"Potent Cocktails and Eclectic Tunes One of the hippest joints in Hanoi , this speakeasy-style venue combines effortless conviviality with excellent cocktails. Regular live events run the gamut from eclectic DJ sets to more straightforward nights of live music."

"Finish off the Night With Some Jazz Minh's jazz club is owned by one of Hanoi 's most famous jazz musicians, Quyen Van Minh. Live jazz, performed by local and foreign musicians, including Minh's son, is the big draw here."

"Enjoy a Literary Nightcap Owned and operated by journalist and raconteur Nguyen Qui Duc, this Hanoi institution is now in its fourth incarnation near the Opera House. Expect a bohemian crowd, an eclectic music policy and a great selection of wine. Among the other strings in Duc's bow is a talent for furniture making and his bar is a showroom for some of his exquisite handmade items."

"Bar Betta You Bet Both Bar Betta and Tadioto were among the stalwarts in the now-defunct Zone 9, an arty area which revolutionized Hanoi 's nightlife for a short time before being shut down. The original Bar Betta, however, is still a sterling choice for a drink with retro decor, cool cocktails, and a well-chosen soundtrack."

"Profit From Some Alternative Music Energy With a large, fully soundproofed, upstairs room providing the space, this is undoubtedly one of the premier spots for live music in Hanoi . The emphasis is on local alternative music. However, visiting DJs also make regular appearances. If an act is not to your taste, the venue's outside bar is a perfect spot to keep the evening pulsing."

"Good Old Fashioned Rockin at Hanoi Institution This Hanoi institution looked like it was gone forever following the sad death of its original owner. However, it is back in full force by the shores of West Lake after reopening in 2012. The formula is largely identical to what went before. An all-American menu, a soundtrack of 60s-70s classics and occasional live music."

"It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing With Hanoi 's most powerful sound-system powering up the live music action, Swing is a popular venue for well-heeled Hanoians. A million miles removed from the more bohemian western-friendly bars in the city, this venue specializes in slicker sounds that range from Vietnamese pop to cabaret."

"A Great Way to Start the Day The main draw at this Australian-run spot is the convivial and bohemian atmosphere. Housed in a stunning 1920s colonial villa in a quiet part of the Old Quarter, the cafe has a rustic, warm vibe. While items from the simple menu can be hit or miss at other times of the day, the breakfast offerings are exemplary and the coffee is right on the money."

"A Rave Up By the River Phuc Tan is something of a dive. In a city where things tend to shut early this is generally the last port of call for when the evening drags on a little bit longer than is perhaps advisable. Nevertheless, there's a lot to like about the venue. Its strongest selling point (aside from the flexible opening hours) is its location by a branch of the Red River."