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Polite & Co
A long-running Hoan Kiem bar that began as a beer pub in 1995 and is now a whisky, cigar and cocktail lounge with a seasonally changing…
Vietnam's first jazz club, founded in 1997 by saxophonist Quyen Van Minh, with live jazz every night from 9pm on Trang Tien Street.
Good to know
Binh Minh Jazz Club, often called Minh's Jazz Club, is the home of jazz in Hanoi. It was founded by Quyen Van Minh, the saxophonist described in press coverage as a Vietnamese jazz legend, who holds the title of Meritorious Artist and teaches at the Hanoi Conservatory. The club opened in October 1997, originally at the Giang Vo Exhibition Centre, and is regarded as Vietnam's first jazz club. Today it is at 1A Trang Tien Street in Hoan Kiem.
Minh's own story is part of the club's appeal. He grew up in a musical family, with a father who played guitar and saxophone as an amateur and a mother who sang, and he learned jazz as a teenager by listening to cassette tapes. The saxophonist Quyen Thien Dac is listed by the club as performing with him.
There is live music every night, starting at 9pm and running until about 11.15pm. The programme covers standard and traditional jazz, Latin jazz, funk and blues-influenced styles, and Vietnamese songs arranged for jazz, which is the most distinctive part of the repertoire and a good reason to come. Line-ups vary from night to night, so check the club's channels if you want to see a particular musician.
A cover charge applies for the live jazz, on top of drinks. Reservations are made through the Messenger link on the club's website, and booking is a good idea at weekends or if you want a table close to the stage. Arrive a little before 9pm to settle in before the music starts. If you are short of time, staying for part of the evening is enough to get a feel for the club, while devoted jazz fans will want to stay until the end. The club suits couples, music lovers and solo travellers looking for an evening built around live music rather than loud bars.
Trang Tien Street is also home to the Hanoi Opera House, closed for renovation since January 2026, and to Hotel de l'Opera. Combine an early dinner in the centre with an evening of jazz, followed by a walk by Hoan Kiem Lake. Recordings by Minh, including the album Playing Jazz in Socialist Vietnam, are sold through the club's website.
Saxophonist Quyen Van Minh, who opened it in October 1997.
Every night, starting at 9pm and running until about 11.15pm.
Yes, a cover charge applies for the live jazz.
Through the Messenger link on the club's website, or by phone on +84 24 3933 6555.
Standard and traditional jazz, Latin jazz, funk and blues, and Vietnamese songs arranged for jazz.
At 1A Trang Tien Street in Hoan Kiem.
Yes, the club describes itself as Vietnam's first jazz club, opened in 1997.
Yes, Minh's CDs are sold through the club's website.
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