In this article, we will be looking at some of the best places to go to in Vietnam for nightlife, and the nightlife scene in popular cities in Vietnam. I also suggest the best locations to book accommodation in each city for easy access to the bars and nightclubs.
Overviews of best places to go for nightlife in Vietnam
The best places to visit in Vietnam for nightlife, without a doubt, are the big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City has a better nightlife scene.
The nightlife in Vietnam is more relaxing in smaller cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, and Ninh Binh. All bars and nightclubs are concentrated in a small area in the city center of each city.
The nightlife in Vietnam, in my opinion, is pretty safe. But it is always recommended to use common sense as you are in any other place in the world. Be aware of oversharing, hidden fees, take care of your drink, and avoid isolated areas at night.
In big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, if you wander around the nightlife area late at night and early morning, you might see street hookers and drug dealers. They will approach you and offer their services, especially if you’re a man who is walking alone!
Where to stay in Vietnam for nightlife?
1. Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is the top place to visit in Vietnam for nightlife. This city has many trendy bars, night clubs, and rooftop terraces where you can spend a night out.
The popular places to go for nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City include Bui Vien Walking Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Saigon Japan Town, and Thao Dien area.
Bui Vien Walking Street is the backpacker hub of Ho Chi Minh City. It is packed with bars, pubs, and hot dance clubs. You can enjoy fresh beer here at an affordable price. It has many bars with street-side seating where you can sit in a small chair on the street and people watch.
If you want to check out high-end bars and nightclubs, you can head to the Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area. You can enjoy drinks at many sky bars that have stunning views of the city and Saigon river.
If you like Japanese-style izakayas and bars, you can check out Japan Town on Thai Van Lung street. This area also has many Japanese restaurants and massage shops lining lantern-lit alleyways that open until morning. Drinks here can be expensive and they usually charge a sitting fee.
Thao Dien in district 2 is also a great place to go for nightlife. This area has many international restaurants and bars. The night market is also a great place to hang out at night on weekends.
You can consider taking the dinner cruise on Saigon River, where you can enjoy the meals, and the city skylines at night.
I recommend staying in District 1, which I believe is the best neighborhood to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for nightlife. For a backpacker vibe, stay somewhere near Bui Vien street; For a higher-end atmosphere, stay somewhere around the Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi area.
2. Nightlife in Hanoi
As the major city of Vietnam, Hanoi is the second best place to go for nightlife, after Ho Chi Minh City. The nightlife in Hanoi is concentrated in the vibrant old quarter, with many bars, restaurants, clubs, beer street, and the night market.
Ta Hien Beer Street and Luong Ngoc Quyen are popular places to hang out at night. You can sit on the side of the street, enjoy fresh cheap beer, people watch, and chit chat with friends.
Hanoi Old Quarter has curfew hours. So around midnight, most restaurants and bars have to close their doors. There are still some bars that remain open.
In addition to the lively nightlife scene in the old quarter, you can check out some trendy bars around West Lake. This is a popular neighborhood for expats in Hanoi.
You can spend a night by checking out the weekend night market, take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, watch cultural shows at Hanoi Opera House or Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
The best area to stay in Hanoi for nightlife is the old quarter. This area is very compact, so you’ll be within walking distance to the famous Beer Corner and many bars.
3. Nightlife in Da Nang
The nightlife in Da Nang is not as vibrant as major cities like Hanoi and Saigon, but it has some nice rooftop bars, and lively nightclubs to spend a night out.
You can find many bars and nightclubs along the banks of Han River, along My Khe beachfront area, and in An Thuong neighborhood.
In addition to bars and clubs, you can check out the night markets such as Son Tra night market and An Thuong night market. Don’t miss out on the water and fire show at the iconic Dragon Bridge on the weekend.
For easy access to nightlife and bars, I recommend staying near the Han River, along My Khe Beach, and An Thuong area. I think these are the three best areas to stay in Da Nang for nightlife.
4. Nightlife in Hoi An
Hoi An is at its best at night when all the lanterns light up. The area along the banks of Hoai River is packed with locals and tourists. You can find many restaurants, bars, and cafes on An Hoi island and the ancient town where you can have meals and people watch.
You can check out the night market on Nguyen Hoang street for some souvenirs and street food. If you want to watch cultural shows, head to the Lune Performing Center.
I also recommend taking a lantern boat ride on Hoai River at night, which is one of the best things to do in Hoi An. You can release a paper lantern and make a wish.
Hoi An old town, particularly An Hoi, is the best area to stay in Hoi An for nightlife. Staying here offers an easy walk to the bank of Hoai River, where most nightclubs and bars in Hoi An are located.
5. Nightlife in Hue
Hue is a small city in central Vietnam but it has a good nightlife scene. All bars and nightclubs are concentrated in the walking streets areas around Vo Thi Sau, Chu Van An, and Pham Ngu Lao. You can have a drink and watch street performances here.
You can take a stroll along the banks of Huong River, explore Hue Citadel at night, and check out some nice restaurants for regional dishes such as Bun Bo Hue and Hue cake.
Hue City Center, particularly Phu Hoi ward, is the best area to stay in Hue for nightlife. You’ll be within walking distance from the popular nightlife areas such as Hue Walking streets.
6. Nightlife in Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a famous coastal city in south central Vietnam and has a good nightlife scene. It has some nice rooftop bars and beach bars to hangout at night. Sailing Club Nha Trang and Louisiane Brewhouse are some popular bars in Nha Trang.
Additionally, you can check out the night markets and many restaurants in the city center. You can take a walk along Tran Phu Beach, or go Squid fishing.
If you want to stay in Nha Trang for nightlife, I recommend staying in the city center. This area is the tourist hub of the city, packed with restaurants, bars, and clubs.
7. Nightlife in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)
Tam Coc has a good nightlife scene too, particularly in its main road. You can find many family-run restaurants, bars, and massage places that open until early morning. If you want to stay in Ninh Binh for nightlife, I recommend booking a hotel in the Tam Coc area.
See more:
- Where to stay in Vietnam
- One month in Vietnam Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
- Where to stay in Hanoi
Overall, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are the best cities to go in Vietnam for nightlife. These are major cities in Vietnam and have plenty of bars and nightclubs where you can spend the night out. Other good places for nightlife are Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang.