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Hanoi is a sleepless city when bustling day and night. The city has already impressed tourists during the day, but only a few know it becomes even more magical at night when lights illuminate famous landmarks. Night tours are a great way to discover the city from a different perspective.
The hustle and bustle of Hanoi continues unabated into the night. Photo: Hanoimoi
Many attractions in the city are introducing night tours. Unlike full-day tours, they usually highlight the most special values of attractions in a short time. Asia King Travel will introduce you to the 5 most unique Hanoi night tours at famous destinations for night owl tourists.
Hoa Lo Prison bears the scars of suffering but also marked the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people during the wars against France and the US. Once a hell on Earth, the prison now welcomes numerous visitors to reflect on an unforgettable past. Understanding the sentiments of visitors, Hoa Lo Prison is launching a new "Sacred Night" night tour.
"Sacred Night" is divided into 3 themed shows. "The Shining Spirit of Vietnam" reenacts the fighting soul of prisoners, "Living Like Flowers" celebrates woman revolutionaries, and "Youthful Fire" commemorates the passion of youth. These performances take place from 7 PM to 9 PM every weekend. Tickets are priced at VND 399,000 for the first two nights and VND 499,000 for the final night.
The performances recreate true stories from Hoa Lo Prison. Photo: Vietnam News Agency
"The Shining Spirit of Vietnam" depicts prisoners’ lives in Hoa Lo Prison. In the evening atmosphere, visitors can truly feel the harshness of the colonial prison regime. The brutal torture inflicted by the wardens moved many to tears. But after every torture, Vietnamese prisoners shared their pain with comrades, encouraging each other that these days would pass.
“Living Like Flowers” portrays Vietnamese women’s inner world and silent sacrifices. Their simple yet noble spirit has become an eternal beauty in history. The main content of the performance is the context of the escape of revolutionary Nguyen Phong Sac and his wife Hoang Thi Ai in 1945.
The plays convey stories appealing to the younger generation. Photo: Hoa Lo Prison Relic Facebook Fanpage
Vietnamese soldiers in their early twenties with a passion of youth bravely fought and sacrificed at Hoa Lo Prison. Many young people watching could not believe how the previous generations had endured so much hardship at their age. "Youthful Fire" honors young heroes through true stories.
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The Temple of Literature is transformed into a magical nighttime destination with stunning light displays, inviting visitors on a night tour. Visitors can embark on a journey through time, experiencing the academic pursuits of ancient scholars. The tour culminates in a breathtaking 3D mapping show.
A 3D mapping show projected onto a building in the Temple of Literature. Toquoc
The state-of-the-art lighting makes the nighttime tour of the Temple of Literature more visual and vivid. Visitors are guided through the journey of a scholar, from childhood studies to academic triumph in images along the pathway. The normally quiet stone turtles come alive at night, introducing the ancient Vietnamese examination system. One can even answer all visitors' questions like a knowledgeable official through AI.
Besides sightseeing, visitors can participate in interesting activities. A traditional teacher is waiting for visitors to join his class. In the classroom, he teaches about ancient Vietnamese customs and practices. Visitors can also ask him how to write calligraphy. In another area, many folk games are both fun and educational.
The teacher teaches about ancient Vietnamese writing and customs. Photo: Quan doi Nhan dan
The Temple of Literature night tour is open from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM on Thursdays and the last 3 days of the week. The ticket price is VND 199,000 per person. Children under 1.3 metes who want to participate in the learning activities will only pay VND 99,000. The night tour encourages kids under 1 meter to join for free.
Water puppetry is a unique art form found only in Vietnam. It originated from the creativity of the Vietnamese people in the past with the rice civilization. The performances often depict scenes quite simply, taking people back to the ancient past. With such friendliness, both domestic and foreign tourists enjoy watching water puppetry.
Traditional Vietnamese music complements the water puppet show. Photo: Office of Vietnam President
In Hanoi, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre regularly hosts evening performances. Colorful puppets dance across the water's surface to the rhythm of traditional music, catching all the audience’s sight. Show themes typically revolve around Vietnamese rural life or folklore.
Daily water puppet shows start at 6:30 PM and run for approximately 45 minutes. Ticket prices vary from VND 100,000 to VND 200,000 based on seat selection. There will be an additional charge if you take photos or videos during the show.
While daytime visits to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long are common, a nighttime exploration is a completely different feeling. Therefore, the "Decoding the Thang Long Imperial Citadel" night tour was created to offer a new experience based on familiar historical sites.
Doan Mon Gate opens at 7 PM, the 1.5-hour journey begins. The path leads to the Dragon Courtyard, where an ancient royal court ceremony is re-enacted. At the end of the performance, beautiful dancers will perform a mesmerizing court dance. Next, visitors can explore the exhibition hall to observe and learn about their historical stories.
A court performance in front of the Doan Mon Gate. Photo: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Facebook Fanpage
Many experiential activities at the 18 Hoang Dieu archaeological site on the next journey. Enjoy lotus tea and jam under the ancient bodhi tree, a symbol of peace and good luck. Offer incense to Vietnamese kings and then take some cool water from the King's well...
The tour culminates in an interactive "Decoding Game". Visitors will be challenged to solve puzzles projected onto the Citadel's historical sites using the laser. Clues will be unveiled throughout the game, making it an engaging experience. The entrance fee is VND 300,000 per person on Fridays and Saturdays. Children aged 5 to 11 receive a 50% discount.
Foreign tourists are excited to play the decoding game. Photo: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Facebook Fanpage
If you want to go on a night tour around Hanoi but are worried about finding your way in the dark, there is the Hanoi City Night Tour. The tour uses open-top double-decker buses to visit famous landmarks of the capital. The tour starts at the Hanoi Opera House at 7:30 PM daily.
A night bus tour takes visitors past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Photo: vn-sightseeing
The bus equips amenities to ensure a comfortable and informative journey. With an automatic audio guide system in 10 popular languages, passengers will not miss any information about the attractions. They can order drinks and snacks from friendly staff. A sip of coffee while sightseeing feels so poetic. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is available.
The tour bus staff always have a warm smile. Photo: vn-sightseeing
Tourists can easily purchase Hanoi Bus Tour tickets at the information desk at Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House; through travel agencies, or book online. The non-stop tour lasts approximately 70 minutes and costs VND 150,000 per person.
While some destinations may be historical and cultural, the night tour offers a fresh perspective and a contemporary experience everyone can enjoy. There are many more wonderful things about Hanoi at night, so contact Asia King Travel to plan your discovery today!
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