Tourists impressed by Hanoi’s sense of community at night

Golden lights drape over rooftops, red flags line the streets, and footsteps blend into the hum of the night - these are the sensations that linger in travelers’ memories. For many, nighttime in Hanoi is a window into the city’s soul.

American tourists James and Stacey in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Hai Long

James and Stacey from the U.S. have spent three days in Hanoi. They recall eating a late-night bowl of pho and banh mi while strolling through the city center. "I felt like I belonged here, walking among such friendly Vietnamese people", James said.

They compared Hanoi to London, where nightlife usually revolves around bars and parties, and children rarely appear on the streets. "Hanoi’s nights belong to the community - families, friends, and visitors like us who can join in", Stacey said.

German tourists Thomas Hentsch, 63, and Sylvia, 61, ventured out shortly after arriving in Hanoi for their 15-day northern Vietnam trip. They described the city as "vibrant yet orderly" and said they felt safe walking slowly in search of a late-night meal. "We love the peaceful feeling of strolling around the lake in a city that never sleeps", Sylvia said.

 

 

Tourists impressed by Hanoi’s sense of community at night

Du khách Mỹ khiêu vũ cùng người dân ở khu vực Hồ Gươm

Planning to visit Ha Giang, Ha Long, and Ninh Binh before returning to Hanoi, the couple spent a night exploring the Old Quarter to connect with the city. "If a place makes you want to slow down at its latest hour, it’s touched your heart", Thomas added.

Kirill Ryazanov and Arina Airikh, both 22, from Russia, were also impressed by Hanoi’s nightlife. Having lived in Nha Trang for four months, they said their first night in Hanoi was unforgettable. "We walked more than three hours around Hoan Kiem Lake and stopped for egg coffee. In Russia, midnight means empty streets. But here, the city was bright, lively, and full of life", Arina said.

Ranking Hanoi as their second-favorite city after Nha Trang, the couple said the capital’s midnight charm felt like "a symphony of lights, coffee aromas, and vibrant sounds."

Kirill Razanov and Arina Airikh share a moment while strolling through Hanoi at night. Photo by VnExpress/Hai Long

Beyond its energy, Hanoi’s Old Quarter also captivates visitors with its glowing nightscape. "Is this really what midnight looks like?" exclaimed 22-year-old Nikhil Govind from India, amazed by the streets bathed in warm yellow light.

"Everywhere I looked, there were red flags with yellow stars - a striking image I won’t forget", Nikhil said. Choosing Hanoi over Bangkok for his five-day trip, he explained: "My friends went to Thailand, but I chose Vietnam to explore something different - to understand culture and get lost in these glittering alleys".

Hanoi’s sense of community at night is reflected not only in its lively trade and scenery but also in the events that bring people together. On Nov. 30, Hanoi will host the VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight Powered by Puma, with 10,000 participants, including international runners. They will race through landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Opera House, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, experiencing the capital’s cool late-autumn air and its vibrant nighttime spirit.

Late phase tickets for the marathon are available here.

Hai Long