Ha Noi mulls over establishment of entertainment zones to boost night-time economy

Under the plan, the night-time economy is expected to contribute around five percent of Capital's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2030 while gradually increasing its contribution to the city budget.

The city also targets to have between 7 and 10 percent of the urban service workforce directly or indirectly engaged in night-time economic activities. Night-time spending is projected to account for 25-30 percent of tourists' total expenditure, helping extend the average length of stay to between 2.5 and 3.5 days.

Key night-time economic zones

To achieve these goals, Ha Noi will develop and effectively operate key night-time economic zones with preferential support policies, each designed for specific functions.

The cultural and heritage night-time economy will be centered in Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam, Ba Dinh, Son Tay and Soc Son, capitalizing on the city's rich cultural heritage.

Entertainment and modern leisure zones will be developed in Tay Ho-Tay Ho Tay, My Dinh and Dong Anh, while creative night-time economy clusters linked to cultural industries will be established around creative spaces, theaters, cinemas and museums. Resort and cultural experience zones will be promoted in suburban areas and traditional craft villages, including Bat Trang, Ba Vi and Huong Son.

Ha Noi will also establish iconic night-time tourism routes and events showcasing the capital's cultural heritage, performing arts, cuisine and distinctive urban landscape. These include the Thang Long-Tu Tran heritage route and well-known food streets such as Tong Duy Tan and Ta Hien.

The city plans to develop cultural industry centers and creative spaces that support the night-time economy in Dong Xuan-Bac Qua, Cua Nam Ward, Tay Ho, Dong Anh, the Bat Trang Ancient Village Eco-museum commercial and cultural area, and the Viet Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism.

Infrastructure upgrades

To support these developments, Ha Noi will invest in infrastructure upgrades and digital transformation.

The city plans to extend operating hours of urban railway lines, including the Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line and the Nhon-Ha Noi Railway Station Line (once completed), during weekends and public holidays. Subsidized bus services will also be introduced to connect visitors with designated night-time entertainment complexes.

Artistic lighting systems will be expanded along major streets, bridges, parks and public spaces, including West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Red River corridor, creating a distinctive night-time urban landscape.

Additional supporting services, such as chauffeur services, cleaning and home care, will also be introduced for visitors participating in night-time activities.

To minimize impacts on nearby residential areas, the city will implement soundproofing measures, establish green buffer zones and install aesthetically designed noise barriers. 

Mobile night-time medical stations operating from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. will also be deployed to provide basic emergency healthcare services.

A digital map of Ha Noi's night-time economy will be developed, enabling users to search for destinations, operating hours, service categories, crowd levels, parking locations, transport connections, ongoing events, safety information and visitor support services.

Among the key initiatives, Ha Noi will study the establishment of controlled late-night entertainment zones.

Relevant authorities will review and select areas with suitable infrastructure to accommodate entertainment districts operating after midnight or around the clock. These licensed zones may include karaoke venues, nightclubs, bars, pubs, clubs and electronic gaming facilities, while ensuring security, public order and cultural standards.

The city will also develop and operate Creative Night Hubs, including three flagship creative cultural spaces at Dong Xuan-Bac Qua Market, the Cua Nam Cultural Industry Center and the Gia Lam Railway Factory Creative Complex.

To meet the needs of young people aged 15-30, who account for around 40 percent of Ha Noi's urban population, the city is studying e-sports entertainment models and mixed-use night sports complexes with clearly defined indoor and outdoor zones.

Indoor facilities may include billiards, e-sports, indoor golf and sport poker, while outdoor activities may feature pickleball, tennis and running.

Ha Noi also plans to organize an annual international night marathon featuring full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km) and 10-km fun run categories.

In addition, the city will develop high-quality heritage, cultural and artistic products, including the "Memories of Thang Long" digital heritage night-tour project and the annual Hanoi Night Arts Festival./.