Funky Buddha
One of the oldest bars still standing on Ta Hien Street, Funky Buddha opened in 2008 and has outlasted dozens of competitors by consistently delivering what the street promises: cheap drinks, good sound, and a crowd that actually wants to be there. Two floors with different design styles. The ground floor draws walk-ins; the upper level has better sightlines and bass. Now sometimes called Funky B. Still runs one of the best DJ sound systems on Beer Street.
What to Expect
A two-floor bar loud enough to feel like a club but casual enough that you can wander in wearing whatever you have on. Tourists and locals mix freely. The DJ plays well into the night.
High energy and good-natured. Packed on weekends, still enjoyable on weeknights when you can actually find a seat.
Electronic, house, hip-hop, and chart mixes. DJ-driven from evening onward.
None at all. Ta Hien casual.
Groups, first nights in Hanoi, anyone who wants cheap drinks and decent music without a cover charge.
Cash preferred. Some nights accept cards.
Price Range
Beer 40,000-70,000 VND. Cocktails from 80,000 VND. Entrance from approximately 60,000 VND (~$2.60 USD) some nights.
Beer: ~€1.50-2.70. Cocktails: from ~€3.
Hours
Daily 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
Insider Tip
The upper floor fills up fast after 9 PM. Get there by 8:30 to choose your spot. Drinks are table-service, so catch a server's eye early.
Full Review
Open since 2008, Funky Buddha has outlasted dozens of Ta Hien competitors through a formula that delivers what the street promises: cheap drinks, good sound, and a crowd that wants to be there. Two floors with different design styles divide the space: the ground floor catches walk-ins from the street; the upper level has better sightlines, stronger bass, and a more committed atmosphere. The sound system is one of the best on Beer Street.
The crowd is a genuine mix of tourists, expats, and Vietnamese locals who share the dance floor without much self-consciousness. The DJ drives the evening from early on, running electronic, house, hip-hop, and chart remixes that keep the room moving. Weekends pack both floors; weeknights are more manageable and allow you to actually choose where to stand. Table service means catching a server's eye rather than fighting to the bar.
On Ta Hien Street, Funky Buddha holds the survivor position. It's not the newest, the flashiest, or the cheapest. It's the one that's still here after fifteen-plus years, which says something about consistent execution. 1900 Le Theatre offers higher production. Bia Hoi Corner offers cheaper beer. Funky Buddha offers a reliable, no-pretension party on a street full of options.
The upper floor fills after 9 PM, so arrive by 8:30 for your pick of position. Drinks are table service. Some nights carry a small entrance fee. Ta Hien casual is the dress standard.
The Neighborhood
Ta Hien Street's bar strip churns through openings and closures constantly. Funky Buddha's 2008 founding makes it one of the street's elder statesmen, with a longevity that reflects consistent quality in a volatile market.
Getting There
On Ta Hien Street in the Old Quarter, walkable from Hoan Kiem Lake. The venue is marked and visible from the street.
Where to stay in Hanoi
Compare hotels near the nightlife districts. Free cancellation on most properties.
Other Venues in Ta Hien Street
1900 Le Theatre
Multi-level nightclub and live music venue that's one of Hanoi's most established late-night spots. DJs play house and EDM to packed crowds on weekends, with cover charges around 100,000-150,000 VND.
Bia Hoi Corner
The famous intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen where plastic stools spill onto the street and fresh bia hoi costs 5,000-10,000 VND per glass. Peak hours are 7-11 PM nightly.
Rockstore Bar
Rock-themed bar with live bands on weekends and a playlist heavy on classic rock. Popular with expats and backpackers looking for something louder than the typical beer street scene.
Bia Craft
Craft beer bar serving Vietnamese-brewed IPAs, stouts, and seasonal ales. Pints run 60,000-90,000 VND, a step up from street beer but with air conditioning and actual seats.