Hanoi nightlife, Hanoi overnight schedule for night owls

Why does Hanoi at night attract night owls?

Unlike the hustle and bustle of the day, Hanoi at night brings a rare peace in the heart of the city. The old streets become quiet, Hoan Kiem Lake sparkles with lights, and Long Bien Bridge tells historical stories through the full moon. In particular, night activities in Hanoi are very diverse, from enjoying street food to exploring bustling night markets.

Detailed Hanoi night out schedule

For a full night, we suggest starting at 7pm and finishing around 5am. You can adjust this to your liking, but this is the optimal route for both beginners and experienced hikers.

19:00 - Start at Hoan Kiem Lake

Start your journey atHoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi. At night, this area becomes sparkling with lights reflecting on the water. You can walk around the lake, admire the bright red The Huc bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple. The cool air and the cries of street vendors create a very poetic Hanoi.

Suggested activities:

• Take a photo check-in at The Huc bridge or Turtle tower.
• Enjoy Trang Tien ice cream nearby – a classic Hanoi snack.
• Sit in a sidewalk cafe around the lake to feel the nightlife.

Tips:If you go on the weekend, the walking street area around Hoan Kiem Lake will be very crowded with street performances. Come early to get a good seat!

20:00 - Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Just a few minutes walk from Hoan Kiem Lake,Hanoi Old Quarteris a must-see destination. Small streets like Ta Hien, Ma May or Hang Bong become a paradise for night owls. In particular, Ta Hien - the famous "beer street" - is always bustling with a bustling atmosphere.

Suggested activities:

• Enjoy cheap draft beer at Ta Hien, with snacks like fried sour spring rolls and fried potatoes.
• Hit up bars or pubs with live music to soak up the nightlife.
• Stroll and take photos of the historic alleys.

Tips:If you want to avoid the crowds, choose restaurants in smaller alleys like Hang Bong or Luong Ngoc Quyen. Don’t forget to try Ba Duc’s bun thang on Cau Go street – a hearty late-night snack!

21:30 - Check-in at legendary Long Bien bridge

Next, move toLong Bien Bridge, a historical symbol of Hanoi. This bridge is over 100 years old and has a nostalgic beauty, especially when the yellow lights shine at night. Standing on the bridge, you can see the whole Red River and the sparkling buildings in the distance.

Suggested activities:

• Take virtual photos with the background of Long Bien bridge and Red river.
• Buy snacks from street vendors on the bridge, such as grilled corn and grilled sweet potatoes.
• Sit and chat with friends, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Tips:Long Bien Bridge is quite long, wear comfortable shoes for walking. If you go by motorbike, be careful because the road up to the bridge can be a bit steep.

23:00 - Night scene hunting at Long Bien market

A unique destination for night owls isLong Bien market, the largest wholesale market in Hanoi. From 22:00 onwards, the market becomes bustling with trucks carrying goods and the bustling sounds of buyers and sellers. This is an ideal place to explore the nightlife of Hanoi's workers.

Suggested activities:

• Take a photo of the night market scene with carts full of vegetables and fruits.
• Enjoy snacks such as pate sandwiches and black bean desserts near the market.
• Chat with the sellers to hear interesting stories.

Tips:Long Bien market is quite crowded and chaotic, be careful with your personal belongings. If you go in a group, go together to avoid getting lost.

00:30 - Relax at West Lake

After the exciting destinations, end your journey atWest Lake, a place that offers a peaceful and windy space. West Lake at night is an ideal meeting place for couples or groups of friends who want to relax after a long night.

Suggested activities:

• Rent a tandem bike to ride around the lake and enjoy the romantic night view.
• Sit down for coffee or lemon tea at lakeside shops like on Lac Long Quan street.
• Enjoy late night dishes such as chicken pho and banh cuon in the area near the lake.

Tips:If you want to save money, choose sidewalk restaurants instead of big restaurants. Don't forget to bring a jacket because the West Lake area is often quite windy at night.

02:00 - Explore Tong Duy Tan Street

Continue the journey, visitTong Duy Tan Street, a famous night food street in Hanoi. This place concentrates many eateries open until morning, from grilled dishes to hot pot, suitable for recharging the energy of night owls.

Suggested activities:

• Enjoy grilled dishes such as skewered meat and grilled seafood at sidewalk stalls.
• Try crab hotpot or vermicelli soup with crab at famous restaurants on the street.
• Sit and sip iced tea, chat with friends in the late night air.

Tips:Tong Duy Tan Street is usually crowded around 1:00 - 3:00 am, come early to get a table. Dishes here cost from 50,000 - 150,000 VND/person.

03:30 - Watch the sunrise at Nhat Tan Bridge

To catch the moment of transition between night and day, head toNhat Tan Bridge, a modern bridge with a beautiful design. At around 4:00 am, you can watch the first rays of dawn appear, dyeing the Hanoi sky pink.

Suggested activities:

• Take a photo of the sunrise with the background of Nhat Tan Bridge and Red River.
• Walk on the bridge, enjoy the fresh air of the early morning.
• Buy coconut water or hot tea from nearby street vendors.

Tips:Nhat Tan Bridge is quite long and windy, so dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. If you are driving a motorbike, remember to check your gas before going up the bridge.

05:30 - End with early morning pho at Pho Ly Quoc Su

At the end of a Hanoi night tour, there is nothing better than a bowl ofbeef noodle souphot atPho Ly Quoc Su, one of the oldest and most famous pho restaurants in Hanoi. Open from early morning, the restaurant serves delicious beef pho with clear broth, tender beef and chewy noodles.

Suggested activities:

• Enjoy rare or well-done pho depending on your preference, with fried breadsticks and blanched onions.
• Sitting sipping iced tea, reviewing the moments of last night.
• Take a photo of the pho restaurant with an ancient space as a souvenir.

Tips:Pho Ly Quoc Su is usually crowded in the early morning, come early to avoid waiting. A bowl of pho costs about 50,000 - 80,000 VND.

Comparison table of Hanoi night destinations

To help you easily choose the right destination, below is a comparison table of the locations on the itinerary:

The ultimate tips for a night trip to Hanoi

To make your Hanoi night out until 5:00 AM complete, here are some useful tips:

1. Select means of transport:Motorbikes are the ideal way to explore Hanoi at night. If you are not familiar with the road, use Google Maps to find your way.
2. Prepare clothes:Hanoi can be chilly at night, especially in the West Lake area, Long Bien Bridge, or Nhat Tan Bridge. Bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes.
3. Time Management:The itinerary lasts until 5:00 am, so prioritize the places you want to explore thoroughly and take short breaks between places to avoid fatigue.
4. Personal safety:Avoid carrying too much cash or expensive jewelry. Be careful with your bags and phones at Long Bien Market or Tong Duy Tan Street.
5. Check the weather:Hanoi is usually cool at night, but if it rains, bring an umbrella or raincoat. Check the weather especially to watch the sunrise at Nhat Tan Bridge.
6. Recharge:Have a light snack at places like the Old Quarter or Tong Duy Tan to maintain your energy for the long journey. Avoid eating too much to move comfortably.

Frequently asked questions about Hanoi night tour

1. Is it safe to travel from Hanoi at night until morning?

Hanoi is quite safe at night, especially in central areas such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, or West Lake. However, you should travel in groups and be careful with your belongings in crowded places such as Long Bien Market or Tong Duy Tan Street.

2. Do I need to make a reservation for late night eateries?

Most of the sidewalk stalls or night eateries like Tong Duy Tan or Pho Ly Quoc Su do not require reservations. However, if you want to go to the bars on Ta Hien, you should come early to get a good seat.

3. How much money do you need to prepare to go backpacking in Hanoi at night until 5:00 am?

With the above itinerary, you need about 300,000 - 600,000 VND/person, including food, bicycle rental, and transportation costs. If you go to bars or pubs, the cost may be higher.

4. Are there any suitable places for families to go out at night in Hanoi?

Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Pho Ly Quoc Su are family-friendly spots. You can take the kids for a walk, get ice cream, or enjoy pho early in the morning.

Hanoi at night is an experience not to be missed for night owls. From the romance of Hoan Kiem Lake, the bustle of the Old Quarter, to the nostalgia of Long Bien Bridge, each destination has its own story. The schedule lasts until 5:00 am with a hot pho meal at Pho Ly Quoc Su will be the perfect end to your journey. Pack your backpack, invite your best friends, and start exploring Hanoi at night today!