For nightlife geared to the expat or tourist, busy little Bao Khanh Street is a good place to start. Tucked behind a block of buildings down a short lane in the northwest corner of Hoan Kiem Lake, the street is home to lots of popular bars and late-night spots. Some are a bit seedy, but there are a few comfortable laid-back places, and the street is lined with lots of open-air eateries, cafes, and bars geared to locals. Most popular on Bao Khanh Street is the Funky Monkey at 31 Hang Thung (tel. 04/928-6113); they have music, pool tables, pizzas, and a cool black-light menu. Also check out Polite Pub at 5 Bao Khanh (tel. 04/825-0959; open 5pm-2 or 3am), a popular gay men's hangout, but pretty "straight friendly," too. All of these spots are open late, and the street's always hoppin'. There are lots of nearby dining options as well.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Vietnam, 2nd Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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