Best Nightlife in Vietnam: Bars, Markets & Evening Experiences
Vietnam transforms after sunset, offering a whole new rhythm and atmosphere. As the day cools, lights shimmer across busy streets, the scent of sizzling street food fills the air, and music drifts from vibrant nightclubs and riverside cafés. From hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy bars to relaxed pubs and lantern-lit night markets, Vietnam's nightlife invites travellers to unwind, socialise, and experience the country's vibrant evening culture.
Northern Vietnam - Hanoi
Bars, Clubs & Speakeasies
Ta Hien Street (Beer Street): A lively Old Quarter hub filled with tiny bars, plastic stools and cheap local beer, a Hanoi must-do.
Location: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
1900 Le Theatre: One of Hanoi's most popular nightclubs, featuring DJs, themed events and a vibrant late-night crowd.
Location: 8B Ta Hien Street, Old Quarter, Hanoi.
Binh Minh's Jazz Club: A cosy bar near the Opera House, known for its live jazz, great sound and friendly local crowd.
Location: Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District.
Kumquat Tree: A hidden speakeasy near the Opera House offering creative cocktails and a relaxed, candle-lit setting.
Location: 52 To Ngoc Van Street, Tay Ho (West Lake), Hanoi.
Polite & Co: Vintage-style cocktail bar with 1920s décor, craft cocktails and smooth jazz playlists.
Location: 5 Bao Khanh Alley, Hoan Kiem District.
Bee'Znees: A tucked-away cocktail lounge known for its inventive drinks and intimate atmosphere.
Location: 163 Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem District.
Night Markets & Street Food
Hanoi Night Market: A bustling weekend market filled with souvenirs, fashion, street eats and live performances, a must for evening wanderers.
Location: Spanning Hang Ngang to Dong Xuan Street, open Friday to Sunday nights.
Cultural & Night Activities
Water Puppet Theatre: Traditional Vietnamese puppetry performed over water, an unforgettable cultural experience.
Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District.
Hoan Kiem Lake After Dark: Locals gather here for music, exercise and people-watching. The weekend walking streets are family-friendly and full of atmosphere.
Location: Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Central Vietnam - Da Nang
With its coastal setting and glowing bridges, Da Nang's nightlife is both scenic and vibrant. Rooftop bars overlook the Han River, while open-air markets and riverside restaurants fill the city with colour and sound.
Bars
Sky36: Rooftop bar at Novotel with panoramic views of the Han River and glittering city lights.
Location: Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District.
Brilliant Top Bar: A sophisticated 17th-floor bar offering cocktails and stunning views of Da Nang's bridges.
Location: Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District.
The Gypsy Rooftop: A stylish venue serving drinks and bites with sweeping skyline views.
Location: Dong Da Street, Hai Chau District.
Night Markets & Street Food
Helio Night Market: Da Nang's biggest night market, packed with food stalls, live music, games and local shopping.
Location: 2/9 Street, Hai Chau District.
Son Tra Night Market: Located near Dragon Bridge, this lively spot is great for street food, souvenirs and local entertainment.
Location: Ly Nam De Street, Son Tra District.
Cultural & Night Activities
Dragon Bridge Show: Every weekend at 9 pm, Da Nang's iconic Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water in a spectacular free display.
Location: Dragon Bridge, Son Tra District, Da Nang.
Central Vietnam - Hoi An
When night falls, Hoi An glows beneath a sea of lanterns. The riverside fills with soft music, laughter and floating lights, creating one of Vietnam's most magical evening atmospheres.
Bars
Why Not Bar: A long-time favourite for travellers, with DJs, dancing and a fun, social crowd.
Location: 55 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street.
Hair of the Dog Bar: High-energy spot known for great music, friendly staff and backpacker vibes.
Location:16 Thoai Ngoc Hau Street.
The Shamrock Irish Pub: A welcoming riverside pub offering live music, sports screenings and a great pint of Guinness.
Location: 15 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street.
The Shore Club (An Bang Beach): A beachfront bar and restaurant perfect for sunset cocktails, live music and beachside dining.
Location: An Bang Beach, Hoi An.
Night Markets & Street Food
Hoi An Night Market: Lined with colourful lanterns and stalls selling jewellery, souvenirs and tasty local treats.
Location: Nguyen Hoang Street, An Hoi Island.
Thu Bon River Lantern Cruise: Drift along the river surrounded by floating lanterns for a peaceful night-time experience.
Location: Riverside piers in Hoi An Ancient Town.
Cultural & Night Activities
Hoi An Memories Show: A large-scale outdoor performance retelling the history of Hoi An through dance, music and light.
Location: Hoi An Impression Theme Park.
Riverside Lantern Bars: Cosy open-air bars offering acoustic music and glowing river views.
Location: Along the Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town.
Southern Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Fast, flashy and full of flavour, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's nightlife capital. From rooftop bars and speakeasies to street food tours and river cruises, the city never sleeps.
Bars, Clubs & Speakeasies
Bui Vien Street: The heart of Saigon's backpacker nightlife, with bars, clubs and street vendors open late.
Location: District 1.
Chill Skybar: Glamorous rooftop bar with 360° skyline views and a buzzing DJ scene.
Location: AB Tower, Le Lai Street, District 1.
Rex Rooftop Garden: A historic bar once popular with journalists during the Vietnam War, now a stylish spot for cocktails and views.
Location: 141 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1.
The Rabbit Hole: An underground cocktail bar inspired by Alice in Wonderland, offering creative drinks in a moody setting.
Location:138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1.
Snuffbox Lounge:1920s-style speakeasy hidden behind an unmarked door, known for its jazz nights and signature cocktails.
Location:14 Ton That Dam Street, District 1.
Night Markets & Street Food
Ben Thanh Night Market: Famous for Vietnamese street food, souvenirs and vibrant energy late into the night.
Location: Le Loi Street, District 1.
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market: Colourful, fragrant and lively, this market mixes blooms, street snacks and local culture.
Location: District 10.
Food Tours: Join a guided scooter or walking tour to sample the best of Saigon's street food scene after dark.
Cultural & Night Activities
Saigon River Cruise: Enjoy dinner and live music while gliding past the illuminated skyline.
A O Show (Saigon Opera House): A world-class Vietnamese performance blending acrobatics, dance and storytelling.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street: A lively pedestrian boulevard with fountains, street performers and dessert cafés open late.
Before You Head Out
Venue details, opening hours and events may vary without notice. Markets and nightlife venues sometimes update their hours or entry requirements seasonally. For the most accurate information, check with your hotel, venue websites or trusted map apps before visiting.