Vietnam has, all of a sudden, been stealing the spotlight as a tourist hotspot in recent years. Many reasons can be attributed to this, but mainly the affordability and the fusion of calm and chaos are what make it a major crowd-puller. Hanoi is the perfect example of this.
Vietnam’s capital city is known for its medley of bustling streets and pleasant lakeside strolls. However, the time after sunset showcases Hanoi’s real allure – its nightlife! The city comes alive with vibrant lantern-lit alleys, bustling street markets, and lively cafes and bars. From sipping on local Bia Hoi at street corners to enjoying live music at rooftop lounges, Hanoi offers something for everyone. Forget Bangkok or Pattaya! Hanoi is the new happening hub for nightlife that’s also easy on your wallet. Here’s what’s in store for you in Hanoi at night:
Late evening stroll at Hoan Kiem Lake
Though not the quintessential spot for a Hanoi nightlife experience, we insist that you explore Hoan Kiem Lake at night. Once you have explored the city landmarks of Hanoi, clicked snapshots of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and felt the train chugging inches away from you while you sipped a hot cup of coffee at Hanoi Train Street, unwind from the thrill for a bit in the late evening and head to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Among the attractions in Hanoi, this lake embodies stillness amid a dynamic city. A simple stroll along the lakeshores at the ‘golden hour’ feels immensely peaceful. The Ngoc Son Temple, slowly lit up with lamps, looks resplendent in the middle of the lake, its clear waters mirroring the glow, making it a mesmerising spectacle to view. This place feels more like the calmness before your nightlife bursts into a dramatic vibe. After the stunning sunset ebbs into inky darkness, the paths lit by old-fashioned lamps have a comforting feel and cost nothing, just some time at your disposal before you head back to the chaos of the city for a nighttime enjoyment.
Shop at Weekend Night Markets
A shopping experience is a favourite add-on on Hanoi tour packages. We feel that shopping at night feels less hectic. Somehow, the street markets also have a different mood.
The night markets feel less aggressive as the street bustle gets hushed. Under the glow of street lamps and colourful lanterns, Hanoi’s night market feels less like a shopping trip and more like sightseeing.
Explore Dong Xuan and the Old Quarter Market during the weekends, where you can shop casually for everything from Vietnamese cone hats to silk apparel in neon-lit stalls. It is not uncommon to find a vendor selling hot, steaming pho or a variety of souvenirs on the corners of Hanoi’s streets, not just in the popular markets. You might even catch an impromptu live music performance or a dance show right on the streets to add a dash of excitement to the ambience. Before you finalise your purchase, however, put your best haggling skills to use, and you can buy things at much cheaper prices.
Visit the Beer Street
Looking for cheap beer and want to know how locals have fun at night? Check out Ta Hien, also known as the Beer Street, which is among the favourite hangout spots for locals to enjoy the nightlife of Hanoi. This spot, located just a short walk away from Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter, is as simple as it gets to enjoy having a great time with buddies without any fancy bars or splurging on high-priced beers. It is just a cluster of neon-lit, lantern-adorned pubs and bars lined closely along the cobblestone street, with plastic stools huddled together in the open air to form an informal, casual setting.
The vendors hand out local draft beers called bia hoi for less than a dollar! Chug one down, mingle with locals, have a merry time, and even see strangers become friends over a drink! This street is the most jam-packed with a jolly crowd after dark in Hanoi. It is one of the activities in Hanoi that tourists want to do, since it is the best way to see how the city really brings people together to have fun.
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If you have a passion for singing or the confidence to burst out into a song even if you go off-key, then don’t miss the chance to croon to your favourite songs with your friends and family at karaoke bars in Hanoi. This is your chance to share the spotlight and let Hanoi locals know about your singing skills. Karaoke has become a rave in Hanoi, with many KTV lounges and bars welcoming you to enjoy this pastime. Check out places like Mad Club Sports & Karaoke Bar and Karaoke Top One KTV on your next visit to Hanoi.
It doesn’t matter if you hit all the notes perfectly or absolutely butcher a good classic song, nobody in the karaoke bar would judge you. All that matters here is to feel the light-heartedness of cheers and laughter, along with the people you love the most in the world, in an energetic setting.
Dance at DJ Clubs
Get set to hit high-energy dance clubs in Hanoi to show off your best dance moves. If you are the partying type, Hanoi’s DJ scene will have you up and grooving on the dance floor to heart-thumping beats in no time! The clubs in Hanoi feel subtler and not as chaotic and frenetic as in Bangkok, but the pulsating beats of a mish-mash of EDM and hip-hop, in both international and Vietnamese songs, will get you moving and lure you in for a night spent dancing your heart out.
Here, it’s not about perfect moves to show off but all about letting go and having fun. It’s affordable but does not compromise on being glamorous and electrifying fun. The most happening spots to check out are 1900 Le Theatre, Hero Club, and M.O.A. 98 Hang Buom.
Witness Hanoi’s cityscape from rooftop bars
Hanoi looks elegantly beautiful at night and shines brightest from above. The best way to witness its sweeping charm? View it from an elevation! Get the best seat at a rooftop bar so that you can watch the city transform as the sun dips low on the horizon while you sip your favourite cocktail. As the golden hour ebbs away and the last rays of sun vanish, watch the city twinkle and illuminate in the soft glow of lanterns and bright neon lights amid the chaotic life that spreads out below.
Choose from a variety of spaces, some of which ooze classic chic vibes like the Terraco Sky Bar and Lighthouse Sky Bar, and some, like Northern Soul Rooftop Bar, that feel like you have been invited to a house party. If you are in the mood for something with a pool, head to Trill Rooftop Cafe out in Thanh Xuan. The prices are reasonable, and the crowd you meet are those who would not mind dragging you to the dance floor the moment the DJ drops the beat.
Head for late-night snacking in Tong Duy Tan
Lastly, the experience of staying back to tuck into late-night pho or Vietnamese egg coffee is something you shouldn’t miss on your Hanoi trip. The night’s still lively, as if the city has forgotten all about bedtime, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lures you to have that last sip before you unwind. The same goes for a steaming bowl of Pho and even other street-side delicacies like lip-smacking Bun Cha. The stoves in the food street stalls of Tong Duy Tan burn a little longer than others, as the place loves to stay awake and enjoy the city vibes till the late hours of the night. So, take advantage of the less-crowded streets as people slowly return home. Go for a late-night walk to enjoy the sights of the lit-up attractions. Then, stop at a Vietnamese street food vendor and eat like a local to satisfy your late-night appetite.
Conclusion
Hanoi’s nightlife has sadly not received its due credit. Being overshadowed by Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, one misses an opportunity to enjoy a vibrant ambience, lively activities, and delectable food, all for a fraction of the price you would shell out in other Southeast Asian destinations. The blend of traditional charm and modern energy makes the nightlife in Hanoi an unforgettable experience. On your next trip to Hanoi, just wander around after dark and let the city’s nightlife take you in as one of its own!
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