Hanoi considers overnight business zones to increase visitor spending

The proposal, which is scheduled to be considered by the Hanoi People's Council on June 2, would permit approved areas meeting infrastructure, security, and urban-management requirements to operate from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am.

City authorities said the measure is intended to extend tourist stays and increase spending, particularly among international visitors.

The draft would establish a framework for nighttime economic activity, including operating hours, permitted services, and management standards. 

Areas would be classified into different categories with operating conditions tailored to their location and function.

Under the proposal, 6:00 pm to midnight would remain the standard period for nighttime activities, including tourism, dining, shopping, entertainment, sports, and cultural events. 

Approved tourism, cultural, and commercial quarters could operate until 2:00 am, while selected areas meeting stricter requirements could remain open until 6:00 am.

The plan identifies several priority areas for nighttime development, including the Hoan Kiem Lake area, Hanoi's Old Quarter, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, West Lake, new commercial areas and tourism corridors along the Red River.

The draft also calls for the development of a cultural, creative, and commercial hub along the Red River that would serve as a flagship nighttime destination for Hanoi.