Cover Bars and pubs entered Vietnam through Western culture, introducing a new form of social interaction. (Photo: Drinking & Healing, provided)
Bars and pubs entered Vietnam through Western culture, introducing a new form of social interaction. (Photo: Drinking & Healing, provided)
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Western-style pubs in Vietnam have long been vibrant cultural crossroads, redefining social connections and nightlife
When discussing bars and pubs—more specifically, Western-style pubs in Vietnam—it is essential to acknowledge their historical origins. The introduction of these establishments to Vietnam marked a cultural intersection, shaping new ways for people to connect.
The emergence of bars and pubs in Vietnam provided not only the opportunity to indulge in the pleasures of drinking but also a fresh dynamic in social engagement. However, while bars appeared more than a century ago, the tradition of drinking has long been an elegant and impassioned pursuit among Vietnam’s literati and esteemed guests throughout history.
Yet, this enjoyment remained largely an individual ritual rather than a communal experience. It had not yet evolved into dedicated spaces for both drinking and socialising—nor had it developed into a cultural tradition passed down as a legacy, as seen in Western bars and pubs.
Above The inherently social nature of bars and pubs has allowed them to expand with ease. (Photo: Drinking & Healing)
The inherently social nature of bars and pubs has allowed them to expand with ease. (Photo: Drinking & Healing)
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When these establishments first arrived in Vietnam, they catered exclusively to Westerners. During the French colonial period, bars served as gathering places for the French expeditionary forces in major cities such as Hanoi and Saigon. Naturally, these gatherings revolved around the pleasure of drinking.
In this open and convivial atmosphere, individuals met, connected, and engaged in conversation. At the time, bars and pubs were reserved for high-ranking officers or colonial capitalists within the French community. Much like the origins of the Irish pub, these venues primarily served beer, pure whisky, and whisky-based concoctions. The sense of freedom within the pub environment exerted an enduring allure, drawing patrons back time and again.
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However, the significant expansion of bar culture in Saigon and Hanoi truly took place after the war—more precisely, following Vietnam’s economic reforms in the 1980s. With an influx of Westerners arriving for work and business, bar and pub culture naturally took root alongside them. Entrepreneurs recognised an opportunity and began opening venues catering to this emerging demand.
Above The rapid rise of bars and pubs in Saigon and Hanoi gained momentum after the war. (Photo: Stir)
The rapid rise of bars and pubs in Saigon and Hanoi gained momentum after the war. (Photo: Stir)
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Some of the earliest bars included Hanoi Roxi, White Bar, Stone Elephant, and Polite Pub, followed by Golden Cook and Tet Bar. These establishments operated from 5pm until 3am and were considered ‘underground’ bars. Prior to this, wine bars existed only within five-star hotels, catering exclusively to the few foreign visitors present in Vietnam after the war or to those fortunate enough to experience drinking culture through international exposure.
These new bars introduced a different concept—featuring wide, elevated counters, warm and inviting décor, and a relaxed yet refined ambiance. As word spread, their clientele grew, drawn by the sophisticated and robust drinks of Western tradition. In this intimate setting, conversations flowed freely, spurred on by a few glasses of strong liquor or meticulously crafted cocktails.
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Above Bars and pubs offer an introduction to Western drinking culture. (Photo: Hudson Rooms)
Above The Hudson Rooms Wine Room. (Photo: Hudson Rooms)
Bars and pubs offer an introduction to Western drinking culture. (Photo: Hudson Rooms)
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Of course, music is an essential element of any bar or pub. Signature drinks and music genres played a defining role in shaping Hanoi’s bar scene at the time. Latin-style bars offered Spanish spirits such as tequila, rum, and porto, set against the infectious rhythms of Latin music. Irish pubs naturally gravitated towards whiskey. Classic cocktails—such as Gin & Tonic, Whiskey Sour, Jack & Cola, B-52, and Margarita—remained popular choices among patrons, often paired with jazz, rock, or house music.
Bars also became social hubs, featuring billiard tables, table tennis, and TV screens playing clips of Charlie Chaplin films or Tom & Jerry. Guests could order a drink and enjoy it alone, invite friends for a lively conversation, or strike up a chat with fellow patrons as a way of making new connections. Others joined a game of billiards or table tennis—an exhilarating way to unwind after a long workday.
Bars evolved beyond mere drinking establishments, becoming a ‘third place’—an essential space outside of work and home. This concept, deeply embedded in Western culture, cemented the bar’s role as a vital part of social life.
Bars and pubs in Hanoi have always fluctuated with economic shifts. Yet some have endured, leaving their mark on the city’s nightlife. A prime example is Polite Pub, established in the early 1990s with a distinct Irish and English pub design. To this day, Polite Pub continues to welcome loyal patrons, some of whom have been visiting for over 30 years.
Above Cocktail bar and pub spaces are designed with a distinct theme. (Photo: Stir)
Cocktail bar and pub spaces are designed with a distinct theme. (Photo: Stir)
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Meanwhile, Saigon saw an equally dynamic rise in bar culture. Compared to Hanoi, Saigon’s bars tended to be more modern. Live music has long been a passion for the city’s residents, and bars naturally became a cornerstone of the local entertainment scene. In Saigon, going to a bar meant going to listen to music. The combination of drinks, an open atmosphere, and an energetic soundtrack created a lively, electric ambience.
Saigon’s bar landscape reflected this diversity. Establishments ranged from rock bars to jazz lounges, from soft acoustic venues to blues and soul bars. The drinks menu largely followed international standards, but with a greater emphasis on mixed beverages—perhaps due to the tropical climate, which led locals to favour lighter, more refreshing options. During this era, spending an evening at a bar or pub became one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the city.
Above Cocktails exude a relaxed and refined style. (Photo: Stir)
Cocktails exude a relaxed and refined style. (Photo: Stir)
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Following the wave of bar and pub openings in Vietnam’s two major cities, lounge-style pubs began to emerge. These venues introduced more open layouts, complete with sofas and salon-style seating reminiscent of a living room. Airier and more polished yet still inviting, these lounges flourished in the early 2000s, offering a sophisticated yet comfortable setting for patrons seeking a more relaxed nightlife experience.
Around a decade later, cocktail bars began to proliferate across Hanoi and Saigon, introducing a more curated and theme-driven approach to nightlife. While these bars expanded their menus to include an array of refined cocktails, they retained the essence of traditional spirits—such as whiskey, rum, and gin—served in their purest forms. Unlike the classic bar style of the 1990s, cocktail bars did away with most sports-related entertainment, such as KTV screens, table tennis, and billiards. Instead, they placed a stronger emphasis on the fundamental pleasures of fine drinks, music, and an inviting, intimate atmosphere.
Patrons no longer simply drank; they indulged, elevating the act of drinking into a refined and highly personalised experience. Bartenders tailored drinks to individual tastes, transforming mixology into an art form. These mixologists became the heart of the cocktail bar scene, shaping a new culture in which discerning drinkers developed their own unique preferences. Notable cocktail bars that emerged from this movement include Ne Cocktail Bar and The Haflington in Hanoi, as well as The Alley Cocktail Bar & Kitchen, STIR Cocktail Bar, and BOO SG Cocktail Bar in Saigon.
Bars were no longer just drinking establishments—they became a ‘third place’ between work and home, a vital social space for connection and self-expression.
Above Bars and pubs as a contemporary ‘third place’ between office and home. (Photo: The Haflington)
Bars and pubs as a contemporary ‘third place’ between office and home. (Photo: The Haflington)
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From this evolution, specialist wine bars and whisky bars emerged, catering to an even more discerning clientele. Venues such as Fire, Mad Wine Bar, and PK Maltroom became destinations for connoisseurs, offering guests not only exceptional drinks but also expert guidance from sommeliers. These establishments transformed drinking into an elevated art form, where patrons could explore the depths of fine wines and rare whiskies with the knowledge and expertise of their hosts.
From traditional drinking customs and casual entertainment to a more sophisticated culture of appreciation, the evolution of Vietnam’s bar and pub scene represents a significant societal shift. It reflects not only changing consumer preferences but also broader cultural transformations—where social spaces are redefined, and the values of leisure, taste, and refinement take centre stage.
Article adapted from the original print publication of Tatler Vietnam, October 2024 – Family & Legacy.
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