Vietnam Central Circus 

Housed under a big-top, the Vietnam Central Circus features a talented cast. Clowns draw hearty laughs, while jugglers and acrobats deliver heart-stopping performances. The circus is open six days a week and is open from 8 pm to 10 pm (closed on Monday). Calling all circus fans! If you feel jaded that the circus of today has become a flashy show of visual tricks and techniques, you may be in for a treat at Hanoi. Dating back to the 1950s, circus shows here like the Vietnam Central Circus still deliver lots of old-fashioned fun. 

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Nocturnal Water Puppet Shows

According to historians, water puppetry began in Vietnam back when bored farmers decided to create their own performances when the rice paddy fields were flooded. The villagers entertained themselves by standing waist-deep in water, putting on puppet shows above water. Magically dancing and gliding over the aquatic surface, these enthralling performances enact scenes from ancient Vietnamese myths, legends and folklore. Experience Vietnam’s ancient art form of water puppetry at the Water Puppet Theatre. The world-famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre traces its roots to the 11th century and is a must-watch when you visit Hanoi.  

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Evening Performances at the Hanoi Opera House

Marvel at one of the most iconic structures in Hanoi—The Hanoi Opera House. A prime example of French colonial architecture, its structure looks stunning in the day and breathtaking when illuminated at night. You can make a trip to the Opera House to appreciate its beauty, or check with your hotel concierge on its performance schedules to catch an opera. To avoid disappointment, do book tickets in advance. 

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Bia Hoi Junction

You cannot claim to have truly visited Hanoi without paying homage to this junction, right smack in the centre of the Old Quarter. Bustling with activity at night, Bia Hoi Junction features lots of stalls selling street food and Vietnam’s famous Bia Hoi beer—each bottle is sold for as little as VND10,000 (less than US$1). 

The best way to enjoy Bia Hoi Junction is to plonk yourself on one of the plastic stools that spill into the streets, and feast on beef jerky, peanuts and other exotic Vietnamese fare.

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Take the Hanoi Food Tour

Wish to further tantalize your tastebuds? Embark on an appetising Hanoi food journey with the Hanoi Street Food Tour, and venture around the Old Quarter while you are feasting. Having a guide while you eat your way through the city’s street food is useful when you are unsure of the names of the city’s exotic food. While walking through the streets to locate Hanoi’s most delicious food stalls and restaurants, take the opportunity to soak in the city’s local culture, and uncover its secrets.

Buy tickets to the Hanoi Street Food Tour

Feast to Your Heart’s Content at Hanoi Night Market

Fancy some grilled pork skewers? Have a craving for a bowl of hot pho? The Hanoi Night Market has them all. 

There are plenty of stalls selling traditional Hanoi food here—from sweet soups, porridge with dough, and sticky candy to rice vermicelli with chicken, beef or pork. Pick from sweet or savoury offerings to suit your palette. After you had your fill of Vietnamese street food, consider heading a few streets down to grab some souvenirs at the Market’s shopping section. 

Get directions to the Hanoi Night Market