Mad Monkey Hoi An Pub Crawl-Free shot on arrival at each bar

Hoi An nights come with free shots. This guided bar crawl starts at 8:00 PM in the Mad Monkey Hoi An bar area, right when happy hour is in gear, and you’ll wear the Mad Monkey singlet while you follow the guide bar to bar.

I also like the built-in structure. You get a Jägerbomb, a free shot at each venue, and a bus between stops so you are not stuck hailing rides while the night gets louder.

One thing to plan around is comfort and timing. The bus can feel crowded, and the night can run with delays, so come ready for a bit of chaos.

Key things to know before you go

• Happy hour start at 8:00 PM at the Mad Monkey bar area, with deals while the group gathers
• Free shots at every stop plus a Jägerbomb included in the night’s pace
• Three named venues you can point to on a map: UNO Bar, Velvet Club, and Why Not Bar
• Bus transport between bars, then a return around 2:00 AM
• Bring light: comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and no luggage or large bags

Getting started at Mad Monkey Hoi An, right in the happy hour zone

This pub crawl is made for the first hour of Hoi An nightlife. You meet at 8:00 PM in the Mad Monkey Hoi An bar area, during happy hour, so you are not waiting around wondering where the fun starts. The vibe here matters, because it sets the tone for the rest of the night. If you like meeting people fast, that early group energy helps.

You’ll also want to show up wearing the pub crawl singlet they provide. It is not just a souvenir move. In a busy bar district, it makes you easy to spot, which helps when the group has to move quickly between venues. And quick movement is the whole idea of this crawl, you follow your guide, take your shot, then keep going.

The included Jägerbomb sets a clear expectation: this is a party-style crawl, not a slow drinks-and-appetizers evening. If you prefer calm conversation, you may find the sound level and pacing a bit too much. But if your goal is a lively night with fellow travelers, the setup is solid.

UNO Bar: your first free shot and the warm-up stage

After the group gathers, the next move is a walk to UNO Bar for your first free shot of the night. This stop works like a warm-up act. You have enough time to loosen up, meet a few people, and get a feel for how your guide is running the schedule.

UNO Bar is also a useful filter for your own expectations. If you show up, take the shot, and immediately feel the music and crowd are your style, you’ll probably enjoy the rest of the evening. If it is too loud for you, you can adjust your personal pace early, because you still have time for the night to unfold.

One practical tip: comfortable shoes matter more than you think here. Even though you have bus rides later, the walking between venues is part of how the crawl keeps momentum.

The bus ride to Velvet Club: party energy plus a bit of wait time

Next you hop on the bus heading to Velvet Club, where you get another free shot. This is where the group typically shifts from “warmed up” to “fully in it.” Velvet Club is the kind of place where people go to dance and crank up the volume, so if you enjoy nightlife scenes that lean toward club mode, this is the main payoff stop.

The bus portion is a real quality-of-life feature. Hoi An’s nightlife is concentrated, but late at night it is still annoying to coordinate transport on your own. With the bus included, you can focus on the evening instead of getting stuck outside a taxi line.

That said, the bus can be a pinch point. Some nights run crowded, so if you are sensitive to space or you hate waiting for people to board, plan mentally for that. If you handle it well, it can still feel like a smooth transition, because the night is not just one long walk.

Why Not Bar to close: one more shot and a last push

The final stop is Why Not Bar, after another stretch of time at the club. You walk in from the previous venue and get one more free shot before you settle in for the end phase of the night.

This is the part where timing and group mood matter most. By then, the night has stacked drinks, music, and movement, so people either get a second wind or start fading. You’ll notice which one your group is doing when the crowd density and energy shift.

Why Not Bar as the closer makes sense for a simple reason: it gives you a final organized place to go, instead of dispersing randomly into the street. Even if you do not stay super late, having that last stop helps you avoid the “now what” moment.

The 2:00 AM wrap-up and your options after the final return

Around 2:00 AM, the crawl either brings you back by bus or you move on to another location. That gives the evening a flexible ending, depending on how the group energy looks at that hour.

If you know you want an earlier night, this timing is something you should keep in mind from the start. The crawl is built to run late, and the best time to decide how much you want to keep going is before you get too swept up in the club atmosphere.

Price and value: is $9 per person actually worth it?

At $9 per person, this crawl is priced like a budget nightlife shortcut. Whether it is worth it depends on what you want out of the evening.

Here is the value logic as I see it:

• You are paying for transportation plus multiple drink inclusions. The bus is roundtrip from the meeting point, and you also get a free shot at each venue plus a Jägerbomb.
• You are paying for guided pacing. Instead of spending your night hopping between uncertain choices, you get a set route to three named stops.
• You are paying for social momentum. It is built for backpackers and other solo travelers, so you are more likely to connect quickly than if you go out on your own.

Where the value can wobble is when the night runs rough. If you are expecting perfectly smooth timing, this type of group crawl can occasionally feel chaotic, especially on bus load and transition timing. If you are someone who can stay flexible, that is fine. If you need precision and comfort, you might get frustrated.

Also, one quick reality check: included drinks usually mean the tour is steering toward party-style alcohol, not delicate cocktail craftsmanship. If you want top-shelf mixology, you might still find this fun, but you should not treat it as a “best cocktails in town” mission.

What’s included, and what you should plan to add yourself

The basics are clear and helpful:

• Roundtrip transportation from the meeting point
• Guide
• Mad Monkey singlet
• Jägerbomb
• Free shot at each venue

You should plan on adding your own money for anything that is not covered. Depending on your drinking style, that can be anywhere from a small add-on to a noticeable extra expense. The tour is good at moving you from one included shot to the next, but it does not replace your whole night budget.

Two more practical points:

• No luggage or large bags. Keep your hands free and travel light.
• English-speaking guide. If you only speak basic English, you are still fine, since the night has simple beats: meet, walk, shoot, bus, dance, repeat.

Guide and group energy: why this works for some people and not others

This crawl is designed for a particular type of traveler: people who want nightlife that is social and low-effort to plan. You meet, you put on the singlet, you move with the group, and you get shots and club time without having to decide every step yourself.

That is the big win. Even if you arrive in Hoi An alone, you are unlikely to feel stuck outside a club gate by yourself for long. The guide keeps the flow going, and your group gives you built-in conversation starters.

Still, be aware that group nights can get messy. In a crowded, party-heavy environment, small issues can snowball. If music is extremely loud for your ears, or if a wait for the next stop stretches longer than you expected, you might lose the sparkle. My advice is simple: show up with a flexible mindset and focus on the fun of the moment, not the clock.

And if you were hoping for entertainment like karaoke, treat it as a bonus, not a guarantee. Nightlife plans can change once the group is on the ground.

Practical tips so you enjoy it instead of tolerating it

You can make or break the experience with a few choices before you even leave your hostel.

• Wear comfortable shoes. You are walking between stops and you will likely stand a lot.
• Go with comfortable clothes you can move in. Club time is not about fancy outfits, it is about surviving the dance floor.
• Keep your bag minimal. No luggage or large bags means you will want a small crossbody or something you can stash easily.
• Decide your drinking pace early. Included shots make it easy to overdo it. If you care about staying steady for the whole crawl, alternate with water or take breaks when you can.

One more practical detail: if the bus feels packed, do not take it personally. That is the nature of a group crawl during peak time.

Who should book this Mad Monkey Hoi An pub crawl

This is a strong pick if you:

• want a guided, social nightlife route without researching bars all evening
• like party-style energy and included shots
• are comfortable with club sound levels
• are traveling solo or as a small group and want to meet people fast

It is probably not your best choice if you:

• hate crowded buses or tight schedules
• want quiet bars, early dinners, or slow cocktails
• are sensitive to very loud music
• need a calm and predictable night

Also, it is not suitable for pregnant women and not suitable for children under 18.

Booking value add: if you are staying nearby, combine it with Mad Monkey

If you’re also looking for a place to stay, it can be smart to keep everything within the Mad Monkey orbit. The hostel side is offering an extra 5% discount for GetYourGuide travelers using promo code MADTOUR on the Mad Monkey Hostels page. It is not required for the crawl, but it can tighten your overall budget for the same trip.

Should you book it or skip it?

I’d book this pub crawl if your goal is an easy, social night with free shots, a party rhythm, and bus transport that saves you from last-minute logistics. At $9, the deal is hard to beat if you are flexible and ready for a loud, lively bar-to-club route.

I’d hesitate if you need a perfectly controlled schedule, top-quality cocktails, or a more comfortable transport experience. If those are your priorities, you might be happier with a self-guided plan that matches your pace.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and what kind of nightlife you like in general, and I’ll suggest the best way to structure your Hoi An evening around this crawl.

FAQ

What time does the Mad Monkey Hoi An pub crawl start?

It starts at 8:00 PM, and you meet in the Mad Monkey Hoi An bar area at the start of happy hour.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet in the Mad Monkey Hoi An bar area.

How much does it cost?

The price is $9 per person.

What bars are included in the night?

The crawl includes UNO Bar, Velvet Club, and Why Not Bar, plus the Mad Monkey bar area at the start.

Is transportation included?

Yes. It includes roundtrip transportation from the meeting point.

What drinks or shots are included?

You get a Jägerbomb, plus a free shot at each venue.

Do I receive a Mad Monkey singlet?

Yes, a Mad Monkey singlet is included.

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women and it is not suitable for children under 18 years. The tour is guided in English.