Along its crowded streets, Hanoi is a cacophony of roaring mopeds, sizzling woks and electric energy. But take a quick lift ride skywards and the chaos melts away. Suspended above the bustling Old Quarter, Hanoi’s rooftop bars deliver immaculate terraces, sophisticated cocktails and golden sunsets, revealing an alternative, chilled-out side of Vietnam’s capital.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot to watch the lights shimmer over Hoan Kiem Lake or a trendy perch to mingle with the city’s best mixologists, here's where you should be raising a glass above the rooftops of Hanoi.
Credit: Moonlight Sky Bar
Credit: Moonlight Sky Bar
Credit: Moonlight Sky Bar
Moonlight Sky Bar
The Moonlight Sky Bar at boutique hotel La Siesta Classic Ma May perfectly blends ambience with sweeping views. The space is outfitted in a chic monochromatic design scheme with plants galore, while a mini-replica of Hanoi’s iconic Long Bien Bridge creates a striking focal point. Then there are the stunning 360-degree views across Hoan Kiem Lake, the Red River and the Old Quarter rooftops.
The menu pairs signature craft cocktails that draw inspiration from Hanoi landmarks with Vietnamese and fusion tapas snacks – or, for those with an appetite, a multi-course tasting menu. Arrive early for a relaxing sunset viewing, then watch the atmosphere grow livelier as evening marches on into night.
Credit: Ignite Sky Bar
Credit: Ignite Sky Bar
Ignite Sky Bar
This sweeping space is one of the largest rooftop hangouts in Hanoi. Located on the top floor of the Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel, Ignite Sky Bar boasts plush birdcage-style upholstery, an infinity pool, buzzing DJ sets, regular live music performances and unobstructed views over the Old Town – no wonder it draws a crowd at virtually any time of night.
Guests are further spoilt for choice by the extensive cocktail menu, which fuses seasonal Vietnamese ingredients with high-end international spirits. Feeling peckish? Indulge in a wide selection of snacks including oysters three ways (freshly shucked, baked with cheese or grilled with scallion oil), wagyu beef sliders, satay skewers and cheese and charcuterie platters.
Credit: Roc Canals/Getty Images
Unmute
At the multi-level Unmute in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District, patrons can float between two distinct yet equally enticing environments. The fourth-floor Cuon Club is an immersive electronic music venue equipped with a high-end custom sound system and spring-loaded dance floors, offering an underground warehouse-style club experience.
The fifth and sixth floors are devoted to Tan Bar, a laidback rooftop lounge and cocktail bar boasting far-reaching skyline vistas – ideal for enjoying sunset drinks or cooling off between club sets. The main draw here is the vibe, one that effortlessly mixes a heavy-hitting techno scene with a relaxed rooftop atmosphere, making it a favourite among music purists, solo travellers and night owls.
Credit: Lighthouse Sky Bar
Credit: Lighthouse Sky Bar
Credit: Lighthouse Sky Bar
Lighthouse Sky Bar
Designed to resemble the deck of a cruise ship, the Lighthouse Sky Bar spills over two levels atop the La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel. The “bow” overlooks the street, while the “stern” faces the Red River. In the centre is a raised platform draped in foliage and dotted with lights – a beacon for Hanoi’s well-heeled socialites.
Amid this suave, nautical-themed setting, customers can nibble on Asian-European fusion light bites – with sharing plates like barbecue chicken skewers, garlic bread, deep-fried spring rolls and nachos – paired with local riffs on classic cocktails that incorporate green papaya, lychee, house-infused tea syrups and other South East Asian flavour favourites.
Credit: Fairmont Hanoi Vietnam
Pool Terrace & Bar at Fairmont Hanoi
The new kid on the block, the Pool Terrace & Bar at Fairmont Hanoi recently opened with much fanfare to sit alongside the hotel’s dazzling 25-metre rooftop infinity pool. Patrons can expect refreshing spritzes and crisp wines served with coastal-inspired bites and light seasonal fare in a breezy, open-air setting complete with expansive city views. The environment blends an elevated beach-bar feel with natural tones, lush greenery and live DJ sets on the weekends.
Credit: Lotte Hotel Hanoi
Top of Hanoi
Teetering on the 67th floor of the Lotte Hotel Hanoi, Top of Hanoi is renowned as the city’s highest open-air venue. A bar and brasserie combined, it delights with modern Asian-Western cuisine and top-tier cocktails, accompanied by a vibrant atmosphere and a truly mesmerising bird’s-eye view of the West Lake. Top of Hanoi is particularly celebrated as a prime spot for sunset dining and evening photography – its open-plan space is minimally furnished to let those views dominate. The venue also includes an indoor bar for when you want those stellar views but the sun is scorching and air conditioning is a must.