Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is not only renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage but also for its vibrant and energetic nightlife. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a bustling hub of entertainment, offering a myriad of options for locals and tourists alike. In this blog, we will explore the nightlife in Hanoi, from bustling street markets and lively bars to cultural performances, captivating nightclubs, and more, while providing addresses and price ranges to help you plan your adventures.
The Old Quarter’s Night Market
Location: Hàng Đào Street, Hàng Ngang Street, Hàng Duong Street, and surrounding areas in the Old Quarter.
Price Range: Affordable street food and souvenir prices.
As evening falls, head to the Old Quarter’s Night Market, located on Hàng Đào Street, Hàng Ngang Street, Hàng Duong Street, and the surrounding areas. The vibrant atmosphere, colourful lanterns, and mouthwatering street food stalls create an enchanting ambience. Indulge in local delicacies such as bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette), and phở (traditional noodle soup). Explore the stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs, and don’t forget to practice your bargaining skills.
Traditional Water Puppetry
Location: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District.
Price Range: Tickets range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND per person.
Experience the captivating art of water puppetry at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. Located at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street in Hoan Kiem District, this cultural gem offers nightly performances. Be mesmerized as skilled puppeteers bring wooden puppets to life on a water-filled stage, accompanied by traditional music.
Quaint Cafes and Rooftop Bars
Locations for cafes: Numerous cafes are scattered throughout Hanoi’s Old Quarter and lakeside areas.
Price Range: Prices vary depending on the establishment, but a typical coffee and pastry combo can range from 40,000 to 100,000 VND.
Take a break from the bustling streets and immerse yourself in Hanoi’s cafe culture. Wander through the Old Quarter and lakeside areas to discover charming cafes tucked away in narrow alleys or offering picturesque lake views. Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee, known for its rich flavour, and pair it with a delectable pastry.
Locations for rooftop bars: Popular rooftop bars include Skyline Hanoi Rooftop Bar, Summit Lounge Rooftop Bar and Top of Hanoi
Price Range: Drinks range from 100,000 to 300,000 VND per cocktail.
For a panoramic view of Hanoi’s skyline, head to one of the city’s rooftop bars. Skyline Hanoi Rooftop Bar, located at 38 Gia Ngu Street, Hoan Kiem District, offers breathtaking views and a wide selection of cocktails. Summit Lounge Rooftop Bar, 20th Floor, Pan Pacific Hotel, 1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District, is another popular choice, Top of Hanoi on 54 Lieu Giai Street, Ba Dinh District known for its most panoramic scenery of the nightlife in Hanoi and Moonlight Sky Bar on 99 Ma May Street for a picturesque experience.
Ta Hien Street – The Beer Corner
Location: Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem Distric
Price Range: Bia hoi (local draft beer) is incredibly affordable, usually costing around 10,000 to 20,000 VND per glass. Street food prices vary.
Join the locals and fellow travellers at Ta Hien Street, also known as “The Beer Corner.” Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, this lively street is lined with outdoor bars and restaurants. Savour a glass of bia hoi, the local draft beer, which is incredibly affordable. Pair your beer with delicious street food options available at various stalls along the street.
Live Music and Jazz Clubs
Live Music Venues: Popular venues include Binh Minh Jazz Club, Hanoi Rock City, and CAMA ATK.
Price Range: Entrance fees typically range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND, with drink prices varying.
If you’re a music enthusiast, Hanoi offers an array of live music venues to satisfy your cravings. Binh Minh Jazz Club, by the Opera House, showcases talented local jazz musicians. Hanoi Rock City, is a vibrant venue known for its eclectic lineup of bands and live performances. CAMA ATK, hosts a variety of music genres, from rock and punk to indie and electronic.
Price Range: Entrance fees range from 200,000 to 400,000 VND, with drink prices varying for Jazz Clubs
For a more intimate jazz experience, head to BLAKE’S House of Jazz, Nguyen Huu Huan Street, or Cool Cats Jazz Club at JW Marriot. These cosy venues offer soulful jazz performances in a relaxed setting.
Nightclubs and Dance Floors
Nightclubs: Notable nightclubs include Savage, Piu Piu, and 1900 Le Theatre.
Price Range: Entrance fees vary depending on the event or night, usually ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND. Drink prices vary.
For those seeking a lively party scene, Hanoi has an array of nightclubs to choose from. Savage, in the West Lake district, is a popular nightclub known for its energetic atmosphere and techno music. Piu Piu, offers a mix of hip-hop, trap, and electronic beats in a vibrant setting. 1900 Le Theatre, on Ta Hien beer street, is a multi-level nightclub hosting a variety of themed events.
Cultural Shows and Performances
Hanoi Opera House: Located at 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District.
Price Range: Ticket prices depend on the performance, ranging from 300,000 to 1,500,000 VND.
Immerse yourself in the world of performing arts at the Hanoi Opera House, located at 1 Trang Tien Street. This architectural masterpiece hosts ballet, opera, and classical music performances, showcasing the city’s artistic heritage.
Explore the local cultural centres such as Vietnam Tuong Theatre and Thang Long Puppet Theatre, where you can witness traditional Vietnamese art forms like tuồng (classical drama) and water puppetry. Ticket prices for these cultural performances generally range from 100,000 to 300,000 VND, depending on the show and venue.
Hanoi’s nightlife scene is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors. From the bustling night markets of the Old Quarter and the enchanting water puppetry shows to the cosy cafes, lively bars, captivating nightclubs, and cultural performances, the city caters to diverse interests and preferences. Whether you wish to savour delicious street food, enjoy live music, dance the night away, or immerse yourself in the local culture, Hanoi’s nightlife has something to offer everyone. Embrace the energy, explore the addresses mentioned, and create memorable nights in the bustling capital of Vietnam.