The nightlife in Hanoi is an active nightlife generally divided in to two subcategories.  There are the quieter bars which are generally enjoyed by a slightly older and mellower crowd.  There may be live entertainment at these bars but it is generally played at a level which allows for conversation in the bar.  The other side of the nightlife is made up of the bustling clubs of the area, clubs which have at least one dance floor and DJ-based music or live bands playing so loud that dancing takes the place of conversation. For those interested in the quieter bars, whether for the entire evening or just for starting out the night, the top pick is the Funky Monkey, which is active enough to draw in an all ages crowd all throughout the night but quiet enough to allow visitors to mingle with locals.  Other popular bars in Hanoi include Da Gino, Emperor Pub and the Met.

For those travelers interested in the more active nightlife, the top pick is Apocalypse Now.  During weekdays, visitors can play free games of pool, but on weekend nights, all that takes place here is dancing, dancing, and more dancing.  This is a late night place where time can get lost because there are no windows here and the setting is designed to recreate the feel of the old bunkers of the Vietnam War.  It may not sound attractive, but this is the place where all of the trendier visitors generally go.  Other top club picks include Club Q and the Spark Club.