15 Best Nightlife in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is becoming somewhat of a cocktail bar hub, as demonstrated by Leo's, which opened in 2020. The bar is small, cozy, packed with locals, and boasts one of the most creative menus in the city. There is occasional live music, too. It's wise to make a booking on any evening.

Ne is famous for its signature cocktails and luxurious atmosphere. The bartenders are professional and they take presentation seriously, so grab a seat at the bar for the full experience. The pho cocktail does not disappoint, and the blues and jazz will go on as long as customers keep up the orders.

At Standing Bar you’ll find a tempting selection of beers and ciders with which to wash down elaborate beer snacks, including smoked sausage, goat's cheese croquettes, and sun-dried tuna. The west-facing lakeside setting shines at sunset, and the second story plays host to comedy nights and live music.

Owned and operated by journalist and raconteur Nguyen Qui Duc, this Hanoi institution is now in its fourth incarnation near the Opera House. Expect a bohemian crowd, an eclectic music policy, and a nice selection of wine. They also have a reputation for great sushi.

Rivaling the musical aspect of the famed Water Puppet Theater, but sans the water puppets, this remarkable show blends acting, music, comedy, and storytelling in an hour-long performance. This version of a Chinese opera comprises five acts, and there is English translation between each segment. Check the website to see the performance schedule. Note that the theater has another location out west in Chau Giay District.

One of the only clubs in Hanoi, 1900 Le Theater has multiple stages, bars, and eccentric decor. There is generally a cover price and often live music or a DJ. Be forewarned, there is no customer limit so the dance floor is often jam-packed. If it’s a night out you’re looking for, it’s best to reserve a table and pay for bottle service.

Minh's Jazz Club is owned by one of Hanoi's best-known jazz musicians, Quyen Van Minh. Live jazz performed by both foreign and local musicians, including Minh's son, are the big draws here. Music starts at 9 nightly.

The beer alone is worth the trip but it’s the employees that make this bar truly special. They are passionate not only about the beer, but about customer service as well. There are always 8 to 10 beers on tap, but the brewers have created more than 50 different varieties since they opened. The pho beer has a taste profile similar to that of a spiced Christmas ale back home, and the bar is big enough to host your whole party.

More of a restaurant than a bar but still good for evening drinks, this stylish spot specializes in Vietnamese rice wine, which is sometimes used in traditional medicines. The liquor, sold under the restaurant's own Son Tinh brand, is quite strong, so avoid drinking it on an empty stomach. Their other locations, such as the one at 25 Bat Su, are much larger and cater to groups. Bring your game face and try the insect dishes and creative rice wine cocktails.

On a small street close to French cultural center L'Espace is Kumquat Tree, one of Hanoi's first speakeasy bars. You'll need a not-so-secret code (the security guard will tell you what it is) to get into this ambient space offering on-point cocktails and regular DJ nights.

The first brewery to open in Vietnam, PSBC has had immense success throughout the country. Serving several styles of craft beer and comfort food, this beautifully designed building is located right next to the cathedral. Get a growler of original craft beer and the Nashville hot chicken after you find a seat on the outdoor terrace.

Hanoi is not a nightlife hub, but if you are looking for unreconstructed late-night fun then this is the place to go. Inside things are smoky, hot, and sweaty, but there's fresh air on the outside terrace and a river close by. Expect young backpackers on pub crawls.

A polished and vintage speakeasy, Polite & Co attracts a regular crowd of cocktail enthusiasts to its bar stools. This gentleman's pub is known for its stylish atmosphere and bartenders, so dress up and step out.

Not to be confused with the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, this venue offers a musical performance focused on traditional Ca Tru ceremonial singing. The hour-long shows take place three times per week at 8 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. During the 20-minute intermission, guests are invited to try out the instruments and enjoy complimentary tea and cakes. By day you can tour Memorial House.

Sister bar to Standing Bar, The Bottle Shop serves a dizzying array of bottled craft beers from Vietnam and beyond. There are a couple of pub benches at the front and a cozy beer yard out back that's popular with expats, especially on warm weekend afternoons.