Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Editor G
After Saigon and Dalat, Nha Trang was a welcome break with its lovely coast and mountain backdrop, which can only be fully appreciated if you have done the hair-raising road trip from Dalat.
The main things to do here are eat and drink, my two favourite pastimes! Nha Trang does not have hundreds of bars like Pattaya/Jomtien, but has enough to keep you entertained for a few days. After hitting up most of the bars, these are the ones I liked the most.
Note, I don’t drink cocktails anymore so did not go to any of the trendy cocktail bars, of which there are many (Hybrid, Alive, Altitude, Te Be Chilling). I like small bars, with a good atmosphere and cheap beers (25K for Saigon beer).
Here’s the bars I liked the most, I’ve linked to the the Google Maps location so you can easily find them.
BlueSea Beach Bar
If you love the idea of sipping a Saigon beer with your feet in the sand while listening to the waves, BlueSea Beach Bar is exactly where you want to be. It’s super relaxed, with comfy seating right on the beach and a great selection of drinks. This place is all about the chill vibes, and it’s perfect for catching the sunset with a cold beer or a tropical cocktail in hand.
In the day they have all the sunbeds on the beach and at night they bring out large outdoor cushions.
The bartenders here know what they’re doing, and the drinks are fresh and flavourful. My friend tried the passionfruit mojito, and it was hands down one of the best I’ve had in Vietnam. If you’re hungry, they have light bites and seafood dishes, which are great for snacking while you sip.
I used to stop here after my morning walk along the promenade and have a fresh cold coconut to drink, supposedly great for electrolytes.
Copyright: Travelbusy.com – The perfect drink after a power walk
It’s easy to get carried away with drinking here, do not get tempted to go for a swim after. The first time I went here, two guys had been drinking all afternoon and decided to go swimming at night. One was very close to drowning, with no lifeguards around!!
JellyBrew Pub
I stumbled across JellyBrew when exploring all the tiny side streets in this cool area below. There’s so much going on in these little alleys I could wonder around them for hours. Each night you are guaranteed to see something you have never seen before.
JellyBrew spills out onto the alley with people sitting opposite eating and drink at another place. You just sit and watch the world go by here, its great for people watching.
Vietnam’s craft beer scene has been growing, and JellyBrew Pub is proof of that. It’s a small, friendly place where the focus is on quality beer, good company, and a relaxed atmosphere. If you’re someone who appreciates a well-made IPA or a smooth stout, you’ll love it here.
I’m always on the hunt for good craft beer, and this place did not disappoint. Their house-brewed beers are excellent, and they have a rotating selection, so there’s always something new to try. The owners and staff are super knowledgeable, and you can tell they’re passionate about what they do. I had their signature pale ale, which was crisp and refreshing—perfect after a hot day in Nha Trang.
JellyBrew has a casual, no-frills vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation without yelling over loud music. If you’re traveling solo or just want to meet some cool people, it’s a great spot to strike up a conversation over a pint.
DHARMA Lounge
I stumbled across this place after visiting the buddist temple Chùa Đa Bảo. The place is Russian owned and super chilled; they have done exceptionally well with the design of the place.
Though it is out of the centre, its well worth a trip to the temple and then to this bar after. Probably best to go around 4pm then walk down the hill to Dharma Lounge to catch the sunset. Note, you will need trousers if you are visiting the temple, I went in shorts and got shouted at by the women in the cafe, though the monks were fine.
Copyright: Travelbusy.com – Dharma Lounge’s cool layout
My friend is a sucker for a well-made cocktail, and this place really delivered. The bartenders here take their craft seriously, using fresh ingredients, homemade syrups, and premium spirits. He had a whiskey-based drink infused with cinnamon and citrus, and it was one of those cocktails that makes you pause for a second just to appreciate how good it is. They also bring in DJs and live musicians, which adds to the experience without making it feel like a full-on nightclub.
Nha Trang has a surprisingly good nightlife scene, and these three bars offer something for everyone. If you want to keep it casual and beachy, BlueSea Beach Bar is the way to go. If you’re a beer enthusiast, JellyBrew Pub will definitely impress you. And if you’re after a stylish, well-crafted cocktail in a refined setting, DHARMA Lounge won’t let you down.
Gareth Evans is a travel writer and entrepreneur living life as a digital nomad. Gareth is currently living and working in Thailand.