The benchmarks in a table
| Where | Feel | Price benchmark (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Ta Hien street and the Luong Ngoc Quyen corner | bia hoi on plastic stools, very touristy | bia hoi glass VND 5,000 to 15,000; bucket of five beers VND 100,000 to 150,000 |
| Near St. Joseph's Cathedral | quieter stalls | VND 7,000 to 10,000 a glass |
| Old Quarter (Ma May, Luong Ngoc Quyen) | small clubs and bars, more chaotic | upstairs cocktail VND 120,000 to 180,000 |
| Tay Ho (Xuan Dieu, Dang Thai Mai) | expat-style clubs | drink VND 150,000 to 250,000, open to 3 or 4 am at weekends |
Budget for a night per person per this guide: VND 100,000 to 200,000 on a budget, VND 300,000 to 500,000 mid-range, VND 800,000 and up at the top end.
To book ahead, see also the water puppet show in Hanoi.
Ta Hien: how it works
The street is about 200 metres long and fills from 8 pm. The best bia hoi corners are near the junction with Luong Ngoc Quyen. You sit on a stool, order from the server and pay at the end; check the price of a glass before ordering, as some vendors inflate rates for tourists. For more refined addresses see our pages on cocktail bars and speakeasies, craft beer and rooftops.
Closing time
Per the guide cited, police pass around 11:45 pm at Ta Hien, owners pull the shutters halfway down, and service often resumes after 15 to 20 minutes. Old Quarter clubs lock the doors at midnight yet keep going inside; Tay Ho ones run later. Be inside before midnight. Rules and enforcement change: do not rely on them. For late food see eating late in Hanoi.
Safety
Use Grab or Be to get home: motorbike taxis outside bars sometimes ask VND 100,000 to 200,000 for a ride that costs 30,000 to 50,000. Keep your phone in a front pocket, never leave your drink unattended and note your hotel address in Vietnamese.
FAQ
Which area is liveliest? Ta Hien, in the Old Quarter.
When do bars close? At midnight in principle, unevenly enforced.
How much is a bia hoi? About VND 5,000 to 15,000 a glass in 2026.
Is it safe? As in any tourist zone: watch for pickpockets and overcharged rides.
The Hanoi Authority editorial team, October 2026. Prices and hours from an unofficial guide, to confirm on the spot.
