The Alchemist is a nightlife spot in Old Quarter, Hanoi.
The Alchemist on Au Trieu near St Joseph's Cathedral is Hanoi's hidden second-floor speakeasy, reached through an unmarked ground-floor cafe.
Must order: Herbal Gin Tonic with Vietnamese cardamom; classic Rusty Nail.
Tip: No sign; walk through the ground-floor cafe to find the staircase up.
Address: 1A Au Trieu, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Bia Hoi Corner on Ta Hien is Hanoi's loudest after-dark pavement bar, with fresh draft beer at 10,000-15,000 VND a glass on plastic stools at the Old Quarter's busiest junction.
Order: Bia hoi (fresh draft beer) at the cheapest corner stall; dried squid with chilli salt from passing vendors.
Tip: Cops clear the pavement at 23:00; the crowd then moves to bun dau or pho counters.
1900 Le Théâtre on Ta Hien is Hanoi's longest-running theatre-style nightclub, with dance floor, mezzanine and house and EDM DJ sets running until 04:00.
Order: Bottle service for groups; cocktails on the mezzanine.
Tip: Entry policy enforced; smart casual after midnight. The bia hoi corner outside fills the queue.
Workshop14 in Hanoi is Rich McDonough's 14-seat minimal speakeasy in Tay Ho, opened 2025 and ranked No 83 on Asia's 50 Best Bars within seven months.
Order: Bartender's seasonal menu; ask for off-menu cocktails.
Tip: Wooden gate entrance; reservations recommended. 14 seats only.
Tadioto runs a listening-bar style space several nights a week, with jazz vinyl and Vietnamese contemporary art on the walls, chosen by writer Nguyen Qui.
Order: Japanese whiskey or Vietnamese rice spirit; light Japanese-leaning snacks.
Tip: Music programming on Facebook page; arrive 19:00 for the best seat.
Bia Hoi Corner on Ta Hien is Hanoi's loudest after-dark pavement bar, with fresh draft beer at 10,000-15,000 VND a glass on plastic stools at the Old Quarter's busiest junction.
Order: Bia hoi (fresh draft beer) at the cheapest corner stall; dried squid with chilli salt from passing vendors.
Tip: Cops clear the pavement at 23:00; the crowd then moves to bun dau or pho counters.
1900 Le Théâtre on Ta Hien is Hanoi's longest-running theatre-style nightclub, with dance floor, mezzanine and house and EDM DJ sets running until 04:00.
Order: Bottle service for groups; cocktails on the mezzanine.
Tip: Entry policy enforced; smart casual after midnight. The bia hoi corner outside fills the queue.
Binh Minh Jazz Club in Hanoi is the city's most established live-jazz room near the Opera House, with founder-saxophonist Quyen Van Minh's house band.
Order: Cocktails on the upstairs mezzanine; cover charge waived with a drink.
Tip: Live music starts 21:00 nightly; the upstairs mezzanine has the best stage sightline.
Tadioto in Hanoi hosts live jazz, poetry readings and acoustic sets several nights a week, with the writer-owner Nguyen Qui Duc curating the artistic crowd.
Order: Japanese whiskey on the rocks; Vietnamese rice-spirit cocktails as the alternative.
Tip: Schedule on the Facebook page; readings start 20:00 on programmed nights.
