Area around Hoan Kiem Lake is the most attractive destination to foreign tourists. (Photo: hanoimoi.vn)

In July, 2020, the Prime Minister approved a project to develop Vietnam’s night-time economy, making tourism the top priority.

Hanoi was chosen to pilot the program because it has the advantages of heritages, historic relics, and unique cultural and artistic works. It also has entertainment, dining, shopping, hotels, and transportation infrastructure connecting tourist attractions and night-time commercial activities, as well as many inner-city and suburban community spaces.

Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son, a member of the National Assembly's Culture and Education Committee, said that the night-time economy plays a very important role in tourism development.

“If obstacles can be removed, it will drive the development of tourism in Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, which has become a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Hanoi is focusing on promoting cultural values. That's why Hanoi has made a great effort to develop its nightlife,” said Son.

He added streets well-known for nightlife like Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen, the walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake, the walking-culinary street in Ngu Xa, the walking streets around the Son Tay ancient citadel in Son Tay town, and Tong Duy Tan food street have been attracting more tourists.

Last month the Hanoi Department of Tourism coordinated with the Hoan Kiem district People's Committee to offer 15 night-tourism products, many of which have been upgraded. They include tours of the Hoa Lo Prison historical relic, tours of the Imperial Citadel, city tours by double-decker bus, and the 9 p.m. flag lowering ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

"The Essence of the North” show attracts domestic and foreign audience. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

New products include a show called "The Essence of the North”, a bicycle tour, a night tour of Van Mieu (the Temple of Literature), and an art program called "Legend of Youth – living a life worth living".  

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, says these night tourism products are making the most of the thousand-year cultural heritage of Thang Long-Hanoi.

“We want visitors to discover how beautiful Hanoi’s evenings are. We want to invite tourists to come to Hanoi and feel how different night-time Hanoi is from the daytime,” said Giang, adding, “During the day, it’s a busy city with many heritage sites and a rich culture. At night, it’s a quieter city, but one where there is still a lot of activity. We hope visitors to Hanoi will experience some new emotions.”

According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake have attracted many foreign tourists over the years. Its many restaurants, hotels, shopping opportunities, and evening and weekend entertainment encourage visitors to prolong their stay in Hanoi.

According to Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of the Hoan Kiem district People's Committee, “Foreign tourists often arrange their stay in Hoan Kiem district around nightlife activities taking place in the walking streets. The walking street model has boosted the capital’s tourism sector. Many cultural activities and other events are held in these streets.”

Hanoi hopes to receive 25.5 million visitors next year, up 13% from this year. Developing its night-time economy is a major part of the plan. Creating new cultural spaces and tours based on night tourism products will diversify tourism and boost Hanoi's economic development.