Tadioto Hoi An

Tadioto is the Hoi An offshoot of a Hanoi bar that has long been a meeting place for artists and writers. Its owner, the Vietnamese writer, artist and curator Nguyen Qui Duc, describes his customers as thinkers and drinkers, and the Hoi An branch, at 54 Phan Boi Chau Street, shares the same bohemian spirit.

The venue is a bar, cafe and gallery combined, set behind a concept-store front in an old shophouse. The interior is intimate and dimly lit, with filmy curtains and flowers on the tables, and a sunny courtyard opens up the space. Travel writers have described several distinct areas, including an art gallery, a sushi and ramen counter and a Japanese-style rock garden, spread through the depth of the old building.

Drinks are the speciality. The bar focuses on craft and premium spirits, with Japanese whiskies, a range of gins served as gin and tonics, cocktails in the style of the Prohibition era and a selection of wines, including Bordeaux reds. During the day it serves coffee, and food from the Japanese counter, including sushi and ramen, makes it possible to stay for a meal.

Opening hours given by travel writers cover a lunchtime session and an evening session that runs until late, so it suits both a daytime coffee and a nightcap.

Tadioto suits couples, solo travellers and anyone who prefers conversation, art and a good glass of whisky to loud music. It is a good choice for a quiet drink after dinner. One travel magazine described it as a classy little cocktail bar with an excellent selection of craft spirits and an open-air Japanese restaurant, and another guide called it one of Hoi An's most unusual bars.

Phan Boi Chau Street also has Mia Coffee at number 20 and Little Riverside hotel at number 09, so Tadioto is convenient if you are staying or eating nearby. As with many small bars, check that it is open before you set out late at night, and if you are interested in the owner's background, his memoir Where the Ashes Are is a good introduction to his story.