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

Nightlife here runs on shared energy. Mad Monkey Hoi An’s $9 pub crawl gives you a simple way to meet other backpackers, visit three nightlife spots, and collect a free shot at each venue. I like the low price and the mix of walking, bus rides, music, and group time. I also like that a guide handles the route, so you are not left guessing where to go next.

The main catch is organization. The bus may feel overloaded, and the evening schedule can slip badly if the group is waiting around. The advertised karaoke did not happen on one reported night, and some drinks were described as cheap and watered down, so you should book this for the social setting rather than for premium cocktails or polished event management.

Key points at a glance

• Three named nightlife stops: The route includes UNO Bar, Velvet Club, and Why Not Bar.
• Three free shots: You receive one at each venue, plus a Jägerbomb is included.
• Meet at 8 PM: The evening begins in the Mad Monkey Hoi An bar area during happy hour.
• Bus transport included: A bus carries the group between parts of the route and returns to the meeting point at about 2 AM.
• Mad Monkey singlet required: You receive a pub crawl singlet and should wear it for the evening.
• Best for social backpackers: The experience suits adults who value meeting people more than refined drinks or a tightly timed schedule.

What the $9 price really buys you

At $9 per person, this is one of those nights where the value comes from convenience and social access, not luxury. You receive a guide, roundtrip transport from the meeting point, a Mad Monkey singlet, a Jägerbomb, and a free shot at each bar.

That can add up quickly if you were already planning to visit several venues. You avoid paying separate entry or transport costs listed as part of the crawl, and the group gives you an instant social circle. If you arrive in Hoi An alone, that may be the best part of the deal.

The price does not promise top-shelf alcohol, a reserved table, or a carefully managed VIP night. One poor account described loud music and weak drinks, along with a long delay before moving on. I would bring modest expectations and see the crawl as a budget night out with a built-in group.

There is also a useful price tip. Booking directly at the hostel may cost less than booking online, according to one positive account. If you reserve through GetYourGuide, you can use the MADTOUR code on the Mad Monkey Hostels website for an extra 5 percent off existing deals. Check the final price before paying, since the cheapest option may depend on where you book.

Starting at Mad Monkey Hoi An at 8 PM

The evening starts at 8 PM in the Mad Monkey Hoi An bar area, during happy hour. This early meeting time gives you a chance to arrive, order a drink at the available specials, and meet the group before the later club stops.

You are expected to wear the Mad Monkey pub crawl singlet. The shirt is more than a souvenir. It helps the group spot one another once you leave the hostel and gives the night a shared identity. If you prefer to blend into Hoi An’s evening crowd, this may feel a little forced. If you want an easy conversation starter, it works well.

The schedule has two different time markers worth noting. The gathering begins at 8 PM, but the stated departure from Mad Monkey is 11 PM. The route description also places the first walk to UNO Bar after the group gets organized. Ask the guide when the group is actually leaving, especially if you do not want to spend three hours waiting at the starting bar.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You will walk between some venues, stand for long periods, and spend time on a dance floor. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so bring only what you can keep close.

UNO Bar and the first free shot

UNO Bar is the first named stop. The group walks there from Mad Monkey, which gives you a short transition from the hostel atmosphere to the wider nightlife area.

You receive your first free shot at UNO. The stop is planned for about an hour, which is enough time to order another drink, meet people, and see if the music suits you. Starting with a bar rather than a full nightclub can make the evening feel less intense, particularly if the group is still getting acquainted.

The free shot is a useful part of the value, but I would not treat it as a reason to drink quickly. You have two more stops ahead, and the route may run late. The quality of mixed drinks can vary, and one negative account described cocktails as watered down. If you care about what is in your glass, stick to a drink you recognize and pace yourself.

UNO is also where the group dynamic begins to matter. A pub crawl is only as lively as the people who show up, and the plan does not promise a fixed group size. You might find an outgoing crowd, or you might find a smaller group that needs time to warm up.

The bus ride to Velvet Club

After roughly an hour at UNO, the plan calls for a bus ride to Velvet Club. This is practical because you do not need to arrange a taxi late at night or figure out the next address while drinking.

The bus is also the clearest weak point. A report of an overloaded bus suggests that comfort can be limited when attendance is high. You may be standing close to other people, waiting for everyone to board, or dealing with a less tidy transfer than the low price might suggest.

The gap between stops deserves attention. One account described being told the next move would happen in 20 minutes, only to wait about 1.5 hours without clear updates. That kind of delay can change the character of the night. Instead of moving from place to place, you may spend a long stretch waiting at one venue or for transport.

I would ask the guide about the next departure before buying another drink. Keep enough cash for your own taxi if you decide to leave, although the advertised plan includes transport back to the meeting point. A little patience helps, but poor communication is a fair reason to make your own plan.

Velvet Club and the main dance-floor stop

Velvet Club is the nightclub portion of the route. You receive another free shot on arrival, then have about an hour to dance and enjoy the club setting.

This stop should appeal most if you want loud music and a proper dance floor. The route shifts from casual bar time to a more energetic club atmosphere, giving the evening some variety. The downside is that loud music makes conversation difficult, so it may not be the best place to get to know new people in detail.

Again, the included shot adds value, but it also makes pacing important. You have already had the UNO shot and the Jägerbomb supplied as part of the experience. Drink water when you can, eat before the crawl, and do not feel obliged to accept every included drink.

The plan allows about an hour at Velvet. That is enough for a taste of the venue, but not enough to settle in if you are enjoying it. If you prefer spending a full night at one club, the organized route may feel too rushed. If you want variety, the short stop keeps the evening moving when the schedule behaves as planned.

Why Not Bar and the final stop

The last named venue is Why Not Bar. The group walks there from Velvet Club, then receives a final free shot before going inside.

Ending on foot makes sense after the bus ride and reduces another transfer. It also means you should wear shoes that can handle a full evening out. The final stop gives you a choice: stay with the group, dance, or move on elsewhere once you have received the included shot.

At 2 AM, the bus returns to the meeting point, or you can continue to another location. That flexibility is useful. You are not locked into the group after the final stop, and you can decide whether the night has given you enough.

The phrase at 2 AM should be treated as an expected finish rather than a guarantee. Delays earlier in the evening can affect the timing. If you have an early transfer, tour, or flight, this is not the night to schedule a demanding morning.

What the free drinks and shirt add

The drink inclusions are clear: a Jägerbomb and one free shot at each venue. The singlet is also included, which helps identify the group and gives you a small keepsake.

These extras make the $9 rate attractive, but they do not remove the need to budget for additional drinks. The included alcohol is limited, and you should not assume that cocktails, beer, food, or extra entry charges are covered unless the guide says so.

The singlet can also make the night feel more like a branded hostel event than an independent Hoi An evening. That is not necessarily bad. It gives solo visitors an easy way to join the group. It may feel less appealing if you want a quiet, local night without matching clothes or organized stops.

Who will enjoy this Hoi An night out

I would recommend this crawl to an adult staying at Mad Monkey or nearby who wants to meet people quickly. It is especially useful on your first night in town, when you may not know which bars are open, where the nightlife is concentrated, or how to get home safely.

It also suits someone who likes a loose party plan. You get a guide, a set of venues, transport, and a return option, but you should not expect minute-by-minute control. A patient attitude will help if the bus fills up or the group runs behind.

I would not choose it for children, pregnant people, or anyone wanting a quiet evening. It is restricted to people aged 18 and over, and the combination of shots, club music, standing, and late transport is not suited to every adult.

It may also disappoint you if you are selecting a tour for strong drinks, planned karaoke, or careful event management. Karaoke was advertised for one night but did not take place, and the delay between venues caused a serious problem for one participant. Those details suggest you should judge the experience by its social value, not by a promise of a perfectly executed party.

Practical ways to make the night better

Eat before you arrive. The supplied details do not list food, so do not count on dinner during the crawl.

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and only a small personal item. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and keeping your hands free will make the bus and dance-floor sections easier.

Ask at the start about the real departure time. The meeting begins at 8 PM, while the listed departure from Mad Monkey is 11 PM. Confirming the plan can save you from an unexplained wait.

Keep your phone charged and have enough money for extra drinks or an independent ride if you leave early. Roundtrip transport is included, but the itinerary can become less predictable if delays occur.

Most important, pace yourself. A free shot at UNO, Velvet Club, and Why Not Bar, plus the Jägerbomb, can add up. You will enjoy the music and company more if you treat the alcohol as optional extras rather than a checklist.

Should you book the Mad Monkey Hoi An pub crawl?

Book it if you want a cheap, social night with three named stops, included transport, and an easy way to meet other adults. The $9 price is fair when the group is moving on time and you make use of the free shots, singlet, guide, and bus.

Skip it if you need precise timing, comfortable transport, premium drinks, or a quiet conversation-based evening. The overall rating is 4.1 from 23 ratings, which fits the mixed picture: one account describes a funny night with good specials and new connections, while another reports weak drinks, a crowded bus, poor updates, and a long wait.

My advice is simple: choose this for company and convenience, not polish. Confirm the departure time, wear shoes you can walk in, pace your drinking, and keep a backup plan for getting home. If those terms suit you, Mad Monkey’s crawl can be a good-value introduction to Hoi An after dark.

FAQ

How much does the Mad Monkey Hoi An pub crawl cost?

The price is $9 per person.

What time does the pub crawl start?

You meet at 8 PM in the Mad Monkey Hoi An bar area during happy hour.

What is included in the experience?

The package includes a guide, roundtrip transportation from the meeting point, a Mad Monkey singlet, a Jägerbomb, and one free shot at each venue.

Which venues are included?

The named stops are UNO Bar, Velvet Club, and Why Not Bar.

How do I get between the venues?

The route uses walking between some stops and a bus for transportation between other parts of the evening. The bus returns to the meeting point at about 2 AM.

Is the pub crawl available in English?

Yes. English is the listed language for the experience.

Who cannot join the pub crawl?

The activity is not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible.