As one of the most popular destinations for backpackers and young travelers on a gap year, the nightlife scene in Vietnam is getting better and better each year. Big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are now filled with lively clubs, pubs, and bars. Even the beach resort towns of Phu Quoc and Mui Ne are getting livelier at night. The good news is that food and drinks in Vietnam are not particularly expensive so you can enjoy exciting nightlife even if you’re traveling on a budget. Here’s everything you need to know about the best nightlife experiences in Vietnam.
Applying for your Vietnam Visa
Vietnam visa on arrival desk in Da Nang city
So you’re all set to travel to Vietnam and discover its exciting nightlife scene. But have you ever thought about your visa? If you came from those countries that would require a visa to Vietnam, you better apply for your visa in advance at eVisa-Vietnam.com. This will save you from all the hassles of having to line up at the airport to apply for your visa. The process of applying for your eVisa is so easy. You just need to fill out the form online, make a payment, and wait for an email for the pre-approval letter. Print this letter and bring it with you, as this is what you will present at the Vietnam immigration upon arrival at the country.
Vietnam Nightlife Experiences
Once you have your visa sorted, you should now be ready to plan for your Vietnam trip. And if you want to experience the best of Vietnam’s nightlife scene, here’s what you need to know.
Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City
Apocalypse Now Bar Cafe
If you’re visiting the city of Ho Chi Minh, the most popular spot for backpackers going on nightlife is the Apocalypse Now Bar Cafe located in Thi Sach. Every night, this place is filled with partygoers enjoying cocktails and beer until the early morning. The party is spread over two floors and there’s a small terrace area as well. As one of the best clubs in the city, the place is often packed every night, especially during the weekends.
Lush Bar Saigon
Another popular nightlife spot in Ho Chi Minh is Lush. It’s one of the few modern clubs in the city that plays hip-hop, pop, and house music. In Pham Ngu Lao, the backpacker area of Ho Chi Minh, you’ll find a few nightlife spots as well, such as the Crazy Buffalo and Go2. Both of these places are open until the early morning hours.
Rex Hotel Rooftop Garden
Other nightlife spots to check out in Ho Chi Minh are the Q Bar and Rex Hotel Rooftop Beer Garden. If you’re into singing, there are also lots of places for karaoke nights in Ho Chi Minh.
Nightlife in Hanoi
If you are traveling to Vietnam’s capital city, there are also several nightlife spots that are worth checking out. However, the city has strict laws when it comes to the closing times of the nightclubs and bars. Thus, these places usually close by midnight. But the good news is that there are a few places that will allow you to party until late.
The Binh Minh Jazz Club Hanoi
Funky Buddha is a popular bar in the city that has live DJs playing good music every night. This is also a great place to visit if you want to enjoy shisha smoke or if you simply want to hang out with friends and enjoy a good drink. The Binh Minh Jazz Club is also a popular nightlife spot for partygoers of Hanoi that plays live music every night. Another good place to visit is the Rock & Roll Tavern at the Old Quarter, a popular spot for backpackers.
Water puppet show in Vietnam under purple lights
If you want to try something a little bit different, go check out the Water Puppet Theatre to witness an interesting water puppet show. Water puppetry is a Vietnamese tradition that dates back to the 11th century and witnessing these shows is a great way to learn more about the culture of the country.
Nightlife in Phu Quoc and Mui Ne
If you are heading to Vietnam for the beach, you will most likely end up on the beautiful island of Phu Quoc or in the laidback resort town of Mui Ne. Just like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, these places are also filled with exciting nightlife spots that are waiting for you to explore!
Sip cocktails at Rory’s Beach Club at Phu Quoc Island
The relaxed nightlife scene of Phu Quoc is ideal for those who simply want to unwind by the beach with a cocktail drink on hand. There are also plenty of beachfront bars and wine lounges in the island, serving a wide range of cocktails and beer until late at night.
Line Up Bar & Grill in Muine
Mui Ne is a small coastal town in Vietnam so you cannot really expect a very sophisticated nightlife scene here. However, the town has plenty of late night restaurants and bars where you can have a great time after spending a day at the beach. There are also a few hippy lounges by the beach, offering a more relaxed ambiance.
