Experience: Up Late in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
The beautiful Old Quarter of Hanoi dates back to the 13th century. French-colonial architecture, monuments and statues give you a look into this ancient city’s roots. The Hoan Kiem Lake District is the business hub of the area, bustling in the daytime with thousands of people doing business, taking boat rides, historical tours, bartering with street vendors, shopping, or taking in Vietnam’s capital city.
When dusk hits, an unrivaled, high-energy nightlife experience awaits with crowds of people packed into the streets. Food, fun and good times are what you will find. Karaoke bars, dance clubs, music of all types, sports clubs, and close quartered gathering areas to sit on the streets and take in the incredible city.
As of September 1st, all Hoan Kiem Lake area clubs, bars and restaurants will be allowed to stay open until 2am on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Previously, the town closed down at midnight on weekends, but constantly overflowed with people and vehicles several hours after closing time. In light of the crowds and growing popularity of the area, the city decided to give merchants and visitors two extra hours to enjoy each weekend night until further notice.
Vehicles will now be banned from the Hoan Kiem Lake area on weekends to enhance safety and accommodate the high volume of foot traffic in this newly created pedestrian-only zone. The transportation department has adjusted bus and taxi routes and given access to only specific vehicles.
Nguyen Duc Chung, Hanoi’s chairman, said it may be possible that the closing time extension will be applied to weekdays in the future, depending on the response to this temporary phase.
As an additional courtesy, Vietnam Posts & Telecommunications Group (VNPT) has installed free Wi-Fi access to the Hoan Kiem Lake area, giving visitors the best of everything while enjoying a long, fun night out on the town.
Discover the New Vietnam!
Go to Expedia.com to start your Vietnam trip.
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Want to make your friends envious? Tell them “I stayed in a Bed & Breakfast at Ho Chi Minh City.”
Last of all, don’t forget Travel insurance. Like glue, boring but necessary.
