Closing time on weekdays is still 24:00. The extended 02:00 closing time at weekends brings karaoke lounges, bars and restaurants in line with similar establishments in luxury hotels which are permitted to keep serving until this time.
The effective date for the introduction of the longer hours was 1 September 2016. The move to extend opening hours was the result of constant clamouring by travel agents and venue operators in the city who said midnight was too early for tourists to be told that was the end of their evening’s entertainment.
Media sources in Vietnam say Hoan Kiem is the pilot for a scheme which could eventually see late-night venues gain longer operating right across the city. They also claim the later hours could be introduced on weekdays too.
Before the amendment was given the green light, some critics said it should only apply to establishments with effective soundproofing. They added that open-fronted or streetside cafés should still be required to shut up shop at midnight.
Hoan Kiem is the location of many of Hanoi’s best known sights. These include Hoan Kiem Lake, the Vietnamese History Museum and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Nightspot hours in downtown Hanoi extended at weekends
News in Asia
Authorities in the Vietnamese capital city of Hanoi have amended statutes to allow certain eateries and nightspots to stay open for longer at weekends. Licensed establishments in the central district of Hoan Kiem can now stay open until 02:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.