 - Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue Street

For upscale nightlife, head to Dong Khoi or Nguyen Hue. This area is known for chic rooftop bars like Saigon Saigon Bar and Rex Hotel Rooftop, where you can sip cocktails while enjoying panoramic views of the city.

4. Thao Dien (District 2)

Known as the expat hub, Thao Dien offers a relaxed nightlife with trendy bars like Rabbit Hole and craft beer breweries like BiaCraft Artisan Ales. It’s perfect for a sophisticated yet laid-back evening.

5. Tan Dinh (District 3)

A more local vibe can be found in District 3. Explore hidden bars like Layla - Eatery & Bar and quirky cafes that turn into live music venues at night.

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.

1. Ta Hien Street (Beer Street)

This is Hanoi’s answer to Bui Vien — a lively stretch packed with bars, cheap drinks, and a mix of locals and tourists. Pull up a stool, order a bia hơi (fresh beer), and enjoy the street performances and late-night energy.

2. Hoan Kiem District (Old Quarter)

Beyond Beer Street, the Old Quarter offers everything from live music spots to chic cocktail bars. Popular venues include Polite & Co. for a speakeasy feel and The Note Coffee if you prefer a quieter evening with a view.

3. West Lake (Tay Ho)

A favorite among expats, Tay Ho is home to lakeside bars, craft beer pubs, and late-night lounges. Savage is the go-to for underground electronic music, while Standing Bar serves up craft beer with lake views.

4. Trang Tien and the French Quarter

For a more upscale night, head to Hanoi’s French Quarter. Here, you’ll find elegant rooftop bars like The Summit Lounge, stylish lounges, and cocktail bars that wouldn’t feel out of place in Paris.

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

Phu Quoc’s nightlife is all about beachfront bars, sunset cocktails, and easygoing vibes. Whether you’re after a bonfire-lit party or an elegant evening with ocean views, the island has plenty of options to keep your night going.

1. Long Beach

Long Beach is the heart of Phu Quoc’s nightlife, with bars lining the shore. Rory’s Beach Bar is a favorite — sip a cocktail by the bonfire or join a round of beer pong. Other great spots include Sunset Beach Bar, where DJs spin laid-back beats as the sun dips below the horizon.

2. Duong Dong

For a more refined night, Le Bar at La Veranda Resort offers elegant cocktails with ocean views from a colonial-style setting. Bittersweet Cocktail Bar is another top pick, serving expertly crafted drinks in a cozy, intimate space.

3. Ong Lang Beach

For a quieter but still lively scene, head to Ong Lang Beach. Coco Bar is known for its homemade rum, while Sunset Sanato Beach Club pairs live music with stunning sunset views.

4. Bai Truong

South of Long Beach, Bai Truong is home to stylish beach clubs like INK 360, a rooftop bar with panoramic ocean views, and OCSEN Beach Bar, where beanbags on the sand and fire shows set the mood for a relaxed night.

5. Ham Ninh

If you’re after a more local experience, Ham Ninh’s floating seafood restaurants offer fresh catches and cold beers with a side of sea breeze. It’s not a party scene, but it’s a great way to end the night with a taste of Phu Quoc’s laid-back charm.

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.

1. Tran Phu Street

For a classic Nha Trang night out, Sailing Club is the go-to. DJs, swing chairs, and signature cocktails (think rose petals, ginger, and chili) draw a mix of expats and tourists. The vibe starts refined but gets wilder as the night wears on.

2. Beachfront breweries and lounges

If you prefer a relaxed evening with good drinks, Louisiane Brewhouse on Tran Phu Beach serves a sampler set of house-brewed pilsner, dark lager, and seasonal ales. For a different twist, La Mancha pairs cocktails with shisha for a laid-back, social vibe.

Mui Ne: Sundowners by the sea

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

1. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street

This coastal road is Mui Ne’s nightlife hub, lined with beachfront bars and clubs. Dragon Beach is the go-to for late-night dancing, with DJs spinning electro and deep house. For something more relaxed, Joe’s Café offers live music and a chilled-out atmosphere.

2. Ham Tien

Known for its budget-friendly hostels, Ham Tien is where backpackers and kitesurfers gather. Jibe’s Beach Club is the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the waves, while Mad Monkey keeps the energy high with happy hours, party games, and themed nights.

3. Mui Ne Fishing Village

For a more low-key night, head to Mui Ne Fishing Village, where small seaside restaurants serve up fresh seafood and ice-cold beers. It’s not a party scene, but it’s perfect for a laid-back evening with ocean views.

4. Phan Thiet

Just south of Mui Ne, Phan Thiet offers a different nightlife experience. Here, you’ll find karaoke bars, Vietnamese pubs, and local beer halls — ideal if you want a taste of how the locals unwind after dark.

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.

1. An Hoi Islet

Cross the Thu Bon River, and you’ll find a cluster of late-night bars where the party starts after sundown. Stroll along the promenade and pick your favorite, or settle in at Mango Mango, known for creative cocktails, great food, and unbeatable views of Hoi An’s iconic lantern-lit river.

2. Old Town

For a more relaxed night, Cargo Club is a beloved staple in the heart of the Old Town. With riverside seating, delicious desserts, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s perfect for unwinding with a cocktail or a glass of wine.

3. Hoi An Market Area

Set on the edges of Hoi An’s bustling market, Market Bar is an unexpected find — an elegant hideaway offering Latin American snacks, quirky gin and tonics (including blue pea flower infusions), and a vibe that’s still pleasingly under the tourist radar.

Things to know 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.

Editor's tip: Follow our Vietnam trip planning guide and start planning your perfect trip today.

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.