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Hanoi Nightlife

Hanoi isn't well known for its nightlife, as the city streets can appear pretty deserted soon after 2200. Most nightlife venues in Hanoi are on the small side, but the ambience is great and the crowds friendly. Much of the nightlife takes place around the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Cultural entertainment is rather thin on the ground throughout Hanoi, and you can find information on performances in the daily English-language newspaper the Vietnam News and the monthly The Guide, published by the Vietnam Economic Times (http://vneconomy.vn). Tickets should be purchased in person at the venue.

Bars in Hanoi

Finnegan's Irish Pub

Irish pubs are popular in any city and Hanoi is no exception with this venue being particularly welcoming. Saturdays are Guinness and Murphy's nights with ‘buy three get one free’ offers on drinks. They serve refreshingly ice-cold beer and have quiz nights, fish-and-chips nights and even Irish-stew nights. Play pool or just enjoy the vibes of this fun place.

16A Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 3828 9065.

Le Pub

Le Pub in Hanoi always seems to be bustling with locals, expats and visitors keen to try its ice-cold beer and pub grub. Customers also come to make the most of the free Wi-Fi on offer or to join in the fun watching sport on TV. There is now a second branch out at West Lake on Xaun Dieu.

25 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 3926 2104.
Website: www.lepub.org

Rock & Roll Tavern

A long-established popular bar in Hanoi where people come to relax over a beer or two and enjoy some regular pub grub including burgers, pizza and TexMex. There is an upstairs lounge for those who want to watch sport or play pool, or you can join in the fun at the regular pub quiz nights.

10 Tho Nhuom, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 6295 8215.
Website: www.rockandrolltavern-hanoi.com

Clubs in Hanoi

Dragonfly

A longstanding Hanoi favourite with expats and visitors, the Dragonfly has a huge bar and dancefloor, playing dance and hip hop music, with an upstairs cocktail and shisha lounge. To keep clients amused, there is also table football, pool tables and big-screen TVs for sports events. Check out the website for special offers on drinks on weekday nights such as reduced-price gin and tonics on London night.

15 Hang Buom, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 3926 2177.
Website: www.dragonfly.vn

Funky Buddha

A great club in Hanoi to dance into the night with a mix of locals, expats and visitors. It is a small, trendy club with DJs pumping out house, trance and electro music late into the night. It often gets very crowded so be prepared for a bit of a squeeze if you want to hit the dancefloor.

2 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 3292 7614.

Nutz Bar

The Sheraton Hanoi Hotel's Nutz Bar turns into a late-night club with live entertainment and DJs. It is especially popular with expats residing in the West Lake area and visitors staying in the upmarket hotels here. The drinks are on the expensive side and there is an informal dress code. When it gets too steamy in the club, head to the outside terrace to cool down.

11 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 3719 9000.
Website: www.thesheratonhanoi.com

Live Music in Hanoi

CK Bar

Several of the hotels in Hanoi have nightly performances by live bands and the CK Bar in the Meliã Hanoi is one of the better places. Enjoy a selection of tapas and kick back and listen to the lively band who perform late into the evening. Located on the third floor, there is an outdoor terrace if it gets too hot in the bar.

44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 3934 3343.
Website: www.meliahanoi.com

I-Box

Easy-to-find live music venue in Hanoi with good views across Hoan Kiem Lake. The deep-red décor, soft lighting and huge sofas make this a good spot to have something to eat and then enjoy the live music acts. Popular with both visitors and locals, the bartenders create cocktails with a true flourish.

32 Le Thai To, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 3828 8820.

Minh's Jazz Club

If you like jazz, check out Minh's Jazz Club in Hanoi for superb saxophone performances by the owner, Minh, who teaches jazz sax at the Hanoi Conservatory, and an array of local and international guest artists. Live performances take place every day from 2100 to 2330.

65 Quan Su, Hanoi
Tel: 3942 0400.
Website: www.minhjazzvietnam.com

Opera in Hanoi

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House was left in disrepair for many years, but its renovation has turned it into a beautiful building which showcases orchestral, choral, pop, ballet and theatrical works. International performers regularly appear here. You won't need to break the bank to see many of the performances but for some expect to pay near-international prices. Tickets can be purchased online or in person.

1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 3933 0113.
Website: www.hanoioperahouse.org.vn

Theatre in Hanoi

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

One of the must-sees in Hanoi is a traditional performance of water puppets, a form of entertainment originating in the rural communities and performed in the flooded rice paddies. Puppets depict scenes from rural life, such as planting, fishing, local festivities and parades accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments. The performances are colourful, intricate and there is a lot of humour as well. The water puppets show regularly tours overseas.

57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 3936 4335.
Website: www.thanglongwaterpuppet.org

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