Things to do at night in Hanoi

Join Asia King Travel as we embark on an exploration of the vibrant nightlife scene in Hanoi! In this blog post, we shall delve into the top activities and experiences to fully immerse in the after-dark charm of the capital city of Vietnam. Get ready to discover the best of Hanoi's nightlife scene with us!

Things to do at night in Hanoi

Discover the Old Quarter

An evening stroll through the enchanting Old Quarter of Hanoi stands out as one of the city's most delightful activities. Amidst the timeworn facades, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the past, while the bustling streets offer a vibrant contrast. Explore narrow alleyways filled with treasures, capturing the essence of antiquity in each snapshot. And as night falls, indulge in street-side delicacies, savoring the flavors of Hanoi's culinary heritage. Be sure to wander down bustling streets like Ta Hien Street, known as “Hanoi Beer Street,” where you can dive yourself into beverage heaven, as well as other foodie hotspots like the Dong Xuan Market Dining Area, where the lively atmosphere adds an extra dash of excitement to your nocturnal adventure.

Discover the Old Quarter to experience a bustling nightlife

Wander through Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street

The next spot to visit is the Hoan Kiem Lake walking street at night. Hoan Kiem Lake is most famous for the renowned Turtle Tower, The Huc Bridge, and Ngoc Son Temple, all connected with Vietnam's intriguing legends and history, perfect for history enthusiasts to discover. But besides its antique historical attractions, Hoan Kiem Lake offers exciting activities when the night falls.

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is perfect for a night walk in Hanoi

As the cool breeze wafts by the lakeside, you are introduced to a place full of vibrant energy. With the prohibition of vehicles, each night, the walking street is packed with visitors, both tourists and locals, as they join in on a fun experience. As you stroll through the illuminated street, the aroma of street food fills the air and music drifts from every corner. There's something for everyone to enjoy in this lively nighttime hotspot, including tasty snacks like green rice and Trang Tien Ice Cream, captivating street performances, portrait painting, and more. It is open on weekends from 7:00 PM on Friday til Sunday midnight in the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding Old Quarter. Be sure not to miss out on visiting this famous site when experiencing Hanoi nightlife.

Discover the West Lake

Other than Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake - the largest lake in Hanoi, is also a place that foreigners frequently visit during their trips to the capital. It is also a fantastic place for nighttime activities, especially for couples. Around the lake, you will find a variety of businesses and activities that will meet your entertainment, shopping, and dining needs. Coming here, you can choose from many unwinding activities, such as enjoying an ice cream or iced tea, or relishing renowned cuisine at nearby restaurants.

The West Lake is a romantic night attraction in Hanoi

Unlike Hoan Kiem Lake which prohibits vehicles on the weekends, the vicinity of West Lake allows vehicles to travel at all times. If you want to go around the lake, you can rent bicycles from bicycle shops around the lake, in order to experience the authentic beauty of West Lake at night.

Attend a water puppet show

Water puppetry is a unique traditional art form that is only found in Vietnam, captivating audiences with its unique blend of music, storytelling, and puppetry performed on water stages. The origins of this custom can be traced back to the villages in the northern Red River Delta in the eleventh century.

The performances occur in a waist-deep pool, with the puppeteers behind the screen utilizing a huge bamboo pole to hold and manipulate the wooden puppets while submerging in water. The puppets seem to be coming to life on the water as a result, moving gracefully and fluidly to the rhythm of traditional Vietnamese music.

Tourists can spend the night watching water puppet shows

It’s an enchanting and fascinating spectacle, where ancient stories and local legends come to life under the twinkling spotlights. The atmosphere is magical, with plays of light dancing on the surface of the water, adding an extra dimension to this ancestral art form. Attending a water puppet show in Hanoi is an unforgettable experience that offers a fascinating insight into a part of Vietnam's unique ancient culture that is still preserved to this day.

You can attend water puppet shows at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, on 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District. Ticket prices range from 100,000 - 200,000 VNĐ (4,05 - 8,10 USD) per person.

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Visit the Temple of Literature

Visiting the Temple of Literature is one of the must-do activities in Hanoi, especially at night, when the imposing structures are enhanced by stunning illumination. Once the sun sets, this famous historic location emanates a sense of mystery and tranquility that beckons visitors to take a nighttime stroll.

The Temple of Literature was Vietnam’s first-ever university, and to this day, it remains an essential historical site, embodying the country’s rich educational heritage and cultural legacy. Inside the site are various monuments that showcase traditional Vietnamese architecture and history.

The Temple of Literature illuminated in the Hanoi night

At night, upon approaching the monument's main gate, visitors will be greeted with a shimmering, enchanted area where light show methods and animation combine to create a 3D effect on flat objects, creating a spectacular sight. Then you will get the chance to see each of the many monuments on the site, each one with its origins connected to Vietnam’s academic history introduced through projecting technology. You can also experience writing your own calligraphy, either directly or through a VR headset.

The Temple of Literature is open from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with tickets priced at 199,000 VND (about 8,06 USD) for adults, and free for children under one meter tall. This is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Temple of Literature in all its nocturnal splendor, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit it.

Other tips for travelers experiencing the night in Hanoi

• Stay vigilant of your surroundings: Although the city is mostly safe, Hanoi's nightlife can be lively and crowded, so it's important to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of any potential risks, such as pickpocketing.
• Learn some local phrases: Even though English is widely spoken in tourist regions, picking up a few simple Vietnamese phrases will improve your interactions and demonstrate your appreciation for their culture. To interact with locals efficiently, practice basic greetings, expressing appreciation, and asking for directions.
• Choose reliable transportation: When venturing across the city at night, go for authorized taxis or trustworthy ride-sharing services like Grab or Be. If you're traveling alone, stay away from unmarked or unofficial cars. Also, settle on the fee upfront to prevent any disagreements afterward.
• Respect Local Customs: To fully appreciate Hanoi's cultural richness, it's important to honor local customs. Show respect by behaving politely and avoiding disruptive behavior in public spaces. By embracing the local customs, you'll have a more authentic and enriching experience during your visit to Hanoi.

In conclusion, Hanoi's nightlife offers a diverse array of experiences, captivating activities, and memorable experiences to unpack. It is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, offering visitors an authentic immersion into the vibrant fabric of Vietnamese city life. If you wish to experience Hanoi and its enchanted nightlife, contact us now and let us help you arrange the best tour possible.

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