Imagine going to Vietnam and sleeping through the night. Doing that will just make your entire trip meaningless. There are multiple things to do in Hanoi at night. And Hanoi nightlife will surely turn you into an actual Vietnamese.
And I know going to Vietnam is on every Indian’s list because the country gives you various experiences on a budget. To give a little push to make that trip come true, this blog lists the best things you can possibly do in Hanoi.
And to know a little bit about this city, it welcomes people from all over the world. It embraces creativity, music, dance, the craze for beer, street foods, and so on. Yes, it’s the waving of modernity with ancient traditions cherished daily.
The city has something for everyone here, and you just need to have a perfect Hanoi itinerary for a stress-free trip. Now get ready, because I will be your Hanoi nightlife guide through this blog.
Ta Hien Street
| Nicknames for Ta Hein are “Street That Never Sleeps” and “International Crossroads.” |
Ta Hien Street, also known as Beer Street, is located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. During French colonial times, this street, along with other older streets, merged and was called Rue Géraud. Back then, it was home to poetry and theatre for the locals and the French.
In 1945, the French left the country, and it was then named Ta Hien Street. Now, it has become a spot for friends to hang out or go for a beer after work with colleagues.
For tourists, going here is one of the best things to do in Hanoi, as it is a great way to talk to the locals, and everyone here is super friendly. And a hundred percent gives the best nightlife in Hanoi for partying.
Note: You can hop into the pubs after the eateries close. Pubs will be open even after midnight. Or you can sit by the sidewalk, chat, and drink beer with your friends.
When to Visit the Street for the Most Fun
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Bia Hoi Junction
Bia Hoi is a famous beer, also referred to as “fresh Beer”. For some locals, it is an everyday ritual. A perfect spot for nightlife in Hanoi Old Quarter with many eateries and bars serving draft beer.
I’ll tell you what this place is like for nightlife in Vietnam, Imagine a rushing, compact corner where neon plastic chairs are spread, and you see many people gathering to enjoy the buzz. All you hear is happy laughs and chit chats over a ship of beer.
Moreover, the street is not just about beer. You can walk around and see live music, dance performances, or indulge in street food anywhere you turn.
This Junction takes you back to when the French departed the country in 1954. They left behind the Hommel brewery. Then the Vietnamese, who renamed it the Hanoi brewery, started selling draft beer. Moreover, the beer is produced with rice, yeast, and malt. And costing you just 50 INR for a beer.
Best Time To Visit Bia Hoi Junction
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Thang Long Puppet Theatre
When you think nightlife is just about partying and drinking beer, the water puppet shows give you unique entertainment.
As a Vietnamese classical art, this puppet show gives a harmonious performance. And this Thang Long Puppet Theatre was built primarily to save the traditional remains of Vietnam.
| A Short Story About Water Puppets
Puppet shows originated in the 11th century for special occasions. Mostly, it used to happen during the harvest festival times in the Red River Delta region. Back then, when there were no theatres with grand light setups, village ponds and paddy fields were the main stage for these puppet shows. |
Thang Long Puppet Theatre is situated at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street. If you stay at the Old Quarters, you can walk slowly as you pass the Hanoi nightlife streets and reach the theatre.
This show is recommended for all age groups and is performed for approximately 50 minutes. And prior booking is essential.
To book, you can contact Dimaak Tours. The team will help you if you need more information or a hassle-free booking. The ticket cost is reasonably set at 400 INR, and VIP tickets will cost around 700 INR per person.
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is located in the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Ward. And in 1889, during the French colonial period, this market was established.
Going to the famous local market is a must in any country you visit because these markets give you the answer when you wonder what to buy in Vietnam for your friends and family back home.
Things to buy in Dong Xuan Market-
- Clothes/Fabrics
- Handmade accessories
- Pets/birds
- Cute toys for kids
- Silk scarves
- Best of Vietnam’s coffee beans and powder.
- Lacquerware
- Local cuisine
- Bat Trang ceramic
- Paintings and many pretty souvenirs can be found in this market.
Market Operating Time
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Vincom Mega Mall Royal City
The mall was opened in 2013, and in no time, it has become the best entertainment spot in Hanoi. It’s a go-to place for any group: a friend’s gang, with kids, a couple. It might look like any other mall, but it’s not. It has some of the best experiences to try.
And buying souvenirs is a must in any country you visit, and you can find shiny, unique Vietnam souvenirs in the many gift shops present here.
Things to do in Vincom Mega Mall Royal City:
- Vinpearlland Water Park: For wave pools, whirlpools, ice skating, jungle gym and slides.
- Platinum Cineplex: With 10 screens and over 1000 seats, this theatre offers you the best visual experience of domestic and international film options.
- Games: You can just go and spend time bowling, do high-tech AR games, animal picking, archery, boxing, karaoke, and much more. There are more than 100 games to choose from, so take a break and have fun trying the ones you like.
- Shop: After all, the shopping mall must be shopped. There are many unique things, like home furniture, clothes, accessories, and the best foreign and prime Vietnamese brands for clothing can be found here.
- Eat: There are more than 200 restaurants in the food section, where you can get various cuisine options, and cafes where you can sip a drink and relax.
Mall Opening Hours
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Hanoi Train Street
Most have this question: Is Hanoi Train Street Open? Yes, it is. It was closed due to safety concerns in 2019 but is now open again.
So, let me tell you precisely what is going to happen there. You will sit just inches away to feel the thrill of the train passing by. When it does, wind hits you hard, making you experience an adrenaline rush.
A train passes through the street where the locals’ homes, cafes, and restaurants are located. The vendors will arrange the chairs and tables on the side of the tracks, and you will be seated there. When the train arrives, some of the vendors will pull back their tents, spreading out till the track, but you can sit still and enjoy the breeze.
You can easily reach Train Street in just 1.5 km if you stay in the Old Quarter, which is the best place to stay in Hanoi. You can either take a short walk or hire a cab to reach.
The best time to visit the street would be when the train passes, but the train schedules are unreliable, so ask the locals about that.
Still, there are many cafes lined on both sides of the tracks, and each sight of the street gives you an aesthetic, Instagram-worthy picture. I am sure you can spend hours admiring the beauty of the street. And when the train passes by, you can experience the thrills.
Vietnam Central Circus
This is not any other ordinary circus; Vietnam Central Circus is an institution founded in 1950. Now, the trained artists give you mind-blowing circus performances with animals.
Apart from acrobatic shows or any gymnastics, there are theatrical acts where animals and humans enact to tell a tale with shiny costumes, bright paintings, music, and sounds to keep you entertained.
Any show here will last approximately 2-3 hours and cost you around 500 INR. And to book your seats, there are no advance reservations; you can buy them at the gate.
There is also an official contact number for the circus: +84 968 989 985. You can call them for any booking, or if you pass by the circus, you can get tickets beforehand. And the circus is just a few 100 m from the Train Street.
Hanoi Opera House
For Vietnam’s cultural glory, the Hanoi Opera House must be on your list. Let me tell you how the Opera House came to Vietnam.
In 1911, this house was built by French architects, resembling the Opéra Garnier Theatre in Paris. Back then, only the French conducted performances related to their tradition and culture.
Eventually, the Vietnamese were able to rent it for performance. For a while, the theatre was just a place for government meetings and the National Assembly.
After the French departure in 1954, the Vietnamese continued with their cultural events at the Opera. And now, they are pulling the tourists with their phenomenal art shows.
I am sure you will enjoy all the opera performances, ballet, classical music, and theatrical performances conducted here. For more information and events, you can check their website.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Know This Before Going To The Opera House
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Quảng Bá Flower Market
The street is beautifully arranged with flower shops. Each vendor has different kinds of flowers in a number of colours- Blue, pink, violets, whites, red, yellow, orange, and many other unique and beautiful flowers you will see for the first time in your life.
You might have a question: Why go to a flower market for nightlife in Hanoi? Quảng Bá Flower Market comes to life when the city sleeps.
Still, there will not be much of a crowd because people mostly like to spend their Hanoi nightlife in buzzy party streets.
But if you are looking for a quiet night filled with all kinds of beautiful flowers, you can go and buy a bouquet for your loved one.
Things to do in the flower market-
- You can talk with the locals and learn more about each flower
- Do flower shopping
- Perfect spot for street photography.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Nightlife in Hanoi City is diverse. If you need calmness after a wild party, the lake is always there for you to gaze at the water and free your mind. The best thing about Hoan Kiem Lake is that it is open 24 hours a day.
You can walk around the lake or sit and have conversations with friends and family as the stunning night view stands still to give you comfort. It is not just for tourists but a regular local spot for morning walks and exercise.
When you are there, you can also visit the temple called Ngoc Son Temple and the Turtle Tower, which is located on Jade Island (over the water). You can reach it easily by taking the Huc bridge.
Karaoke in Hanoi
Karaoke originated in Japan. But it is popularly enjoyed by the locals and the tourists of Vietnam. It’s the best way to get out of your introverted zone easily, and it will make you sing your heart out.
If you want to go to Vietnam with your family, friends, or you just want to get to know your colleagues, Karaoke is the best place to mingle with each other.
Chill! You can be great or terrible at singing; no one will ever know, because everyone will get lost in the amount of laughter and fun they are having. So just take that mike and scream the best lyrics to your favourite songs.
Some of the Karaoke bar options:
- The 47 Pub & KTV
- Karaoke Top One KTV
- Karaoke Sunny Royal
- Karaoke Kenz 202 Trung Kính
- Karaoke KTV Thái Thịnh
| Things To Remember Before Going To A Karaoke Bar
Don’t say “Yes” for hostesses unless you are into it. It is mainly for adult-based obscene entertainment. And if you prefer one, there is a chance you will be overpriced, and things can get out of hand when you refuse to pay. Do not opt to go inside a bar if you feel that the place is suspicious. Even though the place can be genuine, some who do not work there or with some tie-ups will scam you. It’s better to go with friends, so everyone keeps an eye on each other and observes for such bad occurrences. |
Long Bien Bridge
The French constructed the Long Bien Bridge from 1899 to 1902. Then the bridge was named after Paul Doumer, who was the French colonial leader. And later, in 1954, when the French left the country, it was renamed Long Bien.
The bridge is 2.4 km long and connects two districts, Hoan Kiem and Long Bien. It has become a popular location for tourists and locals to take a wedding photo shoot.
This 2.4 km long bridge connects Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts.
At night, when you stand on the bridge, you can see the splendour the city gives. Nightlife in Hanoi can start and end at this bridge, as it gives you the best sunrises and sunsets.
Around 5 PM – 6 PM, when the sun usually sets, you can come here to watch the sunset. Then, by early in the morning, as you finish your night wander, you can stop by for a beautiful sunrise.
Or you can just finish your party and take a walk on the bridge even at midnight. As the city sleeps, you can just look at the night’s calmness. Then gaze at the water, as it shimmers, reflecting the soft moon and the subtle yellow lights of the bridge.
Coffee Culture
| Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter. |
Coffee is everywhere, but only certain countries proudly own it and are famous worldwide. And Vietnam is one of those countries. Interestingly, Vietnamese coffee is famous in India too, so if you are there, you must try all the varieties of coffee available.
Coffee lover? Then you must do coffee workshops in Hanoi. There are many places that give you experiences on how to make all kinds of Vietnamese coffee, but that would be for a daytime activity, as the workshops close by evening.
But to enjoy the nighttime, the cafes in Vietnam at night are beautifully decorated with yellow lights that just captivate our souls. And, when in Vietnam, coffee beans are the best things to buy, so you can continue to enjoy your new favourite drink even after your vacation.
Some of the aesthetic cafes in Hanoi:
- Cafe Dinh
- Loading T café
- Tranquil Books & Coffee
- Hidden Gem Cafe Hanoi
- Cong Cafe – Nha Tho
- HOA10GIỜ – Hoa tươi phong cách Vintage
Famous coffees to try:
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Bar Hopping
If you are young, I am sure you would love hopping bars. Still, having fun isn’t limited to age. Everyone here is friendly, you can just randomly pick a bar to meet new people, drink, and show off your dance moves. So, here is a list of some of the best bars in Hanoi with unique themes.
Best bars in Hanoi
- Tadioto: For artistic decor and excellent Japanese food, it is the best place to gather with your friends or even as a solo to connect with like-minded people.
- The Republic: To enjoy live sport on a top-notch audio visual system, drinks, and food with a fantastic lake view.
- ZODIAC – Mixology and Wine: This bar is hidden on the second floor of Dang Dang Street. To find it, you need to follow the red lights, and you can enter. Or simply ask the locals on the street. This is a most secluded bar with cosy vibes.
- Beatro – Gastro Lounge: After the days of buzzing street walks, you can enjoy excellent fine dining here. You get a luxurious service and atmosphere. And I must say, it’s a true gem for Italian cuisine with live music.
Famous Foods
A place that never sleeps and is famous for beer must have some famous street food. Also, Vietnam is a non-vegetarian’s heaven. Some local street stalls will be open even by midnight, and some close by 10 PM. Make sure to check the restaurant timings before going.
You can find various dishes made with beef, pork, chicken, seafood, etc. I can sense some of you folks are not pleased to hear this. No worries! You can also find the best Indian restaurant in Hanoi, offering a mix of Indian and Vietnamese options to try out.
Must Try Foods in Hanoi
- Phở: A comforting Vietnamese dish. A type of rice noodle with chicken or beef in a warm beef broth. What distinguishes the dish is the broth: with fragrant star anise, cinnamon and clove, it makes it more craveable.
- Cơm Tấm: It’s broken rice, a very staple food in Vietnam. Back then, only the farmers used to eat this broken rice, which did not sell. The rice includes fried eggs with caramelised pork topped with sugar, green onion, oil, and fish sauce.
- Bún Bò Huế: This dish will pull you in just with its looks. A perfect bowl of beef noodles. It is beautifully layered with pork, fresh ham hocks, shrimp paste, and a sausage made of ham paste.
- Xôi: It’s steamed sticky rice. In day-to-day life, ceremonies, or Vietnamese celebrations, there is Xôi. And you will find it in five colours: White, Yellow, Green, Purple, and Red. The turnout in these colours is from natural ingredients. It is a vegetarian dish, but it can go well paired with meat.
Besides these four that are famous, there are so many dishes in Vietnam is a must-try: Banh Mi, Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, Chè, Bún Bò Cuốn Lá Lốt, Bánh Cuốn, Bún Chả Cá,, Chả Cá, Nộm Hoa Chuối, Bánh Căn, Bún Riêu and the list never ends for you to try there.
How to Travel Around in Hanoi?
- Walk: If you are planning your nightlife in Hanoi’s old quarter, then a few of the places mentioned above are close. There are so many things just within a 1-2 km radius, so hopping from street to street on foot can give you a pleasant city experience.
- Motorbikes: You can either rent one for a number of days or book a bike for just drop-offs. But if you rent a bike and travel, you must be careful. The places are crowded with locals, vendors, and tourists, and can be difficult if you are used to driving around this traffic. And always wear a helmet.
- Taxis: You can book via an app like Grab for taxis.
- Cyclos: It is a three-wheeled taxi, or you can call it a rickshaw. For a slow-paced ride and to enjoy every minute of the busy city, it’s the best mode of transportation.
Note: With heavy traffic, it will be hard for tourists to drive around. So, for a tourist, it is recommended that you book a bike, a taxi, or a cyclo for safety.
Safety Tips For Hanoi Nightlife
Vietnam is a safe country. There is a crowd everywhere, even at midnight. But you need to take care of yourself and your belongings when you are in an unknown place.
- Keep your things safe because when they are there, they are safe, but thefts also happen quickly.
- In local shops, the vendor will not accept a card. So carry cash! Also, when you give a more significant amount, they might not have a chance to give it back.
- Download the transportation app called “Grab”.
- Early mornings and mid-afternoon are less crowded.
- Bargain! In any local market you visit, you should feel proud if you bargain. It’s very common; you don’t have to shy away from it.
- Beware of the drug dealers. So drink consciously, even if you are in larger groups.
Conclusion
Going to Vietnam is a fun-filled experience. And being awake throughout the night and living your life by roaming around the city will stay in your memory for a lifetime.
As I finish the blog, the joy I feel by thinking of sitting by the lake at 1 AM, going to buy my favourite flowers in the Quảng Bá Flower Market and clicking pinterest worthy images, or just randoming goofing around in the Hein street with friends at midnight keeps me on my toe every single minute.
Vietnam nightlife in Hanoi will meet every expectation of yours. All you have to do is try not to sleep early and be an owl.
If you are making this Vietnam trip with your friends and family or looking for the best Vietnam honeymoon package, Dimaak Tours has the finest curated trip plans for everyone. Also, you can feel free to call us regarding any international travel questions.
Dimaal Tours is always ready to help you plan your itinerary and arrange a hassle-free trip.
Frequently Asked Questions on Hanoi Nightlife
Where to stay in Hanoi?
There are a few areas offering comfortable accommodation for tourists –
- Old Quarter
- French Quarter
- Tay Ho
- Ba Dinh District
- Hai Ba Trung District
- Dong Da District
But to enjoy the Hanoi Nightlife, I suggest you stay in the Old Quarter. From there, most of the places mentioned above are easily reachable by walking or by taking a few-minute cab ride. Old Quarter also offers accommodation for all kinds of travellers: Budget or Luxury.
Is Hanoi safe at night?
Hanoi is definitely safe, but don’t be lethargic. The city is filled with locals, tourists, and the vendors who run the shops late at night. A place that is also packed with people can be safe and dangerous. You need to keep your luggage safe and always be aware of pickpockets.
What time do the shops close in Hanoi?
It depends on which shops you go to. Yet, many markets in Hanoi keep you engaged throughout the night. And pubs are even open after midnight. But some restaurants and street food vendors close at 10-11 PM. So, check the timing before going to any restaurants or shops.
