Hanoi City is seeking opinions to develop a draft Resolution on investment activities, business of products and services at night. From there, the Capital government expects to more effectively exploit urban potential, promote economic, cultural and tourism development.
According to the draft Resolution, the city identifies the night economy as a new driving force to promote tourism, culture and trade development. Encouraged activities include tourism, cuisine, shopping, entertainment, art performances, sports and support services, mainly taking place in the period from 6 pm the previous day to 6 am the next morning.
In which, the time frame from 6 pm to 12 am is identified as the main operating time to serve people and tourists. Some commercial and cultural development areas, pedestrian streets and tourist areas may extend operations until 2 am.
In particular, the city will consider allowing some areas, streets or service complexes to operate separately until 6 am if they fully meet the conditions on infrastructure, security, order and urban management.
According to Hanoi's orientation, 6 night economy models will be prioritized for development, including the central space of history - heritage; cultural, artistic and creative space; commercial, service and new urban areas; urban ecological landscape corridor; clusters of relics, festivals and traditional craft villages; along with the Red River landscape axis.
In the historical center area, the city is expected to promote heritage tourism products, cultural, artistic and traditional culinary experiences at Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, West Lake along with pedestrian streets and parks will be developed into a cultural, artistic and creative space at night.
Notably, the Red River landscape axis is oriented to become a nighttime cultural and creative center of the Capital, connecting high-quality cultural, artistic, commercial and service activities, aiming to build a symbolic destination of Hanoi when night falls.
In addition, famous destinations such as Phu Tay Ho, Huong Pagoda, Co Loa relic site, Soc Temple, Thay Pagoda and traditional craft villages are also oriented to develop into night tourism products, combining indigenous cultural experiences, community tourism and resorts.
According to the city's assessment, Hanoi currently has many night economy products such as pedestrian streets, night food spaces, night tourist tours and art performance programs. However, activities are still not commensurate with the potential and have not formed a synchronous and highly competitive night tourism ecosystem.
It is expected that the Resolution will be considered by the City People's Council at the June session and take effect from July 1, 2026. If approved, this is expected to be an important step to help Hanoi increase its attractiveness to domestic and international tourists, and at the same time gradually realize the goal of becoming a vibrant tourist destination both day and night.
