Night tours in Hanoi are gaining popularity, especially those exploring the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Among the most notable destinations are the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Literature Museum, the National Museum of History, and the Old Quarter. These tours offer a unique perspective on the city and bring to life the cultural and historical values often overlooked in the modern hustle and bustle.
Temple of Literature Night Tour
The Temple of Literature night tour, open on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, is a standout attraction. For VND 199,000 per person, the “Essence of Academic Path” program immerses visitors in the heritage site illuminated by a dazzling display of lights while retaining its solemn and ancient charm as Vietnam’s first national school.
A highlight of this tour is the 3D Mapping technology, which vividly brings to life the academic history and the nation’s tradition of valuing education. Visitors can try their hand at writing in the National language or explore the ancient examination space. The fusion of modern technology and heritage space has transformed the Temple of Literature into a must-visit destination when exploring Hanoi at night.
Hoa Lo Prison Night Tour
The Hoa Lo Prison night tour, held on Friday and Saturday evenings, offers an emotionally charged journey through the prison’s history. With an average cost of VND 300,000 per person, depending on the theme, this tour delves into the prison’s association with the nation’s heroic struggle for independence.
The program, titled “Sacred Night,” comprises three themes that shed light on the harsh lives of political prisoners, honor the sacrifices of heroes, and showcase gruesome torture methods with vivid sound and light effects. Visitors not only explore the prison compound, dark cells, and prison yard but also engage in role-playing activities, such as escape attempts and solemn tributes to martyrs at the memorial. This tour is a powerful and educational experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Night Tour
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long night tour, held on Friday and Saturday evenings, offers a 90-minute archaeological journey through the site. With tickets ranging from VND 200,000 to VND 300,000, visitors are guided through the Doan Mon and Dien Kinh Thien areas and the archaeological tunnel, where they can admire over 200 artifacts from various dynasties.
A unique feature of this tour is the laser light show projected onto the archaeological remains, accompanied by incense offerings and recreated royal banquets. The journey concludes with a serene tea ceremony under the bodhi tree, where guests indulge in sen tea, sen preserves, and traditional cakes, creating a blend of solemnity and familiarity.
Literature Museum Night Tour
Located in Tay Ho District, the Literature Museum offers a refreshing night tour option on weekends for VND 150,000 per person. This museum showcases the evolution of writing, from Han Chinese to Nom (an ancient Vietnamese script) and the modern Vietnamese alphabet, and houses hundreds of valuable artifacts related to renowned Vietnamese literary figures from the medieval to modern eras.
From Han Chinese and Nom scripts to the modern Vietnamese alphabet, and from the “sách lá” (books made from leaves) of ethnic minorities to the masterpieces of celebrated writers like Nguyen Trai, Xuan Dieu, and Nguyen Tuan, the museum curates a captivating journey through time. The nocturnal ambiance enhances the spiritual value of the exhibits, allowing visitors to deeply connect with the nation’s cultural heritage.
National Museum of History Night Tour
The National Museum of History offers a dynamic night tour option with its “Thang Long – Hanoi” bicycle tour. Unlike fixed-route tours, this program allows participants to pedal for 90–120 minutes through iconic locations such as Hanoi Flag Tower, Ba Dinh Square, O Quan Chuong Gate, and the Hanoi Opera House.
The itinerary also includes a culinary experience in Ngu Xa fish cake street, ensuring a well-rounded trip. This energetic tour is ideal for those who enjoy physical activity and wish to explore Hanoi from a more intimate, everyday perspective.
Old Quarter Night Tour
The Old Quarter of Hanoi shines during the “Hanoi Night – The Touch of Emotions” artistic event. Visitors are treated to a mesmerizing display of light and music while enjoying traditional art forms such as “ca tru” (ceremonial singing), “cheo” (traditional opera), “chau van” (spiritual singing), and “tuong” (classical drama). The tea-drinking and Hang Trong folk painting experiences further enhance the allure of the Old Quarter, seamlessly blending modern and traditional elements in a dazzling light display.
Hanoi’s night tours go beyond mere sightseeing; they are a delicate blend of history, culture, and art. Each program leaves a distinct impression, from the solemnity of the Temple of Literature, the heroism of Hoa Lo Prison, the archaeological insights of the Imperial Citadel, the cultural depth of the Literature Museum, to the dynamic bicycle tour. These tours reflect a new trend in Hanoi’s tourism development, catering to both locals and international visitors.
Experiencing Hanoi at night now extends beyond bustling streets, offering emotionally rich journeys where every step connects to the city’s historical and cultural narratives. With their intricate content and technological enhancements, Hanoi’s night tours are establishing the city as a leading cultural tourism destination in the region. For those seeking to discover a Hanoi that is both familiar and novel, ancient and modern, these tours offer a meaningful and experiential adventure.
