Most Popular Nightlife Venues in Hanoi

Most Popular Nightlife Venues in Hanoi 

Quyen Van Minh is known as the Godfather of Jazz in Vietnam. Minh has performed in jazz festivals throughout Asia and Europe. Visiting jazz musicians in Vietnam also frequently play with Minh’s Song Hong (Red River) Jazz Bands and at the jazz club.

Quyen Van Minh has the only big band in Vietnam and frequently holds concerts at the Hanoi Opera house and other event venues. He performs nearly every night at his jazz club with his students who are to become the next generation of jazz musicians in Vietnam.

Minh's Jazz Club by International Media

"In the heart of the Old Quarter, Mr. Quyen Van Minh has been churning out jazz just about as long as he's been allowed. There is no cover charge and Minh showcases some of the best local talent"
Hanoi Nightlife Travel Guide by The New York Times

"The place in Hanoi to catch hot, live jazz. Bar owner, Minh teaches saxophone at the Hanoi Conservatory and moonlights here. Jamming with a variety of musicians ranging from his talented son to top-notch international jazz players." 
Vietnam Guide by Nick Ray, Wendy Yanagihara

Opening Hours: Live Jazz performances every night from 21:00 til 23:30 
Address: 65 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam (3rd floor). 
Tel:  +844 3942 0400

Hanoi Opera House

The beautiful Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911 by the then ruling French. It’s a phenomenal piece of neo-classical French architecture featuring Gothic themes on the doors and domes with pillars, shuttered windows, balconies and a glass room. Musicians, actors and dancers play to a 600-strong audience delivering powerful operatic and classical performances, making it a very popular theatrical attraction.

The Hanoi Opera House is the biggest theatre in Vietnam and speaks volumes as historical and cultural evidence of Vietnam under French rule. The interior is even more magnificent than the exterior with many arguing it is aesthetically even more appealing than the Paris Opera House. Visitors today will be entertained at this architectural landmark which features a range of events including local Vietnamese opera, traditional folk music, ballets and many international concerts.

Hanoi Opera House Highlights

Following the end of the August Revolution in 1945, The Hanoi Opera House reverted from entertaining the French elite to becoming the centre of major historical events including the first session of the National Assembly of the Republic. The Hanoi building went into a state of decline prior to being renovated and brought up to date in 1997 which included the installation of state-of-the-art equipment and the renewal of some of the interior decorations.

These improvements returned the opera house to its former glory which now sees international artists including violinist Hilary Hahn and pianist Wolfgang Glemser take to the stage in addition to home-grown talent. Vietnamese entertainers perform songs, classical music, dance, drama and contemporary performances from superstars such as singer My Linh. The Hanoi Opera House offers a superb setting in which to see any live show. The stage is three metres high and there are three storeys in total so a wonderful experience is guaranteed regardless of your seating arrangements.

Good to Know about Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House is located near Hoan Kiem Lake on August Revolution Square. There are superb views of the opera house at the Hilton Opera House hotel which is very close by.

You will need to purchase tickets to see the inside of the opera house although there are usually a host of concerts to choose from including drama, ballet and symphonies in addition to opera. The Hanoi Opera House is also the first choice for international meetings and conferences so check online when you are visiting to ensure a performance is scheduled.

Water Puppet Theatre

The world-famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi has its roots in an art form that dates back to the 11th century. The tradition of water puppet theatre stems from a time when rice paddy fields were flooded and villagers would make entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water.

Using large rods to support the puppets it appeared as if they were moving across the water with the puppeteers hidden behind a screen.

This tradition is unique to North Vietnam but has recently found fame on stages all over the world; so it’s a rare treat to see the puppets perform in their original location at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra playing traditional music using drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes and cymbals. There are also authentic Vietnamese operatic songs telling the story that is being acted out by the puppets. Most of the shows recount Vietnamese folk tales and legends with topics including the celebration of the rice harvest depicted in a humorous fashion.

Water Puppet Theatre Highlights

Shows at this modern theatre are performed in a pool of water as the stage for the puppets. The puppets are controlled by no more than eight puppeteers hiding behind a bamboo screen. The renowned Thang Long Water Puppet show is considered to be one of the cultural highlights of Northern Vietnam dating back to a tradition that first started in the Red River Delta.

Today’s performances usually include a number of short sketches rather than one long story, taking the audience on a journey of ancient village life, agricultural harvests and dances of mythical creatures. Most shows also feature the famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le which tells the tale of Hoan Kiem Lakeand the giant tortoise. The live music plays an integral part of the show with singers often shouting words of encouragement to the puppets.

Good to Know about Water Puppet Theatre

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hanoi with tickets selling out well in advance so it’s worth booking yours as soon as you arrive in town. It is also advisable to pay more to get closer to the action as the theatre seats a few hundred people and the puppets are not that big. The theatre is modern and usually shows 17 short sketches over a one-hour performance.

Opening Hours: Shows during the day and evening at 14:00 and 20:00 
Location: North east of Hoan Kiem Lake at 57b Dinh Tien Hoang Street 
Remarks: There is an additional camera or video fee if you wish to photograph or film the show 
Tour Available: Water Puppet Show