HANOI
Hanoi is Vietnam’s ancient capital, a captivating blend of centuries-old tradition and vibrant, modern energy. It is a city of elegant lakes, shaded boulevards, and a truly unforgettable Old Quarter.
The city is the cultural heart of the nation. It’s a land of iconic sights, from the historic monuments of the French colonial era to the atmospheric chaos of its street food scene.
Most Popular Attractions
The Old Quarter & Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Historic Heart)
(Pronunciation Support: Hoh Hwan Kiem for Hoàn Kiếm)
Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Hồ Hoàn Kiếm): The central, historical “Lake of the Returned Sword,” a hub for daily life and weekend pedestrian activities.
Ngọc Sơn Temple (Đền Ngọc Sơn, Den Ngok Son): A picturesque temple situated on a small island in Hoàn Kiếm Lake, accessed via the scarlet Thê Húc Bridge (Cầu Thê Húc, Kow Teh Huk).
The Old Quarter (Phố Cổ, Foh Koh): A maze of 36 Guild Streets (like Hàng Bạc, Hàng Gai, Hàng Mã), known for their traditional trades, narrow “tube houses,” and vibrant street life.
Hanoi Train Street (Phố Đường Tàu, Foh Duong Tau): A unique location where a working railway line runs directly through a narrow residential street, famous for cafes and photo opportunities.
Đồng Xuân Market (Chợ Đồng Xuân, Chuh Dong Shwan): Hanoi’s largest indoor wholesale market, offering everything from textiles and electronics to local street food.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội, Nha Thuh Lun): A striking neo-Gothic cathedral that is the oldest church in Hanoi, inspired by Notre Dame in Paris.
Bạch Mã Temple (Đền Bạch Mã, Den BaCh Ma): Said to be the oldest temple in the city, and one of the four sacred temples that protected ancient Thăng Long.
Ma Mây Ancient House (Ngôi Nhà Cổ 87 Mã Mây): A beautifully preserved traditional “tube house” offering a glimpse into 19th-century Hanoian merchant life.
Tạ Hiện Street (Phố Tạ Hiện, Foh Tah Hien): Known as “Beer Corner,” this street is famous for its vibrant nightlife, inexpensive local beer (Bia Hơi), and low plastic stools.
Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre (Nhà hát Múa rối Thăng Long): A cultural institution showcasing the traditional Vietnamese art of water puppetry.
Ba Đình, History & Culture (Political & Educational Sites)
(Pronunciation Support: Hoh Chi Minh for Hồ Chí Minh)
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Lăng Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh): A large, monumental structure housing the embalmed body of Vietnam’s most revered leader, “Uncle Ho.”
Ba Đình Square (Quảng trường Ba Đình): The historic plaza in front of the Mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence in 1945.
Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House (Nhà Sàn Bác Hồ): The humble traditional house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked, located within the Presidential Palace complex.
One Pillar Pagoda (Chùa Một Cột, Chua Mot Kot): An iconic, unique Buddhist temple built on a single stone pillar, designed to resemble a lotus blossom.
Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long (Hoàng thành Thăng Long, Hwung Thanh Thang Long): A UNESCO World Heritage site and the seat of Vietnamese military power for over a thousand years.
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, Van Meu – Kwok Tu Zam): Vietnam’s first national university, established in 1070, dedicated to Confucius.
Hỏa Lò Prison (Nhà tù Hỏa Lò, Nha Too Hwa Loh): Known infamously as the “Hanoi Hilton,” a museum detailing the prison’s history during the French colonial era and the Vietnam War.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Bảo tàng Dân tộc học Việt Nam): An excellent museum showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups.
Vietnamese Women’s Museum (Bảo tàng Phụ nữ Việt Nam): Dedicated to the crucial role of women in Vietnamese history, culture, and society.
Flag Tower of Hanoi (Cột cờ Hà Nội): A historic stone tower and one of the few structures of the original Imperial Citadel to survive.
French Quarter, Lakeside & Outskirts
Hanoi Opera House (Nhà hát Lớn Hà Nội): A grand French colonial building completed in 1911, an architectural landmark of the French Quarter.
West Lake (Hồ Tây, Hoh Tay): Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, surrounded by a scenic path, upscale residences, and numerous ancient temples.
Trấn Quốc Pagoda (Chùa Trấn Quốc, Chua Tran Kwok): The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century, beautifully situated on an islet in West Lake.
Bát Tràng Pottery Village (Làng gốm Bát Tràng): A famous, centuries-old village known for its production of high-quality ceramic and pottery goods, located on the outskirts of the city.
Long Biên Bridge (Cầu Long Biên, Kow Long Bien): A historic steel cantilever bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, connecting the districts over the Red River.
Lotte Observation Deck (Lotte Center Hanoi): Offers modern, panoramic views of the entire city from the 65th floor of one of Hanoi’s tallest skyscrapers.
Activities & Experiences
Wander the 36 Streets of the Old Quarter: Get lost in the historic maze where streets are named for the trades they once monopolized (Hàng Bạc – Silver Street, Hàng Gai – Silk Street, etc.). It’s best explored on foot.
Try Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): Taste this unique, rich Hanoi specialty—a strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy, meringue-like layer of whipped egg yolk and condensed milk. The original is at Cafe Giảng (Gang).
Experience the Hanoi Train Street: Sit at a café inches from the railway tracks and watch a working train thunder past. Note: Parts of the street are sometimes restricted for safety.
Attend a Water Puppet Show: See the traditional Vietnamese art form of Múa rối nước (Moo-uh Roy Nook) at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, with live traditional music.
Go on a Street Food Tour: Dive deep into Hanoi’s famous cuisine. Must-tries include Phở (noodle soup), Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles), and Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich).
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Pay respects to the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, “Uncle Ho.” The site also includes the Presidential Palace and the unique One Pillar Pagoda.
Walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword): Enjoy the spiritual and geographical heart of the city. Visit Ngọc Sơn Temple (Ngok Sonn) on the small island accessible by the iconic red Húc Bridge.
Take a Scooter or Motorbike Tour: For an adrenaline-filled, authentic view, join a guided tour on the back of a scooter to navigate the city’s chaotic, vibrant traffic like a local.
Explore the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám): Visit Vietnam’s first national university, a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, dedicated to Confucius.
Shop at Đồng Xuân Market: Haggle for everything from clothing to souvenirs and enjoy the food court at Hanoi’s largest indoor market.
Drink Bia Hơi on Tạ Hiện Street: Experience the legendary “Beer Street” in the Old Quarter, sitting on tiny plastic stools while enjoying super-cheap, local draft beer.
Wander the French Quarter and Opera House: Explore the wider, tree-lined streets and impressive colonial-era architecture, including the grand Hanoi Opera House.
Local Tips & Transport
Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab/Go-Jek): These are the most reliable and common ways to get around for tourists. Use the app to book both car and motorbike taxis (GrabBike is fast and affordable). Fares are fixed, eliminating the need for negotiation.
Motorbike (Xe Ôm): The local motorbike taxi (Zay Ohm – literally “hug vehicle”) is everywhere. While convenient, using the ride-hailing app is safer than flagging one down on the street, as prices are guaranteed.
Walking & Chaos: The Old Quarter is very walkable, but be prepared for chaotic traffic. Crossing the street requires confidence: walk slowly and steadily, maintaining eye contact with oncoming traffic, and the motorbikes will generally flow around you. Do not stop abruptly or run.
From the Airport (Noi Bai – HAN): The most stress-free options are booking a private car transfer or using the Grab app. Bus #86 is also a reliable, affordable airport express bus to the city center.
Cyclos (Xích Lô): These three-wheeled bicycle taxis are a charming, slow way to see the Old Quarter. Always negotiate and agree on the price before you get in to avoid disputes. A fair price is usually around $5-$10 USD for a short loop tour (approx. 30-60 mins).
Dining Culture: Street food is the true heart of Hanoi cuisine. Look for places with tiny plastic stools and tables—the busier the spot, the better the food. Locals eat early; breakfast/lunch spots for Phở and Bún chả often sell out by midday. Don’t be shy about sitting down at a crowded stall.
The Weekend Pedestrian Zone: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, the roads surrounding Hoàn Kiếm Lake are closed to traffic, transforming the area into a lively pedestrian zone with street performers, traditional games, and pop-up events. It’s the perfect time for a stroll.
Bargaining: In markets like Đồng Xuân and with street vendors, bargaining is expected, particularly for souvenirs and non-food items. Start by offering 50-60% of the initial asking price and aim to settle at about 70-80%. Do it with a smile and good humor.
Language: Vietnamese is a tonal language. While most people in the Old Quarter and tourism sector speak some English, learning a few phrases is helpful. Cảm ơn (Gum Un) for “Thank you” is always appreciated.
Hidden Gems & Notes:
- Hỏa Lò Prison (Maison Centrale): Known as the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs, this museum focuses on the use of the prison by French colonialists against Vietnamese revolutionaries.
- Phùng Hưng Mural Street: A stretch of railway arches in the Old Quarter painted with large, vibrant murals depicting scenes of old Hanoi life.
- The Quiet Mornings: Get up early (around 5:30 AM-6:30 AM) to see a different, more peaceful side of the city, especially around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, where locals practice Tai Chi, dance, and exercise.
Top Restaurants
Phở Bát Đàn [$3-$6] (Phở: Fuh – Noodle soup) – A legendary, no-frills spot famous for its traditional beef phở where you pay first and queue to get your bowl (xếp hàng style).
Phở Thìn Lò Đúc [$4-$8] – Renowned for its unique phở tái lăn (stir-fried rare beef phở), featuring a rich, fatty broth and well-seasoned beef.
Bún Chả Hương Liên [$5-$10] (Bún chả: Boon cha) – Famous worldwide as the restaurant where President Obama ate bún chả (grilled pork and noodles). Still a local favorite despite the fame.
Chả Cá Thăng Long [$10-$20] (Chả cá: Cha ka) – A highly-regarded spot specializing in chả cá (turmeric-marinated fish sautéed at your table with dill and scallions).
Bánh Cuốn Thanh Vân [$5-$10] (Bánh cuốn: Banh koon) – Famous for its delicate, thin, steamed rice rolls (bánh cuốn) with savory minced pork and wood ear mushrooms.
Miến Lươn Đông Thịnh [$5-$10] (Miến lươn: Mee-en loon – Eel vermicelli) – A classic, local spot specializing in eel vermicelli (dry or soup), known for its crispy fried eel.
Phở Gà Chấm [$5-$10] (Phở gà: Fuh ga – Chicken noodle soup) – A less touristy, humble spot celebrated for its chicken phở (noodle soup) or phở gà trộn (dry chicken noodles).
Bún Ốc Phù Đổng [$4-$8] (Bún ốc: Boon ock – Snail vermicelli) – A small, authentic eatery specializing in bún ốc (snail noodle soup) with a tangy broth and various toppings.
Quán Ăn Ngon [$10-$20] (Quán Ăn Ngon: Gwan Un Ngon – Delicious Eatery) – Located in a colonial villa, it offers a large variety of Vietnamese dishes from different regions in a clean, market-style environment. Good for a comprehensive tasting.
Xôi Yến [$4-$8] (Xôi: Soy – Sticky rice) – A hugely popular spot for xôi (sticky rice) with various toppings like pâté, eggs, and braised pork. Open late.
Bánh Mì 25 [$3-$6] (Bánh mì: Ban mee) – While popular with visitors, this spot in the Old Quarter is a genuinely good and consistent place for the Vietnamese sandwich (bánh mì).
Phở Cuốn Hưng Bền [$5-$10] – Known for phở cuốn (fresh rolled phở), a light, non-soup version of the noodle dish, usually served with dipping sauce.
Bún Riêu Cua Hàng Bạc [$4-$8] (Bún riêu: Boon ree-ew – Crab vermicelli) – A bustling Old Quarter corner shop that serves excellent bún riêu cua (crab noodle soup) with tomato and fried tofu.
Kem Tràng Tiền [$2-$4] (Kem: Khem – Ice cream) – A famous, decades-old ice cream shop known for classic flavors like coconut and green bean. More of a snack/dessert, but a Hanoi institution.
Phở Gà Nguyệt [$5-$10] – A local favorite specializing in various styles of chicken phở, particularly known for its tender, free-range chicken.
Bún Bò Nam Bộ [$5-$10] (Bún bò Nam Bộ: Boon baw nahm baw – Southern-style beef vermicelli) – Specializes in this Southern-style dish of dry noodles with stir-fried beef, peanuts, and fresh herbs.
Nộm Bò Khô Long Vi Dung [$3-$6] (Nộm bò khô: Nohm baw koh) – Famous for nộm bò khô (beef jerky salad), a tangy and spicy green papaya salad with dried beef. A must-try street-food snack.
Bánh Đúc Nóng [$3-$5] (Bánh đúc: Banh dook) – A unique spot for warm rice flour cake topped with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and a savory broth. A comforting local dish.
Bún Thang Bà Đức [$5-$10] (Bún thang: Boon tang) – A traditional and elegant Hanoi rice vermicelli soup with shredded chicken, lean pork, and a delicate broth.
Lẩu Ếch [$15-$30 per pot] (Lẩu ếch: Low ech – Frog hot pot) – A popular local dish, especially on cold evenings. This specific spot is known for a good-quality frog hot pot.
Phở Sướng [$4-$8] (Phở Sướng: Fuh Soo-ong) – One of the older and highly respected phở places in Hanoi, known for its flavorful broth and high-quality beef.
Don Duck Old Quarter [$10-$20] – A popular place for duck dishes, offering local preparations like duck phở noodle soup alongside grilled Peking-style duck.
Bánh Cuốn Bà Hoành [$5-$10] – Another establishment highly recommended for its delicate, thin steamed rice rolls (bánh cuốn).
Gánh Hàng Kênh [$10-$20] – Known for Northern Vietnamese specialties, particularly excellent bánh đa cua (crab noodle soup with flat rice noodles) from the Hai Phong region.
Luk Lak Vietnamese Restaurant [$15-$30] – Offers a diverse menu highlighting regional Vietnamese traditions, presented in a modern, sophisticated style near the Opera House.
Tung’s Kitchen [$10-$20] – Known for combining authentic Vietnamese flavors with beautiful, contemporary presentation in a warm and elegant setting.
Home Hanoi Restaurant [$20-$40] – Located in a restored colonial house, it serves contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, focusing on fresh, local, and premium ingredients.
Duongs’ Restaurant [$15-$30] – Offers authentic Vietnamese dishes with a modern and creative twist, often focusing on fusion and contemporary plating.
Habakuk [$15-$30] – Tucked away in a narrow lane, this modern bistro offers a concise dinner menu of modern European dishes with Mediterranean influences.
La Place [$10-$20] – A stylish café-restaurant near St. Joseph’s Cathedral that serves excellent, fresh Vietnamese dishes and Western favorites in a cozy setting.
Maison Sen Buffet [$25-$50] – A high-quality buffet featuring a vast array of Vietnamese and international dishes in an elegant, well-designed space.
Xới Cơm [$10-$20] – (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide) Focuses on authentic Northern Vietnamese home cooking in a charming, vintage setting reminiscent of 1980s-90s Hanoi.
Hanoi Food Culture [$15-$30] – Located in the Old Quarter, this restaurant offers Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant atmosphere with an emphasis on flavor and presentation.
ERA Restaurant [$15-$30] – Features artistic decor and flavorful Vietnamese cuisine, providing a captivating and less-touristic dining experience in the Old Quarter.
Sente [$15-$30] – Offers unique Vietnamese cuisine with a flavor profile inspired by the lotus, providing a distinct and modern culinary experience.
Maii Bistro [$15-$35] – A highly-rated modern bistro known for its creative menu, contemporary design, and excellent customer service.
Khuê Restaurant [$25-$50] – Offers an upscale and refined dining experience with an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere, known for its quality ingredients and presentation.
The Rhythms Restaurant [$20-$40] – Offers a modern approach to Vietnamese cuisine, elevating traditional flavors with a contemporary presentation, along with stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Mộc Nhiên Restaurant [$15-$30] – Highly rated for its authentic Vietnamese food, focusing on fresh, natural flavors in a clean, pleasant environment.
T.U.N.G Dining [$80-$150] – (T.U.N.G: Toong – Contemporary Dining) A fine dining establishment offering a multi-course tasting menu inspired by Nordic cuisine but showcasing Vietnamese ingredients and creativity.
Gia Restaurant [$80-$150] – (Gia: Zsa) Celebrated for its innovative and story-driven approach to Vietnamese cuisine, offering a seasonal tasting menu that is highly acclaimed.
La Verticale [$60-$100] – Located in a charming colonial villa, this restaurant offers a French-Vietnamese fusion menu created by renowned Chef Didier Corlou.
Green Tangerine [$40-$80] – Housed in a beautiful French colonial villa, it offers a sophisticated menu combining French techniques with Vietnamese ingredients.
Hibana by Koki [$150-$250] – (One-Star MICHELIN) Located in the Capella Hanoi, this is an exquisite Japanese Teppanyaki experience with ingredients air-freighted from Japan.
Cloud Nine Restaurant [$50-$90] – Offers elevated Vietnamese and international cuisine with breathtaking views of the Old Quarter from a beautiful sky-high setting.
The Clover at Ngoc Thuy [$50-$90] – A hidden gem blending European and Asian flavors in a sophisticated, beautiful setting slightly outside the central districts.
Red Bean Central Restaurant [$40-$70] – Offers an outstanding, refined menu of Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on flavor and presentation, set in an elegant environment.
Press Club Hanoi [$50-$90] – An iconic, sophisticated restaurant serving both classic French and modern Vietnamese flavors in an upscale setting.
El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse [$60-$120] – While international, it’s one of Hanoi’s premier high-end steakhouses, known for premium imported beef.
Jacksons Steakhouse [$50-$100] – A top choice for high-quality imported beef and fresh side dishes, known for its elegant presentation and atmosphere.
The Rhythms Restaurant [$40-$70] – Perched in the Old Quarter, it provides a modern dining experience with traditional Vietnamese flavors and a great view of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Gu Bistronomy [$40-$80] – A highly-regarded bistro offering a culinary symphony of sophisticated, diverse flavors in an elegant setting.
Uu Dam Chay [$10-$20] (Chay: Chai – Vegetarian) – A sophisticated and well-regarded vegetarian restaurant offering a diverse and beautifully presented plant-based menu.
Met Restaurant & Vegetarian Food [$10-$20] – Known for its excellent vegetarian and vegan options, as well as traditional Vietnamese dishes, in a classic, nostalgic setting.
Cong Caphe [$3-$6] – Not a full restaurant but a famous, unique coffee chain known for its ‘subsidy period’ (post-war) design and its signature coconut coffee (cốt dừa cà phê).
Loading T [$3-$6] – A charming, hidden café in a beautiful old French colonial building, perfect for an authentic Vietnamese coffee experience, including egg coffee (cà phê trứng).
Savage [$20-$40] – A modern spot known for its international, contemporary menu and vibrant atmosphere, often including late-night DJs and a unique experience.
La Brasserie [$40-$70] – Known for its high-quality, fresh seafood buffet, often focused on delicacy and refinement in an elegant setting.
The Gourmet Corner Restaurant [$30-$50] – Credited with introducing boutique dining, this spot offers a refined menu of Vietnamese and international cuisine with great views.
Salmonoid [$30-$60] – A unique concept restaurant specializing in high-quality salmon dishes prepared in various creative and appealing ways.
Noir. Dining in the Dark [$50-$80] – A truly unique sensory dining experience where guests are served a meal in complete darkness by visually impaired staff.
Chợ Đồng Xuân Market Stalls [$2-$5] – (Chợ: Chuh – Market) Not a single restaurant but a vibrant market with numerous stalls offering highly authentic, cheap local food like xôi khúc (sticky rice balls) and savory snacks.
Phở Lý Quốc Sư [$5-$10] – A popular, non-touristic phở chain with multiple locations, consistently known for serving high-quality, flavorful beef phở.
Bun Cha Ta [$5-$10] – A clean, popular spot in the Old Quarter for bún chả, which is slightly more tourist-friendly than some street stalls but maintains good quality.
Cơm Phố [$8-$15] (Cơm: Kerm – Rice) – A small, local restaurant that offers a rotating menu of traditional Vietnamese rice plates and family-style dishes.
Nhà Hàng Lam Điền [$15-$30] – A restaurant known for superb Vietnamese food in a cozy, welcoming setting that is not always packed with tourists.
Quan An Ngon (Phan Bội Châu) [$10-$20] – Mentioned before, its comprehensive menu and colonial villa setting make it unique for trying various Vietnamese dishes in one go.
Tranquil Books & Coffee [$3-$7] – A hidden gem providing a rustic, peaceful escape with coffee and light snacks, favored by locals for its quiet atmosphere.
Cafe Giang [$2-$5] – A hidden, highly-regarded spot in a small alley, famous for inventing the original Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng). Pronounced: Gzang
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Nê Cocktailbar: A cozy speakeasy just steps from the iconic Train Street in the Hoàn Kiếm District, this award-winning bar is famous for its creative, locally-inspired cocktails, including the internationally recognized Pho Cocktail.
Polite & Co: A Hanoi institution, this bar in the Hoàn Kiếm area near Hoàn Kiếm Lake offers a charming, European-inspired environment with a focus on classic cocktails, whiskey, and cigars.
The Alchemist Cocktail Bar Hanoi: Located on the second floor of an old European-style building in the Old Quarter, this bar provides a dimly lit, high-ceiling space for enjoying complex, experimental, and storytelling cocktails.
Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar: Concealed behind an art gallery on Phung Hung Street in the Hoàn Kiếm District, this classy establishment offers a bespoke and artistic cocktail experience.
The Haflington: Step into an old European train station vibe in an alley on Hang Ma, in the north-western fringe of the Old Quarter. This bar merges vintage décor with innovative, high-quality drinks.
Jigger Cocktail & Wine Bar: Tucked away on Nam Ngu Street, this bar offers a full experience with amazing cocktails and regularly hosts different music nights, from jazz to acoustic pop.
Kumquat Tree Speakeasy Bar: A true hidden gem with an old Hong Kong-style aesthetic. You’ll need the door code to enter this secret bar, located in the French Quarter area near Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
Summit Lounge: One of Hanoi’s most luxurious rooftop bars, located on the 20th floor of the Pan Pacific Hotel near West Lake. It offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the lake and the Red River.
Lighthouse Sky Bar: Located atop the La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel in the Old Quarter, the bar is designed to resemble a boat, offering stunning city skyline views, especially at sunset.
Diamond Sky Bar: Situated on Ta Hien Street in the Old Quarter, this bar offers a spacious terrace with stunning views of Hanoi’s busiest nightlife street below and a variety of unique beverages.
Ozone Sky Lounge & Restaurant: A famous rooftop bar near St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the Hoàn Kiếm District, offering magnificent views of the cathedral alongside quality drinks.
The Unicorn Pub: Like its sister, Nê Cocktail Bar, this pub is highly regarded by locals and expats, nestled on Hang Than Street on the fringe of the Old Quarter.
La Plume Bar & Lounge: Located atop the Press Club Hanoi in the historical French Quarter, this elegant spot offers exotic cocktails and is a recommended place to try the famous Pho cocktail.
Angelina – Cocktail Bar, Whisky Lounge, Restaurant: Part of the luxurious Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel in the Hoàn Kiếm District, it features a stylish, fancy, and cozy interior with a world-class whiskey collection.
Mojito Bar & Lounge: Set within a refurbished heritage building on Nguyễn Quang Bích Street on the periphery of the bustling Old Quarter, it offers a laid-back vibe, well-priced cocktails, and regular live music.
Binh Minh Jazz Club: Located behind the Hanoi Opera House near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, this intimate venue is Hanoi’s oldest jazz club, offering nightly live performances by local and international jazz musicians.
1900 Le Théâtre: Widely regarded as the top nightclub in Hanoi, it’s located on the iconic Ta Hien Street (Beer Street) in the heart of the Old Quarter. Known for blending historical charm with cutting-edge nightlife, it hosts top DJs and features an electrifying crowd.
The Bunker: Known as one of the best spots for a night of dancing, this high-energy club on Ma May Street in the Old Quarter features a luxurious, youthful space and an eye-catching LED lighting system.
SHARK CLUB: A luxurious nightclub located on Trang Tien Street, just a few minutes walk from Hoàn Kiếm Lake, offering a premium party experience with top-tier sound and lighting systems.
Savage Hanoi: An underground escape for electronic music enthusiasts in the West Lake Area (Tây Hồ District), known for hosting international DJs and a vibrant techno and house music scene.
NOXX CITI: Located in the city, this venue has been recognized on DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs list and provides a high-end nightlife experience with state-of-the-art production.
Hero Club: Situated on Yen Phu Street in the Ba Đình District, this modern club attracts a young, energetic crowd with its industrial-style setting, themed nights, and popular international and local DJ sets.
M.O.A 98 Hang Buom: An all-in-one entertainment complex located in the heart of the Old Quarter near Beer Street, blending music, art, and gastronomy, with dynamic DJ sets and dance shows.
HYBRA Ultra Lounge: A hidden gem known for its R&B music and outstanding cocktails, offering a vibrant nightlife experience.
Funky B Bar (Funky Buddha Bar): Located on Ta Hien Street in the Old Quarter, this two-story venue offers diverse music and a lively party atmosphere, popular with both locals and travelers.
Klub One: A famous club located on Lo Duc Street in the Hai Bà Trưng District, known for its contemporary music atmosphere and luxurious, sophisticated ambiance.