Best Night Spots in Hanoi

Hanoi nightlife has its distinctive harmonious charm of modernity, fun and also cultural richness as it defines itself. Find out more about top night spots in Hanoi to see what this 1000-year-old capital city has to offer after the sun goes down.

Alongside Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is considered one of the best nightlife destinations in Vietnam. While party-goers will find plenty of all-night fun in this bustling city as it should have, those looking for something more to the cultural side can also learn something about the city's thousand-year heritage by visiting landmarks.
 
Wherever you go, you will discover that certain things hold true. First, it is absolutely affordable to have a fun night in the capital city. Second, if you prefer walking, you'd better stay a few nights at a hotel in the Old Quarters during the weekend when the roads are blocked for a walking street. And third, Hanoi’s great night spots are mostly concentrated in just a few areas which we will tell you now. A visit to even one of the destinations on this list will have you strolling around for hours creating memories and nice local shopping for souvenirs. But we recommend you visit at least several, as every part of Hanoi has its own unique character.

1. Ta Hien Street - The Beer junction

For delicious snacks and drinks, visit Ta Hien Street in the Old Quarter after the sun goes down. You’ll find yourself in a crowded series of alleyways. Bars, food stalls, and shops abound, along with numerous plastic seats in bright colors like green, yellow, red, and blue. It is a social hub for a "nhậu" session - it means you go there for drinking. Different from normal eating and drinking you may have experienced, you'll find this place quite noisy with some sort of similar chanting while cheering "1,2,3, Zo". Even though the chanting can be a bit different among places, it's a national thing to say something out loud before drinking your beverage.

(Photo: Kenh14)

And of course, when visiting Ta Hien and the nearby intersections, you'll see a lot of 'bia hơi' - local craft beer, a drink that makes this street popular as Hanoi’s “beer junction”. Not only is this beer cheap, but it also offers you a refreshing flavor unlike anything you will taste outside of Vietnam.

2. Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street

If you are visiting Hanoi on the weekend, make sure to spend some time at night at Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street. Through weekdays, Hoan Kiem’s streets are filled with vehicle traffic. However, vehicles cannot enter them during the weekends (starting from Friday night to Sunday night), so they are wide open to pedestrians to explore the city at night.

There are a few things to see and do at Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street, depending on what you like. Capture historic landmarks such as Ngoc Son Temple, Turtle Tower, and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square when lights are on, watch a live performance from street dance crews, participate in a folk game, pay a local artist to sketch your portrait, and more. And of course, grab a bite at any of the delicious restaurants/food vendors lining Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

3. Dong Xuan Night Market

Are you in search of a night spot in Hanoi that is a prime shopping destination? Set your sights on a visit to Dong Xuan Night Market, which is in the city’s Old Quarter and also right next to Hoan Kiem Walking streets. Sometimes, people simply call it the “Hanoi Night Market” because it is the most well-known one. To shop this market, come by on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night starting as early as 6:00 pm. You can explore and shop to your heart’s content until 11 pm.

(Photo: Vietnam.vn)

At the night market, a wide assortment of affordable goods awaits you underneath the colorful awnings of street vendors’ tents. You will have your pick of clothing, accessories, toys, household goods, and more. And don't be surprised if you find a duplicate pair of your flagship Nike at just a tenth of the price! The street food scene is lovely, however, there is quite a mix of street food selections in this area, including Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese food items, many of which are trendy and not really traditional flavor. 
 
While some amount of bargaining does take place at the Dong Xuan Night Market, it is useful to be aware that many vendors are charging fair prices. So, you may not need to feel pressured to negotiate the prices down. Skip the bargaining and just buy the goods.

4. The Church Street

Nha Tho is known as “Church Street” in Hanoi. The name is a reference to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, which is located at one end of the street. While it can be fun to shop here during the daytime, you will appreciate the atmosphere at night, when you can experience the vibrant energy of the crowds.

St.Joseph Cathedral Hanoi in Christmas

What makes this street so favorable is the number of cafes and restaurants with a vintage vibe and a stunning view of the church. You'll feel something familiar but different at the same time. Enjoy the exquisite architecture of the church as the sun goes down, and then get some food at one of the many cafes lining the street is what you should not miss. If you prefer a local experience, try "trà chanh" and "hướng dương"- lemon tea and sunflower seed for a gossip night with your friends like Vietnamese locals do. By any chance you visit this place during Catholic holidays like Christmas, or New Year, the church is beautifully decorated and holds some special events. 

Lemon tea, sunflower seed, and young green rice are favored during Hanoi autumn(Photo: vntre.vn)

5. Tong Duy Tan Street - Food and pub corner

You have probably noticed a pattern in this guide, which is that pretty much everywhere you turn in Hanoi, you are surrounded by amazing culinary experiences. For yet another fantastic selection of restaurants and bars, head to Tong Duy Tan Street. Sometimes, this famous destination is simply referred to as “Food Street,” but I like to call it "Food and Pub Corner" because of the number of great pubs, and drinking bars on this street.

(Photos: Cafebiz)

In some respects, Tong Duy Tan Street hasn’t changed much over the years. Businesses have opened and closed, but were you to visit here years ago, you would still have had your pick of exciting eateries. One thing you will appreciate about this street is open overnight till 2-3 am. While Food Street is popular with tourists, it is also big with the locals, so it gives you an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine. Therefore, don’t worry about getting here late at night; you'll have a wonderful drinking and munching night.

Many pubs and lounges are located along the Tống Duy Tân Street

6. Hanoi Train Street

One of the most iconic and unusual environments for Hanoi nightlife is the famous Train Street on the edge of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Arriving at Train Street, the reason for the name is immediately clear: a set of train tracks runs right down the center of this street.

At first glance, you might expect that these tracks are old and unused. But trains regularly come through the narrow corridor. Watching the train passing as you press your back against the buildings to stay out of the way can be an exhilarating experience. To visit the train street at night or even in the daytime, you should be "invited" by a coffee owner along this street to get access to the Train Street. Always be alert when visiting Train Street; sometimes trains pass through on unpredictable schedules.

While Hanoi Train Street is fun to visit at any time of day, it is extra magical after sundown. Colorful paper lanterns and the light of the train itself make for a mysterious atmosphere. This district has a quaint feel that may make you think there would not be any nightlife, but there are multiple pubs in the area and nearby locations if you want to get tipsy.

7. Temple of Literature

For a dazzling atmospheric dive into the history and culture of Vietnam, take the new night tour to the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature). During this tour, 3D mapping and lighting bring to life the history of the country’s first imperial university as well as Confucianism.

(Photo: Vietnamtourism.gov)

Another mapping presentation at Vuon Bia Tien Si (Laureate Stelae Garden) introduces key scholars, while those on the tour can also partake in traditional music at Khue Van Cac (Constellation of Literature Pavilion).
You can go on the tour on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 19:20 to 22:30. The 3D mapping presentations take place at 20:00, 21:00, and 22:00. 

8. West Lake

If you want a break from the noise and crowds without leaving the city, take a peaceful night stroll along the banks of West Lake. In fact, this is a convenient option if you happen to be staying at one of the hotels along the edges of the lake. As an expat residential area, West Lake features an impressively diverse restaurant selection. You have your pick of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Mexican, Arabian, Thai, and other types of cuisines here. This area is also surprisingly non-touristy. 

West Lake is the best place to enjoy a sunset in Hanoi

There are some lovely views of the lake from the roofs of cafes and lounges along its perimeter. Watch the sunset, painting the sky with every hue you can imagine, and then delight in the reflections of the city lights in the dark waters. Few night activities in Hanoi offer a more enchanting or memorable experience.

Hanoi’s Vibrant Nightlife Awaits

As much as Hanoi has to offer by day, it offers just as many adventures by night. Shop, drink, dine, and experience the distinctive culture of this city after dark by adding these night spots to your itinerary. Need help planning your night activities? Design your trip with Exotic Voyages.