Hanoi isn't well known for its nightlife, as the city streets can appear pretty deserted soon after 2200. However, the situation is improving and there are a number of great places in which to pass an evening, although clubs and live music venues are still in short supply. Government restrictions mean that venues are unable to stay open very late and there are occasional police raids should a club flout the unspecified regulations. Much of the nightlife takes place around the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Most nightlife venues in Hanoi are on the small side, but the ambience is great and the crowds friendly.

The Spotted Cow, 23C Hai Ba Trung, Finnegan's Irish Pub, 16A Duong Thanh, Relax Bar, 60 Ly Thuong Kiet, Polite Pub, 5 Bao Khanh Street and Funky Monkey, 15B Hang Hanh, are all good places for a drink or two. Apocalypse Now, Star Bowl Centre, Pham Ngoc Thach, or New Century, 10 Trang Thi Street, are two of the best clubs in town if you fancy a bit of dancefloor action. Check out Minh's Jazz Club, 31 Luong Van Can (website: www.minhjazzvietnam.com), Indochine Jazz Club, 62 Nguyen Truong To, and Seventeen Saloon, 98B Tran Hung Dao, for live music acts.