Ready to Enjoy the Best Nightlife in Vietnam? Top Party Destinations
Explore nightlife destinations in Hanoi, Ha Long, Da Nang and more in our in-depth Vietnam nightlife guide, along with answers to top questions.
While Vietnam offers plenty to enjoy during the day, after the sun goes down, there are countless party destinations in Vietnam to experience. Whether you are into partying hard at nightclubs or relaxing with a refreshing beverage at a quiet bar is more your speed, Vietnam nightlife has something for everyone. This Vietnam nightlife guide takes you on a tour of some top destinations and activities after dark. First, let’s answer a few questions you may have.
Vietnam Nightlife FAQs
Is it safe to enjoy the nightlife in Vietnam?
For the most part, Vietnam is one of the safest countries to party in Asia. As long as you are choosing to spend time in safe districts (downtown or central residence area), you are following common sense advice and always keeping an eye on your belongings, you are unlikely to be the target of any criminals. While you can enjoy nightlife alone, it is always safer to have a friend along or a local tour guide who is responsible for your experiences.
If I am a solo traveler, is there any place in Vietnam I should avoid?
Vietnam is considered a fairly safe place to travel, even if you are on your own. Tourist violent crime is rare. So, even wandering around by yourself at night, you are unlikely to be assaulted. However, theft is not unheard of, especially in big cities like Saigon and Hanoi. For that reason, you should still keep an eye on your belongings as you are out and about, and use common sense. Do not go exploring dark alleys.
Is there an age limit when going to a nightclub in Vietnam?
The legal minimum age to drink in Vietnam is 18. As a result, you may be denied entry to clubs if you are under the age of 18.
Which city in Vietnam has the best nightlife?
It is hard to pick just one city as the ultimate party destination in Vietnam. Hanoi, Ha Long, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau and Phu Quoc all have something to offer travelers in search of Vietnam nightlife. Let’s explore each of these locations, offering up recommendations for the most exciting experiences after dark.
Nightlife in Hanoi
(Photo: Internet)
In Hanoi, you can find a huge assortment of nightclubs, bars and restaurants that are open late. Perhaps the most frequently photographed is the six-story commercial building in the Old Quarter hosting the bar known as “Legend Beer” near Hoan Kiem Lake. Local people called it "Hàm Cá Mập" (meaning Shark Jaw), an iconic building of Hanoi. This well-known establishment also houses a variety of restaurants and coffee shops.
Also in the Old Quarter features Ta Hien - Luong Ngoc Quyen, also known as Hanoi Beer Junction - the most bustling street you ever find in Hanoi. At night, this street corner is packed with locals and tourists chilling out with "bia hơi" (Hanoi street draft beer). The scene is crazy on the weekends when the streets are blocked for pedestrians. You can imagine it being an open street bar with music, people dressing up in their party outfits, and the sound of cheering (1,2,3 Zo) on every corner. Grab a refreshing beverage, and try some of the outstanding street food here is a must. If you feel like partying, a big number of bars and dancing clubs are available. But if you are not, just passing through the street to see how Hanoi rocks at night is also a fascinating experience.
For those who are looking for cultural nightlife, consider taking in a puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. As the name suggests, this is an ancient tradition involving puppets dancing on water. Another option to take in a performance is a trip to the Hanoi Opera House. Not only will you enjoy the talented performers, but you also will marvel at the beautiful colonial architecture.
Nightlife in Ha Long
(Photo: Internet)
If you want a city where you can party, but without quite as many crowds as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you may feel right at home in Ha Long. Ha Long has many fantastic bars, clubs, and restaurants, some of which are right on the beach. But there are also some Vietnam nightlife activities you can do that are unique to Ha Long.
For starters, you cannot miss the thousands of vibrant LED lights of the Bai Chay Bridge. This gorgeous cable bridge makes for atmospheric photos, so be sure to pause here to snap a few incredible shots. Another spectacle not to miss on your night tour of Ha Long is the Sun World Ha Long Complex. This is the home of the Sun Wheel Ha Long, a huge Ferris wheel that is also illuminated by LEDs after dark. The best place to witness such beautiful nightlife scenery is on a cruise or passing through Bai Chay Bridge into Bai Chay area.
Other things to do in Ha Long at night include shopping at the Ha Long night market, playing cards at The Royal International Gaming Club Ha Long (one of just five such clubs in the entire country), and heading out on an overnight cruise to party on a boat. For food lovers, don't skip Halong's seafood selection. Seafood is easy to find, in the Halong night market or the central area of Bai Chay, Hon Gai.
Nightlife in Da Nang
(Photo: Internet)
If you enjoyed the illuminated cable bridge in Ha Long, you will love the iconic Dragon Bridge in Da Nang as well. 15,000 LED lights illuminate the giant sculpture of a dragon that spans this bridge. As part of a nighttime light show, you can watch as the majestic beast breathes fire.
This city also boasts an amusement park complex called Asia Park. Similar to the Sun World Ha Long Complex at Ha Long, it features a beautiful Ferris wheel lit up with LEDs at night, plus plenty of other rides, games, shopping and entertainment. You can enter the park for free and attend musical performances and cultural art shows, depending on when you are visiting Da Nang.
Another Vietnam nightlife destination to add to your list while in Da Nang is the famous Bach Dang Street. Eat delicious street food from the stalls, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy performances by street artists, all with the Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge in the backdrop.
Bach Dang Street offers many opportunities for tasty cuisine and refreshing beverages. But, of course, there are plenty of other options in the form of clubs, lounges, bars and restaurants throughout Da Nang.
Nightlife in Hoi An
(Photo: Internet)
Hoi An is not a big party destination after dark, so do not expect to find noisy dance clubs or rowdy bars. But it is one of the most atmospheric cities in Vietnam once the sun goes down.
While in Hoi An, be sure to visit the Night Market, where you can shop for clothing and accessories, snacks and more at Nguyen Hoang Street along the Thu Bon River. Colorful lanterns illuminate the buildings lining the riverbanks, reflecting in the water below.
Those in search of amazing culinary experiences and immersive ambiances will find plenty in the cafes, pubs, lounges and bistros of Hoi An. Many establishments are open as late as 3 in the morning, giving you plenty of time to enjoy these experiences to their fullest.
Nightlife in Nha Trang
At the beachside city of Nha Trang, there is plenty to entertain you after dinner. Those looking to party will want to make their way to the popular Sailing Club, which hosts full moon parties until 2 am monthly on Tran Phu Beach. Even if you cannot plan your trip to coincide with one of these parties, you can still have a blast drinking and dancing at the club.
(Photo: The Sailing Club)
Another cool club to check out is Skylight Nha Trang and Rooftop Beach Club at the Premier Havana Nha Trang Hotel. This rooftop club gives you an awesome view of the beach from the 45th floor and features space for drinking, dancing, dining, and even swimming.
Speaking of impressive views with a more relaxing, laid-back ambiance, try the Altitude Rooftop Bar at the Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa. Arrive early if you are after a quiet experience. But hang around until later if you want to dance and party.
For more local nightlife, Nha Trang boasts a night market of its own in the central part of the city, close to the beach. The best time to shop and munch on street foods is around 9 pm.
Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City
If you are going to hit just one destination in all of Vietnam for spectacular nightlife, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) should arguably be at the top of your bucket list.
Head to Bui Vien Walking Street for entertainment at any hour of the day or night. Countless nightclubs and bars line the streets, giving you your pick of endless party destinations. You’ll be mingling with locals and tourists alike, so this is a great place to meet people.
(Photo: Internet)
Another fantastic street for nightlife in HCMC is Nguyen Hue Street. The most famous sight on this street is Apartment 42 - a colorful, marking apartment building that hosts numerous cafes, co-working spaces and bookstores. You can clearly see many of them from its facade at night, giving you an intriguing preview of the delights waiting to be discovered within the nine-story structure.
When you want to escape from the hustle and bustle for a bit, make your way to Ben Bach Dang Park, a beautiful urban green space along the river where you can marvel at the city lights. Visitors also should head to Anh Sao Bridge, which is spectacularly illuminated at night and makes a great backdrop for photos.
To explore Saigon's nightlife, we recommend you go on a Vespa tour. it is one of the best things to do, which takes you through the busy street of Saigon, the lesser-known path that just a few tourists know about. It lets you see, smell and taste beautiful flavors of Saigon street food as well as giving you a sense of local eating-out vibe in this southern metropolis (see more of the experience in this tour.)
(Photo: Tàu Bến Nghé)
The activities above would be enough to keep you busy for multiple nights but we have really just scraped the surface of Vietnam nightlife in HCMC. Other nightlife destinations and activities in HCMC include the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and its surrounding stores and restaurants, a dinner cruise on Saigon River, shopping at Bitexco Tower, visiting Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, or taking in a performance at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, you name it.
Nightlife in Vung Tau
The port city of Vung Tau has a lot to offer visitors after dark. This is a vibrant party destination in Vietnam, with multiple nightclubs hosting live music and DJs long into the night. If you prefer more chilled-out vibes, drink or dine at a rooftop bar with a view of the ocean.
One special spot to visit in Vung Tau is Front Beach Park. This park stays open after the sun sets, and is well-illuminated, making it a safe and fun venue to relax right next to the water. It is conveniently close to many of the city’s hotels, so think about booking accommodations nearby.
(Photo: Internet)
Vung Tau's seafood is well known for its wide variety and affordability. Find a seafood heaven close to Vung Tau night market and we are pretty sure that you end up rolling back to the hotel.
Nightlife in Phu Quoc
(Photo: Internet)
This island in the Gulf of Thailand is a paradise of jungles, sandy beaches, and deep blue waters. As it turns out, it is also one of Vietnam’s top destinations for nightlife.
After you admire the sun setting over the ocean, head to Dinh Cau Night Market at Vo Thi Sau Street in Duong Dong. After 5 pm, motorized vehicles are not allowed on the street, but you can park your rental right outside. Explore the street on foot to shop for souvenirs and enjoy fresh seafood and snacks from dozens of stalls.
To take some time off your feet, you can grab a table at any of the beach bars on the island, like Rory’s Beach Bar, the Beach Bar at Mango Bay Resort, and Coco Bar, to name a few popular spots.
Those looking for a nightclub on Phu Quoc have one and only one option, which is the Happy Buddha Club on Tran Hung Dao Street. Just be aware that the club is only open on Saturday nights.
Discover the Best Nightlife in Vietnam
After reading through our list of Vietnam nightlife destinations, you probably have added at least a few to your itinerary. But trying to choose from the numerous night activities throughout Vietnam on your own can be a challenge. To help you narrow it down to the destinations and activities that will best fit your idea of a dream vacation, contact us now to design your Vietnam nightlife tour.