Hanoi Nightlife For Expats – Top 20 Bars, Restaurants, And Night Clubs part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

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Introduction

As a foreigner in Hanoi, you’ve probably been invited to plenty of so-called “traditional” Vietnamese bars. You know the ones: packed to the brim with smoking men drinking bia hoi and watching football. Besides, you’re not really into that scene anyway, what you want is a place where you can relax with your friends and enjoy some good food.

However, you see everyone standing up when ladies walk in, and there’s an awkward moment of standing around waiting for a table before someone shoves you to make room. Well, that’s cool and all, but we’re not really into that either.

If that’s not your scene, Hanoi has a pretty decent selection of foreign bars and clubs if you know where to look. So throw away those leopard print pants and sandals with socks – it’s time to get down and party like a true expat! In fact, there are so many in Hanoi nowadays.

Have you been surfing the web to get the right information about living in Hanoi? Or you’d love to know more information about living in this city? Worry less, as we’ve got you covered today. We have compiled this article to work you through the pros and cons of living in Hanoi as an expat.

Not only is that, but you’ll also get to know about the nightlife and bars in Hanoi for expats. So, brace yourselves as we bring you the best of everything around. I’m sure you’re ready to check what we’ve got, right? Read further to understand the process.

Overview of the Pros and Cons of Living in Hanoi

Living in Hanoi is a different experience depending on where you are. If you live in the Old Quarter or close to it, then you can expect endless noise and people, because that is where most of the locals live. If you’re living outside of this area, however, then things are much more peaceful.

Making friends outside of the country is easier than in Vietnam, and there are lots of other people who want to do the same. This means that it can be hard to meet people who share your interests when you live in Hanoi. Without further ado, let’s quickly walk you through the pros and cons of living in this city.

Pros

Living in Hanoi, Vietnam is a unique experience for foreigners. It’s a city with the charm and physical beauty to make it worth visiting, but it also has many challenges. There are positives and negatives to be found when exploring living in Hanoi. This article will highlight the 7 pros of living in Hanoi.

Very Diverse Food

There are many different dishes in Hanoi, and probably everyone has their favorite. But whether you like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), banh mi (submarine sandwich), or cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork chop), one thing is for sure: the variety of food is excellent. From street food to fancy restaurants, you can find all kinds of food in Hanoi that you don’t have back home.

Transportation Is Cheap and Convenient

Getting around Hanoi would be a lot more difficult without motorbikes, but it’s also the most fun way to get around! If you get tired of the motorbike madness, you can easily hail a taxi or hop on the bus. You can also take a taxi or walk to nearby cities like Ba Vi National Park, Cầu Giấy, and so on.

Living Costs Are Very Low

You would think that with all this delicious food around, living costs would be very high. But no, each meal usually costs between VND 30,000 – 50,000 (USD 1-2), making Hanoi one of the most affordable places to live in Asia. In fact, the cost of living in Hanoi is not even half of what you would pay back home.

The City Is Filled With Culture and History

Despite being a capital city, Hanoi has preserved its past very well. You can find temples, pagodas, museums, and French colonial architecture – all without leaving the city center. The Old Quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely worth exploring. Also, Hanoi is where the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail started and where he passed away.

The People Are Very Friendly and Helpful

Of course, there’s another side to every coin. While Hanoians can be very self-centered at times, they’re more than what you would expect for a city of 8 million people. When you live in Hanoi, it’s very easy to make friends with the locals, who are always ready to help you out no matter what time of day or night it is. You’ll feel at home here in no time.

There Are Many Rivers and Lakes Around

Some people say that water has a calming effect on the mind. If you’re one of those people, then life in Hanoi might be a good fit for you! Sometimes you just need to get away from days filled with nonstop noise and pollution and take in some fresh air. Luckily, there are many lakes and rivers surrounding Hanoi like Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hoàn Kiếm River, and so on.

Lots of Foreigners Live Here

Many people who visit Hanoi say that it’s not very touristy despite having many historical sites and amazing things to eat. This is because fewer than 10 million tourists each year compared to the millions of local people. It’s not a surprise that many foreigners come here to live and learn from the locals, who are always willing to offer a helping hand.

Cons

Pollution

Hanoi is located in a valley and is surrounded by mountains. The city’s roads and industry are mainly based on the outskirts, where factories and densely populated residential areas can be found. To make things worse, Hanoi is very dry with little rainfall – it only rains for about 2 months of the year (between June and August). That spells trouble for the environment.

The environmental pollution in Hanoi is apparent – there are many trails of smoke coming from factories, cars drive around spewing their black fumes out into the air, and motorbikes are everywhere. The last ones might sound great because they don’t cause any pollution.

But think about it – how much of a carbon footprint does a motorbike leave? Not to mention the thousands of cars and trucks running around causing all kinds of smoke.

Traffic Jams

Traffic jams are a daily occurrence in Hanoi. The peak hours are between 8 AM and 9 AM, when everyone is on their way to work, from 5 PM – 7 PM. Traffic jams can be expected, but they’re usually not too serious – you’re still able to drive around the car by crossing into another lane.

But even though minor traffic jams are acceptable, the taxi drivers in Hanoi know how to make them much worse by driving around and honking as much as they want. They stop right in the middle of the road and stand there hopelessly.

Lack of Public Transportation

There are a few public bus lines in Hanoi, but the number of buses is very small. In order to compensate for this, there are also many private mini-vans which have been modified from regular cars and serve as a replacement for actual buses. These can be extremely packed with people standing inside because they don’t have enough seats.

Corruption

The corruption in Vietnam is known worldwide. On the street, many police officers will start talking to you and say that you need to give them money for “stamping your passport” or you’ll be arrested. These people usually work together, which means they won’t let you go once you’ve paid.

Expensive Food

The food price is relatively high in Hanoi compared to the rest of Vietnam. For example, you can get a simple bowl of noodles from street vendors for around 5 USD, while at a restaurant, it might cost twice as much or more. Nevertheless, many affordable restaurants and cafes with good quality food so that this con can be easily avoided.

Hanoi Nightlife For Expats – Top 20 Bars, Restaurants, And Night Clubs part 2 – Part one is here.

Overview of the Nightlife in Hanoi

The nightlife in Hanoi has a lot to offer. There are so many things going on in this city, and the line-up of activities is usually structured around bars and clubs. These places serve local and foreign customers, creating an interesting mixture of cultures. Wander around for a few minutes, and you might find something in your way, in a narrow street in the Old Quarter.

The main party spots in Hanoi are located around Hoan Kiem Lake and Bui Vien Street. This is where you will find most of the bars and nightclubs. Not to talk much, this is where you’ll know the best bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Let’s get it started!

Hanoi is a city that’s always up for a party. Nightlife in the Vietnamese capital is ever-expanding, with new bars and eateries opening daily, so there’s always something to celebrate. But it can be difficult knowing where to go when you have one night on the town – so here are our top 20 bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in Hanoi to guide you on the path of fun.

1.    Allez Boo

Housed in a colonial villa with stunning views over West Lake, Allez Boo is set up as an izakaya where  – or Japanese gastropub – you can enjoy beers and bar food in a casual setting. Starting as a pop-up, Allez Boo has found a permanent home in Hanoi and is perfect for groups of friends.

The food menu includes creative small plates such as the beef rendang tartare and green curry fried chicken wings – and don’t miss the buffalo chicken tacos! It’s also a great place to watch football, with a big projector screen and specials during matches.

2.    Alchemy Bar – 35 Ma May

Located in the charming Old Quarter of Hanoi, this dimly lit basement bar is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The decor is unbelievable and features a dragon, the serpent Jörmungandr from Norse mythology, and wizard Merlin’s beard in one corner. Alchemy serves up excellent cocktails and whiskies – meaning whether you want to sink a beer or sip on a gin and tonic, this bar has something to offer everyone.

3.    Blue Chili

Blue Chili is a lively bar and restaurant perfect for groups of friends. Most nights, a DJ plays a mix of popular tunes to get people dancing, but Blue Chili also hosts regular events such as karaoke, live music, and stand-up comedy – making it the perfect destination for a fun night out.

4.    Bui Vien

Suppose you’re sick of the Old Quarter and looking for something new to do in Hanoi, head down to Bui Vien – its packed with bars, cafes, restaurants, and clubs. Two of our favorite places here are Heartbreakers and the Queen Bee Bar. Heartbreakers has great food and a lively atmosphere – while the Queen Bee Bar is a cocktail bar perfect for sipping on something strong while watching the world go by.

5.    Hero Club Hanoi

Hero Club Hanoi is a great place for drinks, dancing, and partying. The club plays house music ranging from deep cuts to popular dance tracks – so there’s something for everyone. There are also regular art exhibitions held at the bar, making it perfect for cultural vultures.

6.    Infinity Club

For the perfect place to kick back with friends, head over to Infinity Club! This popular Hanoi spot offers live music most nights – meaning there’s often a fantastic atmosphere when you walk in the door. The bar is also well-stocked with whiskies and beers, making it ideal for groups looking to chill out after work.

7.    The Bank Hanoi

Housed in a colonial-style building, The Bank Hanoi has an upmarket speakeasy vibe. It’s the perfect place to dance the night away, starting from as early as 11 pm and going on until 3 am – with a happy hour between 8 and 10 pm. There are DJs spinning tunes every day of the week, so it’s the perfect place to go for a drink before dinner or to party hard.

8.    Manzi Art Space

Manzi Art Space is an upmarket bar that features live music, stand-up comedy, and art exhibitions. The space is split over two floors – one of which houses a gallery with works by local artists for sale. It’s also the perfect place to hunker down in the winter months, thanks to its cozy interior.

9.    McQ

McQ is a stylish Hanoi cocktail bar that serves delicious gin and tonics. The bar boasts an impressive list of gins from all over the world, but if you’re not a fan of the spirit, this spot also has plenty of craft beers on tap, plus a food menu to choose from too. It’s a great place to go for a drink after work and also hosts regular events.

10. Bia Hoi Junction

For a fun night out with friends, head down to Bia Hoi Junction. This lively place is packed with locals and tourists enjoying the excellent Vietnamese street food and beers on offer – so it’s the perfect spot for a casual evening out in Hanoi.

11. Fuzzy Tavern

Located in the trendy Tadioto district, Fuzzy Tavern is perfect for groups of friends looking to party hard. The bar plays everything from hip-hop music to indie classics – making it popular with regulars and tourists alike. There’s an extensive drinks menu too, with something for everyone whether you want a beer or cocktail. The pub also houses quirky features such as its own “treehouse” hidden behind a bookshelf.

12. Douze Bar and Kitchen

Douze is a stylish bar and restaurant with an upscale ambiance and decor. It offers a wide range of wines, cocktails, and beers – as well as great quality food too. There are also regular DJ sets playing everything from old-school hip-hop to funk classics – so it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening.

13. House of Beers

Housed in an old French colonial building, House of Beers is popular with tourists and expats alike. It offers over 200 different bottled beers to choose from – including craft beers and international favorites like Hoegaarden. The pub is also pet-friendly, so it’s perfect for both humans and their furry sidekicks to enjoy a drink together after work.

14. Red Bean Restaurant

Red Bean is a cosy restaurant with a lively atmosphere. The venue hosts regular live music – as well as serving delicious Vietnamese dishes to its customers. It’s also perfect for those seeking a romantic evening out, as there are no other noise distractions from the live music and food being served.

15. Manzi Sky Bar

Manzi Sky Bar is a popular bar with Vietnamese locals and those living in Hanoi. This laid-back venue serves hundreds of different beers – so it’s perfect for those who want to drink and relax after work. On weekends, Manzi also hosts live music and DJs until late into the night.

16. Legend Beer in Hanoi

Legend Beer in Hanoi is another place to put into consideration. This lovely bar occupies the third floor of a building in the downtown Hanoi, with a sweeping terrace that overlooks the bustling traffic and Hoan Kiem Lake. As an expat, you can enjoy the best delicacies at an affordable price with your loved ones.

17. The Hung Snake Restaurant

The Hung Snake offers Vietnamese food and an impressive list of cocktails – so it’s perfect for both daytime drinkers and those wanting to party hard. Street performers also regularly take over the bar, adding to the lively atmosphere that makes this spot one of Hanoi’s most popular places to drink.

18. Highway 4 Restaurants Hoan Kiem

Located in the heart of Hanoi, The Highway 4 Restaurants Hoan Kiem is a charming spot full of character. This bar has several different venues within its walls that offer something slightly different to its customers.

Chef Hung’s Kitchen focuses on great Vietnamese food – including vermicelli noodles and beef pho soup, whilst Highway 4 Wine Bar has its cellar with 20 different types of wine on offer. For those looking to dance, JJ’s Blues Piano bar offers live music every night – as well as karaoke sessions during the week.

19. Lighthouse Café

The Lighthouse Cafe is a funky spot for delicious Vietnamese food and tasty cocktails. It’s a great spot for those looking to relax – as the café offers a range of delicious cocktails and Vietnamese food with a modern twist. On weekends, there’s also live jazz music playing from 9 pm onwards, making this venue perfect for those looking to party hard.

20. Beer Street Pub & Grill

The Beer Street Pub & Grill is a lively restaurant with authentic American food and craft beers to choose from. The venue hosts regular live music – as well as popular sports games such as football and ice hockey playing on its big screen TV’s. It’s also pet-friendly, so this place is perfect if you want to drink and play with your furry friend after work.

Why Choosing the Best Nightlife

Nightlife is often misunderstood, yet it can be a source of many great experiences. People don’t usually seem to understand that nightlife activities might positively affect your life. However, there are common reasons why people choose the Best Nightlife. Check it out below.

• You can make new friends
• Nightlife is the cure  for boredom
• Nightlife  can boost creativity
• Nightlife is  a great way to meet new people
• Nightlife  can be educational
• Nightlife  can help you get rid of bad habits
• Nightlife  can boost your sex life
• Nightlife  can make your life more interesting
• It’s cheaper  than you think
• Nightlife is the best way to spend your free time

Conclusion

Nightlife in Hanoi may not be as famous or popular as Bangkok. But, the activities and options available to expats living here are still plentiful. Here we introduced you to some of our favorite places for drinks and food and nightclubs and bars with live music. We hope this article brings you a few ideas on where to go for entertainment in Hanoi.