Other entertainment in Hanoi
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A
Hanoi Opera House
This magnificent 900-seat venue, dating back to 1911 and built in wonderfully elaborate French-colonial style, has been restored to its former glory. On 16 August 1945 the Viet Minh–run Citizens’ Committee announced that it had taken over the city from a balcony on this building. Performances of classical music and opera are periodically held here in the evenings – a wonderful experience. The theatre’s Vietnamese name appropriately translates to ‘House Sing Big’.
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B
Cheeky Quarter
Quirky, sociable little bar owned by a Vietnamese–English couple, that comes complete with patterned wallpaper and intriguing framed portraits (that look vaguely like they’re depicting some eccentric titled family). Table footy (foosball) is taken very seriously here and the tunes are contemporary: drum ’n’ bass or house music. It’s at the top end of the Ta Hien strip.
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C
Studio
Quite possibly the most beautiful space in Hanoi, this sleek and sexy new lounge bar-cum-restaurant has a Le Corbusier–influenced modernist design with subtle lighting and soaring white walls that form a blank canvas for the statement art. The cocktails are wonderful, the music is chilled and contemporary, there’s a fine food menu and prices are relatively moderate.
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D
Cafe Giang
With bland chains taking over Hanoi's café scene, ancient holes such as this one have become revered treasures. To be sure, Cafe Giang's timeworn patina is almost a bleak exaggeration of communist-era non-chic. The front is wide open to frenetic Hang Gai, but within, amid chatty intellectuals congregating over strong drip coffees, it feels a half century away.
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E
Le Pub
Sociable and enjoyable, Le Pub is a great place to hook up with others, as there’s always a good mix of travellers and foreign residents here. There’s a cosy, tavernlike interior (with big screens for sports fans), street-facing terrace and a rear courtyard. Bar snacks are served and the service is prompt.
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F
Egypt Club
There’s a vaguely Egyptian theme running through this bar-club, including shisha pipes to puff on. You can get a coffee here during the day, but this is primarily a club venue; DJs spin electronic music and club anthems in the rear section, which has a decent-sized dance floor.
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G
Roots
Primarily a reggae bar, this is the place for some serious bassline pressure (though other musical genres are tolerated, and played) and can be a riot on the right night with plenty of dance-floor skanking. Lock-ins have been known. Hosts a salsa/latin night on Wednesdays.
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Central Circus
The huge permanent tent at the northern end of Lenin Park is home to Hanoi's Central Circus. The Russians introduced circus arts during their era of influence here, and the Vietnamese have retained a fondness for it. The Sunday morning show is geared towards children.
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Loop
Opening in late 2008, this hip new place created quite a stir by flying in hip electro DJs (including Jonty Scrufff) in its opening weeks. The sound system is terrific and it attracts a good mix of Westerners and locals. Postmidnight dance-floor action has been known.
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Jazz Club Byquyenvan Minh
This atmospheric venue is the place in Hanoi to catch some live jazz. There’s a full bar, food menu, and high-quality gigs featuring father–son team Minh and Dac, plus other local and international jazz acts. Nonsmokers will suffer though, as the ventilation is poor.
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Municipal Water Puppet Theatre
Performances are held at the Municipal Water Puppet Theatre. These shows are a real treat for children. Multilingual programs allow the audience to read up on each vignette as it’s performed. Book well ahead, especially during high season.
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K
Bia Hoi Viet Ha
For the best quality bia hoi, try Bia Hoi Viet Ha, which is well loved by Hanoi insiders, as it has the biggest chillers in town. It recently relocated to a much bigger premises on Hang Bai, but it’s still hard to get a table.
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L
Bia Hoi Ha Noi
Another bia hoi junction that is local in flavour is where P Nha Hoa meets P Duong Thanh on the western edge of the Old Quarter. Bia Hoi Ha Noi does the best spare ribs in town for a little something to go with the beer.
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Funky Monkey
This place is very popular with fashion-conscious locals and keeps shifting location (probably in a bid to dodge the no-fun police). On weekend nights things can take off here with Hanoi’s party people grooving to pumping house music.
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N
Cafe Ruou
The doorway to this little hideaway looks like the entry to an opium den, but inside is just a tidy little room in which to sample shots of ruou and other drinks. It's a nice place to stop by for a quick bracer.
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Polite Pub
Don’t forget your manners at this long-running place, unless of course your favourite English Premier League team is 3-0 down at half-time. Classic publike atmosphere and decor.
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Gambrinus
For a Prague-style brew head to this vast, impressive brauhaus, which has shiny vats of freshly brewed Czech beer. Very popular with the Vietnamese.
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GC Pub
Looks pretty run down from the street but it gets very lively on weekend nights. Popular with gay Hanoians and has pool tables.
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Nha Hang Lan Chin
A good spot to sample the brew is Nha Hang Lan Chin, one of the most popular local lunch spots in town.
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Angelina
Flash hotel bar with glitzy decor and a late licence. DJs spin funky house and chill-out tunes here on weekend nights.
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Dragonfly
Bar-club with a handy Old Quarter location, though draws a (very) young crowd, and the music is pretty mainstream.
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Megastar Cineplex
Multiplex cinema with quality screen and audio, comfortable seats starting at US$2, and sweet and salty popcorn.
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Cinematheque
A mecca for art-house film lovers, this is a Hanoi institution. There’s a great little cafe-bar here too.
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Quan Bia Minh
An old backpacker fave, this no-frills bar has an upper terrace and cheap beer.
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Mao Red Lounge
Probably the most popular place on Ta Hien, the place is rammed with a sociable crowd on weekend nights. It’s a classic dive bar with dim lighting and air thick with tobacco smoke.
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