Available at numerous makeshift bars within Bia Hoi Junction, bia hoi is a type of Vietnamese draft beer that only contains about 4% alcohol. Although it’s weak compared to European standards, bia hoi is incredibly cheap where you can enjoy a tall glass between VND 5,000 and VND 8,000.

Needless to say, Bia Hoi Junction attracts a steady following of locals, expats and tourists looking to down some ice cold beers all night long. Alternatively, there are several bars that sell soft drinks and imported beers such as Tiger for about VND 20,000. In addition to numerous bia hoi joints with colourful plastic chairs spilling onto the streets, you can also find makeshift stalls selling a variety of snacks such as steamed peanuts, fried tofu, skewered meats, and delicious beef jerky.

As it can get very packed here, do keep your wits about and be mindful of your belongings. Nonetheless, Bia Hoi Junction is great for drinking on a budget as well as experiencing the local culture. The carnival atmosphere is a really memorable snapshot of Hanoi nightlife.

Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 – Late

Map of Bia Hoi Junction

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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 Lake and the giant tortoise. The live music plays an integral part of the show with singers often shouting words of encouragement to the puppets.

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 within a one-hour performance. Aside from the general admission fee of VND 100,000, there’s an additional camera or video fee if you wish to photograph or film the show.

Opening Hours: Daily 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30 & 20:00
Address: 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Tel: +84 43 824 9494
Price Range: VND 100,000

Map of Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

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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.

Map of Hanoi Opera House

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Exuding an intimate yet welcoming ambience, Binh Minh’s Jazz Club features minimal décor, cosy seats, warm lighting, and efficient service while the menu comprises classic cocktails, imported beers, whiskies, and coffee, as well as a selection of western and Vietnamese delicacies.

With plenty of trees surrounding its premise, Binh Minh’s Jazz Club is great for escaping the bustling cityscape though most come here for the live jazz which takes place between 21:00 and 23:30 every night. While Quyen Van Minh and his students are the main acts on most nights, prominent jazz musicians from all over the world are known to drop by during special occasions.

Drinks at Binh Minh’s Jazz Club are pricier compared to most bars in Hanoi, starting from VND 65,000 onwards. However, many patrons would agree that the prices are more than fair due to the quality of the live entertainment and lack of cover charge.

Binh Minh’s Jazz Club is set behind Hanoi Opera House along Trang Tien Street, just a five-minute walk from the luxurious Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi. Prominent attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, National Museum of Vietnamese History and Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution are also within walking distance from the jazz bar.

Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 24:00
Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, French Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Tel: +84 43 942 0400

Map of Binh Minh’s Jazz Club

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