Unlike the vibrant Saigon or the subdued Hanoi, the live music scene in Da Nang has a very unique flavor: Close and rustic.
Here, the distance between the singer and the audience is almost nonexistent. You can sit right next to the stage, hearing the singer's inhalation, the sound of fingers gliding over the guitar strings. The bands in Da Nang play an incredibly diverse range: from fiery Rock, smooth Jazz to heartbreaking Pop Ballads.
The nights in Da Nang are not only filled with the sound of waves crashing on the shore or the sound of motorcycle engines on the Dragon Bridge. The nights in Da Nang also offer melodies – sometimes poignant and reflective, other times explosive and fiery. If you are tired of the blaring DJ bars with “vinahouse” beats that thump in your chest and are looking for a space to “fly,” to sing along, or simply to let your sadness drift into your drink... then this article is for you.
Today, let's take a musical journey (Music Tour) through the Top 5 Bars/Pubs with the Best Live Music & Acoustic in Da Nang.
ON THE RADIO – THE LEGEND OF DA NANG'S YOUNG PEOPLE
Address: 76 Thai Phien, Hai Chau District.
If you ask any young person in Da Nang: “Where is the best place to hear live music?”, 90% will answer: On The Radio.
Space & Vibe:
True to its name, stepping in here feels like entering a high-energy radio frequency. The bar has a rugged design, characteristic of a Pub with high wooden tables and dim red lighting.
This is not a place to sit quietly. This is a place to explode.
Music Quality:
The bands at On The Radio are extremely professional and “passionate.” They play a variety of genres, but the best are the Rock Ballads and Modern Pop.
When the climax hits, the entire bar – hundreds of people – stand up, clap, and sing along to the national hits. The feeling of merging into that crowd will make all your work stress disappear.
Drinks & Prices:
The main drinks are beer and basic cocktails. Prices are relatively moderate (around 80k - 150k/glass).
Note: The bar is very crowded, especially on weekends. If you don't reserve a table in advance, chances are you will have to stand (but standing and dancing is a lot of fun!).
THE BAO CAP CAFÉ (OR VUNG OI OPEN UP) – A TIME MACHINE
Style: Acoustic, Nostalgia.
If On The Radio is noisy and lively, then acoustic cafes like “Bao Cap” or “Vung” are the poignant calm notes.
Space & Vibe:
These cafes are usually located in small alleys or old houses. The space is decorated with old typewriters, black-and-white TVs, and worn wooden furniture. The main lighting is candles and warm yellow bulbs.
Upon entering, you must walk softly, speak quietly, and smile gently.
Music Quality:
The main genre is Acoustic: acoustic guitar, violin, cajon, and raw vocals.
The playlist usually features Trinh music, Ngo Thuy Mien's songs, or the sad love ballads of the 90s-2000s. This is an ideal place for those heartbroken or couples looking for a romantic space to hold hands.
The singers here sing as if telling their own love stories. Some nights, the audience's tears just fall naturally.
Insider Tips:
Don’t hesitate to write on a small piece of paper asking for a song (Request song). The singers here cater to their audience like no one else.
THE CRAFTSMAN COCKTAIL BAR – THE PLACE OF JAZZ AND GENTLEMEN
Address: 48 Phan Tu, Ngu Hanh Son.
I mentioned this name in an article about Bartenders, but it would be a huge oversight not to mention their music.
Space & Vibe:
The Craftsman embodies classic Western Speakeasy style. Luxurious, elegant, and discreet.
Music Quality:
This is a paradise for Jazz, Blues, and Swing.
The bands here play with very high technical skill. The heartfelt saxophone blends with the enchanting piano creating a classy ambiance. The singers often have powerful voices, speaking English accurately, covering songs by Frank Sinatra or Norah Jones in a very “romantic” way.
Sipping on a Whisky Sour while swaying to the Jazz rhythm, you’ll feel as cool as a character from the movie La La Land.
ESCO BEACH BAR – A MUSIC PARTY BY THE SEA
Address: My Khe Beach.
Why confine yourself within four walls when you are in the most beautiful coastal city in Vietnam?
Space & Vibe:
Esco is one of the most famous Beach Bars in Da Nang. The stage is set right on the sand, with the sea breeze blowing in. The space is completely open.
Music Quality:
Here combines live band performances with artistic displays.
The bands usually play dynamic Western pop, hot Latin music to stir up the atmosphere. Interspersed between singing performances are mesmerizing fire dance shows.
The audience here mainly consists of foreigners and tourists, so the atmosphere is very open, and everyone can dance freely right on the sand.
COOKSHOP – DELICIOUS FOOD, GREAT MUSIC, HAPPY LIFE
Address: 16 Vu Van Dung, Son Tra.
If you are going with family or friends wanting to have dinner while listening to music, Cookshop is the number 1 choice.
Space & Vibe:
A European-style Bistro restaurant, high ceilings, airy, and very “artsy” decor.
Music Quality:
The band at Cookshop plays pop, gentle ballads, just lively enough to allow diners to converse.
What’s special is that the bands here interact very well with customers. They often organize themed music nights (Tribute Night) like Beatles nights, ABBA nights...
Slicing into juicy steak while hearing Yesterday play is a complete dining - music experience.
PROFESSIONAL 'BAR MUSIC LISTENING' TIPS
To make your music night worth a perfect “10 without a minus,
