So you want to know Hanoi’s social scene and meet new people? My name’s Ian, and I will be your guide in this beautiful city! Hanoi is a lively place with plenty to see and do, so it won’t be hard for you to find like-minded people if your traveling alone or just looking for new places to go?
If you are looking to meet new people straight away, the best place to start is in your room if you have shared accommodation? I met so many people in Hostels, and a lot were traveling by themselves. Just introduce yourself and get on name terms. Generally, after this, they will be up for a drink, or do something else, whatever you decide?
A hotel will be trickier to meet people more frequently. One of the ways I met people was through social media. Facebook I found was the best way to meet backpackers or ex-pats; look at Hanoi Massive Community. It has a 14k community, so it‘s populated. I use to post, “I‘m in Hanoi until these dates, Would anyone like a drink?“ Typically responses were people meeting groups at pubs for drinks.
I also used Tinder on a few occasions and met loads of backpackers traveling alone. My experience was always positive, but my perspective would be different from a woman, but the girls I met were cool. Usually met at night but sometimes in the day. If we met in the day, we would go to a market at night food/drink after a nightclub.
Tinder was my favorite option it made me plan ideas, and typically, when you plan, things go smoother.
Suppose you find yourself alone for 48hrs! Don’t panic! I felt while I was by myself, I grew so much! Just get out and face your fears and know your working on yourself. You meet people when the times right! Til then go bars, markets, parks, shopping malls, try an egg coffee, etc.
Hanoi is stimulating, quirky, and fast becoming one of the best cities in Asia. Don’t stay in your shell. Get out and enjoy it!
I mentioned before the importance of planning, so below is my list of places you must see in Hanoi! The plan I picked is perfect to meet new amigos.
Parks
Yen So Park the largest park in Hanoi, located around 10k from the city center, and lies in Hoang Liet district. Lots of grass, trees, boathouses, art galleries, and even an outdoor theatre. A great place to plan a picnic or a few drinks
Westlake is Hanoi’s largest lake. Its location is north-west in Ho Tay district. The lake is 500 hectares with some excellent seafood south of the lake. Not a populated area, which is refreshing for such a busy city. The hotels near by are some of the best in Vietnam.
Lenin Park If you are a bit of a history buff and enjoy some soviet history (I do), you defiantly want to check out Lenin Park. You will feel the culture & History of Vietnam plus some beautiful views with lush gardens. Also, you get a chance to see Uncle Lenin standing proud. It’s worth taking some snaps if anything else?
Markets
Dong Xuan Market: A big indoor market with Soviet-style architecture. This market has local seafood, meats, vegetables, clothing, bags, sunglasses all at low prices. It’s worth a visit but be warned it can get busy around noon time.
Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 – 19:00
Hanoi Weekend Night Market: Great place for Vietnamese street cuisine! Open every weekend with some great souvenirs. Local entertainment is available on select dates of the year.
Address: Hang Dao Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Fri-Sun 20:00-23:00
Hang Da Market: Amazing place to get imported wines and quirky clothing from Japan (Fashionable) with great prices. The best time to go is early morning to get yourself some decent Vietnamese breakfast.
Address: 1 Pho Hang Da, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Daily 05:00 – 17:00
Cho Hom Market: Loads of fresh fruit and veg with top quality meats. You can also buy fabrics and household goods. The prices can be haggled down, so make sure you do! Again busy, so try and come early.
Address: 293 Tran Nhan Tong, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 -17:00
Shopping Malls
Lotte Center Hanoi: If you after clothing labels, then look no further. This place has over 200 big name brands inside with restaurants and entertainment. Near by are Spas and modern gyms if that’s something your after?
Address: 54 Liễu Giai, Cống Vị, Ba Đình, Hànội
Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-22:30
Trang Tien Plaza: Wealthy part of Hanoi with lots of shops to spend money. Some of the market’s most prominent brands are available here, with high-quality electrical items on the bottom floor. Also has a supermarket inside.
Address: 24 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 09:30 – 21:30, Saturday & Sunday 09:30 – 22:00
Hang Da Galleria Shopping Mall: Bit more of a low budget shopping mall mainly specializing in clothing. You can still haggle and find some bargains. Weekdays are the best time to visit as weekends gets busy!
Address: Hang Da Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 21:00
Bars
Bia Hoi Junction: Plastic chairs and tables with Bia Hoi beer. These areas get rammed with backpackers and locals. If you want a low-cost night with a Vietnamese vibe, then this is your place! Also, you can find skewed meats and jerky.
Address: Ta Hien & Pho Luong Ngoc Quyen, Old Quarter, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 – late
Legend Beer Hanoi: What a name lol! Three floors high, with a great selection of beers, including stouts and German food. Prices do jump up at this bar. People mainly come for the view but defiantly a must-see!
Address: 01-03-05 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 – 23:00
Le Pub Hanoi: Quirky place with a selection of beers from around the world. Great location to catch up on sports with a rear courtyard on the back. Bar snack available with great pizza! Every Thursday, women get a free cocktail.
Address: 25 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – late
Binh Minh’s Jazz Club: If you like jazz, then look no further. Located in the old quarter of Hanoi, Binh Minh has some of the region’s best jazz players. Cozy atmosphere with a high range of drinks available, don’t forget your wallet as it can get pricey!
Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, French Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 24:00
Restaurants
La Terrasse Du Metropole: One of the most highly recommended hotels & restaurants in Hanoi! Serving French Cuisine with fresh oysters, beautiful cheeses, and lean steaks with chips, this is high-class and perfect for a date. In the day this place is excellent for a coffee after shopping.
Address: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-14:00 and 16:00-22:00
KOTO: Vietnamese food with great coffee. The atmosphere is a friendly, cheery place. The staff are ex-street kids given a chance to work and develop ,which adds to the restaurant’s ambiance. Some beautiful views of the Temple of Literature in the Ba Dinh district.
Address: 59 Van Mieu Street (Opposite the Temple of Literature). Dong Da District
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00-22:00
Hanoi Social Club: If you’re a bit younger and hip, this is your place, Serving tasty western food and a playlist ear to the ground this place feels more like a home than a bar.
Address: 6 Hoi Vu (just off Quan Su Street)
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 23:00
La Verticale: French-style imperial mansion with a beautiful fine dining restaurant and alternating menu depending on the time of year? Typical French food with pairings of high-quality French wine. I love the old French architecture, which gives a romantic feel. Defiantly my favorite restaurant in Hanoi.
Address: 19 Ngo Van So Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 22:00
Any questions? Please post?
Best Wishes
Ian
