New favorite in Hanoi: Tour the city at night on double-decker buses
Hanoi has added a weekend night double-decker tour to its city bus service, giving passengers new views of the capital after dark.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has launched a weekend night city tour by double-decker bus, giving locals and travelers a chance to rediscover the capital after dark from above the traffic.
A double-decker night bus takes passengers through iconic landmarks in Hanoi after dark, offering fresh views and quickly becoming a weekend favourite. Photo: VNSightSeeing
The new weekend night double-decker city tour, running at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The service departs from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square by Hoan Kiem Lake, and covers a 70-minute loop through 25 streets with 13 stops, connecting 30 major attractions.
Tickets are priced at VND300,000 (US$12) for adults and VND200,000 (US$8) for children, available at hanoicitytour.com.vn or via hotline +8491.19.38.282.
Double-decker city tour buses offer travelers unique experiences. Photos: Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
The highlight of the trip is the elevated view. From the open-top deck, passengers capture Hoang Thanh Thang Long (Imperial Citadel), Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), and Hoan Kiem Lake shimmering under colorful lights.
Even familiar places such as Trang Tien Street and Ba Dinh Square appear transformed when viewed from above, with the city’s rhythm unfolding like a live performance.
“Hanoi at night looks magical from the top deck. The city’s energy is completely different after sunset,” said Jack Thomas, a traveler from the United Kingdom.
French visitor Benedicte described the experience as “modern and nostalgic, like watching a moving postcard of Hanoi.”
Locals also find new meaning in the ride. “It’s refreshing to rediscover my city. Sitting above the traffic, I see Hanoi’s charm more clearly,” said Nguyen Thu Trang, a university student.
For photographer Tran Van Minh, the bus “gives perfect angles for night photography, where every corner turns into a glowing frame.”
Retired teacher Le Thi Hoa added: “I rarely go out at night, but this tour felt safe and gave me joy, almost like traveling abroad.”
People line up to collect tickets at noon.
The sounds of Hanoi add to the ride. Motorbike horns blend with street music near the Old Quarter, while the smell of grilled skewers and hot bowls of pho (rice noodles with beef or chicken) drifts in as the bus passes night markets.
On board, guides give short introductions in Vietnamese and English, making the landmarks easy to follow for international visitors.
Seasonal touches also bring variety. During Tet, red lanterns and peach blossoms brighten Hang Ma Street.
In autumn, the cool breeze makes the ride more pleasant. By December, Christmas lights and festive displays along major boulevards turn Hanoi into a lively scene, with food stalls and street vendors keeping it distinctly local.
The ‘Essence of Ao Dai’ city bus tour takes Hanoi women through historical and cultural sites of the capital.
The Hanoi Transport Corporation reported strong demand, with occupancy reaching 85% in July.
“The night tour reflects Hanoi’s growing trend in experiential tourism, where travelers seek all destinations and memorable moments,” the company said.
Visitors from Asia also praised the tour.
A group from Japan described it as “romantic and safe,” while a family from Singapore said: “Children enjoy the upper deck as much as adults. It is both entertaining and educational.”
Korean guest Park Min-soo remarked: “I’ve joined double-decker tours in Seoul, but Hanoi’s night version feels more authentic because life on the street is so lively.”
Compared to similar services in London or Hong Kong (China), Hanoi’s night bus is distinctive for blending heritage, culture, and daily life.
When London highlights monuments and skyscrapers, Hanoi showcases temples, colonial buildings, and street vendors in one seamless ride.
This combination of modern service and traditional charm positions the capital as a rising destination for urban night tourism.
Hanoi offers free double-decker bus tickets during the April 30 holiday.
Practical details also matter. Buses operate in all weather, with retractable covers in case of rain. Tickets include free Wi-Fi and audio guides in multiple languages.
Passengers may hop off at certain stops such as the Imperial Citadel or St. Joseph’s Cathedral and rejoin later, making the trip flexible for both sightseeing and photography.
With its balance of comfort, accessibility, and beauty, the night double-decker bus has quickly become a weekend favourite. For both visitors and Hanoians, the ride offers views of iconic landmarks and a fresh perspective on the capital’s vibrant spirit after dark.
