Hanoi’s nightlife scene offers a multitude of interesting activities well after the sun sets.
After a long and tiring day of touring around this exquisite and beautiful city, tourists can now have some free time for themselves and enjoy the fun yet relaxed nightlife in Hanoi.
So with us, let find out the most popular activities in Hanoi at night in this post!
Night in Hanoi is the only time when you can have a great time without getting burned by the heating sun or getting worn out by tours after tours.
The streets are bustling and packed with local and expats which you can make friends with along the way and get the know Hanoi from the view of true Hanoians.
And what is a better way to show you Hanoi by night than a friendly local giving you a detailed list of recommended activities? I now present to you 15 and more activities in HANOI AT NIGHT.
Lists like this are available all over the internet but the extra we give you is a map and a few friendly tips from our very own experience as Hanoians!
All the night activities we recommend below here are divided into 3 categories:
- Relaxing and Chilling Activities (the yellow ones)
- Cultural Discovery Activities (the red ones)
- Fun and Dynamic Activities (the green ones)
Now let’s go in detail and discover Hanoi nightlife!
Relaxing and Chilling Activities – Nightlife in Hanoi
Table of Contents
1. Wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter – Explore Hanoi night life
Hoan Kiem Lake is near the Old Quarter and it’s easy to walk from this place to another. Wandering around this area is not a bad idea for a night in Hanoi.
Hoan Kiem Lake seems to be more beautiful at night
It’d be fun to discover around and snap some pictures at night since the scenery of the lake is beautiful. All the electric lights of buildings surrounding the lake reflect on the water surface, creating a colorful sight.
Walk down the pedestrian path, join in with the locals and breath in some fresh air is truly relaxing. More exciting with some FREE Tours with friendly locals!
At the weekends, the whole area becomes a Walking Street, all transportations are prohibited.
If you’re lucky enough to arrive in Hanoi at the weekends, make sure not to miss the Walking Street because there’re so many activities going on here from traditional ones to modern ones.
2. Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridge is not only the oldest bridge in Hanoi with more than a century of ages but also the most beautiful sightseeing place.
From here, you can see the view of the Red River ripples. In the day time, many photographers and tourists come here to take pictures of this gorgeous and vintage bridge.– Discover the nightlife Hanoi
At sunset, the view of the bridge is more beautiful than ever and at night, this bridge lights up with all the traffic lights and the far suburbs. The whole view brings a nostalgic and peaceful feeling.
You can sit on the side of Long Bien Bridge and enjoy some roasted corn, hot potato, sip a glass of corn juice (a very famous and delicious drink of Vietnamese people) and have some chit chat with your friends.
3. West Lake
You can come here from the afternoon to take a walk or bicycling
West Lake is the biggest lake in Hanoi and its surrounding area also provides many activities in Hanoi at night.
This is a place that meets all your needs from fun, shopping, dining to sports and fun activities around the lake. You can choose some relaxing activities like walking around the lake, eat ice cream or drink Vietnamese famous iced tea at a street vendor.
4. Lemon tea at St.Joseph’s Cathedral
Drinking lemon tea at a street vendor is one popular of activities in Hanoi at night of young Hanoians.
They even have a Vietnamese phrase for this which is “tra chanh via he”. When young people meet up with their friends, this is the first go-to activity of them rather than going to clubs or parties.
One of the most popular places for drinking tasty lemon tea is at St.Joseph’s Cathedral area. Lemon tea here comes in a larger glass with lemon, sweetened with sugar and served over ice.
It is delicious and super refreshing on a hot day. So come here, sip a glass of lemon tea with the young people and enjoy the view of the beautiful old church.
St.Joseph’s Cathedral when all the lights are on
5. Quang Ba Night Flower Market (along Nghi Tam Street, Tay Ho District)
If you’re still wondering where to go in Hanoi at night, then why not consider a Night Flower Market?
Coming to a flower market at night-time may be weird but we have a reason to say this. Quang Ba Flower Market reaches its peak right after midnight, around 2 in the morning. This market is the supply of all the floral shops and vendor in Hanoi and all the flowers here are so fresh in the early morning. All kinds of flowers are sold here which bring so many colors and fragrances.
If you’re a flower-lover and can stay up late, come to this market, take a walk through it. You can also experience how the locals do their shopping and live their daily life since this is a typical wet market of Vietnamese people.
6. Hanoi Opera House
Hanoi Opera House is the iconic building of the French colonists in Vietnam. Located in a big avenue, Hanoi Opera House’s scenery is beautiful at night when all the city lights are on.
The Opera House is a crowded place on special occasions
Many people come here to take photos or just simply sit in the coffee shop and enjoy the stunning view of this beautiful architecture.
If you have a chance, you can also watch a live musical or opera performance here. However, shows are not constantly performed here, so you should make sure that you check and buy the ticket first.
Cultural Discovery at Night – Hanoi Vietnam Nightlife
1. Water Puppet Show
Water Puppet Show is the traditional performance of Vietnam and a must-watch especially when you travel with kids!
If you want to have a deeper insight into the Vietnamese culture, going to the Water Puppet Theatre to watch a show is one great suggestion of all activities at night in Hanoi.
The world-famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi has its roots in an art form that dates back to the 11th century.
The tradition of water puppet theatre stems from a time when rice paddy fields were flooded and villagers would make entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water.
Throughout the whole show, the puppets as actors will be illustrating ancient myths, legends and folklore of Vietnam.
Most of the music played is traditional music which is played by wooden bells, drums, horns, and bamboo flutes as well as cymbals.
If you want to enjoy this art, then you should book tickets in advance, particularly on weekends. It is also advisable to pay more to get closer to the action as the theatre seats a few hundred people and the puppets are not that big.
The theatre is modern and usually shows 17 short sketches within a one-hour performance. Aside from the general admission fee of 100.000 VND, there’s an additional camera or video fee if you wish to photograph or film the show.
- Opening Hours: Daily 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30 & 20:00
- Address: 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Tel: +84 43 824 9494
- Price: 100.000 VND
2. Street Food Adventure with Free Local Student Guide
Hanoi Street Food Tour is very famous here in Hanoi. In fact, we think that night is the best time to go on a foodie adventure in Hanoi Old Quarter since this is the central place of all the most delicious food in the whole capital.
As walking through the streets to find the most delicious restaurants and street food vendors, you can observe the local daily life as well as unlock the hidden secrets of Hanoi Old Quarter.tlife in
Fried beef noodles in Hanoi Old Quarter at night
At night, there are many kinds of tasty Street food being served in every single corner. There are so many kinds of food for you to try including Barbecued beef, Che, Banh Troi Tau, hot pot and so on.
If you’re confusing which kind of activities in Hanoi at night, why not taking a street food tour in Hanoi with a FREE local guide? You can book a Hanoi Street Food Tour here!
3. Ionah Show
Ionah Show – one of the most creative forms of art
Ionah show is the performance which highly focused on the costume
Although being a new art form in recent years, Ionah Show has risen to fame since the beginning.
A 90-minute Ionah Show offers a stunning display of dance, circus, music, visual, 3D mapping and lighting effects, depicting the journey of a young girl and her lover.
All the performances are a mixture of Western and Vietnamese art from dances to music, along with leading theatrical technology.
If you’re an art and performance lover, watching this show is definitely worth it.
- Location: 87 Lang Ha Street, O Cho Dua, Dong Da, Hà Nội
- Opening hours: 20:00 – 22:00
- Ticket: 500.000 – 800.000 VND
4. Lang Toi Show – My Village
Lang Toi – My Village show is one of the most outstanding cultural performance that is worth the ticket.
This cultural show is performed in Hanoi Opera House and also has been being performed in many other countries in the world from Asia to Europe, such as France, Germany, Belgium, Hong Kong.
Come here to witness one of the most outstanding cultural performance
Lang Toi village show describes the peaceful and charming picture of the northern Vietnamese villages with images of farmers, rice paddies and the life of villagers at their hometown.
Watch acrobats, dancers, and jugglers bring a rural Vietnamese village to life on the stage as you hear live music on classic Vietnamese instruments.
Your admission to Lang Toi includes reserved seating and pre-show drinks at the Hanoi Opera House.
- Address: Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Ticket price: 700.000 – 1.600.000 VND
Fun and Dynamic Activities at Night in Hanoi – Hanoi by night
1. Soaking some beer at Bia Hoi Junction
Let’s get rid of the heat with a cup of beer in Ta Hien street!
A night out in Hanoi is not complete without sitting back on plastic stools and enjoy Bia Hoi (Vietnamese draft beer) along the bustling streets.
A must-visit for any first-time visitor to Hanoi, Bia Hoi Junction is widely-regarded as the quintessential nightlife spot in Hanoi.
Open throughout the day and late into the night, the ever-bustling beer haven is located at the corner of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets in the Hanoi Old Quarter, where you can see hundreds of people sitting on plastic stools with a pint of Bia Hoi in hand.
Available at numerous makeshift bars within Bia Hoi Junction, Bia Hoi is a type of Vietnamese draft beer that only contains about 4% alcohol considered weak compared to European standards.
Bia Hoi is incredibly cheap, you can enjoy a tall glass with just 10.000 VND.
As it can get very packed here, do keep your wits about and be mindful of your belongings. Nonetheless, Bia Hoi Junction is great for drinking on a budget as well as experiencing the local culture.
>>> Taste some fresh beer in Ta Hien Street and enjoy Hanoi night street food in Hanoi
Tips from your lovely locals: consider this a pre-game for your up-coming bar and club listed down below.
- Location: the intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen Street
- Opening hours: 8:00 to midnight
2. Shopping at Hanoi Night Market
How about shop till you drop in Hanoi Night Market?
Going to the night market in Hanoi is one of the worthwhile activities in Hanoi at night not only for the food but also for the atmosphere.
This seems to become more of a habit and hobby of the Hanoians although their purpose for going there is not always for shopping.
They sometimes visit the night market just to immerse in the lively and bustling atmosphere of Hanoi, and to gather with their friends to talk, chat, and enjoy their favorite snacks.
Grilled Pork Skewers – A popular food at the night market
Not far from Hoan Kiem Lake is Dong Xuan night market that is busy with all kinds of clothes with different qualities and prices.
Dong Xuan market mainly sell wholesale but if you like to buy retail, they supply you with products. However, retail and wholesale prices vary quite a lot.
In addition to shopping, you should not miss the food at the Dong Xuan night market because the food is quite good and cheap.
Some dishes for you to enjoy including chè (sweet porridge), phở (noodles), bún ốc (rice vermicelli with snails), bún chả (rice vermicelli with grilled pork), congee and nộm (Vietnamese salad).
- Location: from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market
- Opening hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 19:00 to midnight
3. Hanoi Night Club, Bars, and Pubs for Night life in Hanoi
Of course, we can’t miss out all the dynamic Hanoi Night Clubs and Bars when thinking of those activities in Hanoi at night. Here, we list out some of the most famous places
Legend Beer
The scene is vibrant and colorful from the Legend Beer
This is a bar with a sweeping terrace that overlooks the downtown of Hanoi and Hoan Kiem Lake.
In fact, there is no place in Hanoi that can give you a really cool iced cold beer while still allowing you to enjoy the nighttime escapades of Hanoians.
Perfect for gathering with friends
Legend Beer Hanoi brews its own drinks and serves German-style dishes such as pork knuckles and sausages.
Most tourists come here for the view, as the chaotic streets below are almost within touching distance, thanks to the low level of the terrace.
Due to this, the price range is slightly more expensive than most bars within the Old Quarter.
- Location: 01-03-05 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 – 23:00
- Tel: +84 43 776 1666
Hero Club
Hero Club Hanoi is an industrial-style nightlife venue where you can dance the night away with party-loving locals and expats.
The establishment is decorated with colorful murals of popular superheroes and propaganda posters, while the DJ booth is set within an old Soviet truck.
The music policy here ranges from EDM and deep house to hip-hop and R&B while drinks are priced at 75.000 VND onwards.
A few tips from your friendly local: book in advance a table in front of the stage for your best experience and remember to bring your friends to hold you back in case things go wild.
- Location: 42 Yen Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: Daily 20:00 – Late
- Tel: +84 98 926 4242
Dragonfly Bar Lounge
Dragonfly Bar and Lounge Hanoi is a longstanding night spot in the Old Quarter of Hanoi that attracts a fairly even mix of young Vietnamese and youthful expats.
The music varies between hip-hop and party pop music and there is space to dance if you get in the groove, although most people prefer to mix and mingle.
Perhaps due to the number of backpackers that frequent Dragonfly, large cocktails are popular here and are noticeably good value.
Head upstairs to enjoy a shisha pipe with a range of flavors available!
The bar also serves a wide range of dishes
- Location: 15 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem district
- Opening Hours: 10:00-23:00
- Tel: +844 926 2177
Binh Minh’s Jazz Club
For whoever wants a tranquil yet fun night, Binh Minh’s Jazz Club is your place!
A legendary nightlife spot in Hanoi French Quarter, Binh Minh’s Jazz Club is the place to catch live music performances by some of the finest jazz musicians in the city.
It was established back in 1998 by pioneering Vietnamese jazz artist Quyen Van Minh, who has performed across the world.
Exuding an intimate yet welcoming ambiance, Binh Minh’s Jazz Club features minimal décor, cozy seats, warm lighting, and efficient service while the menu comprises classic cocktails, imported beers, whiskeys, and coffee, as well as a selection of western and Vietnamese delicacies.
Drinks at Binh Minh’s Jazz Club are pricier compared to most bars in Hanoi, starting from 65.000 VND onwards.
However, many patrons would agree that the prices are more than fair due to the quality of the live entertainment and lack of cover charge.
- Location: 1 Trang Tien Street, French Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 24:00
- Tel: +84 43 942 0400
Sun Set Bar
Sunset Bar at InterContinental Hanoi West Lake offers affluent travelers a superb designer spot to enjoy a cool evening cocktail far away from Hanoi’s crowds.
Set between three pavilions overlooking West Lake, the bar is easily accessible via a torch-lit bridge from the five-star hotel.
Sunset Bar with the mesmerizing view of West Lake
Guests can relax on the comfortable daybeds and couches on a chilled-out wooden deck, whilst enjoying Sunset Bar’s signature cocktails and premium wines.
Sunset bar is near West Lake which gives you the chance to talk a walk around the lake, get some fresh air and relax like a true Hanoian.
- Location: InterContinental Hanoi West Lake, 5 Tu Hoa Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Opening Hours: Daily 16:30 – 24:00
- Tel: +84 46 270 8888
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