Hanoi Nightlife: Ta Hien Beer Street

Ta Hien beer street

Ta Hien is a short street, a little over 250 metres, in the Old Quarter a few minutes' walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. From early evening the bars push tables onto the street and the crowds arrive; it is busiest from about 7pm to midnight, and at its fullest on Friday to Sunday. A few bars stay open later. Entry is free; you simply sit down and order.

Bia hoi: the local ritual

Bia hoi is fresh draught beer brewed daily and served cold, often for well under a dollar a glass. It is light, cheap and best drunk early in the evening with a plate of peanuts or grilled snacks. The corner where Ta Hien meets Luong Ngoc Quyen is the classic spot; our existing Beyond Golf page includes a Bia Hoi Corner evening.

The weekend walking streets

From 7pm on Friday until midnight on Sunday, the roads around Hoan Kiem Lake close to traffic. Families, street performers and food vendors take over, and the Old Quarter night market runs along Hang Ngang, Hang Dao and Hang Duong. Hanoi's official information gives the Old Quarter walking streets as 7pm to midnight in summer and 6pm to midnight in winter. It is the most pleasant time to walk the area, and a natural start to a night on Ta Hien.

Pacing it on a golf trip

• The northern courses are outside the city, so tee times usually mean an early start from the Old Quarter. Keep the big night for when there is no golf next day.
• Eat first: Hanoi's street food is the best in the country. Our Hanoi after dark food guide covers where.
• Check prices before ordering on Ta Hien, where tourist-facing bars charge more than the bia hoi stalls.
• Winter evenings (December to February) are cool in Hanoi; bring a light jacket.

Common questions

Is Ta Hien too rowdy for older travellers?

Early in the evening it is lively but friendly. Later at weekends it is loud and crowded. Go around 7pm, have a drink, then walk the lake.

How long should we spend there?

An hour or two for beer and snacks is plenty for most groups.