Hanoi
Public spaces, restaurants, bars, cinemas, cafes, and many other places in Hanoi are buzzing with Halloween festivities.
The vibrant atmosphere of this holiday can be felt all across the city, with creative decorations, thrilling events, and exciting activities.
Hang Ma Street
Halloween atmosphere on Hang Ma Street on October 29th. Photo: Hoang Giang
Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, Hang Ma Street is a popular destination for all seasons and reasons. Since late September, the street has been filled with shops selling a variety of costumes, props, and decorations with spooky and whimsical themes, ranging in price from a few dozen thousand to millions of dong. Visitors flock to Hang Ma not only for shopping but also for the vibrant and colorful festival atmosphere, providing the perfect backdrop for memorable photos. The street is usually bustling in the evening, so guests are advised to be mindful of their photography duration at each shop or opt for locations that permit photo-taking.
Halloween decorations on Hang Ma Street. Photo: Hoang Giang
Hang Ma Street is known for its vibrant, festive atmosphere during Halloween, with shops selling a variety of Halloween-themed costumes, props, and decorations. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, offering a unique and exciting experience in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Shopping Malls
For about a month now, major shopping malls like Lotte Mall, Royal City, Aeon Mall, and Times City have been embracing the Halloween spirit. They have decorated their premises and hosted interactive activities and events, making them ideal destinations for families and young people to enjoy dining, games, and costume parties, especially on the evening of October 31st. Additionally, many malls, supermarkets, and stores offer promotional discounts during this period to encourage festive shopping.
Restaurants and Bars with a Foreign Presence
On the evening of October 31st, bars and restaurants in areas with a high concentration of expatriates will host Halloween parties. Due to limited space, advance registration is often required at these venues.
Angelina and Bacardi on Ly Thai To Street will present a Halloween party named “Fallen Angel Night,” featuring a spooky ambiance, creative shots, and cocktails. In addition to costume parties and games, the venues will offer live music and DJ performances. Over on Ma May Street, Mad Monkey Hanoi will host a neon-themed party called “Neon Nightmare,” where neon lights and eerie music will set the tone for a thrilling evening. Guests can also participate in costume contests and lucky draws at the Masquerade Ball on Hai Ba Trung Street, promising a night of eerie delights.
Cinemas
Lobby of a CGV cinema in Hanoi. Photo: CGV
Watching a movie on Halloween is a popular choice, and cinemas in Hanoi are embracing the spirit of the season. Thrilling films like “Venom: The Last Dance,” “Tee Yod 2: Quỷ Ăn Tạng,” and “Sakaratul Maut – Ác Quỷ Truy Hồn” are currently showing at theaters like CGV. To enhance the Halloween experience, lobbies are adorned with mysterious and eerie decorations, providing the perfect backdrop for those who love to capture memorable photos. Even the food and beverages are given a spooky twist to match the occasion.
Ho Chi Minh City
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Halloween spirit is alive and well, with numerous public spaces, bars, and restaurants offering festive experiences.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Every year, Nguyen Hue Walking Street transforms into a vibrant stage for locals and tourists to showcase their creative costumes and embrace the Halloween spirit. This open-access destination welcomes everyone to join in the fun. On the evening of October 31st, the nearly one-kilometer-long street comes alive with costume parties and performances. The street is usually bustling with activity from 8 PM onwards, and along its length, you’ll find cafes and restaurants where you can sit back and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street during Halloween 2023. Photo: Phong Anh
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a popular destination for locals and tourists during Halloween, as it provides a spacious and vibrant venue for people to show off their creative costumes and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Bui Vien Walking Street
About 1.5 kilometers from Nguyen Hue Walking Street is Bui Vien Walking Street, renowned for its vibrant bar scene and popularity among expatriates. The Halloween spirit envelops this bustling party street, with most establishments adorned in spooky decorations. Visitors can enjoy a cold beer while admiring the creative costumes or even join the costumed revelers parading down the street. As the night progresses, the street becomes increasingly lively, so those seeking a quieter experience may prefer to visit earlier in the evening.
The Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar Saigon
Halloween has its roots in the ancient festival of the Celts, a community now primarily found in Ireland, where it is considered a significant holiday. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can experience a traditional Irish Halloween at The Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar Saigon.
Located on Pham Viet Chanh Street in Binh Thanh District, The Rabbit Hole is hosting a Halloween party on October 31st, featuring a costume contest and a delicious spread of Irish-style food and drinks. The spooky festivities kick off at 6 PM and continue until midnight. The average cost for dining at this venue is around 300,000 VND per person.
Foreigners in Halloween costumes at Treat & Sweets in Thao Dien. Photo: Treat & Sweet
Treats & Sweets
For a unique Halloween experience, head to Treats & Sweets on Thao Dien Street in Thu Duc City. This candy store, toy shop, and decoration emporium is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike during the Halloween season. This year, the store is inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter, with dedicated sections for toys, candies, chocolates, and seasonal decorations. Customers can not only shop but also participate in trivia games and costume contests, transforming themselves into their favorite Harry Potter characters. The store is open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM, providing ample opportunity for festive fun.
Yoko Cafe
For a different take on Halloween, consider attending a rock music show at Yoko Cafe on Nguyen Thi Dieu Street in District 3. The cafe is hosting a dynamic Halloween-themed music night on November 1st, as Halloween falls on a weekday this year. Tickets for the show are VND 120,000 at the door or VND 100,000 online, and the event starts at 7 PM. Food and drinks are charged separately, with an average cost of VND 100,000 per person. Guests are encouraged to come in their best Halloween costumes, with a special prize for the most impressive getup.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi hides a gem – a humble egg coffee stall, known to food connoisseurs, where the owner-barista crafts her magic in front of patrons.
Step aside and make way for a legendary treat – the iconic whipped cream egg delight. This mouth-watering delicacy is not just a feast for your taste buds but also offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant cityscape. Indulge in the ultimate sensory experience as you savour the creamy, dreamy goodness while taking in the bustling streets and the lively atmosphere. It’s a match made in heaven for all your senses!
Is Northern Vietnam Bracing for Widespread Cold and Rain?
The latest weather forecast predicts a brief period of warm weather for Hanoi and the northern region over the next two days, before a cold front brings cooler temperatures and rain. During this interim period, daytime temperatures will peak at a pleasant 24 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Exploring District 1: A Journey Through Historic Architecture
Ho Chi Minh City is a symphony of contrasts, where towering skyscrapers stand proud alongside timeless, ancient structures. Each day, this vibrant city conducts a harmonious melody of the old and new, creating a unique rhythm that defines its energetic spirit.
The 135-Year-Old Market in the Heart of Hanoi: From a Modest Stall to the Capital’s Iconic Landmark
Nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market stands as the city’s most bustling traditional market and a true icon. With a rich history dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty in 1889, this vibrant marketplace has been the beating heart of Hanoi’s trade and commerce for 135 years.
The ‘Treasure’ in the Incense-less Temple, Once Ranked Among the World’s Most Beautiful.
The architectural masterpiece, a temple that never lights incense, has become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. With its unique design and ambiance, it offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life, providing a space for reflection and contemplation. The temple’s aesthetic appeal and serene atmosphere have captivated many, making it a must-visit destination.
