Unveiling a different facet of serene Hanoi when the city transforms into a captivating realm each evening. From intriguing and enigmatic to lively and vibrant, join Travel Sense Asia in discovering the top 5 trending places to enjoy Hanoi nightlife.
1. Revisit History with Hoa Lo Prison Relic’s Night Tour
Constructed during the French Colonial Era and named “Maison Centrale,” Hoa Lo Prison initially incarcerated Vietnamese revolutionaries and political dissidents. Later, during the Vietnam War, it held American prisoners, humorously dubbed the Hanoi Hilton.
The remaining prison structures have been transformed into a museum, offering a series of night tours under the name “Sacred Night.” These tours aim to provide a deeper understanding of the harsh prison life, taking visitors on an emotional rollercoaster. The journey unfolds with horror at the brutality of the colonial prison, admiration for the sacrifices of prisoners, and pride in the unyielding spirit woven into Vietnam’s glorious history.
Equipped with headphones, each visitor embarks on a personal journey, immersed in the guide’s instructions. Through the main gate, the transition from earth to hell symbolizes the harsh conditions endured by prisoners. Cell blocks, featuring bare rooms with bucket latrines, showcase life-sized replicas of shackled prisoners under dim lights, depicting the ravages of starvation and torture. Moving stories recount the struggles of political prisoners to escape, leading to solitary confinement cells for the most troublesome inmates. Emerging into the prison courtyard, visitors experience a musical piece commemorating Hoa Lo’s prisoners.
Other highlights include a preserved French guillotine used for executions and a tropical almond tree (Bang), significant for prisoners who gathered almonds, crafted flutes, and carved chopsticks. The tour concludes at a memorial space dedicated to prisoners who sacrificed their lives, providing a moment for reflection with incense offerings.
Don’t overlook the desserts crafted with Bang leaves after the Hoa Lo Night Tour. The symbolic connection between sacrifice and the restoration of peace is mirrored in the delicate sweetness derived from the Bang tree. It seems as though this sweetness has absorbed the perseverance and bravery of Vietnamese heroes. Through this, a valuable lesson emerges – the importance of finding positivity in the darkest moments. With resilience and positivity, one can construct a beacon of hope whose light guides the way to success.
- Time: 7 pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Location: 1 Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Price of entrance ticket: VND 400,000 – 500,000 (~ USD 16.5 – 20.7)
2. Enjoy 3D Mapping Shows with Temple of Literature’s Night Tour
The Temple of Literature, renowned for its daytime tranquility, transforms into a dynamic and unforgettable experience during the night tour. Professional lighting and sound techniques unveil the tradition of respecting teachers and talent, delving into the history of Vietnam’s first university.
Upon entering through the main gate, visitors encounter a magical space illuminated by light show techniques and animation, creating a mesmerizing 3D effect on flat surfaces. The virtual reality system immerses guests in a new world, allowing them to create calligraphy or adapt drawings against the sparkling starry sky.
Vuon Bia Tien Si (Laureate Stelae Garden) offers insights into scholar figures through mapping presentations. Doctoral steles come to life, recounting stories of academic examinations and blessings for new laureates. Dai Thanh, with the aid of virtual reality glasses, showcases the examination hall, transporting guests back in time.
The focal point of the Temple of Literature’s Night Tour is the transformed Thai Hoc Hall, themed “Tinh hoa dao hoc” (Essence of Education). The sparkling lighting system and 3D-mapping technology narrate stories about Confucianism and the formation of the first Vietnamese imperial university.
Finally, the calligrapher’s class provides a cultural experience where visitors learn about traditional customs and rituals. The calligrapher imparts knowledge on writing calligraphy and composing parallel sentences in a neat, orderly manner.
- Time: 9:20 am – 10:30 pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Showtime: The 3D Mapping presentations are available at 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm
- Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Price of entrance ticket: VND 200,000 (~ USD 8.3)
