The night-time economy is opening a new growth dimension for Hanoi where heritage, cuisine, arts, innovation and urban life generate value. Rather than copying other night-time economic models, Hanoi can build its own, driven by its cultural depth and a thousand-year narrative.

Tapping Prevailing Values

The night-time economy has increasingly become a vital component of the urban economy, moving far beyond extending opening hours of businesses. It encompasses a dynamic ecosystem of culture, entertainment, dining, shopping and tourism operating from 6 PM to 6 AM, according to Dr. Pham Minh Quan from the School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-SIS).

Art performance is part of the night tour of Thanh Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel night tour offers visitors a unique historical and cultural experience of Thang Long. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP

Hanoi already has the resources to power the nocturnal economy. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison Relic, craft villages, theaters, creative spaces and walking streets, parks, lakes and squares are attractive evening destinations.

More importantly, Hanoi has a unique advantage: its heritage’s presence in contemporary life. The Imperial Citadel sits in the center of the city; the historical Old Quarter is a residential cum commercial hub; and Bat Trang pottery village offers an insight into an old craft. Here, the past is not merely preserved, but lives on and generates real-time value.

This advantage has already been proven. Night activities, including the Imperial Citadel tour, the "Sacred Night" program at Hoa Lo Prison, cultural experiences at the Temple of Literature and weekend pedestrian zones around Hoan Kiem Lake, have grown popular.

A traditional art performance at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center on Dao Duy Tu street. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP

The Sacred Night tour at the Hoa Lo Prison Relic Site tells historical stories using sound, light and emotionally rich re-enactments. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP

 

Local cuisine is another driver. Hanoi boasts 15,000- 18,000 food and beverage establishments, with roughly 35%-40% opening after 8 PM, which, combined with theaters, cinemas, art centers, shopping malls and recreational services, can create fascinating experiences.

A growing tourism market further emphasizes the city’s potential. In the first eight months of this year, Hanoi welcomed nearly 24.5 million visitors, up nearly 12% year-on-year. Converting part of visitors' daytime demand into night-time dining, shopping and entertainment experiences may add substantial economic values.

A Model Inspired by Hanoi’s Identity

For Hanoi, rather than copying other cities’ successful night-time economic models, it is key to promote its unique identity, including the title of UNESCO Creative City, as the advantage to grow a vibrant night-time economy centered on innovation, culture, entertainment and authentic engagement, according to Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Head of VNU-SIS’ Faculty of Arts and Design.

Fully unlocking this potential requires a comprehensive strategy. According to Dr. Bui Van Tuan, Vice Director of the Institute of Hanoi Studies and International Training at Hanoi Metropolitan University, there is much room to build night-time experience chains that link cuisine, arts, shopping and entertainment with cultural spaces and urban landscapes. This helps extend visitor stays while making far better use of the city’s cultural and service resources.

Visitors take a Hanoi City Tour through lit-up streets. Photo: VNA

On weekends, the pedestrian zone around Hoan Kiem Lake attracts large crowds of locals and tourists. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP

Traditional art performances and street music programs are frequently held on Ta Hien street. Photo: VNA

 

 

To achieve this, Hanoi is developing multi-layered products: pairing heritage with live performances, culinary arts with stage performances, retail with interactive experiences and public spaces with digital services. A well-designed night tour at the Imperial Citadel can bring heritage closer to the public while generating funds for conservation.

The city has recently passed Resolution 34/2026/NQ-HDND on night-time economy development and approved a scheme to develop night-time economy between 2026-2030, with a vision to 2045, which allow the city to reorganize urban spaces, complete regulatory mechanisms and tap local resources.

Ta Hien street, a favorite place of foreign tourists: Photo: VNA

 

As night falls, Hanoi’s heritage, food, craft villages, stages and stories open in a new way where the night-time economy does more than generate revenues and jobs, but has become a compelling way to tell the story of a thousand-year-old city./.

Story: Hoang Tue Nhi Photos: VNP & VNA