This is a tiny snapshot the bar scene in Hanoi, Vietnam. Reviews are based on my September 2024 travels there.
BEE'ZNEES 1920'S
163 P. Phùng Hưng, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
A literal stone’s throw from the famous train street, we stumbled across a guy with a smoke perched outside what appeared to be a small vintage bookshop. Having caught wind of a speakeasy, we slowed up and peered in, the guy jumped up and opened the door for us to a tiny, charming, shelved room with coloured lights and mysterious looking portraits.
Like a classic movie trope, the shelf opens up as a secret door leading to a steep, red-lit, wall papered staircase.
Upstairs is a lounge style club with jazz paintings, velvet couches, bar tables and a disco ball. It’s a large space but with lots of little nooks to inhabit, so it feels private. You can even peel back the lace curtains to view the trains passing nearby periodically.
If you’re looking for a place frequented by locals, this is possibly not it. The patrons appeared to be other tourists, at least on the night we were there.
The service is good and the prices are very cheap considering the Australian dollar and what we are accustomed to paying. Highlights were Prince of Wales cocktail and the (insanely good) popcorn chicken.
GALLERY BESPOKE COCKTAIL BAR
As we stepped out of the rain and chaotic Hanoi streets into Gallery Bespoke the vibe instantly shifted with striking high ceilings stocked with endless bottles.
This sleek and modern bar feels immediately high-end and like a good time. Table service features menus on iPads, and an extensive cocktail list. The drinks did not disappoint: unique concoctions beautifully presented with gold leaf.
Be ready for Sydney level prices, but the cost is not at odds with the quality of what’s on offer, it’s good value, just much more expensive than you’ll get used to paying in Vietnam. Nonetheless, it does have the sense of being somewhere locals with the means might frequent. There are some nice snacks on the menu if you’re after light food as well.
AIRA SKY BAR & LOUNGE
Atop our hotel (AIRA Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa) was this Panoramic rooftop bar. Given it was a rainy September evening we had the place all to ourselves.
The highlight was a warm, spiced cocktail, served in a glass teapot. Despite the sticky September weather it’s a refreshing and delicious drink, and something you won’t find everywhere.
It’s a hotel bar, so clearly aimed at tourists, but tastefully done. The panoramic view is lovely, not the most spectacular view you’ll see, but a nice open-air glimpse of this massive city which can feel very dense and looming from the ground.
