Hanoi nightlife offers a wide range of fascinating things to do and interesting places to go after the sun sets. From wandering around the night market to relishing the local food at street vendors, with sipping draught beer and sightseeing the city’s major landmarks at night, all are worth for your time. Read on to find out what to do in Hanoi at night, best nightlife in Hanoi, along with some Hanoi nightlife tips not only to experience the best of Hanoi's nightlife but also to see why Hanoi is considered to have one of the best nightlife in Vietnam.
What to do in Hanoi at night
Visiting Hanoi, many travelers will ask the same question " Things to do in Hanoi" or "What to do in Hanoi at night". You may find the answer to your question with some tips for the places to visit and things to do in Hanoi at night as below.
1. Exploring Hanoi Night Market
Hanoi Night Market is one of the worthwhile things to do in Hanoi as it is a good way to touch on the real local life. One of the best attractions in Hanoi is Hanoi Night Market which stretches through some of the busiest streets found in the Old Quarter, comprising Hang Duong, Hang Ngang, and Hang Dao. Hanoi Night Market which is open every night of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from around 7.30pm until late is full of delicious food and local souvenirs, not to mention the exciting live performances.
Another night market needs to be mentioned is Quang Ba Flower Night Market which supplies fresh flowers for Hanoi and nearby provinces. It is open from midnight to the early morning of next day so try to stay awake over this night and stroll around the lively market to enjoy Hanoi nightlife.
2. Walking around Hanoi City’s major landmarks
Hanoi City’s highlights bring you a different feeling after dark. Considered to be the best attraction in Hanoi, the storied Hoan Kiem Lake attracts people of all ages coming to enjoy the fresh air and participate in an endless range of activities such as walking, jogging, aerobics, and daydreaming. Especially, the roads around Hoan Kiem Lake are blocked on weekend evenings, to turn them into the walking streets, creating a wonderful festival vibe all around the charming lake.
After a short lakeside walk, you can head to Hanoi Opera House which offers a stunning view at night. It also hosts regular shows by Vietnam's National Symphony Orchestra, along with a twice-weekly modern dance show called Lang Toi (My Village).
3. Savouring Hanoi street food
Hanoi is very famous for its street food, especially local dishes in the evening. Just try to wander around the bustling streets of Hanoi Old Quarter to sample some local specialties, you will see that is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. You may take a walk by yourself or follow a local expert to experience the real Hanoi street food through taste under the guide. It can be said that Hanoi nightlife is one of the best in Vietnam thanks to its street food.
Hanoi Street Food is offered by different companies and you may join in different itineraries. You may discover the street food in Hanoi by walking or staying on the back of a motorbike arranged by a local company. You will see that Hanoi is the paradise of food and not many places in the world have great street food like street food in Hanoi.
4. Trying Hanoi Local Beer
Conveniently enough, Hanoi Old Quarter is the perfect spot to drink a glass (or two) of o beer. Bia Hoi is the most famous for Hanoi Local Beer and it is popular with the local people. When you walk on the street in Hanoi or around it is not difficult for you to see “ Bia Hoi” in most of Hanoi corners. The most famous place in the Hanoi Old Quarter is Bia Hoi Corner, which is the junction of Luong Ngoc Quyen and Ta Hien Streets. Pull up a tiny plastic stool, order, and then try a glass of "Bia Hoi" which costs you approximately 25 cents a draft, adding some snacks from the vendor, you will get a unique experience in Hanoi at nightfall.
5. Having drinks at a bar/ nightclub in Hanoi
Another suggestion about Hanoi nightlife is enjoying a couple of drinks at a local bar or nightclub. The city’s vivid bars and lively nightclubs are conveniently located around Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter, where you can enjoy great music, exciting atmosphere, as well as make new friends with fun-loving locals and expats. The interesting things about experiencing the bar or nightclub in Hanoi is you can sit at the bar near the door to drink, chat with friends, along with watching the people walking on the streets.
Best nightlife in Hanoi
1. Bia Hoi Junction
A “must-come” for any first timer to Hanoi, Bia Hoi Junction is widely regarded as the best nightlife spot not just only in Hanoi, but also in Vietnam. This bustling beer corner is open throughout the day and until late at night, giving you the view of hundreds of people sitting on tiny plastic stools with a glass of Bia Hoi in hands. If you do not like to sit on the pavement, you may choose a bar which sells soft drinks and imported beers such as Tiger, Corona. In addition to that, many stalls selling a wide range of snacks such as steamed peanuts, skewered meats, fried tofu, and beef jerky are available on the street.
2. Water Puppet Theatre
The Water Puppet Show is the “must-see” show which gains its reputation all over the world, so it is a rare treat to watch the performance in the place where it is originated from at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This world-famous theatre is one of the best attractions in Hanoi with tickets are usually sold out in advance so it is highly advised to purchase the tickets as soon as you reach the town.
Watching the unique show which is performed on the water stage will surely be a memorable experience in Hanoi. Water Puppet Show is one of the best Hanoi nightlife clients want to see while visiting Hanoi.
3. Binh Minh’s Jazz Club
Another Hanoi nightlife spot which needs to be mentioned is Binh Minh’s Jazz Club which is the place to see live music shows performed by several of the finest jazz musicians in the city. Features minimal decoration, warm lighting, cozy seats, and excellent service, Binh Minh’s Jazz Club is great for escaping from the busy cityscape as it also offers a welcoming yet intimate ambiance. Though the drinks cost higher in comparison with most bars in Hanoi, it is totally worth due to the live jazz that takes place from 21:00 to 23:30 every night.
Hanoi nightlife tips
After getting to know what to do and where to go in the place with one of the best nightlife in Vietnam, below are some Hanoi nightlife tips which are very useful to make your trip in Hanoi Capital City fulfilled and perfect.
If you visit Hanoi Night Market or Hanoi Walking Street on the weekend evenings, why do not you try some Hanoi Street Food to get energy for a night full of fun and exploration?
Surely, Hanoi offers street food with diversity, but not about hygiene. It is better to participate in a guided walking street food tour with a local expert as your tour guide knows very well where to eat good and clean food.
Some crowded places such as Hanoi Night Market or Bia Hoi corner may sometimes happen pickpockets so be mindful of your personal belongings. It is highly advised to leave your passports and your valuable jewelry at your hotel’s safe.
Though it is safe to stroll around the bustling streets of Hanoi Old Quarter at night, it is the best to avoid the dark alleyways after 10 pm.
Should you like to purchase some souvenirs or handicrafts at Hanoi Night Market, it is recommended to bargain as the sellers may quote you a higher price.