Welcome to the comprehensive guide on “Time, Opening Hours & Holidays in Hanoi.”
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city that beautifully juxtaposes its rich historical and cultural heritage with a bustling modern metropolis.
To fully experience all that Hanoi has to offer, it’s crucial to understand the city’s unique rhythm of time, its working and opening hours, and the vibrant tapestry of public holidays and festivals that punctuate the calendar.
This guide will take you through the various facets of time in Hanoi, from observing public holidays that hold deep historical and cultural significance to the daily routines of local businesses, markets, and eateries.
Whether you’re a traveler planning a visit to this captivating city or a curious soul seeking to explore Hanoi’s daily life, this guide will provide the essential information you need to make the most of your time in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Time Zone: What time is it in Hanoi?
Hanoi, Vietnam, is typically in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), UTC+7.
However, please note that Vietnam does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains the same throughout the year.
To find the current time in Hanoi, you can add 7 hours to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). For example, if it is noon UTC, it would be 7:00 PM in Hanoi.
Working & Opening Hours
Working and opening hours in Hanoi, Vietnam can vary depending on the type of business and the day of the week. Here’s a general overview:
| Business Type | Opening Time | Closing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shops and Markets | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Closing times may vary. |
| Restaurants and Cafes | 7:00 AM (Breakfast) | 10:00 PM or later (Dinner) | Opening hours can vary. |
| Government Offices and Banks | 8:00 AM | 4:30 PM | Closed for lunch from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. |
| Museums and Tourist Attractions | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Closing times may vary. |
| Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities | 24/7 for emergencies | Varies for outpatient services | Emergency services are available 24/7. |
| Bars and Nightclubs | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Late into the night | Open late, especially on weekends. |
| Supermarkets and Convenience Stores | Varies, often 24/7 | Varies, often 24/7 | Many operate 24/7. |
Shops and Markets:
Most shops and markets in Hanoi open early, typically around 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
They remain open throughout the day and often close around 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Some street markets, like the Night Market in the Old Quarter, are open in the evenings, particularly on weekends.
Restaurants and Cafes:
Restaurants and cafes in Hanoi usually open for breakfast around 7:00 AM.
Lunch service begins around 11:00 AM and continues into the early afternoon.
Dinner service typically starts around 6:00 PM and can go until 10:00 PM or later, especially in more vibrant areas.
Government Offices and Banks:
Government offices and banks in Hanoi typically operate from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
They may close for a lunch break from around 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
Museums and Tourist Attractions:
Museums and tourist attractions generally open around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM.
Closing times vary but are often late afternoon, around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities:
Hospitals and healthcare facilities are open 24/7 for emergencies.
Outpatient services and clinics often have regular business hours.
Bars and Nightclubs:
Bars and nightclubs in Hanoi typically open in the evening, usually around 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Many stay open late into the night, with some continuing until the early morning hours.
Supermarkets and Convenience Stores:
Many supermarkets and convenience stores in Hanoi are open from early morning until late at night, often 24/7.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and variations may vary depending on the specific establishment and the day of the week.
Also, holidays and special occasions can affect operating hours, so it’s a good idea to check in advance if you have specific plans or need to visit particular businesses or services.
Public Holidays & Festival Dates
Vietnam celebrates a variety of public holidays and festivals throughout the year.
Public holidays can sometimes vary, but here are some of the most important ones celebrated in Hanoi, Vietnam:
New Year’s Day (Tết Dương Lịch)
New Year’s Day on the Gregorian calendar, January 1st, is celebrated in Vietnam as Tết Dương Lịch.
While it is not as widely observed as the Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán), it is recognized and celebrated, especially in urban areas, with fireworks, parties, and festivities.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
Tet, The Vietnamese New Year, is Vietnam’s most important and widely celebrated holiday.
It usually falls between late January and mid-February and marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year.
The holiday typically lasts for several days, and Hanoi comes alive with vibrant celebrations, traditional music, dragon and lion dances, and fireworks displays.
Just notice that most shops, stores, groceries, etc., are closed during Tet (some can open back from the 3rd, but normally it’s the 5th or 6th).
So please arrange your trip more appropriately if you don’t want to miss something in Hanoi.
Founding of the Vietnamese Communist Party (Thành Lập Đảng CSVN)
This holiday, the Communist Party Founding Anniversary, is observed on February 3rd.
It commemorates the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
While it is an essential event in Vietnamese history, it may not involve extensive public celebrations.
Hung Kings Commemorations Festival (Hung Vuong)
This holiday, also known as the Hung King’s Death Anniversary, is celebrated on the 10th day of the third lunar month, usually in March or April.
It honors the legendary founders of the Vietnamese nation, the Hung Kings. It includes ceremonies at the Hung Kings’ Temple in Phu Tho province and cultural and spiritual events in Hanoi.
Reunification Day (Ngày Giải Phóng)
Liberation Day was celebrated on April 30th, which marked the fall of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1975 and the reunification of North and South Vietnam.
It is a day of national pride and unity, with parades and celebrations in Hanoi.
Labor Day (Ngày Quốc tế Lao động)
May 1st, or “International Workers’ Day,” is a public holiday in Vietnam that celebrates workers’ achievements.
It’s a day to honor laborers and their contributions.
There may be various cultural events and parades.
Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday (Sinh Nhật Bác Hồ)
Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), is honored on his Birthday, May 19th.
His Birthday is an occasion for various ceremonies, especially in Hanoi, where he spent much of his life.
There may be parades and events to commemorate his contributions to the nation.
National Day (Quốc khánh)
September 2nd is National Day in Vietnam, commemorating the day in 1945 when President Ho Chi Minh declared independence for Vietnam. Celebrations include parades, fireworks, and cultural events.
Buddha’s Birthday (Phật Đản)
Buddha’s Birthday, also known as Vesak, is celebrated by the Buddhist community in Vietnam and falls on the 8th day of the fourth lunar month, usually June.
This holiday typically involves prayer, temple visits, and acts of kindness.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)
This festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually in September or October.
It is a children’s festival celebrated with colorful lanterns, mooncakes, and various cultural activities, including lion dances.
Hanoi Liberation Day
Celebrated on October 10th, this holiday commemorates the day in 1954 when Hanoi was liberated from French colonial rule.
Festivities include parades, fireworks, and cultural events.
Vietnamese Women’s Day
Vietnamese Women’s Day, known as Ngày Phụ Nữ Việt Nam, is celebrated on October 20th each year. It is a day to appreciate and honor the contributions and achievements of women in Vietnamese society.
It is not a public holiday but is widely recognized, and people often express their gratitude and respect to the women in their lives.
Christmas
Although not an official public holiday, Christmas is celebrated in Hanoi, particularly in Christian communities and commercial areas.
You can expect festive decorations and celebrations in certain parts of the city.
| Holiday/Festival | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Tết Dương Lịch) | January 1 | Celebration on January 1 of the Gregorian calendar. |
| Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) | Varies (late January to mid-February) | It is the most essential and vibrant celebration in Vietnam. |
| Founding of the Vietnamese Communist Party | February 3 | Commemorates the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam. |
| Hung Kings Commemorations Festival (Hung Vuong) | 10th day of the third lunar month (March/April) | Honors legendary founders of Vietnam, the Hung Kings. |
| Reunification Day | April 30 | Celebrate the reunification of North and South Vietnam. |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Honors workers’ achievements and contributions. |
| Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday | May 19 | Commemorates the founding father of North Vietnam. |
| National Day | September 2 | Independence Declaration Day for Vietnam. |
| Buddha’s Birthday (Phật Đản) | 8th day of the fourth lunar month (June) | Celebrated by the Buddhist community. |
| Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) | 15th day of the eighth lunar month (Sep/Oct) | A children’s festival with lanterns and mooncakes. |
| Hanoi Liberation Day | October 10 | Commemorates the liberation from French colonial rule. |
| Vietnamese Women’s Day | October 20 | Appreciates and honors women’s contributions. |
| Christmas | December 25 | Celebrated in Christian communities and commercial areas. |
These are some of the most prominent public holidays and festivals in Hanoi, but there are many more regional and local festivals and events that take place throughout the year.
The dates of lunar-based holidays can vary from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check a reliable calendar for the specific dates of these events in any given year.
In conclusion
Understanding the time, opening hours, and holidays in Hanoi, Vietnam, is essential for anyone looking to experience the vibrant culture and rich history of this fascinating city.
Hanoi’s public holidays and festivals provide unique opportunities to immerse oneself in the local traditions and celebrations, from the grandeur of Tet Nguyen Dan to the commemoration of historical events like the founding of the Vietnamese Communist Party.
Equally important are the daily routines and business hours in Hanoi, where you can explore bustling markets and enjoy delicious street food from early morning until late at night.
Be mindful of the variations in working hours for different types of businesses, ensuring you make the most of your time in this captivating city.
With this guide, you can navigate Hanoi’s unique rhythm, ensuring you don’t miss out on the exciting events and the everyday life that makes Hanoi a city full of energy and character.
Whether you’re planning to visit during a major holiday or want to know the best time to savor the local cuisine, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Hanoi, Vietnam.
