Hanoi is renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning French-Indochina architecture, which not only captivates visitors but also inspires others to enhance the city’s charm. As the city’s nightlife thrives with a growing number of cocktail bars, pubs, and clubs, the “Jazz Hanoi” scene stands out, carving a special place for jazz enthusiasts and those who enjoy great drinks paired with soulful music. Join Sanhotelseries in suggesting places to experience Jazz Hanoi, an unforgettable journey through rhythm and melody.
The Godfather of Vietnamese Jazz and the journey of Jazz’s arrival in Vietnam
Jazz first made its way to Vietnam in the early 1950s, but it wasn’t until 1955 that it truly began to take hold in Southern Vietnam, alongside rock and roll and other popular Western music genres. Despite its presence, the jazz scene remained somewhat muted due to the political and historical climate of the time.
The real foundation of jazz in Vietnam can be credited to one person: People’s Artist Quyen Van Minh. Revered as the “Godfather of Vietnamese Jazz”, he is remembered not only as a talented jazz saxophonist but also as the first saxophone professor at the National Academy of Music. His contributions to the jazz music scene in Vietnam have made him one of the most influential and respected jazz musicians in the country.
Born in 1954 into a family with a deep musical background, with a mother who was a singer and a father who was a musician, Quyen Van Minh has dedicated over five decades to the world of music, and he has spent 26 years running his own jazz club. His musical journey began with the guitar, later self-teaching himself clarinet and saxophone.
At just 14 years old, driven by an intense passion for learning, he would ride his bike to the Vietnam National Music Academy, where he would secretly sit in on lessons. However, with the noise of the streets and constant interruptions, the informal lessons proved ineffective. It was then that Quyen Van Minh turned to the radio, where he discovered jazz, a genre that he could both play and learn from. With no formal music education, he spent years learning jazz through radio broadcasts in public parks and spaces.
After the reunification of Vietnam in 1988, jazz was introduced to the public through a performance by Quyen Van Minh, who was a member of the Thang Long Song and Dance Troupe at the time. “At that time, very few were willing to play with me. Many thought I was crazy”, he recalls.
With the support of his family – his brother Quyen Van Chuong played bass guitar, his younger brother Quyen Anh Tuan played guitar, and Huy, the son of a well-known percussionist, played the drums – Quyen Van Minh helped introduce jazz to the Vietnamese music scene. At that time, most of the musicians in the orchestra had no knowledge of jazz and were simply following his instructions.
In 1989, jazz made its second appearance, this time through Quyen Van Minh’s solo performance. That year marked an important milestone for jazz in Vietnam, as saxophone was officially added as a subject at the National Academy of Music, with Quyen Van Minh becoming one of the first professors to teach jazz there.
By 1991, the Academy’s departments for accordion, guitar, and organ had expanded to offer jazz as a specialized field, providing vocational training. From 1996 to 2000, jazz was also taught at the Military College of Culture and Arts (now the University of Culture and Arts). In 2007, jazz was recognized as a formal bachelor’s degree program, and by 2013, a dedicated jazz department was established at the Academy.
Today, Quyen Van Minh’s jazz club remains one of the most beloved spots in Hanoi for jazz enthusiasts, hosting nightly performances. In the early years, Quyen Van Minh longed for Vietnamese audiences to visit his club, despite facing many obstacles. Over 20 years later, his club stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to bringing jazz closer to the Vietnamese people.
Determined to share Vietnam’s jazz with the world, he released his debut album “Birth ’99” in Singapore, featuring eight compositions that blend traditional Vietnamese folk music with jazz. He has since released several more albums, including “Empathy”, and hosted numerous jazz concerts such as “Father, Son, and Jazz I” and “Quyen Van Minh and Friends with Jazz”. Quyen Van Minh has also performed at major jazz festivals in Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe, Japan, and Taiwan, spreading the essence of Vietnamese jazz across the globe.
Jazz Hanoi: Top 5 Best Jazz Clubs
Here are the top 5 bars and pubs in Hanoi where you can immerse yourself in the captivating rhythms and funky melodies of jazz, making your night unforgettable.
Binh Minh Jazz Club
In 1988, after a groundbreaking performance at the Association of Vietnamese Composers on 51 Tran Hung Dao Street in Hanoi, where he introduced various types of saxophones, People’s Artist Quyen Van Minh was invited to teach at the Hanoi Conservatory of Music. During this time, he began signing contracts to perform jazz at high-end hotels and bars catering to foreign guests.
Despite his growing success, the idea of opening a jazz club never left him. His travels to France and Germany in 1996, along with being honored as an Excellent Artist in February 1997, further fueled his passion.
From 1988 onward, Minh dedicated himself to training a new generation of jazz musicians, collaborating with many talented artists and regularly performing. Through this collaboration, a talented group of performers was chosen to form the Red River Jazz Band.
In October 1997, Vietnam’s first Jazz Club opened at the Giang Vo Exhibition Centre, offering nightly performances. The club’s mission was to elevate the skills of jazz musicians and increase awareness and appreciation for jazz among Hanoians. Unfortunately, due to the owner’s lack of experience with contractual terms, the club had to close in December 1997 when the venue was reclaimed for construction.
Undeterred, People’s Artist Quyen Van Minh partnered with the Vietnam-Japan Association for Cultural Exchanges and successfully reopened the jazz club at 16 Le Thai To Street. However, this location was short-lived, surviving only from October 1998 to June 1999 due to the same issue of space being reclaimed for construction. In 1999, Minh found a new home for the club at the Thang Long Theatre on 31 Luong Van Can Street, where it has thrived ever since, continuing to offer nightly performances.
Despite facing numerous financial challenges and the difficulty of losing many member artists to other musical genres due to low income, the club has now been operating for 28 years (as of 2025) and is flourishing. With a dynamic team of 16 young artists aged 18 to 24, the club has gained recognition on the international jazz scene.
Notably, the Red River Jazz Band toured Singapore in 2001, Hong Kong in 2002, and performed at the International Jazz Festival in Macau in September 2002. The band also regularly performs for international organizations both in Hanoi and abroad. The jazz club continues to captivate audiences with its nightly performances, including on holidays.
Location: 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
=>See more: Hotel in Hoan Kiem district Hanoi: Top 10 best hotels
Le Club
Overlooking a beautiful garden courtyard, this spacious bar offers a wonderful cocktail experience in Hanoi. In addition to an extensive menu, Le Club Bar is also the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon tea and indulging in renowned, delicious chocolates.
After its renovation and expansion in 2016, which increased its seating capacity to 120 guests and added an open kitchen area, Le Club Bar at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has become a must-visit destination in the city. With its design reminiscent of the 1920s, the space known as L’Orangerie still carries a touch of history beneath its freshly painted walls.
Le Club Bar is situated in what was once the Metropole Lobby, the venue for the launch of New Film Company. It was here that the first film from Indochina premiered on June 3, 1916. From Tuesday to Saturday, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi proudly invites you to enjoy the “Live Jazz & Swing with Metropole” performance starting at 8 pm.
Location: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
BLAKE’s House Of Jazz – Jazz Club
BLAKE’s House of Jazz, established in 2022, it’s a vibrant hub where passionate jazz lovers gather to experience the magic of live music in an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Designed to celebrate the rich tradition of jazz while embracing modern improvisations, BLAKE’s House of Jazz is a place where every note feels personal and every performance feels intimate.
The club offers a unique space for music enthusiasts to connect, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, and lose themselves in the rhythm and soul of jazz. Whether you’re an experienced jazz aficionado or new to the genre, the performances at BLAKE’s House of Jazz promise to take you on a musical journey. The club’s eclectic lineup features both local and international jazz talents, ensuring that every visit brings something fresh and exciting.
With its cozy, yet stylish interior and a carefully curated selection of drinks, BLAKE’s House of Jazz is the perfect destination to unwind, chat with friends, and dive deep into the world of jazz. Each night, the club transforms into a stage for spontaneous creativity and lively performances, making it an unforgettable spot for anyone looking to embrace the pulse of jazz in a welcoming setting.
Location: 2nd Floor, 64 Nguyen Huu Huan, quan Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi.
Long Waits Jazz
A few years ago, on the edge of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, amidst the lively streets and historic architecture, saxophonist Nguyen Bao Long and his bandmates opened Long Waits. They described it as a “humble jazz club”, and it quickly became a sanctuary dedicated to the art of jazz.
Born in Hanoi, Bảo Long’s passion for jazz ignited during the early days of Vietnam’s jazz scene. He fulfilled the first part of his dream by creating a space where jazz could thrive, not only as a cultural force but also as a form of artistic expression and a bridge connecting tradition with modernity.
The birth of Long Waits Jazz was inspired by the philosophy, spirit, and cultural space created by his long-time friend Nguyen Qui Duc and his Tadioto venue in Hanoi. Duc took the stage at Long Waits Jazz for its grand opening, symbolically passing on the artistic torch to Bao Long. After Duc’s sudden passing last year, Long stepped into that role with his own passion and courage, continuing the mission that was both historic and heroic for jazz, this was the second chapter in his dream.
At Long Waits, the emphasis on weekly live performances captures the essence and improvisational nature of jazz, reminding the audience that jazz, at its core, is about personal expression and collective storytelling. Every Friday and Saturday, Bao Long and his band play an album, turning each evening into an opportunity for cultural celebration and artistic dialogue. It’s a space where musicians and audiences come together to enjoy the global language of jazz, creating a shared experience that transcends boundaries.
Location: 5 Nguyen Quang Bich Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Beeznees 1920s
Nestled in the lively heart of Hanoi, Beeznees 1920s takes you on a journey back in time with its enchanting speakeasy atmosphere, evoking the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. This cocktail bar offers more than just drinks; it’s an immersive experience where mixology art blends seamlessly with a nostalgic vibe. The dimly lit interiors, adorned with vintage decor and plush seating, create an intimate setting that’s perfect for couples or groups seeking a relaxed spot after a day of city adventures.
The menu features a wide range of distinctive cocktails, each meticulously crafted by expert bartenders who pride themselves on their artisanal approach. Every drink is a work of art, skillfully combining local ingredients with timeless recipes to delight your senses.
As evening falls, Beeznees comes alive with the sound of laughter and the clink of glasses, making it an ideal gathering place for both locals and visitors. Opening its doors at 7 PM, Beeznees invites guests to enjoy its exceptional drinks and atmosphere well into the early hours. With a moderate price range, you can savor high-quality cocktails without stretching your budget. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot to begin your evening or a lively venue to close the night, Beeznees 1920s promises an unforgettable experience in Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife scene.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Beeznees 1920s is an essential stop. Its unique charm and outstanding cocktails set it apart from other venues, making it a must-visit in Hanoi. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem that beautifully captures the spirit of the city.
Location: 163 Phung Hung Street, Hanoi, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
=> See more: Top 10 Best Cocktail Bars Hanoi for an unbeatable night
Here is the “Jazz Hanoi: Top 5 Best Jazz Clubs in Hanoi for a Memorable Night”. Wishing you a delightful trip to Vietnam! If you’re visiting Vietnam and the capital, Hanoi, you can book a room at San Hotel at the best prices here!
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