If you’ve just landed in Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, and you’re wondering what to do at night, you’re in luck! There’s plenty of excitement waiting for you in this vibrant city. The city is teeming with fun activities once the sun has set
Here are 12 popular and fun things to do at night in Hanoi.
1. Explore night markets and enjoy street food
For a fun evening in Hanoi, don’t miss the Hanoi night market! It happens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening along P. Hàng Đào street in the old quarter. You’ll find a bustling scene with stalls selling everything from food to jewelry, accessories, clothing, artwork, and gifts. And of course, there’s no shortage of amazing street food to try while you explore the market.
Hanoi boasts an amazing street food scene, and you can find delicious options at any hour. One of the favorites is Pho soup, a Vietnamese noodle soup known for its flavorful broth, tender meat, and fresh garnishes. Wander around the old quarter, and you’ll come across plenty of cozy cafes serving up steaming bowls of Pho right on the sidewalk. It’s a tasty and affordable way to experience the local cuisine and culture.
2. Walk around the Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a paradise for food lovers, shopaholics, photographers, and anyone eager to immerse themselves in culture. As night falls, the streets come alive with buskers, leisurely strollers, and vendors peddling an array of intriguing items. Begin your evening by exploring the sights and sounds of the 36 Old Streets near the remains of the East Gate, then gradually make your way back toward Hoan Kiem Lake.
During your stroll, you’ll encounter numerous restaurants and street food stalls serving up iconic dishes like pho, banh mi, and other beloved local favorites. It’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in delicious cuisine while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi’s historic streets.
3. Watch a street performance
In the old quarter of Vietnam at night, you’ll often stumble upon live street performances. These aren’t scheduled, but it’s pretty common to find performers at different spots every night. Sometimes you’ll catch traditional music and dance shows, and occasionally, there are drama performances too. Local bands also take the stage now and then, sharing their music with whoever happens to be passing by. It’s a lively scene that adds an extra layer of excitement to wandering the streets at night.
4. Stroll around Hoan Kiem lake
Want to see how Hanoi winds down after a busy day? Go to Hoan Kiem Lake after sunset. It’s super close to the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter. Here, you’ll see locals jogging, doing tai chi, and even having dance sessions with music from a boombox! It’s a must-see when you’re in Vietnam.
As you walk around the lake, you’ll spot young couples on dates, photographers snapping pictures, and people getting ready to hit the bars, which are right by the lake. And if you like bright lights, you’re in luck! The bridge and buildings light up in all colors, creating beautiful reflections on the water. It’s a magical sight!
5. Go to the beer street and enjoy Bia Hoi
Vietnam is well-known for its super cheap beer called bia hoi, which is famous for being the cheapest in Southeast Asia, maybe even in the whole world. It only costs about 5,000 VND per glass, which is around $0.24. In Hanoi, there’s a popular spot for bia hoi called Bia Hoi Street, especially along Ta Hien Street. It’s basically a street filled with small plastic chairs, really cheap beer, and a vibrant youth scene.
If you venture out from there, you’ll find shops and narrow alleys selling the same inexpensive bia hoi beer. Honestly, the beer isn’t top-notch, but you can easily upgrade to slightly fancier beers for around $0.70. Plus, there’s cheap Vietnamese food available, so you can enjoy a unique nightlife experience without breaking the bank.
6. Go shopping at Royal City
Have you ever visited Royal City? It’s a big shopping and entertainment center in Hanoi, found in the Thanh Xuan District. Here, you can have a great time with your family, do some shopping, and check out modern Western-style buildings. During special times like Christmas or the Mid-Autumn Festival, Royal City gets all decked out with beautiful decorations, making it a perfect spot for visitors to soak in the festive spirit.
7. Watch water puppet dance at Thang Long Puppet Theatre
Water puppetry is a traditional art form in Vietnam, deeply rooted in local culture. It brings famous historical stories to life using wooden puppets and colorful dragons on a stage set in water.
During the performance, skilled local artists manipulate the puppets from behind a screen submerged in water using intricate string systems. From the audience’s perspective, it appears as though the puppets are magically gliding across the water’s surface.
Tickets typically cost between $4 to $8 per person, but for special shows, prices may go up to $21. It’s an unforgettable experience not to be missed during your trip to Vietnam from India. Through water puppetry, you’ll gain insights into Vietnamese culture, history, and traditional music, making it a must-see attraction.
8. Watch opera performance in Hanoi Opera House
Have you seen the Hanoi Opera House? It’s stunning, one of Vietnam’s best colonial-style buildings. Catching a live opera or musical here is a special experience you won’t forget. Shows aren’t always on, so ask your hotel if any are happening during your stay. You need to book tickets early.
Even if there’s no show, it’s worth visiting. It’s right in the center of Hanoi’s French Quarter, and it looks amazing at night with all the lights on.
9. Grab an ice cold beer at Legend Beer and watch Hanoi at night
If you’re in Hanoi and want to enjoy a cold beer while watching the city’s nighttime buzz, there’s no better place than Legend Beer. Situated at a lower level, you’ll feel like you’re right in the midst of the action happening on the streets below, yet you’ll still be able to unwind and relax.
Legend Beer brews its own selection of drinks, including wheat beer, lager, and a rich dark stout, offered in various sizes to suit your preference. In addition to their tasty brews, they also serve up a menu of German-style dishes like pork knuckle and sausages, providing a satisfying accompaniment to your evening drinks. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the lively atmosphere of Hanoi while enjoying quality brews and food.
10. Try some snails
If you’re up for something different in Hanoi at night, why not try snails? In the busy Hanoi old quarter, there’s plenty of quirky street food to explore. We tried snails there and it was quite an experience. They’re cooked and served in their shells with a spicy sauce for dipping. You use a little stick to pull them out and eat them. At first, they might feel a bit slimy in your mouth, but if you keep going, you’ll taste the delicious meat inside. It’s a fun and unique food adventure to have while exploring Hanoi’s streets at night.
11. Get a traditional Vietnamese massage
If you want to relax in Hanoi at night, consider getting a traditional Vietnamese massage. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese massages are known for being incredibly relaxing and therapeutic.
The best part? Vietnamese massages are incredibly affordable. You’ll find plenty of small spas around the old quarter where you can walk in and get a massage right away, no booking needed. Prices typically range from 100,000VND to 400,000VND, depending on the length of the massage, the style, and the spa you choose. It’s a great way to unwind and treat yourself without breaking the bank.
12. Sing your lungs out at a karaoke club
Karaoke clubs are hugely popular in Asia, and Vietnam is no different. If you’re up for some fun, gather your friends and head to one of the stylish karaoke bars around the city. You’ll need a group to rent a karaoke room together. Once you’re in, sing your heart out to your favorite tunes—just pick from the endless songbook and hit play. And why not enjoy some beers and a plate of fruit while you’re at it? It’s the perfect way to experience Vietnamese-style karaoke fun!
