Hanoi Unveils Ambitious Plan to Boost Night-Time Economy, Targeting 5% of GRDP by 2030
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese capital Hanoi has unveiled an ambitious strategy to expand its night-time economy, aiming for the sector to contribute approximately 5 percent of the city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) by 2030 through extended business hours, enhanced infrastructure, and diversified cultural and entertainment offerings.
Under the plan, city authorities will designate specific areas where businesses such as karaoke venues, nightclubs, bars, pubs, clubs, and electronic gaming facilities may operate beyond midnight or even on a 24-hour basis, subject to strict regulations on security, public order, and urban management.
The initiative envisions the development of specialized night-time districts across the capital. The wards of Hoàn Kiếm, Cửa Nam, Ba Đình, Sơn Tây, and Sóc Sơn will focus on promoting culture and heritage tourism, while Tây Hồ, the western area of West Lake, Mỹ Đình, and Đông Anh will be developed as modern entertainment hubs. Meanwhile, suburban destinations including Bát Tràng, Ba Vì, and Hương Sơn will offer visitors cultural and leisure experiences.
As part of the strategy, Hà Nội will introduce signature night-time tourism routes highlighting the city’s rich heritage, culinary traditions, and urban culture. Planned attractions include guided tours of the four Sacred Temples in the ancient royal city of Thăng Long, alongside visits to renowned food streets such as Tống Duy Tân and Tạ Hiện.
The city also plans to strengthen transport and supporting infrastructure by extending metro operating hours on weekends and public holidays and introducing subsidized bus services connecting major night-time entertainment districts. New creative hubs are planned for the Đồng Xuân–Bắc Qua area, the Cửa Nam cultural industries center, and the Gia Lâm Train Factory creative complex.
In addition, authorities are exploring the establishment of e-sports venues and dedicated night sports complexes featuring activities such as billiards, indoor golf, pickleball, tennis, and running.
The strategy further includes hosting an annual international night marathon, launching the technology-driven “Memories of Thăng Long” cultural series, and organizing a Hà Nội night music and arts festival to attract both domestic and international visitors.
To enhance the city’s evening appeal, artistic lighting will be expanded around West Lake, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and the Red River, while a digital night-economy map will provide residents and tourists with real-time information on venues, events, and transportation services.
City authorities acknowledged that existing pedestrian streets, food districts, night tours, and cultural performances have yet to realize their full potential, emphasizing that the new strategy aims to create a more integrated, vibrant, and globally competitive night-time economy for Hanoi.
