20 Best Things To Do In Hanoi At Night In 2024

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is famous for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, dynamic culture and a heck of a lot of motorbike and scooters!

As the sun sets, the city transforms, offering a different experience to the one you’ll have during the day. This article will guide you through the best things to do during the nocturnal hours of Hanoi.

Whether you’re a night owl looking to explore local nightlife, a food enthusiast eager to taste authentic Vietnamese street food, or simply someone who prefers a more relaxed evening stroll around the city’s historical sites, you’ll definitely be able to find something to do in Hanoi at night.

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Fun Things to do in Hanoi at Night

#1 Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Full of life, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a must-visit spot if you’re looking for a true taste of the city’s night culture. After the sun goes down, the narrow, maze-like streets of Hanoi light up, turning into a lively hotspot filled with local vendors, street performers and a lot of shops that remain open late into the night.

f you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat. The area is famous for its street food stalls serving up mouth-watering local delicacies like Pho, Banh Mi, and the unique Egg Coffee. You’ll also find a ton of restaurants, cafés and bars in the area.

And if you’re up for a bit of fun, join the locals in a game of Tả Pín Lữ, a traditional Vietnamese board game often played on the street corners. There’s never a dull moment in the Old Quarter at night time, so it’s the perfect way to start your evening in Hanoi.

You can even take a tour of the Old Quarter with a guide – check it out here!

#2 Go on a Street Food Tour

One of the best ways to experience Hanoi at night is through its delicious street food.

Joining a street food tour won’t just give you a taste of local delicacies, it’ll also take you on a culinary journey through the city’s hidden alleyways and markets, giving you insight into Vietnamese culture and traditions.

There are many tours available, but . You’ll also be shown where the best nightlife is in Hanoi – from Karaoke to rooftop bars, this tour has it all covered.

With a local guide leading the way, you can eat, drink and party like a true Hanoian!

#3 Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake

A serene spot at night, perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying the view of the beautifully lit Ngoc Son Temple.

The temple itself closes at 6pm each evening, but it’s still pretty to see at night.

Around the lake, you’ll see groups practicing Tai Chi, couples taking a romantic stroll and street vendors selling snacks and souvenirs.

The bridge over the lake is lit up with colourful lights, creating a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.

It’s the perfect spot to relax after a busy day exploring the city. And, the best thing about this activity is that it’s completely free of charge!

#4 Shop at a Night Market

Hanoi has plenty of markets to explore, but the most popular among tourists are the night markets.

The Old Quarter Night Market takes place every weekend from 7pm to 11pm and is filled with stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, street food and more.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or some local delicacies to take home, this is the place to be.

But that’s not the only night market in Hanoi. There’s also Long Bien Market, which is open daily from 12am to 7am (definitely one for the night owls). Linh Nam and Cho Phung Khoang are also popular daily night markets.

Hanoi night markets are a great place to practice your bargaining skills and get some great deals!

If you want to book a tour of the Hanoi Night Market, alongside a Street Food Tour, check out this highly rated tour.

#5 Take in a Water Puppet Show

Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that dates back over 1000 years.

The show takes place on a stage of water, with the puppets controlled by skilled puppeteers behind a screen.

The music, singing and storytelling all come together to create an interesting performance.

You can catch a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

This was likely the most unusual experience I had in Vietnam, but it’s definitely worth seeing for something a little different.

Pre-book your Water Puppet Show here, or combine it with an evening Cyclo Tour (this is what I did) for an even more memorable night.

#6 Attend a Live Music Event

Hanoi’s music scene is thriving, with so many venues and genres to choose from. If you’re a live music fan, make sure to check out some local talent while in the city.

Popular spots include Binh Minh’s Jazz Club, Hanoi Rock City, and Unicorn Pub.

If you’re a fan of playing music yourself, you can also attend weekly open mic nights at The Republic – where each week there’s a new theme!

#7 Explore Hanoi Opera House

Built in 1911 by the French, Hanoi’s Opera House is considered a cultural and architectural landmark of the city.

The interior is stunning, with chandeliers and ornate decorations throughout.

While you can tour the inside of this incredible building during the day, it’s at night when the magic truly happens.

Attending a performance at the Opera House is a must-do experience in Hanoi. From ballets and plays to concerts and traditional Vietnamese opera, there’s always something exciting happening on stage.

#8 Join a Cooking Class

If you love Vietnamese food (and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t), why not take a cooking class and learn how to make some of your favourite dishes?

begins in the afternoon with a market trip to pick up the fresh ingredients you’ll need for your recipes. As the evening rolls in, you’ll learn how to cook and prepare a traditional three-course meal with the help of an expert chef.

Not only will you gain new skills and knowledge, but you’ll also get to enjoy a delicious dinner at the end of it all (with a glass of wine of course).

And, with this cooking class, you’ll have pick up and drop off from your hotel too! Find out more details.

#9 Sip a Cocktail at a Rooftop Bar

End your day in Hanoi by sipping on a delicious cocktail while taking in the stunning city views at one of its many rooftop bars. Some of my favourite rooftop bars are:

Lighthouse Sky Bar: Located in the centre of Hanoi, this bar offers a panoramic view of the city and a great selection of drinks.
Summit Lounge at Pan Pacific Hanoi: Enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere and sweeping views of West Lake while sipping on a signature cocktail.
Skyline Lounge at Apricot Hotel: This bar is known for its unique decor and creative cocktails, all to be enjoyed while looking out over Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

It really is the best way to end a day of sightseeing in Hanoi!

#10 Visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for history buffs. Dating back to the 11th century, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel was once the political center of Vietnam’s ancient dynasties and served as the capital city for over 13 centuries.

Luckily, they have recently opened up night tours to the Imperial Citadel, which is beautifully lit up after dark, and offers a unique perspective on the site. You can also catch a water puppet show here, showcasing traditional Vietnamese stories and legends and you’ll be treated to a scrumptious Vietnamese meal while there too.

#11 Grab a Beer at Bia Hoi Junction

No trip to Hanoi is complete without visiting Bia Hoi Junction. This lively intersection in the Old Quarter is famous for its cheap beer and buzzing atmosphere.

Pull up a plastic stool, order a cold glass of freshly brewed bia hoi (Vietnamese draft beer), and watch the chaos unfold around you. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch too and soak up the night activities in Hanoi.

If you’re feeling peckish, there are plenty of street food vendors around offering local dishes to pair with your beer.

#12 Head out on a Motorbike Tour

Did you know there are over 6 million motorbikes in the city? One of the best ways to explore Hanoi is on the back of a motorbike.

This guided motorbike tour includes a street food tour and takes you to some off the beaten track spots that tourists often miss out on.

You’ll also get to experience the insane chaotic traffic of Hanoi, but don’t worry, your experienced guide will navigate you through it all.

Book a nighttime motorbike tour of Hanoi here!

#13 Explore the French Quarter

Hanoi’s French Quarter, also known as the Hoan Kiem District, is a charming neighbourhood filled with grand colonial buildings and wide tree-lined streets.

Take a walk or cycle around this area to admire the beautiful architecture and soak up the history of Hanoi under French rule.

Buildings such as St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Trang Tien Plaza and Hanoi Oprah House are all beautifully lit at night.

#14 Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke

You can’t visit Hanoi without doing Karaoke! It’s one of the most popular pastimes there, and you’ll find it almost everywhere!

Gather your friends or join some locals at a karaoke bar for the ultimate night out.

Some of the best Karaoke bars you’ll find in Hanoi are:

Karaoke Top One KTV
Karaoke Sunny Royal
Karaoke 47

Are you brave enough to take the mic and belt out some tunes?

#15 Stroll around Quảng Bá Flower Market

If you’re a morning person, don’t miss out on the Quang Ba Flower Market.

This bustling market is open from 8pm to 7am sunrise and is one of the largest flower markets in Hanoi. You’ll find it near the West Lake, and it’s a beautiful place to take in the sights, smells, and sounds of Hanoi waking up.

#16 Take a Cultural Night Tour

This will give you a taste of Hanoi’s culture and history.

You’ll visit the Long Bien Bridge, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ba Dinh Square, and other historical sites while learning from an experienced guide.

You’ll also be fed a delicious Vietnamese dinner with your tour group – don’t worry, it’s a small group, so you’ll get to know them too!

This is a great way to see the city at night and learn about its past, as well as enjoy some traditional food.

#17 Go Clubbing

If you’re looking for a lively night out, head to the bustling nightlife scene in Hanoi.

There are plenty of clubs and bars to choose from, offering a mix of local and international music and drinks.

Experience the vibrant energy of the city as you dance the night away with locals and other tourists.

Some of the best places to go clubbing in Hanoi are:

O2 Space
The Unicorn
Hero Club

#18 Take a Night Photography Tour

Hanoi is simply beautiful at night, and if you fancy yourself as a photographer, then a night photography tour is perfect for you.

You’ll get to explore the city’s most picturesque spots and learn how to capture them at their best.

A professional photographer will guide you and share tips and tricks on taking stunning night shots.

I recommend! It tends to book out quite quickly, so be sure to book in advance.

End your night by admiring the city’s illuminated landmarks and capturing them with your newly learned photography skills.

#19 Get a Relaxing Massage

We all know that you’ll find some of the best massages in south east Asia, and Hanoi doesn’t disappoint.

There are so many spas and massage parlors throughout the city, but if you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, head to one of Hanoi’s many traditional bathhouses.