Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, a city of around 8 million inhabitants. Some people love it because it is a city full of history with many picturesque little streets, other people hate it for its chaotic traffic and its level of noise and air pollution. Anyway, most people visit this city during the day however, we challenged ourselves to visit Hanoi by night.
Why visit Hanoi by night?
Visiting Hanoi by night can be a wise idea in summer when the thermometer reaches scorching temperatures. It then becomes very difficult to wander through the small streets of the old quarter in the middle of the afternoon. Likewise, these alleys are often empty because the Vietnamese prefer to take a nap when the heat is not bearable.
Thus, from 5 p.m., local life resumes in the old quarter of Hanoi. We can then observe all kinds of scenes of life such as parents who go to pick up their children from school on scooters or even small restaurants which are full of people for a snack or a light dinner.
Later in the evening, the streets of Hanoi by night are quieter and people are more relaxed. It is then much more pleasant to visit the city. Also, you can take advantage of the lighting of the different monuments to take very beautiful photos.
What to see in Hanoi by night?
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
It is at 9 p.m. each evening that the flag lowering ceremony takes place. To see this ceremony, you must arrive at the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum square a little earlier to have time to pass through the security gates. You can enter the main square for free.
Shortly before 9 p.m., soldiers asked the crowd to stand on the grass. Then the music starts and a group of soldiers in white costumes arrive to lower the flag. This ceremony lasts only about fifteen minutes and allows you to appreciate the importance of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Vietnamese culture.
The train street
In the evening, the train street is very beautiful with all its lights, its lanterns and its little cafes along the railway tracks. It’s the ideal place for a snack or a coffee even if the quality of the food and drinks is quite average. Don’t expect to be dazzled by the restaurants on train street.
A few trains may pass throughout the evening if you’re lucky. But there is only one train that you will be sure of and certain of its departure, and that is the 10 p.m. train to Sapa. Every evening, this train will pass through Train Street a few minutes after leaving Hanoi Central Station.
Hoan Kiem Lake Tour
Only during the weekend, the Hoan Kiem Lake tour is closed to car traffic. You can then stroll freely on the main street and attend different music shows, clowns, magicians… You can also visit the Hanoi night market.
Long Bien market
From 8 p.m., many trucks park below the Long Bien bridge to collect their precious goods. Indeed, under this bridge, a huge wholesale market comes to life every night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
We can then observe piles of watermelons, mangoes and other vegetables. Many workers carry goods on their carts and push them at arm’s length. It’s a veritable anthill equivalent to the Rungis market (but more rustic).
We didn’t see any tourists at this market and it’s true that they are sometimes poorly received by the locals here. The Vietnamese are there to sell and buy. They have to move quickly and get the trucks on the roads.
To get there, cross the ring road at the Long Bien bus station. It is there, on the banks of the red river, that the hangars are located.
Tay Ho Flower Market
Here is a fairly atypical and unique market which also comes to life at night. The Hanoi flower market is also a wholesale market but can be visited without any problem. Many couples walk there to buy flowers.
It is possible to discover a large quantity of varieties of flowers there. In June, it is the season of lotus flowers which are found in abundance. With the arrival of Tet (lunar new year), the market experiences its highest peak of activity.
To go to the Tay Ho flower market, you have to reach the Tay Ho (West Lake) district by the ring road and you will find the market at 236 Au Co, Tay Ho, Hanoi.