The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife in Hanoi

If you still have energy left after a day of exploring the Old Quarter and the city’s many great museums, read on to find out where to go to have a great time after dark. Not interested in partying? Great! Hanoi’s bustling art and culture scene is sure to offer you some entertainment before calling it a night.

Whether you enjoy having beer on a little plastic stool on the sidewalk or prefer dancing to the latest tunes in a trendy nightclub, Hanoi has got you covered. If you still have energy left after a day of exploring the Old Quarter and the city’s many great museums, read on to find out where to go to have a great time after dark. Not interested in partying? Great! Hanoi’s bustling art and culture scene is sure to offer you some entertainment before calling it a night.

Hanoi’s Top Bars

As Hanoi’s nightlife scene develops, more and more cool bars are popping up. Many of them follow a particular theme or specialize in some form of entertainment, food, and drink offering. Here are some of our recent favorites but do some more of your own research if you’re looking for something particular. Chances are you’ll find it in Hanoi.

Factory 47

For a fun place to enjoy some drinks and good music, try Factory 47. Located on 47 Hang Buom, this hipster bar attracts a wide range of guests from international travelers and expats to locals. Their brick walls, comfy sofas, pool tables, and the long bar give the place a cool vibe and invite you to chill out after a long day of sightseeing and exploring the city.

If you’re missing Western bar food, you’d better come with an empty stomach. Burgers and other yummy bites await and can be washed down with some cold beer or the bar’s creative cocktails. What’s great about this location is it stays opens late for a bar, from 12 PM to 2 AM (except Sundays, when they close at 12 AM). In a city where most places shut down around midnight or even before, that’s a plus.

MORE INFORMATION

• Address: 47 Hang Buom, Hanoi
  
• Phone number: 0974 363 366
  
• Opening hours: 12 PM – 2 AM
  
• Price range: 50,000 – 500,000 VND
  
• Facebook: Factory 47

Ne Cocktail Bar

For a creative nightcap, Ne Cocktail Bar at 3B Tong Duy Tan is the place to go. This recently opened bar quickly started attracting guests from Hanoi and abroad who are curious to try the innovative creations offered here. Ever thought of spiking your bowl of pho? Well, here you can try something pretty close to that: Nê’s signature Pho Cocktail complete with star anise, cardamom, lime, and fresh coriander. Fancy a taste?

This place is a real hotspot for cocktail lovers, so be prepared for a packed room. However, if you get there early, (they’re open from 7 PM to 2 AM) you can avoid the crowds and sip your drink in a quieter atmosphere. But where’s the fun in that when you’re out in a new city?

MORE INFORMATION

• Address: 3B Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  
• Phone number: 0904 886 266
  
• Opening hours: 7 PM – 2 AM
  
• Price range: 200,000 – 500,000 VND
  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ne.cocktailbar

Binh Minh’s Jazz Club

If you love good live jazz, you’re in for a treat. Binh Minh’s Jazz Club in the heart of Hanoi’s French quarter welcomes the country’s finest jazz musicians, including Vietnamese jazz pioneer Binh Minh himself, on the stage every night from 9 PM to 11:30 PM. For special occasions, international celebrities have performed as well. To know if there are any special events while you’re in the city

While it’s a bit pricier than other bars in the area, this jazz club makes up for it with the high-quality performances and entertainment. Located at 1 Trang Tien Street, it’s also conveniently close to some of the city’s main sights such as Hoan Kiem Lake, and several museums. That way you can drop in for dinner (they serve both local and international dishes) and secure a good spot for the performance later in the evening.

MORE INFORMATION

• Address: No.1A Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi
  
• Phone number: 024 3933 6555
  
• Opening hours: 7 PM – 12 AM
  
• Price range: 50,000 – 250,000 VND
  
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/jazzvietnam/

1900 – Le Theatre

If you ask any Hanoian about where to have a great party in the capital, the former theater, 1900 Le Theatre Club will be the first name that comes to mind. This club has the best location in the heart of Ta Hien party street. From the outside, this place looks quite small. But once you step inside the bar, you will be astonished by the spacious area, and the fancy, sophisticated decor. Every corner in the club is a piece of art. You can easily spot details inspired by the ancient and modern Hanoi such as old megaphones, One Pillar Pagoda, and our traditional houses with their characteristic yellow paint. 

Walking past the club in the evening, you might think that 1900 Le Theatre is just a normal chill bar to sit down, sip a drink and have a talk with friends or your date. But the real party won’t start until after 11 PM. The DJs are impressive with many great tracks from the world’s top hits to original songs. Besides, the stage effects- scenic light, confetti, and smoke boost your party mood until the end of the night!

Every month, the club often hosts a special event, starring popular DJs and Vietnam celebrities. Each event usually attracts more than 500 guests. Check their fanpage for more information about the event date and entrance fee. 

Beyond a party place, this bar has become a part of the lifestyle of the youngsters in Hanoi! 

MORE INFORMATION

• Address: 8 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  
• Phone number: 0911 111 900
  
• Entrance fee: 100,000 VND/ticket (including one drink)
  
• Price range: 50,000 – 500,000 VND
  
• Website: 1900 Le Theatre

Polite & Co. (Bar Whisky và Cigar)

Established in 1995, Polite & Co. is one of the oldest pubs in Hanoi. Those who love a vintage atmosphere (think movies in the 1920s), should not miss a chance to visit this cozy pub. The name says it all, Polite & Co. Bar is elegant and quite fancy with a wooden bar and floor, a huge liquor collection displayed on the shelves with a lot of light, and a space full of artwork. Come here to treat yourself to some jazz on a rainy evening or shake to the rhythm of energetic live music. 

When in Polite & Co., you should try Khubani, a special drink a.k.a best seller of the pub. You also have many other options, like liquors and imported beers from Holland, Belgium, Mexico, Denmark, etc. The pretty decor yet delicious cocktails are also a signature of the pub. 

Every Tuesday is Gent’s Night, Polite & Co. runs their special promotion: buy 1 get 1 free all malt Whisky and get 10% off on cigars.

If you need an elegant place to chill, Polite & Co. is a place to go! 

MORE INFORMATION

• Address: 5B Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  
• Phone number: 0968 949 606
  
• Opening hours: 3 PM – 12 AM
  
• Happy Hours: 6 PM – 8 PM (Cocktail for 90,000 VND)
  
• Price range: 60,000 – 500,000 VND
  
• Facebook: Polite & Co. 

Attic Cocktail & Wine Lab

Freshly launched in the beginning of May, Attic Cocktail & Wine Lab has quickly become a new favorite destination for a night out in Hanoi. Hidden in an attic of an old apartment in Hanoi, the “Lab” impresses visitors with its nostalgic atmosphere. Other guests who have visited said that there are three things that make the reputation of the Lab: delicious eye-catching cocktails, the friendly bartender from “Team Handsome” and Mr. Tequila!

Whether you are happy or sad, just give Attic Cocktail & Wine Lab a visit to talk about your stories with the talented bartenders, they will transform your words into the shape of a cocktail! In case you don’t feel like sharing, you can try the Oyster Smoothie, Lavender Gin, or simply ask the bartender for their recommendation! 

I mentioned Mr. Tequila earlier, whenever he shows up at the attic, the party really begins! Since his hobby is to see happy people, he loves walking around the Lab with a bottle of tequila to “save” those who look thirsty. After a few “saves”, you’ll become a real party animal.

Don’t forget to hunt for the “Treasure Diary” to see what other partiers are saying about the Attic Cocktail & Wine Lab. 

MORE INFORMATION

• Address: 46 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  
• Phone number: 0984 334 646
  
• Opening hours: 4 PM – 12 AM
  
• Price range: 180,000 – 500,000 VND 
  
• Facebook: Attic Cocktail & Wine Lab

Bia Hoi and Craft Beer Bars in Hanoi

Having a glass or two of Bia Hoi (draft beer) is a must while in Hanoi. The city is famous for its many small bars and eateries which offer cheap draft beer along with some tasty bar snacks.

Bia Hoi Junction

To meet fellow travelers who share your love for beer, head over to Bia Hoi Junction at the intersection of Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ta Hien, and Dinh Liet Streets in the Hanoi’s Old Quarter. There, a cold one can cost as little as 7,000 VND.

This is a great place to people watch while you’re perched on a miniature plastic stool, munching on freshly cooked street food. There will also be plenty of other travelers, backpackers, and young Vietnamese students to meet and share travel stories with.

Stop by anytime from 10 PM to the early hours of the morning… depending on when local authorities decide to shut the place down for the night.

MORE INFORMATION 

• Address: Corner of Bat Dan and Duong Thanh, Hanoi
  
• Opening hours: 11 AM – 12 PM
  
• Price range: 5,000 – 20,000 VND

Bia Hoi at 1A Duong Thanh Street

Since Bia Hoi Junction can get very crowded, you might want to check out another great place for some fresh, cold beer. Only a ten-minute walk from the crowded venue, you’ll find many more street side bars at 1A Duong Thanh Street on the western side of the Old Quarter.

Here beer will cost a little bit more, maybe around 10,000 VND per glass and the atmosphere is worth checking out. Fewer foreigners and larger local crowds make this place more interesting if you’re looking to experience a less touristy night out. Get here “early” to make the most of your evening as places close between 1 AM and 2 AM.

Standing Bar

For a classier experience of Hanoi’s beer scene, head over to Standing Bar. This hip watering hole’s owner takes pride in serving only locally produced craft beers with some pretty cool flavor combinations. If you’re only thinking of lagers, stouts, and IPAs, you’re not giving this place enough credit.

Apart from all the traditional types of beer, Standing Bar offers flavors as exotic as coffee, chocolate, jasmine, and cashew. Combine this with some of their excellent home-cooked food and you’ve got yourself a foodie’s dream night out.

Located at 170 Tran Vu Street and overlooking Truc Bach Lake, Standing Bar welcomes guests from 4 PM to midnight daily and charges between 80,000 – 90,000 VND for a beer.

Hanoi’s Beer Gardens and Beer Bars

Hanoians are serious about their beer. That’s why there are so many different types of venues serving it. From chill, open-air beer gardens, to rooftop bars and noisy, restaurant-night club hybrids with elaborate themes, there are so many things and places to try, it’ll be hard to find time for it all.

Legend Beer

One of the city’s most popular beer bars, Legend Beer is located at 1 Dinh Tien Hoang and is best known for overlooking an ever-busy and chaotic roundabout. Get there before rush hour (just after sunset) to get a table on the balcony and get some good shots of the traffic below.

Every day from 11 AM to 11 PM Legend Beer serves its home-brewed drinks and a selection of German specialties such as pork knuckle and sausages. Since it’s quite popular among tourists who want to get great photos, prices here are a bit higher than in the rest of the Old Quarter, but the views make it well worth it.

MORE INFORMATION

• Address: 01 – 03 – 05 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  
• Phone number:  +84 43 776 1666
  
• Opening hours: 11 AM – 11 AM
  
• Price range: 80,000 – 700,000 VND
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/Legendbeer/

New Sphinx Beer Bar

For a real experience of local drinking culture, go to a beer bar like the New Sphinx at 2 Láng Hạ (open from 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM). Every evening, guests gather in the ancient Egypt-themed bar to have (a lot of) beer and shout at each other over the deafening live music. Food is served here as well, however, the focus is definitely on the drinks.

Usually, you will not find a lot of foreigners in bars like this as it’s quite a different way of going out and partying from what people are used to in Europe or America. If you have some Vietnamese friends to take you out though, a trip to one of these places could be a fun way to get to know local customs. And after all, that’s what traveling is all about, right?

MORE INFORMATION

• Address: 2 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
  
• Phone number: 08 2215 2222
  
• Opening hours: 11.30 AM – 11.30 PM
  
• Happy Hours: 10 AM – 2.30 PM (Free beer for Women)
  
• Price range: 60,000 – 500,000 VND
  
• Facebook: New Sphinx 

The 100 Beer Garden

Prefer to have a drink outside and enjoy the cool night air? Then the 100 Beer Garden at 68/238 Au Co is a place you’ll enjoy. Seating over 170 guests and serving many different craft beers, this place attracts beer lovers from around the world.

Come here with your friends and test the many different kinds of craft beer made by breweries around Vietnam and try some delicious bar food along with it. Since the 100 Beer Bar only operates from 4 PM to 11 PM you’ll want to stay in good shape, so you can explore more of Hanoi’s nightlife later on.

MORE INFORMATION 

• Address: 68/238 Au Co, Hanoi
  
• Phone number: 0912 666 736
  
• Opening hours: 4 PM – 11 PM
  
• Price range: 20,000 – 200,000 VND
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/the100hanoi/

Happening Night Clubs in Hanoi

If you’re looking for a bit more action, you’re in luck as Hanoi is home to several amazing nightclubs. From eccentrically themed venues to exclusive clubs with Western pricing, you’ll find a bit of everything here. Check out our top picks and do some digging yourself to find out where to find your kind of crowd and your music of choice.

Hero Club Hanoi

For an unmistakable atmosphere, stop by Hero Club Hanoi at 42M Yên Phụ (Lớn). Step inside and be wowed by its cool decoration made up of old propaganda posters and images of superheroes. To keep with the theme, the DJ booth is set in an old Soviet truck.

The music here ranges from Deep House and EDM to R&B and hip-hop. Since it’s one of the city’s hottest clubs right now, it regularly partners with Vietnamese and international artists for nights of endless dancing to the performers’ top hits. For more information on events, you don’t want to miss

MORE INFORMATION 

• Address: 42M Yen Phu (Lon), Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
  
• Phone number: 0989 264 242
  
• Opening hours: 9 PM – 3 AM
  
• Price range: 60,000 – 300,000 VND
  
• Facebook: Facebook

Hanoi Rock City

For a mix of culture and partying, Hanoi Rock City at 27/52 Tô Ngọc Vân is the perfect place. They offer an eclectic mix of DJ nights, live musicians, art exhibitions, and a whole lot more. If you have a good voice or some other musical talent, come over during their open mic nights every Tuesday. For details on their upcoming events, shows and featured artists, visit their Facebook page.

Drinks here are a bit pricier than in other clubs in Hanoi, however, the experience at Hanoi Rock City is unique and super fun. The crowd is a mix of Vietnamese and international artists, creatives, expats, and travelers. A night out here is guaranteed to be a memorable one.

MORE INFORMATION 

• Address: 27/52 To Ngoc Van Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
  
• Phone number: 0976 191 943
  
• Opening hours: 4 PM – 2 AM
  
• Price range: 100,000 – 500,000 VND
  
• Website: http://hanoirockcity.com/
  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanoirockcity.welive/

Other Things to Do in Hanoi at Night

Apart from partying and exploring the local craft beer scene, Hanoi offers a bunch of other cool things to do after dark. Here is a list of places to check out if you want to get your fill of cultural activities and dive deeper into Hanoi’s bustling, eclectic nightlife.

Take a Heritage Walk: Explore Hanoi’s Sights After Dark

Come nightfall, Hanoi and its skyline transform. As the sun sets, the lights come on and awaken the city in a whole new way. This doesn’t just mean clubs and restaurants try to attract guests with gaudy neon lights, but city landmarks such as the Opera House and other monuments are beautifully lit up and take on a completely different air than during the day.

That makes it worth it to walk past some of your favorite places one more time after dark. You can start by taking a stroll around Hoan Kiem lake and enjoy seeing the park come to life with people wanting a breath of fresh air and some exercise. After that, head to the Old Quarter, where the Opera House and some of the city’s iconic hotels await with their glamorously lit up facades and high windows.

As you take your time exploring Hanoi in the evening, you’ll probably notice many things you didn’t see during the day. Don’t rush. Rather, meander through the small, crooked alleys and take in all the hidden details this city has to offer.

Experience an Original Water Puppet Show

A popular attraction, the water puppet show at Hanoi’s Thang Long Theater is based on a tradition with its roots dating back to the 11^th century. In those early days, farmers started putting on skits with puppets in the flooded rice paddies while hiding behind a bamboo screen. Today, the shows take place in a pool, but the artists still hide behind a screen, making it look like the puppets are magically floating over the water. While you can see similar shows in many cities in Vietnam, the North is the true origin of this art form.

Shows at Thang Long Theater last about an hour and have around 17 short skits. They feature various subjects including harvest season in the countryside, small-town life, scenes from Buddhist mythology, and most importantly the story where King Le receives the magical sword from the giant tortoise in Hoan Kiem Lake.

The first show of the day is at 3 PM with more following almost every hour until 8:30 PM. Book your tickets well in advance and from a reliable vendor since they sell out quickly due to the show’s extreme popularity. Rates are approximately 100,000 VND.

See a Show at Hanoi Opera House

One of the city’s best-known landmarks, the Opera House deserves a visit whether or not you want to see a show. Especially at night, when it’s beautifully lit up, its enchanting image will take you back to a time when elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen came here for classy entertainment.

If you want to see the inside, you’ll need to book a ticket. It’s worth the price since the interior is beautiful and shows hosted here are excellent. Performances usually include opera, ballet, musicals, and modern dance. Both Vietnamese and international artists come here to perform frequently, so check the Opera House’s website for details on their upcoming features.

https://hanoioperahouse.org.vn/chuong-trinh-bieu-dien/

A wonderful show to consider is Lang Toi (My Village), which is performed twice a week and is a combination of acrobats, contortionists, and classical Vietnamese music and stories.

Explore Hanoi’s Buzzing Art Scene

Apart from offering great nightclubs, bars, and musical shows, Hanoi also boasts a very lively art scene. The city is known for its eclectic mix of artists who come here to promote their work and build connections.

A place where many of them meet, exhibit their latest projects, and sometimes even work, is Manzi, a cross between a bar, a café, and an art gallery on 14 Phan Huy Ich. Open every day from 10 AM to 10:30 PM it offers creatives a place to mingle and express themselves and makes for the perfect spot to end the day with some contemporary art. Visit the Hanoi Grapevine: https://hanoigrapevine.com/ to learn about upcoming events and expos at Manzi (and in other parts of the city) so you don’t miss any of the good stuff.

Get Your Fill of Local Street Food

Just because it’s getting late doesn’t mean food stalls are shutting down. On the contrary, you’ll see many more popping up, especially in areas around bars and clubs. Keep your eyes open for street food vendors who attract a largely Vietnamese clientele. That way you can be sure the food is authentic and good.

A great place to start (or end) your night of Hanoi street food is Cat Linh Dong Da, also known as BBQ Street. Here, the restaurants specialize in all kinds of fresh, juicy barbecued dishes and you’ll have a hard time choosing just one so make sure you go there hungry.

For more ideas on what to eat in Hanoi, at any time of day, check out our Hanoi food guide. With its help, you’ll find all the best eateries and get a taste of the real Hanoi.

Shop Around at the Night Market

Didn’t have a chance to go shopping because of all the sightseeing you were doing? Then stop by the Hanoi Night Market. This night market is not only a great place to pick up a souvenir or two but also for a delicious dinner of Hanoi specialties.

Walk along the small crowded alleyways in the market and marvel at the endless array of goods on sale. From tourist trinkets and fake branded clothes to leather goods, dried fruits, and books you are likely to find a bit of everything here.

Did something catch your eye? Then get ready to haggle! Prices quoted are usually meant to be negotiated, especially since foreigners are often charged a higher price to begin with.

For a more comprehensive list of Hanoi Traditional Handicraft Villages, read our full guide here!

Still haven’t gotten your fill of shopping? Then why not have a look at our rundown of Hanoi’s best places to shop! Here we give you the scoop of the best malls, stores, markets, and other places that sell anything and everything.

Getting Around Safely at Night

While Hanoi is generally considered safe, you do want to watch out when you are out and about at night. Especially after having a few drinks, it’s easy to become the target of taxi scams and other rip-offs, so try to stay vigilant and keep your wits about you.

To make sure you get home safely after a long night out, use only reputable taxi companies. There are many fake taxis that either charge exorbitant flat rates or use super-fast meters, so keep your eyes out for Mai Linh (grass green) or Taxi Group/CP Taxi (white with red stripes) cars. You can also use Grab but that will require you to have a local sim card with a data plan.

Finally, to avoid any confusion, ask your hotel to write down the exact address in Vietnamese or keep their business card with you always. That way there can’t be any confusion about where you want to go. If you mispronounce your destination and the driver takes you to the wrong place, chances are he’ll ask you to pay for it or even offer to take you to his “friend’s” hotel which will have a tourist price tag on it.

While there are plenty of things to see and do in Hanoi during the day, save some energy for the evening. Visit some of the city’s craft beer bars, stop by one of the hip nightclubs or meet some local artists at one of the creative cafés tucked away downtown. Whatever it is you enjoy doing on a night out, chances are Hanoi has something to offer you.

If we have convinced you to spend some time in Hanoi, you might want to take a look at our collection of useful articles here:

Cultural Spotlights of Hanoi (Experience Hanoi like a Local)

Two Days in Hanoi – How to Make the Most of It

If you enjoyed reading this article and would like some more fun info about what to see, do, and eat (and a bunch of interesting cafes!) in Vietnam, follow us at the Phuot3mien Blog!