Explore Hanoi's nightlife through night markets

THE HANOI TIMES — As my Korean friend Ji-hoon, who was visiting Hanoi for the first time, expressed his desire to experience Vietnamese street culture, especially the night markets that he often heard about from his friends, I picked him up from Hoan Kiem Lake to explore Vietnam's capital city at night.

Ji-hoon was curious to see the night markets in Hanoi, a place he found small but cozy and intimate.

When the street lights up, nightlife begins

At around 7 PM, we started walking from  Hoan Kiem Lake towards Hang Dao Street. At nights of Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, this street is closed to traffic to turn into a pedestrian zone. The atmosphere immediately changed: rows of high-hanging yellow lights shone brightly, reflecting on the ancient roofs; the sound of street vendors, laughter, and music from street performers created a lively atmosphere that still carries a bit of nostalgia for old Hanoi.

Ji-hoon looked around with interest. He was especially impressed by the ancient architecture mixed with bustling shops, something that is rarely preserved in Seoul.

The Old Quarter Night Market is famous for its dishes with a strong Hanoi flavor, from bun cha (noodle with grilled pork), nem cuon (spring rolls), banh cuon (steamed rice pancake), to all kinds of traditional sweet soups. We stopped at a small restaurant, enjoying pho bo (beef noodles) and cool guava juice. Ji-hoon commented that the rich flavor and the combination of spices made pho unique and delicious, different from the familiar soups he tasted in Korea.

Continuing to stroll through the food stalls, he also tried hot steamed rice pancake, che troi nuoc (sweet dumplings soup), and some snacks such as sugar-coated donuts, candy, and ice cream. The prices also surprised him because they were very affordable, starting from only US$1 for each dish, suitable for both tourists and students.

Not only a place to eat, the night market also opens up a unique cultural space. On a street corner, a group of artists is performing Xam singing (wanderers’ music) and a monochord. The rustic music echoes among the crowded crowd, bringing listeners back to a quiet old Hanoi. On Saturday nights, Quan Ho (love duets), Cheo (traditional operetta), and Ca Tru (ceremonial singing) performances are also held at both ends of the walking street, turning the night market into an open stage for visitors to stroll and enjoy folk art.

Ji-hoon was impressed with this blend of tradition and modernity. He said listening to the slow, emotional storytelling melodies in Hanoi was a completely new experience.

The Old Quarter night market has no shortage of stalls selling clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The products are displayed simply but diversely, from brocade bags, bamboo bracelets, to paintings of the old town. It’s recommended that foreign tourists should check the prices at different stalls before buying, a common practice in Vietnamese markets. With about US$10, Ji-hoon chose small gifts to bring back to family and friends.

At the end of the trip, Ji-hoon realized that Hanoi's night market has its charm thanks to the fusion of cuisine, folk culture, and local life.

Another night market that attracts tourists is Quang Ba Flower Market, which opens from midnight to 6 AM.

Quang Ba Flower Market is one of the largest and most famous flower markets in Hanoi. Known for its variety of flowers and ornamental plants, it is a popular destination not only for locals but also for tourists who love the colors and scents of flowers.

There, it's available with beautiful bouquets such as roses, chrysanthemums, orchids, as well as ornamental plants. Whether you are a plant lover or you want to buy flowers as gifts, Quang Ba Flower Market will be an ideal choice to visit.

The colorful and fragrant space, with hundreds of different types of flowers, will also make you more excited and happier when walking here. This space is also suitable for couples to date at night, experience the atmosphere here together, and take photos of each other. So remember to bring your camera to capture the beautiful moments at this market.

The items here are also suitable for buying as gifts, such as flower decoration accessories, bonsai pots, and other flower-related products.

Hanoi also has a number of other night markets such as Nha Xanh Market, Linh Nam Market, Phung Khoang Market, Dich Vong Market... The common point of these night markets is the rich variety of products: fashion, shoes, accessories, household appliances, cuisine, and handicrafts.

Hanoi night markets create a comfortable, fun, and vibrant space for nightlife. Surely visitors will have interesting experiences.

For me, taking a foreign friend to experience the familiar night streets is also a way to look back at the city I love, which has modernity but still retains its traditional breath in every corner of the market.