Must-see nightlife in South-Central Vietnam

  • Cong Caphe

    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:…

  • DMZ Travel

    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…

  • La Boulangerie Française

    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…

  • Queta Cafe

    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,…

  • Golem Coffee

    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…

  • Mia Coffee House

    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…

  • Luna Pub

    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…

  • Espresso Station

    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…

  • Minsk Bar

    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…

  • Why Not? Bar

    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…

  • Drop Coffee

    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…

  • Tap House

    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…

  • Ta Vet

    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…

  • 3 Dragons

    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…

  • Dive Bar

    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…

  • Sirius

    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…

  • Juice House

    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…

  • Red Lion Beer Garden

    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…

  • Sound of Silence

    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…

  • White Marble

    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 Roastery

    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…

  • Top Rooftop Lounge

    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…

  • Memory Lounge

    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…

  • Cafe Tre Nga

    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…

  • Sky 36

    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…

  • Cong Caphe

    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…

  • Café on Thu Wheels

    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…

  • Tam’s Pub & Surf Shop

    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…

  • Brown Eyes

    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…

  • Q Bar

    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.

  • Bamboo 2 Bar

    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.

  • On the Radio

    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.