Tradition Meets Trend: A Cocktail Lover's Guide to Hanoi

February 21, 2024

Hanoi greets every traveler with its rich historical depth and cultural allure, while its vibrant nightlife, cocktail culture, and diverse culinary options transform the city into an ideal paradise for nocturnal explorations.

Hanoi: A City Rich in Stories

Every restaurant and bar in Hanoi holds its unique story and background. From the creative dishes at GIA to the innovative cocktails at USE Bar, every dining experience is filled with new discoveries and explorations.

Experiencing the Classical Charm of Hanoi

Compared to the modernity of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi retains a strong historical atmosphere and classical beauty. Walking through the streets of Hanoi, you'll be captivated by French colonial buildings, tranquil lakes, and rich cultural heritage. As Vietnam's political and cultural center, Hanoi is the ideal place to explore the beauty of Vietnam's tradition and modernity intertwined.

Hanoi's Old Quarter

The Old Quarter, known as the heart of Hanoi, is one of the most well-known areas of this thousand-year-old city. The complex network of 36 ancient streets retains many old buildings and narrow alleys, each street brimming with historical charm. The Old Quarter is not only Hanoi's commercial center but also a convergence point for culture and history. Visitors wandering here will encounter craft shops, traditional Vietnamese food stalls, and ancient French colonial buildings. Additionally, it frequently hosts various cultural events and festivals, making it an excellent place to experience authentic life and culture in Hanoi. #I t's like countless Kenting Main Streets from Taiwan all woven together. #All-in-one spot for eating, drinking, playing, and having fun. #Economically affordable.

Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy

Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy

The Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy is Vietnam's oldest university and an important cultural and historical site in Hanoi. Established in 1070, it was originally dedicated to Confucius and scholars, later becoming the Imperial Academy for training Vietnamese royal officials. The architectural complex showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Vietnamese architecture, including beautiful gates, the Great Hall, and the stelae pavilions. It serves not only as a place for learning and worshiping Confucius but also as a precious resource for studying ancient Vietnamese education and architectural arts. #Historical landmarks #Instagram-worthy photo ops. #Stroll through here and you'll ace your exams with a perfect score.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Located in the center of Hanoi, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is one of the most important architectural complexes in Vietnamese history. It was the residence and administrative center of Vietnamese emperors, witnessing many significant historical events. Despite being damaged by wars and natural disasters, parts of the Imperial Citadel, such as earthen walls, gates, and ancient wells, are still preserved today. Visitors can learn about the history, culture, and architectural arts of Vietnam's feudal era, feeling the ancient city's long history and unique charm. #Must see the historical sites at all four corners of the city walls. #Instagram-worthy photo spots.

St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi

St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi

Situated in the heart of Hanoi, St. Joseph's Cathedral is famous for its distinctive Gothic architectural style, with its facade dominated by gray hues. Inspired by Notre Dame de Paris, this 19th-century church exhibits the architectural style of the French colonial period. Its gray facade and pointed towers stand out in Hanoi's cityscape, becoming an important landmark and tourist attraction. St. Joseph's Cathedral is not only one of the largest Catholic churches in Vietnam but also a renowned historical and cultural site. The interior decoration is equally exquisite, including stained glass windows and intricate sculptures, reflecting its rich religious art and historical value. #A hotspot for tourists taking photos. #Impressive to see in person. #Crowded with people and cars #Can go across the street to enjoy egg coffee.

Gia

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Gia

Gia is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hanoi, known for its innovative Vietnamese cuisine and elegant dining environment. The concept originated from Chef Sam Tran and partner Long Tran's nostalgia for their homeland. Inspired by the Temple of Literature across the street, the restaurant offers a seasonal 12-course menu deeply influenced by Vietnamese culinary traditions, aiming to elevate traditional Vietnamese cuisine to new heights. Gia combines local fresh ingredients with international cooking techniques to create dishes that are both authentically Vietnamese and innovative. #Feels like home #Getting pulled into the kitchen for the chef and the entire team to introduce the meal to you feels amazing.

Koki

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Koki

Koki is also a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hanoi, renowned for its exquisite Japanese cuisine and ultimate dining experience. Each dish is a masterpiece of the chef's ingenuity. The design of Koki Restaurant is simple and modern, blending Japanese and Vietnamese decorative elements. After dining, be sure to visit the bar for a classic cocktail crafted by a Japanese mixologist. #Japanese Wagyu beef #Japanese bartender is humorous and friendly #Having the head chef come out to chat with you, hand out business cards, and prepare dessert by your table feels really great

La Siesta Classic Ma May Hotel

La Siesta Classic Ma May Hotel

Located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, it is not only conveniently situated but also known for its warm service and enthusiastic introduction of local attractions and cuisine. The hotel features a well-equipped gym, and the Moonlight Sky Bar on the rooftop offers unique night views. The guest rooms are decorated in a classical French style, elegant and sophisticated, with high-quality shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner provided in the bathrooms. With excellent value for money and competitive pricing, La Siesta Classic Ma May is an excellent choice for experiencing the local character of Hanoi's Old Quarter. #The location is superb. #The café across the street on the second floor is awesome. #Welcome ginger tea. #After checking in, getting a hotel customized tourist map at the reception and a 10-minute professional introduction is quite impressive. #The interior decor is comfortable and fantastic.

As night falls, Hanoi's streets become a culinary heaven, with hidden stalls serving beef and chicken pho beginning to attract every night explorer. These stalls, away from the bustle of restaurants, offer the purest and most authentic Vietnamese flavors. From late night to early morning, this is a secret base for foodies seeking the true taste of Vietnam.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is not only a city rich in historical and cultural heritage but also a modern metropolis with a vibrant cocktail culture. Many bars attract cocktail enthusiasts with their unique creative mixes and classic creations.

Rabbit Habit

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The bar, with its utterly secretive entrance and passionate service, has made its mark on Hanoi's nightlife. Its professional cocktail mixing skills provide an excellent place for guests to enjoy tasting cocktails. The hidden entrance design adds to the fun of exploration, making each visit full of surprises and new discoveries. #The entrance is so hidden it's explosive. #Super speakeasy vibe. #The bartender is handsome and humorous.

USE Bar

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With a minimalist style, respect for ingredients, along with creative specials and futuristic bar decor, USE BAR becomes a cocktail bar with environmental sustainability at its core value. Offering specialty flavored cocktails, each drink encapsulates the core philosophy and values of USE BAR, providing customers with an unmissable cocktail experience. #Full of futuristic vibes. #The bartender is handsome and humorous. #Warm and friendly. #The female bartender can speak Chinese.

The Haflington

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Distinguished by its dinosaur fossil decor and excellent drinking atmosphere, it achieved the 85th position in the Asia 50 Best Bars of 2023. The bar is not only known for its professional cocktail service but also offers a unique drinking environment with its distinctive decor. #The bar's decor is really cool. #There's a dinosaur fossil hanging overhead. #Warm and friendly atmosphere.

Ne Cocktail Bar

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Ne Cocktail & Wine Bar（@nehanoi）分享的貼文

Famous for the 50 Best Discovery recommendation and passionate service, along with creative Vietnamese Pho cocktails. This bar integrates traditional Vietnamese cuisine into cocktails, providing an innovative and unforgettable cocktail experience for customers. #The Pho cocktail is really cool #Warm and friendly. #This street has lots of great eats and drinks.

The Alchemist Cocktail Bar

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The Alchemist - Cocktail bar（@thealchemist.hanoi）分享的貼文

Known for its live band performances and enthusiastic professional service. Specializing in classic cocktails, it also provides a great atmosphere for customers to enjoy the charm of live music while savoring delicious cocktails. #Warm and friendly. #The live music is really good.

For those eager to explore Vietnamese cocktail culture, these bars are undoubtedly great choices. However, since the entrances to these bars are mostly hard to find, it's recommended to check Google reviews before heading out, especially those that share photos of the entrance. This not only helps you find these hidden gems more easily but also ensures your night exploration goes smoothly, enjoying the endless charm of Hanoi's cocktails. These tips will be an indispensable guide for your exploration of Hanoi at night, leading you on an unforgettable nocturnal journey.

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