Mad Monkey Hoi An Pub Craw

Free shots are great.

Hoi An at night gets easier when the plan is built for you, not improvised, and this Mad Monkey pub crawl does exactly that. I like the free shots setup at every venue, and I like that you’re not guessing transport between stops thanks to a bus option. The main thing to watch is that the crowd and organization can feel messy on some nights, and the bus may get overloaded.

This is a social crawl aimed at backpackers, with an English-speaking guide and a Mad Monkey singlet to keep the group together. You’ll hit big names like UNO Bar and Velvet Club, then roll to one last spot at the end of the night.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Meet at the Mad Monkey bar area at 8:00 PM to start with happy-hour-style deals
• Free shots at each venue, plus a Jägerbomb moment early on
• UNO Bar, Velvet Club, and Why Not Bar are the main named stops
• Bus/coach support helps you move between areas without long solo walks
• Bring comfortable shoes and clothes and travel light, since large bags aren’t allowed

Where It Starts: Mad Monkey Hoi An and the 8 PM Happy Hour Kickoff

The night starts at Mad Monkey Hoi An, in the bar area. You meet at 8:00 PM right as happy hour is getting going, and you’re expected to be wearing the pub crawl singlet. That detail matters more than it sounds: it helps you spot your group fast, especially if Hoi An nightlife has already pulled in other tour groups.

This kind of start also sets the tone. You’re not wandering in cold. You’re stepping into a lineup of other people who came for the same thing: bars, shots, and music. If you’re the type who likes to meet people through shared momentum, this setup works.

The tour is also very practical about what you carry. The rules are clear: don’t bring luggage or large bags. Plan on keeping it to a small day bag or crossbody you can manage without babysitting.

UNO Bar and the First Free Shot Moment With Jägerbomb Energy

After the meetup, the group walks to the first stop: UNO Bar. This is where the crawl gets its early “yes, this is happening” payoff. You’ll get your first free shot of the night, and the experience is framed around starting strong—happy hour deals first, then the party rhythm.

This is also where the Jägerbomb comes in, according to the tour highlights. Even if you don’t make it your personality, it’s useful to know because it shapes the vibe. You’re not just sampling. You’re being pulled toward the kind of nightlife where people order fast and dance sooner.

Timing-wise, you should expect this first bar to be an early anchor. One hour later, the group moves on by bus.

The Bus Ride to Velvet Club: When the Night Turns Up

After the first hour at UNO Bar, you jump on the bus/coach to the next stop: Velvet Club. This is a big plus for two reasons.

First, you’re not relying on taxis or trying to navigate late-night streets alone. Second, the bus keeps the group together, which usually makes the crawl easier for everyone—especially if you’re new to Hoi An.

At Velvet Club, you get another free shot. You’ll spend another hour in this nightclub, and this is also the point in the night where sound levels can catch you off guard. One downside that shows up in the experience data is that music can be extremely loud at some stops, and the alcohol quality can feel hit-or-miss. If loud clubs aren’t your thing, go in with a plan: don’t assume you’ll be able to talk easily over the music.

Also worth flagging: the bus can get crowded. One record specifically calls out an overloaded bus. If you’re sensitive to tight seating, cramped spaces, or long waits caused by packed capacity, mentally prepare for that.

Why Not Bar: The Final Stop, One More Shot, Then Around 2 AM

After Velvet Club, you walk to the final stop: Why Not Bar. You’ll get one more free shot here. This is the part of the night where the group either strings together a final dance round—or starts drifting into “let’s see what happens next.”

The timeline gets a bit tricky here, and it’s important to understand how to read it. The tour is listed as 3 hours, but the night plan includes a return option at 2:00 AM. In practice, that means you should expect a longer hang if the group keeps moving, especially if you choose to stay out after the structured portion.

There’s also a schedule note showing an 11:00 PM departure from Mad Monkey. So you may experience multiple “move points” in the evening: early happy hour, then staged transport between clubs, then an end-of-night exit that can stretch depending on how things run.

The key takeaway: go with flexible expectations. This isn’t a quiet dinner tour with precise finishing bells.

Price and Value: $9 for Shots, Shirt, and Transport—But Check the Tradeoffs

At $9 per person for a roughly three-hour crawl, the value is strong on paper. You’re not just paying for guidance. You’re getting a package-style setup: free shots at multiple venues, a Mad Monkey singlet (pub crawl shirt), an English-speaking guide, and bus support between the main stops.

If you’ve paid separately for entrance drinks in nightlife hubs before, you’ll recognize how quickly that kind of spending adds up. This price is mainly built around getting you to drink and move between venues as a group. If you’re okay with that tradeoff, the deal can feel surprisingly fair.

Two value watch-outs come from the experience notes you provided:

• The bus may feel overcrowded at times, which can reduce comfort even if the itinerary works.
• Alcohol quality and overall organization may not match the marketing on every night. One negative note mentions watery, cheap-tasting cocktails, plus a general sense of chaos.

One more practical tip: there’s a comment that booking directly in the hostel can be significantly cheaper than booking through a platform. So if you’re already staying at the Mad Monkey property, compare prices before you pay online.

If you’re booking through GetYourGuide and staying at Mad Monkey Hostels, there’s also a promo mention: use MADTOUR for an extra 5% discount on top of existing deals. That’s not part of the crawl itself, but it can improve value if you’re planning your lodging too.

Group Vibe, Karaoke Expectations, and How to Handle Loud Nights

This pub crawl is built for social energy. You’ll be with a crew of backpackers and led by an English-speaking guide, and you’re given a singlet so the group stays visible and easy to find.

The most praised aspect in your provided feedback is the group itself: people tend to be chill and friendly, and it can be a real icebreaker if you want to meet others quickly. There’s also a note praising the drinking specials and the sense of connecting with new people.

But here’s the reality check that helps you decide: expectations around entertainment may be shaky. Karaoke is mentioned as something that was advertised, but one negative account says karaoke never happened. So don’t plan your night around karaoke as a guaranteed feature.

Also, think about how you handle loud music. One account describes first-stop music as extremely loud and also criticizes the alcohol at that venue. The result is that the nightlife can feel more like a loud party circuit than a polished club experience. If you prefer music you can tolerate without shouting at your friend, bring earplugs or plan to take short breaks outside.

Practical Fit: Who This Crawl Works For (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is clearly designed for adults who want a structured bar night with minimal planning. You’ll get the key ingredients: group meet-up, named stops, free shot incentives, and bus transport.

It also comes with straightforward “not for everyone” rules:

• Not suitable for children under 18
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• No luggage or large bags
• You’ll want comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes

So ask yourself one question: do you want nightlife structure, or do you want freedom?

• If you want structure and social momentum, this fits well.
• If you want quiet conversation, high-end cocktails, or tight organization with zero delays, you might feel frustrated—especially given the notes about unclear updates and long waits when the night plan slips.

Your Best Move on Night-of: Small Habits That Make It Better

Even with a set route, your experience depends on how you manage your own comfort.

I’d do these things:

• Wear comfortable shoes you can stand and walk in, because you’ll be moving between stops on foot as well as by bus.
• Travel light so you’re not stuck juggling bags around crowded bars.
• Keep your expectations flexible about exact timing. One provided negative note talks about promised timing turning into a much longer wait.
• Be ready for loud music at some venues, even if you came for a fun drink-and-dance night rather than a club-style audio assault.
• If a feature like karaoke isn’t happening, don’t spiral. Treat it as a party circuit, not a guaranteed show.

Should You Book the Mad Monkey Hoi An Pub Craw?

Book it if you want a simple, social nightlife plan that reduces decision-making. For the price, the free shots, the singlet, and the bus between stops can make it feel like good value—especially if you enjoy meeting new people fast.

Skip it if you’re sensitive to crowded buses, very loud music, or if you need the night to run like clockwork. Based on the concerns in the experience notes you shared, organization can vary and alcohol quality may not be consistent.

My quick call: if you’re a low-stress backpacker type who wants a group night out, this can be worth the money. If you’re the kind of person who hates delays and disappointment, plan a different kind of evening in Hoi An.

FAQ

How long is the Mad Monkey Hoi An Pub Craw?

The duration is listed as 3 hours, though the schedule also mentions a return bus option at 2:00 AM.

Where do I meet for the pub crawl?

Meet at 8:00 PM in the Mad Monkey Hoi An bar area at the start of happy hour.

What’s included in the tour?

You get transportation by bus/coach between stops, live English guidance, a pub crawl singlet, and a free shot at each venue.

Which bars are part of the crawl?

The stops include UNO Bar, Velvet Club, and Why Not Bar.

Is transportation included, and when do we return?

Yes, there’s bus/coach transportation between venues, and the plan includes taking a bus back at 2:00 AM.

Is there a guide, and what language do they speak?

Yes, there is a live tour guide, and the language is English.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes.

Can I bring luggage or large bags?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What are the age and safety limits?

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