There’s a very good reason why Vietnam comes so high up on many people’s bucket lists of places to visit. In fact, there are lots of reasons.
That’s because you’ll be certain to find whatever you want from your trip to Vietnam.
To start with, this is a country with no less than eight different UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most glorious of which is Halong Bay. Covering around 600 square miles, Oasts boasts 2,000 different islands rising from the sea like natural statues. Then there’s the ancient city of Hué, where you’ll find many of the country’s most impressive temples, as well as a jaw-dropping citadel.
Strike out into the countryside and you’ll find lush valleys lined with paddy fields and stunning scenery.
And, for a true taste of the country, the bustling and sometimes chaotic cities are a true feast for the senses. It’s in places like Saigon and Hanoi that you’ll find all the best nightlife. And if, for you, that includes going to sports bars to watch your favorite teams in action, then here are five of the very best to choose from.
Champion Sports Bar, Ho Chi Min City
Whatever the big game you want to catch, chances are that it’s going to be on one of the screens at Champion Sports Bar. It’s undoubtedly the city’s best sports bar with everything that you could want for a great night out. The bar’s well stocked, the menu is bursting with Mexican and Vietnamese favorites, and there’s table service, so you don’t even have to move from your seat.
There’s also free Wi-Fi, so if you want to make the game a little more interesting with an online bet or two, you can do so. Whether it’s a straight win or points spreads on your top NFL team, you can place your wager then and there.
SportivO Bar, Hanoi
You’ll find SportivO Bar right in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It’s a popular gathering spot for travelers looking to catch the action from the UK’s premier league soccer, the NFL, and the NBA. It’s open daily from 10 am till 2 am, so whatever the time is in the rest of the world, you can catch the very best of the action. There are plenty of screens, so there’s no danger of missing that vital goal or touchdown, however busy the very popular bar might be. If you need to cool down from all the heat of the action, there’s also a very comfortable outdoor seating area to enjoy.
Scallywags, Danang
Scallywags Sports Bar and Grill is the brainchild of two ex-pats and their Vietnamese partner, so you can be sure that they really do know what a traveling sports fan wants to have in their bar. Along with the plentiful supply of big screens showing all the action, there’s a huge menu that goes all the way from cooked breakfasts to mouth-watering grills.
They’re also famous for their pizza, from the basic margherita to the mighty meat lovers’ feast. When there’s no big sporting action on, there’s often live music to enjoy – and even when Danang’s under one of its frequent downpours during the rainy season, the covered outdoor seating area is a great place to be.
The Rabbit Hole, Saigon
We’ve all disappeared down the rabbit hole at some time in our lives. But here it’s a distinctly pleasant experience. It also has a character of its own thanks to its Irish influences. So alongside all the local and international beers on offer, it’s also the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing stout from the Pasteur Street Brewing Company – just as good as any version from the Emerald Isle. Plus, it’s Happy Hour every day from 3 pm until 7 pm, when you buy two, get the third free on a wide selection of drinks. You also have the choice of two Rabbit Holes to go down – the original in the city’s Binh Thanh district and the newly-opened one in Thao Dlen.
Phatty’s Bar, Ho Chi Min City
We started our tour in Ho Chi Min City, and that’s where we’ll end it with Phatty’s Bar.
It has everything that the previous four have offered in the form of sports, drinks, food, and fun. But Phatty tops all this with great offers and promotions, too. For example, Wednesday’s Steak Night offers 2 for one on all cocktails. There’s also a traditional Fish and Chips night, complete with a great English delicacy, mushy peas.
So there you have them. Five great sports bars in the amazing country that is Vietnam. So whatever your sport, and whenever you’re going to be passing through any of these cities, make sure to check at least one of them out.
