Buzz
Sip on draught beer, relish pho-inspired cocktails, or groove to electronic beats into the night – must-try activities for travelers in the Vietnamese capital.
Explore Hanoi's Nightlife: Embark on 7 captivating nocturnal adventures suggested by a U.S. publication when touring Hanoi.
Stroll through Heritage: Wander through the city's legacy sites around Hoan Kiem Lake. Join locals and tourists in diverse activities like walking, rhythmic exercises, chess, or simply savoring street food.
Every night, Hoan Kiem Lake attracts people of all ages for refreshing experiences, turning into a pedestrian-only zone on weekends – the liveliest time of the week.
On weekends, the lakeside area transforms into a pedestrian-only zone, bustling with people and vibrant activities – the liveliest time of the week.
Explore Hanoi's charm, after a leisurely stroll around Ho Guom Lake, head from the south to the west to reach the Hanoi Opera House. This venue frequently hosts classical music performances or the spectacular circus show called My Village. The show features acrobatics, contortion, and lively performances set to traditional music.
Immerse yourself in local culture
Pham Hoang Mien, co-owner of the Hanoi Grapevine website, shared with CNN Travel: “Many tourists are unaware of the vibrant cultural scene happening in this city every evening. For art enthusiasts interested in contemporary Vietnamese art, Manzi is a must-visit.” Located in a historic French villa in a tranquil neighborhood of Hanoi, Manzi is not only a coffee shop but also an exhibition space showcasing unique works of art.
Explore street food delights
In 2016, during his presidency, Obama enjoyed a bowl of bun cha with renowned chef Anthony Bourdain. You can follow in their footsteps to Bun Cha Huong Lien and order the Obama combo, which includes bun cha, seafood spring rolls, and Hanoi beer, priced around 90,000 VND.
However, bun cha is more suitable for lunch. For dinner, as suggested by Tracey Lister (Australia), author of the book “Street Food Vietnam,” wander through the Old Quarter. This area boasts numerous sidewalk eateries, offering a wider array of choices for adventurous diners.
Indulge in draft beer
The Old Quarter is the perfect place for you to savor glasses of draft beer. The sidewalk beer stalls in Hanoi are simply a few plastic chairs set out for customers, priced at 5,000 VND per glass.
In the evening, young travelers often gather at Bia Hoi Corner (located at the intersection of Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ta Hien, Dinh Liet streets, usually open until 2 a.m.) to enjoy beer and conversations. For locals, they prefer drinking at the establishments on Duong Thanh, west of the Old Quarter, about a 10-minute walk from this spot.
For diners seeking craft beers of higher quality, Standing Bar is the place to be. Located in a serene corner near Truc Bach Lake, it offers a creative drink menu.
Attend an artistic performance
Travelers to Hanoi can opt for the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to witness a water puppetry show. The art of water puppetry dates back to the 11th century, created by farmers during leisure time to narrate stories and ancient tales using puppets on a water stage.
For those who crave energy and modern vibes, visit Hanoi Rock City to immerse yourself in the fresh beats of electronic music.
Duc Anh, co-founder of Hanoi Rock City, shares with CNN Travel: “We host numerous performances in the Red Room and throughout the venue, featuring a variety of music genres including folk, reggae, jazz, indie, grunge, hardcore… Our goal is to showcase the best musical performances in Hanoi for everyone to enjoy.”
Savor the nightlife blend
In the Old Quarter, especially in Ta Hien, Bao Khanh, Luong Ngoc Quyen streets, these small alleys offer plenty of places for you to enjoy beer and delicious mixed drinks.
A fascinating drinking spot recommended by CNN Travel is Bar Ne. Established in early 2017, the bar offers a variety of both traditional and modern cocktails. The owner, Pham Tien Tiep, won a mixology competition with a pho-flavored cocktail in 2012. He shares that the bar also features jazz performances alongside crafting locally inspired cocktails.
Another venue is Tadioto, located near the Hanoi Opera House. The space exudes tranquility and is favored by many artists, writers, and musicians in Hanoi.
Dance into the night
Since opening in the Tay Ho district in 2016, Savage has quickly become the city's most vibrant party space with electronic music beats. International artists from all over join local performers like Quan, Min8, TrungD, and Trí Minh on its stage.
“We aim to create something special, unique about the community in Hanoi. We've shaped a club within a club called the Red Cube – a place for DJs, with a rooftop to immerse in music and friendship,” said Ouissam Mokretar, the music director.
According to Huong Chi/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourOn November 13, 2017
