1. A Glimpse into Ta Hien Beer Street
Ta Hien Street is nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, just a short stroll from Hoan Kiem Lake. Drawing crowds from all over, it’s a top pick on any list of things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter for first-time visitors. With no official opening time, the street evolves from cafés in the morning to bustling pubs by night, making it an essential spot when you wonder what to do in Hanoi after dark. Here’s a general guide:
- Morning & Afternoon: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (shops, cafés, and restaurants open)
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (bars and beer stalls begin to open)
- Peak Hours: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM (street is packed with people, music, and nightlife)
- Late Night: 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM (few bars and clubs remain open, like 1900 Le Théâtre)
Ta Hien Street dates back hundreds of years to the time of Thang Long (the former name of Hanoi). It was originally part of the Old Quarter’s traditional guild streets, where artisans and traders gathered to sell goods and crafts.
After Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, the street gradually transformed from a traditional trade center into one of Hanoi’s most famous entertainment districts. As tourism in Hanoi grew, Ta Hien became a favorite hangout for both locals and foreigners, earning the nickname "Hanoi Beer Street". By the 2010s, the street was lined with bars, pubs, live music venues, and street food stalls, making it the go-to destination for nightlife in Hanoi. This transformation from a historical trade guild street to Hanoi's famous "Beer Street" perfectly exemplifies the dynamic evolution of the map of Old Quarter Hanoi.