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We are staying near Hoan Kiem Lake for four nights in December and I keep picturing evening walks through the Old Quarter, stopping for snacks and just watching the streets. But I also keep reading about the motorbike traffic, and I wonder if walking at night feels different from walking during the day.
Is it actually pleasant to walk around after dark, or does it get chaotic with bikes on the sidewalks and vendors packing up? We are two adults, no kids, and we are happy walking, but we do not want to spend every evening dodging traffic.
Also, do the food stalls and small shops stay open late, or does the Old Quarter quiet down early? If there is a particular street that is nicer for an evening stroll, I would love to know which one to aim for.
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We stayed near Hoan Kiem last December and walking at night was actually our favourite part of the day. The sidewalks are busy and you do have to step around bikes, but it feels lively and welcoming, and the lake area is well lit. The food stalls around Ta Hien and the side streets stay open late, well past 10pm, so you will not run out of snacks.
Replying to Magrain Moodley
That is reassuring, thanks. Did you find crossing the roads at night harder than during the day? I keep hearing to just walk slowly and steadily, but at night with headlights everywhere I wonder if that advice still holds.
Replying to Lucy Ashenden-Trigg
Crossing at night felt the same to me, honestly. Walk slowly, do not stop suddenly, and the bikes flow around you. The one difference is the sidewalks get more crowded with parked bikes in the evening, so we often walked on the edge of the road for short stretches. Keep your phone in your pocket and you will be fine.