Best Bars in Hoi An

Overlooking the Thu Bon River, Market Bar hosts an intimate setting in an impeccable location. Recommended for locals and travelers of all tastes, especially those searching for somewhere ‘chic-er’, quirkier and more laid back than your average tourist-struck bar in Hoi An. The menu offers a thoughtfully-curated list of drinks including craft beers and cocktails, as well as a mouth-watering choice of food platters (cheese, vegetarian, charcuterie, and mixed). The bar houses a superb selection of wine, ranging from affordable to decadent – red, white, rosé and sparkling, both local and international. Friendly English-speaking staff are available to assist you pick the right wine for you.

In something of a shake-up Dive Bar recently teemed up with Burger Republic who offer gourmet burgers with a difference. Mostly closed now during the day, Dive Bar is concentrating on its new cuisine and the evening crowd. See their Facebook for up-to-date information on bands and events. One of Hoi An’s traditional party hotspots and one of the few in Hoi An Old Town (not on An Hoi Islet) that is open till midnight.

Proudly the first dedicated sports bar in Hoi An – with an unashamed Australasian bias – 3 Dragons Sports Bar & Restaurant kicked off with a bang and has continued to improve its services and facilities for the comfort of patrons. With icy cold beer, Gourmet Burgers, Parmies and Aussie pub staples like Rissoles or Snags (with mash and gravy), it’s a home away from home for many visitors. It takes the prize when it comes to atmosphere for the big sporting events with easily the most comfortable and diverse viewing facilities. Away from the hurly-burly inside, there’s a quiet, al fresco setting out back by the river as well where you can get away from it all. A real pub.

After Covid, The Shamrock Irish Pub Hoi An picked up just where it left off. There’s live music every day from 6pm. There are countless beers on tap including a strong IPA range. There’s draft Guinness of course, several ciders and countless whiskeys available: Irish, single malts, blended. Shot options abound too.

Pool and sport screens inside, plenty of tables outside just over the road from the river. The drinks and the pub food are fantastic, albeit a bit pricey, but a long Happy Hour from 10am to 6pm offers a free drink for every two purchased (all beers, cocktails and wines) to ease the pain. And, after 6pm, who cares?

This franchise kicked off in Sapa and then spread to Hanoi and Hoi An. It’s a deli ostensibly in tribute to the French Hill Station cuisine that developed in remote parts of Vietnam during the colonial period. In Hoi An it has also become a place to hang in the afternoon and evening – just as the original Hill Stationers did 100 or so years ago – with wine, cheese and cold cuts. The wine list is extensive, including options by the glass. There are craft beers as well and popular homemade concoctions including the intriguing green chili infused riced wine. Hill Station‘s setting is magnificent in a beautiful old Hoi An shophouse.

Dimly-lit Barconcú (also Barconcu) defies straightforward categorization. This chameleon is sometimes an arty hangout, sometimes jumping to a DJ, sometimes a warm-spirited Open Mic where any hopefuls can have a go, anyone at all. Its super comfy lounges also offer perfect spaces for romantic liaisons or for intimate groups to gossip (or solve the world’s problems).

One distinct difference between Barconcú and most other Hoi An bars is its ‘melting pot’ feel. It’s a bar where Vietnamese and Westerners meet in equal measure in a congenial, bohemian atmosphere.

Weekly events include the paint and sip on Thursday nights (where canvasses, paints and brushes are supplied) and the Open Mic on Sundays. Barconcú is geared for after-dinner patrons – eat before you come. Open till midnight.

Tiger Tiger Bar has always been the backpackers’ bar of choice in Hoi An. Reopened mid-2022 the bar must have sensed a new wave coming. In the past it was invariably packed while other bars nearby sat abandoned and forlorn. Why? It’s doubtful that the thick-as-a-phonebook menu offering every dish imaginable from both sides of the fence was the drawcard. Once you get past the al fresco setting by the street where dining is possible, you’re in a full-on dance club that plays music the under-30s really want to hear and move to. And it’s open till 3am.

At Tiger Tiger Bar a DJ rules like a Roman Emperor pumping out dance club beats at high levels, mesmerizing gyrating dancers. Think super dark with fog machines swirling away and a light show of deep reds and blues. Sentiment was fiercely divided on review sites in the past with some controversy over the quality of spirits served. Did I say it’s open till 3am?

With swimming pool and pool table, Bungalow Beach Bar is set up for a long stay (which is just as well as there’s a fantastic array of tap beers to sample). And with refreshing coastal breezes ever-present, its wonderful indoor/outdoor feel is also conducive to putting your feet up and taking your time. A scrumptious American menu including Tacos and Chicken Wings is a huge drawcard. Suitable for traditional pub goers and families alike, check the Bungalow Beach Bar Facebook page for live music events.

Established in 2008, La Plage was one of the first bar/restaurants to set up at An Bang Beach, right on the water. These establishments are hard to beat with life-restoring panorama, great food, and drinks of all descriptions. You can have a fine time at any of them but La Plage remains at the top of the list. The kitchen is better now than ever. Indeed, it’s one of Hoi An’s best introductions to Vietnamese food. For drinkers looking for a place to hang and get a good buzz going, La Plage is hard to beat as well, and for families there’s a kid’s playground. Something for everyone.

Double Cat Bar is a local favorite that’s also lauded on Trip Advisor and other sites. Why? The hosts make you very welcome indeed, that’s a big part of it. The cocktails are heavenly – try the Bloody Mary, the Espresso Martini or the Mojitos – and there’s a great chill vibe in general. It’s clean and modern and a smart playlist adds another dimension. The Japanese-style light menu is just right if you need to take the edge off as well – actually the mouthwatering homemade dumplings are to die for. Often draws a gathering on Mondays as it’s one of the few venues open. Highly recommended.

Only open since mid-2022, Red Lantern Cocktails is still finding its feet, but its worthy of inclusion because the cocktails rival all comers, and its camaraderie is second to none. Dung and Brad leave no stone unturned to make you welcome and their banner, ‘come as a stranger, leave as a friend’ splashed on the wall in multiple languages is no token gesture.

Essentially an after-dinner bar – the kitchen and menu are ‘in development’ – that doesn’t mind keeping its doors open till very late if there’s anyone with their hand up. Cruisy old-time playlist with live jazz Thursday evenings.

Soul Kitchen has everything you could want from a beach bar: comfortable and clean sun beds, a grassy terrace under the shady palms, live music or DJs towards the week’s end, and a welcoming atmosphere for the entire family. Open from 7am, you can rock up for breakfast, lunch or dinner but it’s in the evenings that the well-stocked bar takes over from the restaurant, especially when the music’s on.  Once Hoi An’s leading live music venue in diversity and quality, Soul Kitchen is rebuilding post-Covid 19. Check its Facebook for developments.

The charming owners, Hugh and Debbie, are the perfect hosts. Their Kiwi humor, their way with people and their knowledge of what makes a bar a place you’ll keep coming back to have made Happy Buffalo … well, a place you’ll keep coming back to! Try a tangy margarita, the bloody great Bloody Mary or the smooth-as-silk espresso martini. The beer is cheap and ice-cold, too. Sit at the bar and have a couple before you venture into the delectable international food dishes that are a little bigger than tapas. Think Fish Tacos, Potato Croquettes, Polenta Fries with Kimchi, Pork Lemongrass Kebabs, Buffalo Wings and Beef/Pork Sliders. Delicious.

UNO Hoi An Restaurant and Bar developed into one of Hoi An’s go-to venues in the aftermath of Covid-19 shutdowns. The ‘Cheers’ of Hoi An, it’s full of camaraderie, a place where newcomers quickly feel at home. Choose from long tables for bigger groups or low-set lounge settings for a more intimate time. Play pool, darts, foosball or watch major sporting events in a dedicated inner sanctum. Alternatively, simply chill out, sip a mojito or an infused vodka  and soak up the good-vibe. Regular events pepper each month so check out their Facebook for up-to-date news. Great bar snacks including burgers, nachos and five variations of Mac & Cheese! Open till late (you can order food right up till midnight!). Kitchen closed Mondays.