For those who like to party, Hanoi has three major areas - The Bia Hoi Junction located in the Old Quarter, The West Lake Area, and the Historical Center. The Opera House, Hanoi Central Circus, or Water Puppet Theatre are great alternatives for those who wish to avoid the raucous partygoers.
Bia Hoi Junction
Bia Hoi Junction represents the quintessential Hanoi nightlife. Housing more than 200 small bars that serve Bia hoi, this area is mostly frequented by students, locals, backpackers, and tourists. This area is open throughout the day and gets crowded after dusk. The area is widely popular due to the cheap Bia Hoi that it serves (4000 VND - 8000 VND per glass) and is mostly made up of small local shacks with plastic stools out front, with the most bizarre assortment of people sitting out enjoying the local beer. A popular item sold in this area is 'balloons'. Filled with some laughing gas, they provide a temporary sensation of euphoria. This area is a must-visit for both couples and singles, and people offer to consider a visit to Hanoi incomplete without a visit here. Remember to dress down - fancy clothes will make you stand out like a sore thumb. Bia Hoi junction may majorly consist of people sitting out in the open sipping beer, but it does have its fair share of clubs and bars for those who prefer to go the conventional route.
1. Dragonfly
Dragonfly is a nondescript-looking club, but when you step inside, you realize exactly how happening it is, a perfect metaphor for the nightlife in Hanoi. This club has an indoor area with beautiful lighting and a thriving dance floor. It also has shisha, balloon, cocktail facilities, and a smoking area.
Timings: 8:30 PM - 2:00 AM
USP: Outdoor and Indoor serving area for food, balloons, shisha, and alcohol; Live DJ and exotic dancers
2. Craft Beer Pub
If you're a beer connoisseur, this is your place to be. They serve a large variety of both locally-made beer and beer imported from Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Germany.
Timings: 5:30 PM - 1:30 AM
USP: Serves locally made craft beer; large screen displaying sports
3. 1900 Le Theatre
Standing on the remains of a burned-down theatre, this Hanoi nightclub adds an element of oomph to the erstwhile laid-back scene. Complete with a DJ and a dance floor, this is undoubtedly the swankiest club in Bia Hoi junction. This is the place if you want to get a local experience and some mainstream music. Usually very crowded, you might feel a little awkward if you go here alone.
Timings: 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM
USP: Modern ambiance; Live unique medley of Vietnamese music and EDM; Lots of single people to mingle
West Lake Area
The West Lake Area has several upscale bars and clubs and is frequented by ex-pats and Vietnamese socialites, celebrities, and the lite. This area reeks of money and glamour and houses some of the most expensive clubs and bars. This area is ideal for a swanky, sophisticated date or a night out. The affluent crowd that frequents this area is always dressed to perfection, and going casual will make you stick out. In fact, most clubs in the area do not offer entry without appropriate clothing. At first glance, this area may seem too expensive, but it houses some of the most stylish and unique bars and clubs and is definitely worth a visit if you have the necessary time and resources.
5. Standing Bar
Standing Bar is an unconventional bar in Hanoi built on a unique concept - you drink standing. The bar has numerous taps that fill your glasses generously with beer when open.
Timings: 6:00 PM - 12:30 AM
USP: They serve 16 types of craft beer - local and imported; offer a lake view; stand-up comedy on Saturday nights
6. 88 Lounge
88 Lounge embodies sophistication. This classy wine bar is ideal for a date. You can choose to occupy either the top garden or one of the sofa lounges on intermediate floors.
Timings: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
USP: Sophisticated wine lounge; ideal for a date due to its romantic ambiance; offers wine-tasting events
7. Savage
Savage has one of the best music systems in Hanoi. The great music they play is embodied by the enthusiastic crowd that frequents the area.
Timings: 8:00 PM - 4:00 AM
USP: Electronic and Techno Music; Elite Crowd; Closes very late
8. Hanoi Rock City
It has a gigantic dancing area which is always filled with people. The music is perfect for dancing.
Timings: 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM
USP: Alternative Event and art space featuring live music, DJ performances, open-mike nights and karaoke; free entry
9. Legend Beer
Legend Beer sells more variety of beers than any other Vietnamese bar. Coupled with the enticing ambiance, Legend Beer is a great place to enjoy a great evening.
Timings: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
USP: Third Storey Bar with Lake View; self-craft their beer; German Food
Historical City Centre
A chic crowd frequents the City Centre. The upmarket restaurants, lounges, bars, and nightclubs in this area are not as high-end as those in the West Lake area but are still fancy enough for you to dress up. The crowd that frequents this area consists of a medley of the rich and elite and those aspiring to integrate into Society. The area is also frequented by expats and tourists who cannot or do not want to spend a lot yet wish to experience the glitz of a fancy night out. Singles can mingle and meet people, while couples will have a good time. Dressing up is of utmost importance. However, it won't be noticed if you forego those killer stilettos for some slightly more comfortable yet pretty flats. If you're on a budget but still want to partake in some fancy partying, the City center is the place to go!
10. Factory 47
Factory 47 is a factory-style pub, complete with ambiance and waiters in lab coats. The industrial-style lighting adds to the thrill of the place and gives off an edgy feel.
Timings: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
USP: Industrial style pub; electronic music
11. Hanoi Press Club
Hanoi Press Club has the best assortment of French dishes in Vietnam. Hanoi Press Club also offers a special gentleman's style bar with exotic dancers performing. Apart from that, it also has an open terrace, ideal for enjoying a quiet evening.
Timings: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 3:30 PM
USP: Two clubs; Gentlemen style and open-air terrace; live music from Thursday to Saturday; Buy one get one free cocktail on Thursday
12. The Bank
The Bank is one of the best nightclubs in Hanoi. It combines the best parts of a Viet-styled nightclub and a Western Nightclub. Wednesday night is considered to be 'ladies' night', and Entry is free for women, but men have to pay. EDM is the most popular music played here, and the dance floor is always occupied by throngs of people raving to the beat.
Timings: 8:30 PM - 3:00 AM
USP: The Largest nightclub in Hanoi; Serves the best cocktails, funky music, and elite crowd
13. Cosa Nostra
The area and ambiance of this Hanoi bar are beautiful, but Cosa Nostra is often known for its poor service. This restaurant-cum-bar is themed to a minimalist one. The leather furniture offers a sophisticated yet relaxing touch to your evening.
Timings: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
USP: Minimalist Bar with classy leather furniture; relaxed setting
14. Tadioto
Tadioto is known for the exotic, colorful cocktails it serves. The artsy and colorful ambiance adds to the place's charm, which is ideal for a date or a girl's night out.
Timings: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
USP: Artsy bar; rustic feel; a relaxed place to unwind
Unconventional Things to Do at Night in Hanoi
So we've seen the city's vibrant party scene, but what to do in Hanoi if alcohol, flashing lights and thumping music isn't your thing? Worry not, because Hanoi is full of things to do for those who prefer a quieter scene, maybe soaking up some culture or strolling through the streets to get a hint of the true essence of life in Vietnam's capital.15. Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre
If you're one for classic tastes, an evening enjoying the traditional Vietnamese art of Water Puppetry is the right choice for you! This classical art form dates back to times when paddy fields were strongly flooded, and farmers and villagers made entertainment by standing in the water, which is waist-deep, and used puppets to perform over the water. The performances often consist of Vietnamese folklore and legends. They are often accompanied by an orchestra that plays traditional music using wooden bells, drums, horns, bamboo flutes, and cymbals. Hanoi's Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is famous throughout the world. Missing a night of Partying and attending a show is definitely worth it.
Timings: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
16. Hanoi Opera House
The Hanoi Opera House, located near Hoan Kiem Lake, is one of the best examples of Hanoi's colonial architecture. The Hanoi Opera House hosts opera and live music performances, and if you are looking to spend a sophisticated evening, this is the place for you. This building was established in 1911 by the French. It features Gothic themes through pillars, shuttered windows, glass rooms, and balconies. This is the biggest theatre countrywide and speaks volumes as cultural and historical evidence of Vietnam under French rule. The various performances include traditional folk music, international concerts, Vietnamese opera, and ballets.
17. Vietnam Central Circus
The Vietnam Central Circus is perfect for tourists looking for things to do in Hanoi with the whole family, offering some family-friendly late-night entertainment. The two-hour show consists of performances by acrobats, animals, and clowns. The circus is located in a great top tent surrounded by fairground games and live performances. The circus shows are often repetitive but worth at least one watch. The shows offer a good laugh, and the skilled performers are bound to leave you with wide open mouths.
Timings: Tuesday - Sunday: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
18. Hanoi Night Market
A grand mixture of colors, sound, and smell, Hanoi Night Market is a must-visit for any tourist visiting the city to buy souvenirs, browse through Vietnamese clothing, or gorge on some delicious Vietnamese street food. One can find regular items like t-shirts, accessories, sunglasses, or products reminiscent of Vietnamese culture, such as conical hats and Ao Dai, all packed into this labyrinth of stalls that come up here on the weekends. Cultural and musical events are a regular spectacle, which can be enjoyed as you eat a mouth-watering Pho or Banh Mi plate.