1. Hue Night Walking Street
Hue Night Walking Street is right in the heart of the city, just a few blocks south of the Perfume River around Pham Ngu Lao, Vo Thi Sau, and Chu Van An streets. It’s open every weekend from Friday to Sunday, usually starting around 6:00 PM and staying lively until about 10:30 or 11:00 PM.
This area turns into a pedestrian-only zone where you can stroll without traffic, browse small local stalls, and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll find street performers, souvenir vendors, bars with live music, and plenty of food carts selling snacks and cold beers. It’s a bit touristy, but still worth checking out for a casual night out. Great if you’re looking for an easy and safe way to enjoy Hue nightlife without needing to plan too much.
2. Best bars & pubs in Hue
Hue might not be Vietnam’s biggest party city, but it definitely knows how to serve up a good drink. Whether you’re into craft beer, signature cocktails, or just a relaxed atmosphere with pool and music, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. Most of the best bars are located near the Night Walking Street area, making it easy to hop from one to another without needing transport.
Here are six of the best pubs and bars to enjoy the more laid-back side of Hue nightlife:
1. Imperial Craft Bia Brewpub
Tucked a bit outside the tourist area, this is Hue’s go-to spot for craft beer lovers. They brew their own beer on site, with a rotating selection that includes some bold and creative flavors. The atmosphere is casual and social, with foosball, board games, and friendly staff who are happy to let you sample before you order. Surprisingly, they also serve some of the best pizza in Hue—fresh, fluffy, and full of flavor. Great for a chilled-out night with a few quality drinks.
2. Secret Lounge Hue
This hidden garden-style lounge is a cozy escape from the main bar streets. It’s colorful, relaxed, and has a bit of everything—cocktails, shisha, board games, and great service with lots of personal touches. The vibe is playful but not noisy, with comfy seating and friendly staff that genuinely enjoy having people over. Slightly higher drink prices, but they make up for it with extras like fruit plates, mini shots, and water on the house.
3. DMZ Bar & Restaurant
A classic in Hue’s bar scene, DMZ is right in the middle of the nightlife district and always buzzing. It has a mix of locals, tourists, and expats, plus cold draft beer (like the local Huda), cocktails, and decent food. The war-themed decor might not be for everyone, but it’s a solid place to start or end your night. There’s also a rooftop area, a pool table, and occasionally live music.
4. The Chàm Craft Beer & Whisky
If you’re into serious drinks, this one’s for you. The Chàm has one of the best selections of whisky in Vietnam, alongside a wide range of international and local craft beers. The vibe leans a little more “hipster,” with a calm and stylish interior. It’s the kind of place where you can talk beer or whisky with the bartender and actually learn something. Great for a quiet night with high-quality drinks.
5. AURA – Mixology & Karaoke
Aura is all about cocktails with flair. The drinks here are creative, beautifully presented, and often inspired by Hue’s royal history. The bartenders are real mixologists, and they’ll happily surprise you with something unique if you ask. The place has a cozy, upscale vibe without feeling pretentious, and karaoke is also available for when you want to liven things up. It’s a fun choice if you’re in the mood for something a bit more stylish.
6. OCB Bar
OCB offers a modern, artsy space with craft cocktails, good music, and a relaxed but upbeat crowd. There’s a pool table, modern art on the walls, and even live piano from the staff on some nights. It’s a mix of class and fun, with a strong local-meets-expat feel. Great spot for cocktails and conversation, with a touch of live music flair.
Tips for a night out in Hue
- Use Grab for transport – Skip unmarked taxis and book with the Grab app for safe, hassle-free rides.
- Stick to the main nightlife area – Most bars and pubs are within walking distance around Vo Thi Sau and Pham Ngu Lao streets.
- Try Huda beer – It’s brewed locally in Hue and a must-try if you’re going for the local experience.
- Don’t expect a late-night scene – Most bars wind down around midnight, so head out earlier if you want to enjoy a full night.
- Keep cash handy – Some smaller bars or street vendors might not take cards.
3. Dragon boat ride on the Perfume River
A dragon boat ride is one of the most iconic and relaxing ways to experience Hue nightlife. These traditional boats, with their colorful dragon heads and wooden interiors, give you a slow-paced look at the city from the water. While the boats themselves are basic, the real charm is in the atmosphere—especially as the sun sets or when the lights start reflecting off the Perfume River.
Sunset cruise
A sunset cruise is a short, peaceful way to end the day. Most rides last about 30 minutes, though you can go longer if you book privately. You’ll float along the Perfume River, often heading towards Thien Mu Pagoda, where the golden light hits the water and the skyline just right.
You can choose a shared boat for a budget option (usually around 50,000–100,000 VND per person) or rent a private one for a bit more (around 200,000–300,000 VND total for 2–4 people). At Thien Mu Pagoda, the pagoda itself is beautifully lit up, and the riverside fills with young locals hanging out on plastic chairs with street drinks and snacks. It’s a nice mix of calm sightseeing and real local life.
Pro tip: Most boats don’t have a fridge or cooler, so bring your own cold drinks if you want to enjoy a beer (or soda) while watching the sunset.
Dinner cruise
Hue also offers dinner cruises in the evening, but these are mostly geared toward the local market. Expect simple food, plastic chairs, and sometimes karaoke on board—it’s more of a cultural experience than a luxury one.
There are also a few more comfortable options that are tailored slightly more to international travelers. These boats offer better seating, quieter vibes, and set meals with traditional Hue dishes. They’re still simple, but more relaxing and easier to enjoy if you’re looking for a calm evening on the river without the karaoke. Availability is limited, though, so it’s best to book in advance.
4. Evening walk along the Perfume River
A walk along the Perfume River in the evening is actually one of the most enjoyable and underrated things to do in Hue at night. The riverside walkway, especially along Le Loi Street near the main esplanade, is wide, well-maintained, and lined with trees. It’s a popular spot for locals to stroll, chat, or relax after dinner—so it’s a great place to soak up the local vibe without needing to plan anything.
As you walk, you’ll often hear street musicians or small performances—nothing loud or crowded, just casual and charming. Across the river, you can spot the Hue Flag Tower lit up at night, and right nearby is the Trang Tien Bridge, the city’s most iconic bridge, which lights up in shifting colors thanks to its LED system.
You’ll find some cafes and casual bars with views of the river, perfect for a late-night drink. It’s an easy, low-key way to enjoy Hue nightlife—especially after dinner. Just walk, watch, listen, and take in the atmosphere.
5. See Hue’s Historical Sights Lit Up at Night
While the Imperial City and royal tombs close their gates by late afternoon, you can still enjoy some of Hue’s most famous landmarks from the outside after dark. Several spots are lit up in the evening—not in a dramatic light show kind of way, but with tasteful lighting that adds a calm, peaceful atmosphere. It’s a simple but pleasant way to see Hue’s heritage in a different light, especially if you’re already out for a walk or on a boat ride.
Flag Tower & Ngo Mon Gate
Located right across the river from the main part of town, the Flag Tower and Ngo Mon Gate (the main entrance to the Imperial City) are softly illuminated at night. It’s not a huge spectacle, but the lighting gives these historic structures a quiet, majestic feel. You can easily walk here after dinner—cross Trang Tien Bridge and take a loop through the riverside park. It makes for a peaceful stroll, especially when paired with the evening riverfront walk.
Thien Mu Pagoda from the River
If you take a dragon boat cruise, Thien Mu Pagoda is a great spot to stop. The pagoda stays open and is lit up at night, creating a quiet, almost spiritual scene by the river. Many young locals come here in the evenings to hang out by the waterfront with drinks from nearby street vendors.
You can walk around the grounds and enjoy the view, then either hop back on your boat or—if you’re feeling active—walk or bike back to the city center. The riverside path is long but beautiful, with no motorbike traffic, benches along the way, and even a bicycle lane. If you brought a bike on the boat, the ride back is a perfect mix of local life and quiet riverside scenery.
6. Shopping at Hue’s Night Markets
Hue’s night markets aren’t huge, but they’re fun to check out if you’re already exploring the city after dark. You’ll find street food, souvenirs, local snacks, and a laid-back local vibe—especially on weekends when things are most lively. If you’re looking for more details about all types of markets in the city, including morning and day markets, check out our full guide: Markets in Hue.
1. Hue Night Walking Street
Already covered as the first one in this list, but worth noting that on weekend evenings, this area also turns into a mini night market with food stalls, trinkets, souvenirs, and street performances.
2. Hue Night Market
Often referred to as the main Hue night market, this stretch runs along the Perfume River between Trang Tien Bridge and Phu Xuan Bridge. It’s most active on weekend evenings (around 5 PM to 11 PM), when it fills up with street food, toy stalls, and a few souvenirs. It’s not a must-see market, but if you’re doing an evening walk along the river, it’s right there and easy to browse for a few minutes.
3. Truong Dinh Food Street
This small side street is just about 100 meters long but packs in a lot of local flavor—literally. Starting around 7 PM, it becomes a local hotspot for grilled skewers, snacks, and hotpots. Mostly younger locals come here to eat and hang out, making it a great place to see real Hue life at night. It’s lively, casual, and right in the city center—perfect for a quick walk-through if you’re nearby.
4. Dong Ba Night Market
Dong Ba is Hue’s biggest market during the day, and it doesn’t completely shut down at night. After dark, parts of it continue with food vendors offering noodle soups, grilled dishes, and drinks. It’s mostly a local scene, so while you may not find many souvenirs here, it’s a good place to eat or just watch the evening hustle in a more authentic setting.
7. Eat Hue’s famous street food
One of the best ways to enjoy Hue nightlife is through its food. Hue is known for its royal cuisine, but the street food scene is just as impressive—packed with flavor, variety, and dishes you won’t easily find in other parts of Vietnam. Local favorites include bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup), bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes with toppings), and all kinds of grilled meats and skewers.
You can try these dishes at the night markets mentioned earlier or sit down at one of the many small local restaurants around the city. Near the center, you’ll find cleaner, more tourist-friendly spots that still serve authentic food. For a more local feel, head to the other side of the river near the Imperial City, where you’ll find smaller eateries packed with locals.
Pro tip: Go with a local guide
Want to make the most of it? Join a Hue street food tour. Food tours are popular all over Vietnam, but in each city, they’re a totally different experience. In Hue, a local guide can take you to hidden spots, explain the dishes and history behind them, and make sure everything is safe and hygienic to eat. Plus, you’ll likely discover a side of the city you’d never see on your own.
8. Enjoy a rooftop bar in Hue with a cocktail
If you’re looking to end the evening with something a bit more relaxed, sipping a cocktail with a view is one of the most laid-back and scenic ways to enjoy Hue nightlife. While Hue doesn’t have a huge skyline, several rooftop bars offer stunning views over the Perfume River, the Imperial City, and the surrounding mountains—especially beautiful at sunset or as the city lights come on. Here’s where to go:
Lotus Sky Bar
Located on the rooftop of the White Lotus Hotel, this is one of the highest bars in Hue. From up here, you get a fantastic view of the Perfume River, the Flag Tower, and even some rooftops inside the Imperial City. The atmosphere is peaceful and elegant, perfect for a quiet evening drink. Cocktails are crafted with a nod to local flavors, and service is top-notch. If you’re not staying at the hotel, just ask at reception and they’ll bring you up.
Rooftop Bar – Le Cercle
Right by the Perfume River near Phu Xuan Bridge, this stylish second-floor bar isn’t a rooftop in the classic sense, but the views still impress—especially at sunset. The setting is cozy and modern, with creative cocktails and a good selection of snacks. It’s a great place to unwind after a walk along the river or dinner nearby. The atmosphere is calm, with soft music and friendly staff that make you feel welcome without overdoing it.
Zenith Bar
Sitting on the 34th floor, Zenith Bar is the highest rooftop bar in Hue—and the views definitely show it. You’ll get a panoramic look over the whole city, especially magical during sunset. They offer a daily happy hour from 5–7 PM with 2-for-1 deals on cocktails, mocktails, and beer. The setting is modern and the staff are friendly and speak good English. A perfect sundowner spot if you want a bird’s-eye view and a relaxed vibe without the crowds.
