Vietnam nightlife: the best bars and clubs

21.07.2023 - 07:47 / roughguides.com

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 information in this article is inspired by the Rough Guide to Vietnam, your essential guide for visiting Vietnam.

In Vietnam, drinking alcohol is a social activity to be shared with friends. Locals rarely drink alone, and rarely without eating. Be prepared for lots of toasts to health, wealth and happiness, and no doubt to international understanding, too. It’s custom to fill the glasses of your fellow guests – someone else will fill yours.

While beer and imported spirits are drunk throughout Vietnam, the traditional tipple is ruou can or rice-distilled liquor. Until recently, ruou can be regarded as decidedly downmarket, the preserve of labourers, farmers and ethnic minorities. Nowadays, it’s becoming popular among the middle class as city-centre bars and restaurants begin to offer better-quality ruou can.

Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam © David Bukuchava/Shutterstock

Roughly forty years ago technology for making bia hoi (draught beer) was introduced from Czechoslovakia and it is now quaffed in vast quantities, particularly in the north. Bia hoi may taste fairly weak, but it measures in at up to four percent alcohol. It’s also ridiculously cheap, and supposedly unadulterated with chemicals, so in theory you’re less likely to get a hangover. Bia hoi has a 24-hour shelf life and the better places sell out by early evening.

Bia hoi culture is all about enjoying a few beers with a group of friends – it’s still an almost completely male activity, though in the cities you’ll see a few local women (and female travellers won’t be judged for joining in). The Vietnamese rarely drink alone and rarely drink without eating, so many places serve a range of snacks and more extensive dishes.

Things are looking up for nightlife in Vietnam’s honorary capital (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. Ladies' Night means free Mojitos for women on Wednesdays.

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