To stay open late, these places must register with the authorities of Hoan Kiem District, satisfy conditions on safety and security, ensure good sound insulation, and not sell alcohol to people under 18 years old

The decision has received positive feedback from travel companies who hope that it will make tourists stay longer in Hanoi. 

Nguyen Tien Dat, Deputy Director of the Hanoi-based TransViet Travel Company, said that allowing entertainment and eating places to open until 2 AM is good news because it makes Hanoi more attractive with entertainment activities at night. 

Nguyen Cong Hoan, Deputy Director of the HanoiRed Tours Travel Company, recommended the city should plan a particular area for night entertainment, so security will be ensured better. 

At a meeting with Hoan Kiem district’s residents on August 15, Chung said that for the next five years, the city has identified the tourism industry as a spearhead sector. 

To develop the industry, Hanoi will take many solutions and one is allowing bars and entertainment centers in the Hanoi Old Quarter, located in Hoan Kiem District, to stay open late at night.

Dinh Hong Phong, Vice Chair of Hoan Kiem district, said that allowing entertainment and business activities after 12am is appropriate to the needs of the people.

"Hoan Kiem District has pedestrian streets, night markets, food street which are very attractive to tourists and local people at night. The current curfew on night activities makes it difficult for the district to lure tourists, especially western visitors,” Phong said.

Also to develop tourism, Chung said that in September, Hanoi will offer free wifi at some tourist attractions like the Old Quarter, Hanoi- Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) and other places. 

The city plans to build 20,000 new hotel rooms in the next five years.

Pha Le