Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city, situated in the center of the Red River Delta, in northern Vietnam. Rich with history, art, culture, and vibrant culinary scenes, Hanoi attracts visitors from across the region and internationally, and is one of Vietnam’s top leisure destinations.
With the lively Red River that runs through the city, endless lakes, and so many rooftop cafes, Hanoi offers plenty of spots to watch spectacular sunsets, where visitors can enjoy a gorgeous time of day as the light is reflecting off a city skyline.
If you’re thinking of getting a glimpse of the golden hour rays of sunsets here, check this top list out to know when and where you should go.
Hanoi West Lake
Located in western Hanoi, the West Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the city. With a shore length of about 17 kilometers (11 mi), streets that run around the lake feature many thousand-year-old religious places, villas, hotels, and endless cafes with stunning views.
Perhaps, the Sunset Bar in the Intercontinental West Lake Hotel, which is located just above the water, and the Summit Lounge on the 20th floor of Pan Pacific Hanoi offer two of the city’s most fabulous spots to grab a drink and watch the sun fall over the horizon.
Like watching a sunset from anywhere else, it’s almost impossible to watch the last bits of daylight fade away from Hanoi and doesn’t feel anything. Hanoi West Lake’s sunsets are one of the most staggering sights to see.
Long Bien Bridge
The bridge, built across the Red River between 1899 and 1902, was named after Paul Doumer – the governor general of French Indochina – until the French was defeated in 1954. At 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) in length, it was, at that time, one of the longest bridges in Asia. There were more than 3,000 Vietnamese took part in the construction.
Due to its critical position (the only bridge at that time across the Red River, connecting Hanoi to the main port of Haiphong), it was heavily bombed during the Resistance War Against America. After the war, some large sections of the bridge have been built later to repair the damage.
Today trains, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians use the bridge. Under the dilapidated bridge, there is a seven-kilometer-long stretch “Bãi Giữa” (Middle Island), also known as “Đảo Chuối” (Banana Island), where poor families live in shanties by the stagnant water, and a community of men who swim, play hacky sack and meditate, all as naked as the day they were born.
With that lively atmosphere, Long Bien Bridge offers an ideal spot to grab the deep red and bright orange hues that immediately captivates people. While you can see the sun sink below the horizon there, you won’t regret ending your day at the river that’s critical to the city.
Hoan Kiem Lake
The Hoan Kiem Lake ideally located in the center of the Hanoi Old and French Quarter, offering not only a short walk or scooter ride from many iconic spots but also great views of the sunset.
Surrounded by colonial houses and buildings, the lake is where the sun glides through the gap between houses to reflect on the lake. The sunset is even more magical when it passes through the canopy of enormous ancient trees around the lake. The lively atmosphere also adds the peace and vitality of the Hanoi to the lake’s sunset scene.
Consider have a cocktail or local beer from Terraco Skybar to experience all, the romantic sunset, the stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake, and the bustling streets leading to the Old and French Quarters.
Or are you planning to visit other places in Hanoi as well? We can help organise not only your Hanoi tours, but also tours all over the Northern Vietnam.
