To make "Hanoi Night" a brand.

A modern city is not only defined by its daytime rhythm but also by its nighttime vibrancy. In many major cities around the world, the nighttime economy has become a measure of service development, cultural creativity, and urban quality of life.

For Hanoi – a city with a thousand years of cultural heritage – developing nighttime culture and services is not simply about extending leisure, shopping, or entertainment time, but also an opportunity to awaken heritage values, promote cultural industries, and create new growth drivers for the capital's economy . Pedestrian areas around Ho Guom Lake, the Old Quarter, live art performances, musical shows, traditional craft village experiences, and nighttime culinary experiences demonstrate the special appeal of "Hanoi Night." When organized properly, the nighttime economy not only keeps tourists staying longer but also opens up job opportunities, stimulates consumption, and promotes the unique identity of Thang Long - Hanoi to the region and the world.

However, despite its historical, cultural, and tourism market advantages, Hanoi still faces numerous bottlenecks in developing nighttime cultural experiences and services. In reality, many current activities remain fragmented, lacking coordination and failing to create a sufficiently attractive service ecosystem to retain tourists beyond 24 hours. Some nighttime activity spaces lack professionalism in terms of organization, technical infrastructure, transportation connections, parking, and artistic lighting systems. Noise pollution, environmental sanitation issues, touting, and spontaneous vending in some areas continue to negatively impact the image of a civilized city.

Notably, Hanoi lacks a diverse range of nighttime cultural and industrial products that can compete with major cities in the region. Nighttime art performances, late-night museum openings, light shows, and nighttime heritage tours are still limited and haven't yet formed a cohesive chain of experiences.

Furthermore, the management mechanisms for the night-time economy still have gaps. Coordination among the sectors of Culture, Tourism, Transportation, Industry and Trade, and local authorities is sometimes inconsistent. Many businesses are hesitant to invest long-term due to a lack of incentive mechanisms, while the supply of high-quality human resources for night-time services still falls short of demand. Without a clear strategy and innovative approaches, Hanoi will find it difficult to create a unique identity for its night-time economy.

Recognizing this need, the Hanoi People's Committee approved the "Development of the Nighttime Economy in Hanoi City for the period 2026-2030, with a vision to 2045" project, opening a new phase of development for the creative city and high-quality service ecosystem of the capital. According to the vision, by 2035, the nighttime economy will contribute approximately 7-8% of the city's GRDP, with an average annual growth rate of 12-14% in the service, tourism, and cultural industries sectors.

Hanoi aims to establish 6 to 8 key night-time economic zones along with 15 to 20 spaces and streets operating after midnight; of which at least 3 zones will meet regional standards for night-time cultural and tourism experiences.

More importantly, Hanoi is not developing its night-time economy in a mass-market manner, but rather focusing on cultural elements and identity. Heritage spaces such as the Old Quarter, West Lake area, art streets, and traditional craft villages will be "illuminated" with technology, performing arts, and experiential activities that reflect the city's cultural heritage. In suburban areas, eco-tourism, overnight stays, craft village experiences, and community tourism models in areas such as Dong Anh, Gia Lam, Soc Son, Son Tay, Ba Vi, or Bat Trang pottery village will expand development opportunities, reduce pressure on the inner city, and create unique experiences for tourists.

To realize that goal, Hanoi needs to simultaneously address several challenges: improving transportation infrastructure and nighttime public services; building a flexible yet rigorous management mechanism; strengthening security and safety; and supporting businesses investing in the cultural industry and creative economy. More importantly, each nighttime product must tell the story of Hanoi – elegant, civilized, yet rich in emotion and historical depth.

When culture becomes the soul of the night economy, "Hanoi Night" will not only be a period of time after the city lights shine, but will become a distinctive urban brand – a place where tourists want to stay longer, spend more, and forever remember a capital city that is both civilized, modern, and rich in cultural heritage.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/de-dem-ha-noi-tro-thanh-thuong-hieu-976043.html