The Vietnam nightlife is just one of the many experiences you can enjoy while on vacation in this beautiful country.
Whether it’s a quiet drink you are looking for or a turn on the dance floor, Vietnam’s nightlife has something for everyone.
We have put together the ultimate guide to nightlife in Vietnam, so you can start planning your nightlife activities soon after booking your tickets.
Here are some of what Vietnam nightlife has to offer.
Vietnam Shows and Tours
If you need transportation, taxis are your best option to get around Vietnam at night. However, we do suggest that you only take rides from reputable companies. There are buses available, but taxis are inexpensive enough that you can travel in comfort.
Saigon Opera House and the Golden Bell Theatre in Hanoi
Venues such as the Saigon Opera House and the Golden Bell Theatre in Hanoi feature live performances, including traditional dance shows. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and rich culture of Vietnam than through live performance. Check online ahead of time to see what will be showing during your visit and book your tickets.
Casinos
Casinos are always a fun way to spend an evening. Luckily, casinos can be found in many of the major hotels around Vietnam. These casinos are the only places where gambling is legal for people over the age of 21. Hotels such as the Caravelle Hotel and the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers also offer several restaurants, free Wi-Fi in the lobby, and swimming pools for the kids. Childcare is also available in the bigger hotels, so you can take advantage of a night out at the casino.
Vietnam Nightlife in Hanoi
Bia Hoi Junction
Bia Hoi Junction is the place to be on Saturday night in Hanoi. Small plastic stools provide outdoor seating while street vendors serve delicious snacks. Keep in mind that the beer may be weaker than you’re used to, but they make up for it with their lower prices.
Hanoi Press Club
If you would like your Vietnam nightlife to be a bit quieter, the Hanoi Press Club may be a good choice. It’s an upscale bar and restaurant with delicious wines and cocktails.
Vietnam Central Circus
If you are traveling with children and looking for something fun to do in the early evening, the Vietnam Central Circus has animal performances, clowns, and acrobats. It is also well-known for its Water Puppet Show which has nighttime performances of wooden puppets that seem to dance on top of the water. The theatre is entertainment for both adults and children alike.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
You will find some of the best Vietnam Bars in Ho Chi Minh City. District 1 is the financial and commercial hub of the city, and you can easily spend your whole vacation exploring the area. District 3 is home to the city’s café and dining scene, a great place to sit back and relax. A dinner cruise on the Saigon River featuring live jazz and a traditional dance show is also a popular attraction and a great way to take in the sights of the city.
District 1
District 1 offers a wide variety of rooftop cocktail bars. The legendary Apocalypse Now Bar-Cafe can also be found in District 1. If you prefer a more laid-back evening, you can visit the Sax n’ Art Jazz Club. When it comes to Vietnam clubbing, there is no shortage of live music clubs to choose from.
The famous Ben Thanh Market is just as popular at night as it is during the day, and it provides many opportunities for late-night snacks and meals. You can get all your souvenirs there, and it’s a great place to practice your bargaining skills.
District 3
District 3 has its own delights, including the legendary street drinking scene. Try the most popular Vietnam drinks along Pham Ngu Lao, enjoy your time socializing with the locals as well as the tourists.
If it’s comedy you’re looking for, you do not need to go further than Saigon International Comedy. They regularly feature comedians from all around the world and provide a truly international comedic experience.
Things to Be Aware of When Visiting a Vietnam Nightclub
Every country has its own rules and regulations. Make sure to inform yourself ahead of time of local rules and etiquette. To stay safe while on your Vietnam vacation, you need to ensure that you know what you legally can and cannot do.
Here’s a list of the important laws you should keep in mind.
The Drinking Age in Vietnam
The legal drinking age is 18, while the legal gambling age is 21. Also, keep in mind that you are not allowed to bring cultural items into the country that the Government considers to be depraved. In other words, leave your T-shirt that advertises your favorite beer at home.
Vietnam Drug Laws
Like most countries, bringing drugs into Vietnam is illegal, and the penalties, if caught, can be extreme. People can be executed under Vietnam’s drug laws for carrying what many would consider to be a small quantity of contraband.
Cigarettes
By law, you can bring up to 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 50 grams of tobacco into Vietnam. But be aware that these laws can change very quickly.
Photographs
Photographs taken near military installations or of public demonstrations may lead to arrest. If you’re going to blog about your vacation, be aware that the Government in Vietnam often monitors social media sites.
Other Important Safety Considerations
It is important to remember that while you’re on vacation in Vietnam, you are traveling in a communist country. So, it is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your actions.
To be a responsible tourist, it is crucial to be aware of your geographical surroundings. People have been detained for venturing too close to the borders of China, Cambodia, or Laos without the proper permission from the local authorities.
Politics and religion are also topics that can often cause problems for tourists in Vietnam. Although religious intolerance is lessening, politics are still a sensitive issue. It is good advice to pause and think before you speak; it is also just good manners.
If you are ready to get started on planning your Vietnam vacation, Vietnam Visa is here to help you make those plans become a reality. We make getting your Vietnam travel visa easy. Apply online today!