Hanoi youth pull all-nighters at cafés

The 24-year-old has spent many of her nights over the past three months working at the outdoor café, which offers customers separate tents instead of the classic chairs and tables.

"I went to the café at 9 p.m. at first, only to return home because there were no spots left," she said. "Then I realized that I would have to arrive at 7-8 p.m. if I wanted to find a seat, although it would still be crowded."

Hanoian Bao Tran, 24, works on her laptop at a 24-hour café in Hanoi’s Tay Ho District Oct. 26, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nga

Working as a graphic designer, Tran said her occupation allows her a flexible schedule. On the other hand, she may be required to work overnight if business is busy. Instead of sitting in her quiet bedroom, Tran likes to work at a crowded place, which is why she prefers the capital’s all-night cafés. She explained that the former option tends to make her sleepy while working, but the latter helps her feel more energetic and motivated when she pulls an all-nighter.

"I come here [the 24-hour outdoor café in Tay Ho District] every day," she said. "I feel like I’m on vacation sitting inside a tent, watching people pass by."

Such 24-hour caffeine joints began emerging in Hanoi 10 years ago, but Tran’s Tay Ho District spot just became popular three months ago, mainly for its outdoor space and unique setting.

A staff member said the number of customers peaks at 9 p.m. onwards, with twice the number of visitors than during the day. More than half of the café-goers are aged between 18 and 27, and they often bring their textbooks with them to help them study . Most of them leave at 6 or 7 a.m. the following day.

Do May, 20, of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District, said she visits the café between two and three times a week. Initially motivated by her curiosity about a newly popular place in town, she found spending time here enjoyable and has returned many times since.

Do May, 20, from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District (R), and a friend study at an all-night café in Hanoi’s Tay Ho District on Oct. 26, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nga

May used to spend her nights at other 24-hour cafés on Tong Duy Tan street, however, she said the tranquil atmosphere there made her sleepy sometimes. On the contrary, the Tay Ho café’s vibrance helps her and her friends feel more active.

Ho Chi Minh City psychological expert Tran Huong Thao attributed the newfound popularity of 24-hour outdoor cafés to the feeling of freedom they give their customers. She said it’s a result of giving regulars enough space and fresh air.

"Many youngsters are more productive at night, so they want to visit places that make them feel free and comfortable [to work]," Thao said.

However, professor Nguyen Viet Chung, from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Vietnam National University, has warned about the possible "harms to physical and mental health" that young people who enjoy spending their nights at cafés may face.

He said those spending time at their workplaces or schools during the day while simultaneously pulling all-nighters at 24-hour cafés usually don’t get enough sleep, which harms their circadian rhythm and potentially leads to other mental problems including depression, anxiety disorder, and deteriorated concentration.

Dr. Tran Thanh Nam, vice-principal at the University of Education, Vietnam National University, is another expert who is against the trend as he considers staying up all night at cafés a "time-consuming and meaningless" act.

Crowds of young customers enjoy a café that stays open 24 hours in Hanoi’s Tay Ho District at 9 p.m. on Oct. 26, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nga

In fact, what many young people have experienced at the cafés in reality is different from what they expected. That includes Thanh Huyen, 25, of Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District who could only spend 30 minutes at the Tay Ho café before leaving because of the noise made by other customers eating, chatting, and singing.

"People constantly coming and going made it hard to focus [on my work]," she said.

Thuy Trang, 22, of the capital’s Hai Ba Trung District, also found it impossible to study or sleep at the place. She could not bear the night breezes and mosquitoes.

"Taking a nap was also impossible because I felt insecure as there were many people passing by," she said. "Places like this only suit those that want somewhere to hang out with their friends."