1. RockFanClub Bar
Sporting a hand-painted, wall-sized mural of Ben E King and a brilliantly designed floor to ceiling faux speaker stack installation behind a small stage, this miniature venue prides itself on providing a platform night after night for up and coming and established home grown Vietnamese hard rock and metal bands such as Microwave, Coconuts and Hornets to perform. Yet such is the owners ‘passion for all things rock that international acts like British alternative rock quartet The Lost Souls Clun and Australian avant-metal trio Contrive have also headlined at RFC Bar to packed out and appreciative Saigonese audiences.
Address: 25C Tú Xương street, District 3, Sài Gòn.
2. Thị Café
It has almost single handedly rejuvenated local and foreign residents’ interest in the oft-dismissed tourist centric Pham. Evening revellers looking for good tunes and a lively atmosphere have suddenly had a dependable extra option to consider. Upstairs also acts as a chilled out daytime hangout spot with its Bohemianesque décor, decent food menu and reliable wifi.
Address: 224 Đề Thám street, District 1, Sài Gòn.
3. Hà Nội Rock City
This is the largest dedicated music venue in Hanoi . The music varied and could be international, rock, rap, dub step or folk. Either way, there is usually some type of talent on show in the vast venue popular with the early morning massive.
Address: 27/52 Tô Ngọc Vân street, Tây Hồ district, Hà Nội.
4. Yoko Bar
As the name suggests this bar and café is dedicated to Yoko Ono and her late husband, John Lennon. Images of lyrics dot the wall, while a large picture of John Lennon hangs behind the quasi stage. The real tribute here is the line-up of live music (adult, vocal pop and jazz contemporary) from Tuesday through Sunday. Many of the city’s top local acts pass through for a more intimate experience in this small stylish two floor venue.
Address: 22A Nguyễn Thị Diệu street, district 3, Sài Gòn.