Hanoi was not the kind of city where I expected to find a Playboy-branded nightclub, and yet there is one in the basement of the Apricot Hotel (a 5-star hotel just 200 meters from Hoàn Kiếm Lake).
The club is almost hidden from outside as there is no indication it exists apart from a discreet Playboy bunny sign at the entrance. There, a pretty hostess will welcome you in English and escort you to a table.
The club was almost empty when I visited, probably because it was still early (9PM), on a weekday and only a month after the grand opening.
On stage, they had around 5 sexy girls with elegant costumes dancing to Viet House. It was more classy than vulgar and I thought even a girl might enjoy the performance. They didn't have live music that evening, but they do occasionally (including foreign bands). The sound level was not too loud, and for once I didn't need to wear my earplugs.
The atmosphere is luxurious and a bit decadent, like a proper gentlemen's club should be. The sofas are lipstick-red, the VIP areas have curtains for privacy, waitresses are wearing bunny uniforms, etc... A lot of small details to put you in the right mood...
When it was time to pay, I was expecting to get hammered and yet the prices are rather reasonable (VND100,000 or US$4.5).
Overall: Playboy Establishment is worth a visit, but preferably on weekends so it is more crowded. Most customers are Vietnamese, with a few foreigners/expats.
Playboy Establishment
Bar, Lounge, Restaurant and Club
136 Hang Trong
Hanoi, Vietnam
Reservation: 096 180 76 88
Email: rsvp@playboylifestyle.vn
Website: http://www.playboylifestyle.vn/
Facebook: Playboy Vietnam Hanoi
Operating Hours:
Everyday from 8PM to 2AM