Top Rated Nightlife in Hanoi

The Polite Pub offers its largely foreign clientele the comforts of home. The owners sate cravings to munch while you drink with an endless supply of roasted peanuts; the CD collection draws from mostly Western favorites, both past and present; and foosball and pool provide sporting distractions from the main activities--drinking and cavorting. Besides beer, the women's Vietnamese pool champion bartender mixes good margaritas and Long Island ice teas.

This lively Old Quarter bia hoi (draught beer) restaurant is notable for the charm of its ubiquitous owner, Miss Minh. It is also known for its ever-expanding second-story terrace, which affords insightful views of the street market below. A good range of Vietnamese rice and noodle dishes is skillfully cooked in the makeshift kitchen area at the back of the terrace. The chicken and coconut curry packs a punch, while soft drinks are available if beer is not your fancy.

A sense of timeless sophistication overcomes you as you enter. Banners sporting ancient Chinese script in bold black hang about the entrance. Double happiness, longevity and wealth motifs translate from similar bamboo wall hangings inside. An army of well-groomed waiters descends as you make your way through the main dining room out into the garden beyond. Meticulously laid tables reside under lush banana palms as classical music wafts from an unseen orchestra. Once seated, smells from the kitchen and an all-you-can-eat buffet tempt skipping an aperitif. A wide selection of beverages is available.

Popular with young Hanoians, this bar's main attraction is live music. Comfortable seating is set on three levels, surrounding a well-lit stage area where classical and vocal combos perform thrice weekly. Jazz on Fridays is the crowd puller (9p-11p), with cocktail prices rising to the occasion an extra thirty percent. Eight pool tables are situated away from the stage and can be hired by the hour for just USD1.50. If you are hungry, Vietnamese food is served.