Vietnam Bar Week 2023: 9 Hidden Bars For Unparalleled Experiences

Escape the hustle and bustle of your busy week filled with endless meetings, and immerse yourself in a world where time slows down, allowing you to indulge in the perfect cocktail, engage in relaxed conversations with welcoming bartenders, or simply bask in the serenity of your surroundings.

If that sounds like your ideal getaway, look no further than our selection of nine meticulously curated hidden speakeasy bars, handpicked by Vietcetera, to provide you with the peaceful sanctuary you've been craving.

AURA - The Orange

Describing itself as “A place to find rest for the soul and immerse in new experiences,” AURA represents the perfect blend of an Exclusive Cocktail Bar, Art Space, and Connecting Spot. Here at AURA, cocktails are not merely drinks but artistic expressions, enhancing your experience.

Upon your visit, don't miss out on the bar's signature drink - The Orange Cocktail. Drawing inspiration from “Ô Mai,” a beloved treat deeply rooted in Hanoi's culture, this cocktail has an authentic charm. Ingredients like ginger, Tabasco sauce, honey, and Ô Mai, each a staple in the local culinary scene, are ingeniously repurposed at AURA's bar, celebrating their inherent, rustic flavors.

And it's not just about cocktails. Every Wednesday, film screenings are held here at AURA, offering you a chance to savor your drink of choice while losing yourself in the nostalgic allure of classic cinema.

Address: 8 Chung House, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 19h00 - 1h00

Contact: 0948010121

Bee’Znees

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Hanoi’s old quarter, hidden behind a door disguised as a bookshelf, Bee’Znees can take you on a journey back in time, to the early years of the last century.

Bee’Znees opens up a cozy space reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy bar, featuring a disco ball, red curtains, a ceiling adorned with a world map, and classic amber lighting. It’s the perfect hideaway to escape from the hustle and bustle outside.

The bar’s menu boasts diverse cocktails based on gin, whisky, vodka, rum, or tequila. If you’re a first-time visitor, give their signature drinks a try, such as the “Bees Knees” with gin, honey, and lemon, or the “FWB” (Friend With the Beach), a mix of vodka, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, orange, and egg white.

The atmosphere at Bee’Znees is kept intimate, allowing bartenders to engage personally and craft cocktails tailored to your preferences. Jazz is the music of choice here. If you’re interested in live music, drop by every Wednesday evening.

Address: 163 Phung Hung, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 19h00 - 0h00

Contact: 0346365588

CLIMB - Hidden Cocktails Bar

In 2022, CLIMB made it into the top 5 most beloved bars and the top 8 in Vietnam’s Worldclass. As a pioneer of the Bespoke trend and one of the first hidden bars in Saigon, CLIMB is tucked away deep in an old apartment complex with a somewhat elusive entrance.

At first, the entryway may leave you with a distinct impression of a musty scent and the peculiar sensation of traversing someone else's abode. However, behind what appears to be a vending machine door, an astonishingly different space awaits, ready to catch you off guard with its unexpected charm.

Despite its small size, CLIMB offers a diverse range of seating areas. The arrangement of tables, chairs, picture frames, and decorative items harmoniously blends with the cozy, twinkling lights. The music is played at just the right volume for groups of friends to chat and converse.

CLIMB’s menu varies, from mocktails, cocktails, and expensive liquor to dishes like tapas, French fries, and steak... Moreover, CLIMB owns collections of rare, premium liquors that may not be available at other upscale bars. The bartenders are always enthusiastic and can cater to even the most demanding requests, leaving you satisfied with their meticulous and friendly service.

Address: Floor 2-3, No. 15 Phan Van Dat, Ben Nghe, District 1

Contact: 0973005060

Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar

Gallery offers a cozy, classic, and romantic space with a 10-meter-long bar, leather-wrapped wooden furniture, and brick walls. True to its name, “Gallery,” the bar is designed with a concept of an “art room,” where the enjoyment of drinks intersects with art appreciation. “Em Thúy,” - a famous painting by artist Trần Văn Cẩn, has even inspired a drink on the menu.

The ground floor of the bar is designed with a long bar counter and a row of booth seating, while the second floor offers a more private space with sofas and a balcony, where you can sip on cocktails while watching the streets and trains pass by - a distinctive feature of Phùng Hưng street.

The bar’s drink menu is diverse, ranging from signature, classic to modern cocktails, from wines to craft beers, and alcoholic drinks to non-alcoholic ones. Even more remarkable, Gallery also has a menu of liquors that the bar itself distills using quality local ingredients, such as the “Arabica Coffee Aged Rum” with its coffee flavor or the “Earl Grey Tea Anejo Rum” with the aroma of Earl Grey tea.

Address: 95 Phung Hung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 18h00 - 2h00 sáng

Contact: 094111 1420

Irusu Lounge

Have you heard a knock at the door and want to pretend there's no home? The Japanese have a word for Irusu. Not a traditional speakeasy bar, Irusu is a true “kakurega bar” located in District 1, Saigon. “Kakurega” translates to “secret house,” where hearts find peace.

The ground floor of the bar showcases a collection of classic records alongside unique photos of yakuza tattoos. The rooftop terrace on the upper floor offers a view of a church while still maintaining a sense of seclusion from the bustling streets.

In addition to Sake, Irusu also serves IRUSU COCKTAILS, as well as bottled spirits such as Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, and Cognac. A diverse tapas menu has been carefully selected to complement and enhance the priceless flavors of the drinks.

Address: 57 Nguyen Du, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 17h-00 - 0h00

Contact: 0898 420 608

Happy hour: Every day from 17h00 to 20h00

Stir-Modern Classic Cocktail

STIR is a small, intimate, and cozy bar offering an array of quality beverages and an enticing food menu. STIR also features a charming balcony, an ideal spot for you to unwind with a cocktail in hand, all while taking in the lively streetscape below.

STIR opens quite early, allowing you to drop by for an after-work drink as soon as you clock out.

Despite its compact size, STIR does not compromise on its offerings. The drinks menu is extensive and superior in quality while the foods are crafted by a seasoned chef with a remarkable pedigree, who honed his culinary skills at renowned establishments in Saigon such as the SORAE Sushi Sake Lounge, Kissho, and notably served as the head chef of Bittersweet, a famed hidden bar in… Phu Quoc.

Address: 1st Floor, Alley 136 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 18h30 - 1h00

The Iron Bank - Cocktail Vault

The Iron Bank is an ideal sanctuary for those fascinated by medieval culture. Bathed in soft lighting, this quaint spot has many private spaces. The predominance of grey-black tones from the arched, rough cement walls and some corners covered in weathered, rough bricks, transform this place into a refuge for you to rest and relax.

The Iron Bank boasts a dynamic drinks menu, reinvented monthly to cater to any taste preference, be it sour, spicy, sweet, or bitter. Traditional beverages like rice wine or lotus wine are served in unique containers, such as coconut shells or emptied dragon fruit husks, adding an authentic touch.

On Thursdays, The Iron Bank transforms into a romantic haven with ‘Dating in the Dark.’ Here, electric lights give way to flickering candles, complemented by the allure of expertly mixed cocktails and romantic melodies, creating a captivating atmosphere for couples.

Address: 47 Ton That Dam, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 17h00 - 1h00

Contact: 0903135250

The Alchemist - Cocktail bar

The Alchemist embodies refined elegance with a hint of enchantment. The mystic and slightly abstract art gracing the walls starkly contrasts with the vibrant, life-filled cocktails they serve.

If you’re a connoisseur of spirits and passionate about cocktail culture, or simply crave an engaging conversation when alone, The Alchemist’s bar will always welcome you with open arms.

The bartenders here exhibit relentless creativity, particularly for special occasions. Each cocktail served carries its own unique story. So don't hesitate to share your mood, and let the bartenders suggest a drink that suits your feelings.

Whether it's a warm Toddy, flavored with cinnamon, star anise, a touch of red wine, and orange peel, or a seductive Boulevardier cocktail, it is bound to soothe your spirit and elevate your mood.

Address: 25 Bat Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 19h00 - 1h00

USE Bar

USE Bar embodies minimalist and modern architecture, drawing inspiration from nature to create a haven detached from the outside world. Instead of retreating to a quiet corner, you truly get to experience a unique natural scene distinct from the city streets.

The space at USE Bar comprises long seats, with the highlight being a bar counter that seems to glow beneath a tree branch or a floating ice block.

At USE Bar, bartenders show absolute respect for ingredients, expertly utilizing unusual components to surprise you with flavors and transforming seemingly mundane ingredients into valuable elements. Cocktails like the Palm Colada, served in a coconut shell, and the Italicus Cobbler, presented in an elegant black glass, strike a perfect balance between creative presentation and enjoyable taste.

Address: 55 Alley Hue, Ngo Thi Nham Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

Opening hours: 18h00 - 1h00

Contact: 035 666 8878

Vietnam Restaurant and Bar Week —one of the most anticipated events of local food enthusiasts — returns on its second year, spanning two weeks from May 20 to June 4, 2023, in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang.

The Sticker Promotion starts at the beginning (20 May 2023) until the end (04 June 2023) of Vietnam Restaurant Week and Vietnam Bar Week 2023. Customers can collect and accumulate stickers and redeem a special gift package published exclusively by Vietcetera.

Special thanks to all sponsors of Flavors Vietnam 2023: Mastercard, Tanqueray, Johnnie Walker, Ly Gia Vien, Andros Asia, Lacàph, Oda , Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Duvel Moortgat, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, Kamereo Vietnam, Penfolds, San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, and KPMG.