The bar and events scene in Hanoi is really expanding, with new bars cropping up all the time and offering freebies and events to attract your dong. And it’s not only new places that are getting in on the act: stalwart venues like Puku are also adding to their repertoire of events all the time, providing expats and visitors with plenty of choice. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the regular events you’ll find around Hanoi – many of them are outside of Old Quarter but are worth making the effort for.

Fun and games at Hanoi Backpackers' Hostel.

As well as showing the Rugby World Cup and Premier League Football, Puku’s large upstairs area is being put to good use with a variety of events from free group Vietnamese lessons – Wednesday evenings – to play reading evenings.

The bar at Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel on Ma May has a weekly schedule of promotions and events including beer pong on Mondays and games on Saturday.

Elsewhere in Old Quarter incentives tend to be more the free / cheap drink variety: more on that some other time.

R&R Tavern, just southwest of Hoan Kiem Lake, is popular with the expat crowd and hosts a long-standing Tuesday night quiz. It’s not for the fainthearted (stupid) as the questions can be tricky, but it’s only 20,000 VND per person to enter and the winner team takes the pot. It kicks off around 21:30 to give the teachers time to get there.

Up in Tay Ho area, Son Tinh Lounge Bar, home of Son Tinh Liquor, has started up its percussion nights again. As of September 10 they have been running monthly events featuring different musical themes, all with “stomping” percussion beats and sounds. The audience is encouraged to participate by playing the instruments supplied at each table. There are also promotions on Son Tinh Premium Liquor during the evening — it’s also a good spot for watching the footy.

Ronaldo’s Bar & Grill, facing onto West Lake and near Hanoi Rock City, has been hosting regular live music nights since it opened a few months back. Friday and Saturday nights are your best bet – music starts at 21:00 and entry is free. With a large bar, good food, a pool table and darts board as well, it has plenty to keep you entertained.

Darts, pool and the rugby at Ronaldo's.

Another lakeside venue, 21°North Club, is also building up its repertoire of live acts. A more discreet — read smaller — venue than Ronaldo’s, it’s focussed more on acoustic acts and has a more chilled vibe. Add that to the outside lakeside seating and regular drink promotions and it’s a great spot to both start and end the evening.

Check out The New Hanoian for details of the current week’s events.

Puku
16/18 Tong Duy Tan Street, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
T: (04) 3938 1745

Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel
9 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
T: (04) 3935 1890

R&R Tavern
10 Tho Nhuom, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
T: (04) 6295 8215

Son Tinh Lounge Bar
31 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
T: (04) 3718 6377

http://www.sontinh.com/

Ronaldo’s Bar & Grill
51-53/52 To Ngoc Van Street, Tây Hồ, Hanoi
T: (04) 6684 6164

http://www.ronaldos.com.vn/

21°N Club
49 Lang Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
T: (04) 3715 4034
21N.Club.hanoi@gmail.com

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Tags: acoustic, bands, bars, lakeside, live music, pool, pubs