Unveiling 10 Best Things To Do At Night In Hanoi, Vietnam
Welcome to the vibrant and enchanting city of Hanoi, Vietnam, where the magic truly comes alive after the sun sets. As the bustling streets transition from the warm embrace of daylight to the mysterious allure of the night, a whole new world of experiences awaits you.
In this guide, we unveil the 10 best things to do at night in Hanoi, offering a captivating journey through the city’s illuminated streets, delectable culinary delights, and captivating cultural offerings. Whether you’re a nocturnal explorer, a food enthusiast, or a seeker of captivating nightlife, Hanoi has something to offer for every night owl. Join us as we navigate through the captivating tapestry of Hanoi’s evening offerings, igniting your sense of adventure and unveiling the city’s hidden gems, one unforgettable night at a time.
Tạ Hiện Bia Hơi
Address: Ta Hien, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
When venturing through Hanoi’s bustling streets, there’s one culinary treasure that every traveler yearns to savor – Bia Hơi Tạ Hiện. While the cuisine and beer offerings may not boast extravagant features, Tạ Hiện holds a unique distinction as the sole “bia hơi” (fresh beer) street near Hoan Kiem Lake, creating an irresistible allure that beckons tourists and infuses the area with a lively, vibrant ambiance.
Tạ Hiện is not merely a place to drink and dine; it’s a cultural crossroads where you can immerse yourself in the city’s heartbeat. The energy is infectious, drawing you into the heart of Vietnamese conviviality, and each sip of the draft beer is a toast to the shared moments and connections that are effortlessly forged here.
As you raise your glass, surrounded by the vibrant tapestry of Hanoi’s night, you become part of an age-old tradition that has witnessed generations coming together to celebrate life, friendship, and the simple joys that the night brings. Tạ Hiện isn’t just a culinary stop; it’s a journey into the very essence of Hanoi’s nightscape, where the authentic flavors of Vietnam and the genuine camaraderie of its people converge in a symphony of sights, sounds, and tastes.
So, whether you’re a solo adventurer seeking new connections or a group of friends celebrating the night, Tạ Hiện promises an experience that transcends the ordinary. As the stars twinkle overhead and the conversations flow like the “bia hơi” itself, you’ll find yourself swept up in the undeniable magic of this bustling street, where every sip is a tribute to the beauty of Hanoi’s nocturnal soul.
Upon stepping into Tạ Hiện Street, one is greeted by an array of small, unassuming eateries and pubs, each offering its version of the beloved fresh beer alongside an assortment of simple yet delectable Vietnamese street food. What truly sets this place apart is not the extravagance of its menu, but the enchanting energy that emanates from the intermingling of laughter, clinking glasses, and the shared joy of indulging in the city’s culinary delights.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Nhà Thờ Lớn)
Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
“The Cathedral Street” is the collective term for several streets surrounding the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and it stands as one of Hanoi’s most beloved nightlife destinations. The venerable cathedral, adorned in Gothic architecture, is not the sole attraction of this street; it’s the diverse menu of culinary delights from around the world that truly draws visitors. Here, you can sit with friends from the evening onwards, sipping on lemon tea, munching on sunflower seeds, engaging in lively conversations, and witnessing the transformation of the entire street as night falls.
Moreover, the area is also home to Spanish and Italian restaurants, along with a handful of French cafés, providing you with an array of options. While Nhà Chung Street boasts affordable international street food such as Thai coconut ice cream, dim sum, takoyaki, and spicy Hai Phong-style sandwiches, Lý Quốc Sư Street overflows with Vietnamese cuisine: chicken rice porridge, deep-fried glutinous rice balls, pillow-shaped dumplings, mixed fruit dessert, and the legendary pork rib porridge.
The Cathedral Street has become a testament to Hanoi’s embrace of global flavors and the harmonious coexistence of diverse culinary traditions. It’s a place where cultures converge, where you can sample a medley of dishes from across the world, and where the vibrant spirit of Hanoi’s nightlife comes alive. Whether you’re enjoying the company of friends or taking a leisurely stroll, this street offers an experience that captures the essence of Hanoi’s cosmopolitan charm.
Hang Buom Food Street
While travelers flock to the culinary streets of Khaosan or Chinatown in Thailand, Hanoi offers its own delectable treasure trove – the Hàng Buồm Food Street. This bustling street is a culinary haven that food enthusiasts visiting Hanoi cannot afford to miss. With an array of food stalls and vendors lining the sidewalks, Hàng Buồm Street transforms into an epicurean wonderland come evening, making it an ideal nocturnal destination for those with a penchant for gastronomic delights.
Hàng Buồm Food Street beckons with its vibrant atmosphere, enticing aromas, and a medley of flavors that showcase Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage. The street is a treasure trove of diverse dishes, ranging from traditional Vietnamese fare to international cuisines, making it a paradise for those seeking a delightful culinary escapade.
As you traverse this food haven, you’ll encounter a vibrant tapestry of street food vendors offering an impressive range of delicacies. From aromatic phở stalls, serving up the quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup, to sizzling bún chả grills crafting the iconic Hanoi dish, and colorful displays of freshly rolled spring rolls – every corner of Hàng Buồm Street is a tantalizing treat for the taste buds.
The street truly comes to life as the sun sets and the city’s vibrant nightlife awakens. The gentle hum of conversations, the sizzling of pans, and the enticing scents of street food fill the air, creating an ambiance that is both exciting and comforting. The joy of strolling through Hàng Buồm Food Street lies not only in indulging in delectable dishes but also in immersing yourself in the captivating cultural scene.
For the adventurous eater, Hàng Buồm Food Street presents an opportunity to explore the diverse and evolving flavors of Hanoi. It’s a place where you can mingle with locals and fellow travelers, share stories, and bond over the love of great food. The street’s convivial atmosphere and delectable offerings make it an essential stop on any Hanoi itinerary, and a culinary adventure that promises unforgettable memories. So, if you’re seeking to savor the essence of Hanoi’s vibrant food culture under the starry night sky, Hàng Buồm Food Street is where you’ll find an evening of culinary bliss.
Dong Xuan market
Address: Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
an evening at Dong Xuan market is indeed a captivating and vibrant experience that encapsulates the essence of Hanoi’s nightlife. Locals and visitors alike converge upon this vibrant space, creating a symphony of sights, sounds, and interactions that weave together the rich tapestry of Hanoi’s cultural identity.
But it’s not just the shopping that makes Dong Xuan market a must-visit. The market’s unique charm is amplified by the captivating Xam singing program that takes place at the market gate every Saturday night. This traditional form of singing adds a layer of cultural immersion to your evening, allowing you to experience the soul-stirring melodies and stories that have been passed down through generations. It’s a chance to witness the living history of Hanoi while enjoying the modern delights of shopping and socializing.
So, whether you’re in search of a souvenir to commemorate your trip or simply seeking an evening of lively entertainment and cultural enrichment, Dong Xuan market has it all. A night spent here is a perfect encapsulation of Hanoi’s spirit – a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, commerce and culture, creating a wonderful and unforgettable experience for all who venture into its bustling lanes.
Trang Tien Ice Cream
Address: 35 Trang Tien, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Trang Tien ice cream is one of the entertainment places in Hanoi at night that is chosen by many people because of its familiar, quality ice cream flavor, reasonable price and convenient transportation location. The shop is located right on the busy Trang Tien street, very close to many famous places such as: Hoan Kiem lake, walking street, food street, … So, if you have the opportunity to visit the above destinations, you should take a moment to stop by to experience the cool ice cream cones of the famous capital brand.
Not only that, recently, Trang Tien Ice Cream has “transformed” in a new look that is a harmonious combination of European features and old Hanoi shape, so don’t forget to check in really nice with the location just right. This is both familiar and foreign.
Old Town Air market
Address: Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The Old Quarter Air market is one of the fun places in Hanoi at night that you should visit. The whole market is spread on 3 streets Hang Ngang, Hang Dao and Hang Duong with about 3 km. In addition, the market only operates from 6 pm to 11 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so you should note the time.
This place sells a lot of different goods such as clothes, household items, decorations, souvenirs, … for you to enjoy shopping. In addition, if you visit the night market on major holidays such as Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas, Lunar New Year, .., you will even admire the shimmering and bustling scene of the market. Besides the utensils and equipment, at the old town night market, there is also a culinary paradise with snacks for you to explore.
Hoan Kiem lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is associated with many legends and myths. This is not only one of the must-see destinations of tourists when coming to Hanoi, but also a place associated with the spiritual history of the city. There are two islands here: Pearl Island in the north with the red The Huc bridge and Turtle Island in the middle of the lake with the ancient Turtle Tower.
On weekends, the surrounding area becomes a Walking Street with many activities taking place from musical performances to traditional Vietnamese games. On weekdays, renting a cyclo around the lake is also an interesting option. Don’t forget to enjoy the famous ice cream here.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Ward, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Water puppetry is one of the unique features of Vietnamese folk art and the Hanoi Water Puppet Theater is where you can enjoy the best water puppet show here. Sometimes, instead of enjoying music, drinks and food, enjoying the beauty of folk art can be a very enjoyable nightlife experience.
There are shows at 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30 and 20:00 daily
Price range: 100,000 VND – 150,000 VND – 200,000 VND.
West Lake
The northeast side of West Lake is one of the busiest places in Hanoi’s nightlife with lots of bars, pubs and nightclubs. Here you are free to dance until morning or drink with friends, watch your favorite sports match. On the other hand, the southwest side of Hanoi lake when night falls becomes very quiet and peaceful.
You can admire the beauty of Hanoi on the other side, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the cool breeze from the lake. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Hanoi.
Bars
1900 Le Theater Club:
One of the best nightclubs in the old town. Located on Ta Hien Street – the heart of Hanoi’s nightlife, this place is always crowded on weekdays by both young Vietnamese and foreigners. The main focus is the modern stage, where DJs play upbeat songs (EDM or Hip Hop) and live bands perform mostly Vietnamese pop songs.
Admission is free on most nights, except for special events, you will have to pay about 100,000 – 250,000 VND and wine is more expensive: 80,000 VND for a beer and 120,000 VND for a cocktail/wine. Most of the customers occupy high tables and there is a nice central bar for those who come alone. Weekend nights are the busiest and there is a promotion on Wednesday nights (2 free beers for students with valid student IDs) and Tuesday nights.
- Opening hours: 20h30 – 01h00.
- Address: No. 8 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
The Bank Hanoi:
One of the biggest nightclubs in Hanoi. The luxury nightclub is located on the 6th floor of the Capital building. It’s a cross between the best of Vietnamese and Western nightclubs. You are free to roam or dance instead of standing around the table all night. Popular music in Vietnam as well as in the world.
- Drink prices from: 110,000 VND/person.
- On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, they have wild sexy dancers.
- Ladies night every Wednesday for free flow 350,000 VND. With some selected drinks such as Whiskey-Coke, Vodka-Red Bull, Gin-Tonic. Females do not have to pay.
- Address: The Capital, 6th floor, 41 Hai Ba Trung, Dist. Hoan Kiem.
- Opening hours: from 20h30 to 2h00.
Dawn Jazz Club:
The best place to enjoy live Jazz at night in Hanoi. It was founded in 1998 by Vietnamese jazz pioneer Quyen Van Minh. There is a full bar, food menu with high quality performances by father and son Minh & Dac and other domestic/international Jazz artists.
It exudes an intimate and friendly atmosphere, minimalist decor, warm lighting, cozy seating and good service. The menu includes a selection of Western and Vietnamese delicacies, classic cocktails, whiskey, imported beer and coffee. It’s a great place to get away from the bustling city landscape.
- Live Jazz nightly from 21:00 to 23:30.
- Address: No. 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Opening hours: 08h00 – 24h00.
As the nightfall drapes Hanoi in its enchanting embrace, the city reveals a world of wonder that’s waiting to be explored. From the lively alleys of Bia Hơi Tạ Hiện to the bustling lanes of Dong Xuan market, Hanoi’s nocturnal charm comes alive with a vibrant energy that’s simply irresistible.
So, whether you’re a night owl or just seeking a change of pace, let Hanoi’s nights enchant you. The city’s stories, flavors, and hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, creating memories that will linger long after the night fades into dawn. As the stars twinkle above and the city’s rhythm beckons, embrace the magic of Hanoi at night and let it leave an indelible mark on your journey through Vietnam’s vibrant capital.
