Hue
With a lovely wood floor, concrete walls, colourful chairs and cushions and many a nook to escape to, Cong is a reassuring constant in a world of flux:…
Must-see nightlife in Central Vietnam
Hue
This always-popular bar near the river has a free pool table, cold Huda beer, cocktails (try a watermelon mojito) and antics most nights. It also serves…
Hue
Sit out on the slim terrace upstairs at this recently refurbished petite boulangerie for a delightful petit déjeuner with croissants, crêpes (from 20,000d…
Hoi An
Ensconce yourself in this bright, colourful, playful and unique cafe, surrounded by a sea of carved woodwork, from the tables to the statues, cups,…
Danang
Hidden away from Danang's busy streets, this leafy and quiet garden cafe with a rustic but chic vibe is popular with younger locals cooling down with…
Hoi An
One of our favourite spots for an espresso, latte or cappuccino. Mia's own coffee blend, sourced from Dalat arabica beans, is the standout brew, and be…
Danang
Half bar, half Italian restaurant, this hot hang-out is a warehouse-sized space with an open frontage, a DJ booth in the cabin of a truck, cool music, an…
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Ride a bike 3km from Son Trach to this riverside spot for cold beers, robust gin and tonics, and tasty Vietnamese snacks. Lying in a hammock, kayaking on…
Hoi An
A slice of Melbourne-style coffee culture, albeit in a heritage Hoi An residence, the Espresso Station is where to go for the best flat whites and cold…
Danang
Traditionally a hangout of expats negotiating Russian Minsk motorbikes around Vietnam, the Minsk Bar has now evolved to also include a more local customer…
Hue
With a pool table, decent cocktails, food and sport on TV, plus a popular street-front terrace, rodeo pictures, saddles and cowboy paraphernalia, this…
Danang
With its good-looking lines, neat and sharp white tiles, black stools, soft music and relaxed, unhurried rhythm, this spruce pocket-sized cafe is a…
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
High on a grassy hillock, the open-sided East Hill is a laid-back spot for a sunset beer and Vietnamese snacks, and equally popular with travellers, and…
Hoi An
Craft beers from around Vietnam are the attraction at this new Hoi An bar, but don't be surprised if you linger for the tasty charcuterie and cheeseboards…
Hue
One part beer bar and one part cafe, this spacious spot with rustic wooden furniture, a short walk from Hue's backpacker strip, is a good location to meet…
Hoi An
An amiable half sports bar (where you can watch everything from Aussie Rules to Indian cricket) and half restaurant (serving burgers, steaks and local…
Hoi An
A top bar option in Hoi An within the Cham Island Diving Center, with a great vibe thanks to the welcoming service, contemporary electronic tunes and…
Hue
Outdoors, on the 15th floor of the Moonlight Hotel, Sirius is the best place in town for sunset drinks. Combine BBQ snacks (beef, squid, prawns; from 60…
Dong Hoi
Make your way to the top floor of this new riverside hotel for the best views in Dong Hoi. Funky colourful stools provide a front row seat of all the…
Tam Coc
The comfy deckchairs and rustic shared tables at Chookies Beer Garden are the place to be after a day boating or mountain biking around the Tam Coc and…
An Bang Beach
Excellent juices, smoothies, salads and panini sandwiches are the highlights at this relaxed spot owned and operated by a switched-on young woman from the…
South-Central Vietnam
Quite the find in sleepy Dong Ha, this cosmopolitan, brick-lined pub-style restaurant features cold Heineken beer on tap, a surprising range of imported…
An Bang Beach
For excellent coffee (from 30,000d), Sound of Silence combines surefire barista skills with a rustic garden setting and ocean views. Fresh coconuts and…
Hoi An
This wine bar/restaurant in historic premises has an unmatched selection of wines; many are available by the glass. Lunch and dinner tasting menus cost…
Hoi An
With single-origin brews, excellent cakes, juices and smoothies, this cool little spot wouldn't be out of place in the hipster precincts of Portland or…
Dong Hoi
This chilled spot with a penchant for natural timber is an amiable and gregarious venue for meeting other travellers over a cold beer. There's a pool…
Danang
Go straight to the Top for the best views of the beach's sprawling arc. Cocktails and imported beers all impress tourists and Danang's smart set as they…
Danang
This landmark bar-restaurant juts over the river near the Song Han bridge. It works better as a bar, as the restaurant prices are stratospheric and the…
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
The in-house bar/cafe at Easy Tiger is the most happening place in Son Trach, with cheap beer, pool tables, and live music every night. Add to the growing…
Hue
Families, courting couples and card players all hang out at this hidden bamboo-shrouded riverside haven that's our favourite place in Hue for a caphe sua…
Danang
This stylish and slick rooftop bar serves excellent cocktails and innovative bar snacks as well as the best after-dark views of Danang's river and neon…
Danang
The Danang offshoot of Hanoi's quirky Communist-themed cafes is a top spot for a riverside caffeine fix – try the coffee with yoghurt – or a well-priced…
Hue
Graffiti-splattered walls, a sociable vibe, excellent food and smoothies all combine at this welcoming spot owned by a friendly family. It also offers…
Danang
A stone’s throw from Danang Beach, this is a friendly, popular bar-restaurant with pub grub (think burgers or fish 'n' chips). You can rent boards (US$5…
Hue
This late-night bar features a good blend of locals and traveller revellers. DJs drive the dance floor with R&B, hip hop and house anthems, and staff…
Hoi An
Q Bar offers stunning lighting, electronica and lounge music, and excellent (if pricey, at around 120,000d) cocktails and mocktails. Draws a cool crowd.
Danang
Sociable, but predictable expat bar with clientele of boozy regulars, cheap beer and a busy pool table. A good place to catch live sport on TV.
Ninh Binh
For drinking bia hoi (draught beer), try the riverside places near the local brewery.
Danang
Danang's go-to spot for live music and draught beer, and a good place to meet younger residents with a decent grasp of English.
