Ho Chi Minh City
Malt is one of the city's cosiest and most welcoming bars, and has a no-smoking policy (a rarity in HCMC). There's always a well-curated selection of…
Must-see nightlife in Vietnam
Sapa
With half a dozen craft beers (105,000d) on tap, sharp modern decor and snacks such as cheese and charcuterie plates and local smoked trout, the Hill…
Dalat
A surreal drinking experience. The owners claim Gandalf and his hobbit friends have drunk here, and the labyrinth of rooms with multiple nooks and…
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…
Hanoi
Temporarily closed at the time of research, with authorities shutting down all the cafes along the railway line, this was the original and best of all the…
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…
Pasteur Street Brewing Company
Hanoi
A curious lack of character stalks this two-floor bar, although the terrace is good. The beer menu is pricey, but the superb choice of IPAs, fruity ales,…
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…
Hanoi
Spectacular views extend right over to the facade of St Joseph Cathedral from upstairs at easy-going Eden Cafe, a comfortable space arrayed with chairs,…
Nha Trang
This place is home to the commendable ‘Hands off the Kids!’ campaign, working to prevent paedophilia – part of the profits go towards the cause. Crazy Kim…
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…
Ho Chi Minh City
Coffee-geek culture comes to HCMC at this spacious upstairs warehouse space. Single-origin, fair-trade roasts from Dalat feature, and there's a great…
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…
Can Tho
Set slap bang in the middle of Can Tho's naughty nightlife strip, this place is more refined that its surroundings. Draught craft beer (49,000d) includes…
Ho Chi Minh City
Tucked down a narrow laneway, the off-the-radar Indika Saigon dubs itself the 'House of Curiosity'. It is definitely worth venturing to, with a barbecue…
Can Tho
This cafe and bar stretches across a block, and its 'back door' entrance is made up of a mosaic of old shutters that gives it a dishevelled retro look…
Kon Tum
The best cafe in town, with stylish patio seating in a quiet corner of town. For a pick-me-up try the sinhto bowl, a smoothie with pieces of custard apple…
Hanoi
Truly a satisfying two-floor haven of peace in a bustling city, this cute, book-stuffed cafe feels like a quiet library; it's a superb choice for some…
Ho Chi Minh City
All beers are brewed on-site at this impressive microbrewery (or should that be mega-microbrewery) near Ben Thanh Market. Ales include a Far East IPA with…
Phu Quoc Island
Recently relocated to the remote east side of the island, this huge beach bar is taking a big gamble on drawing day-tripping motorbikers and pulling in…
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…
Hanoi
Owner Pham Xuan Ly has lived on this block since 1950, and now runs one of Hanoi’s most traditional ruou (Vietnamese wine) bars. Kick off with the ginseng…
Chau Doc
Cafe by day, serving original Vietnamese coffees brewed by experienced baristas, it turns bar by night and offers a great range of craft beers from…
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…
Mui Ne
This very popular pub-like place has live music (every night at 7.30pm) and a gregarious vibe. During the day it's a good place to hang, too, with seats…
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…
Nha Trang
Nha Trang's best vistas are from this skybar-club-lounge on the 43rd floor. There's a killer cocktail list (130,000d upwards), shishas and DJs spin party…
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…
Ho Chi Minh City
With a long bar – we're talking 10m-plus here – Layla is a laid-back spot that's perfect for the first or last cocktails of the night. Don't be surprised…
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…
Vung Tau
With a busy pool table, a great sea-facing terrace and a sociable vibe, Lucy's is great for a drink if you've just hopped off the ferry. Head here for…
Quy Nhon
Aussie-owned sports bar in the south of town offering Rooster and East West craft beers, with a lively street terrace and roof bar with sea views. 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…
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…
Ho Chi Minh City
Overlooking District 3 from the 24th floor, this is a prime spot for a stylish sundowner: happy hour is a very generous triple hour whammy, from 5pm to…
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…
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…
