Exciting Halloween Spots in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Summary

As Halloween approaches, restaurants, parks, and shopping malls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are lively with spooky decorations, attracting young people for check-ins. Halloween, with its roots in ancient European traditions, meaning “All Hallows’ Eve” or “Night of the Spirits,” is celebrated annually on the evening of October 31st. This festival has become a popular event among the youth in Vietnam. As the day draws near, the Halloween atmosphere becomes more pronounced in the city’s venues. Here are some recommendations for Halloween festivities from VnExpress.

Hanoi

Public areas, restaurants, bars, cinemas, cafes, and various other spots in Hanoi are buzzing with Halloween spirit.

Hang Ma Street

Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, Hang Ma Street is a seasonal destination. From late September, the street begins selling costumes, decorations, and props themed around ghosts and monsters, ranging from a few tens of thousands to millions of dong. Visitors come here not only to shop but also to capture photos for check-ins, enjoying a lively and colorful festive atmosphere. Hang Ma often gets crowded in the late afternoon and evening. Visitors are advised not to linger too long at each shop for photos, or choose places that allow photography.

Shopping Malls

For about a month, major shopping malls such as Lotte Mall, Royal City, Aeon Mall, and Times City have been decorated in Halloween themes, also hosting interactive activities. These are ideal locations for young people and families with children to dine, play games, and participate in many costume activities, especially on the evening of October 31st. Moreover, malls and many stores offer discounts during this period to encourage shopping.

Bars with Foreign Patrons

On the night of October 31st, bars in areas with many foreign residents will host Halloween parties. Due to limited space, these places often require prior registration.

Angelina and Bacardi on Ly Thai To Street will feature the Fallen Angel Night Halloween party, with a spooky atmosphere, shots, and cocktails. Alongside costume parties and games, the bar will have live music and DJ performances. On Ma May Street, the Neon Nightmare theme party with haunting neon lights and eerie music will take place at Mad Monkey Hanoi. Additionally, guests can join costume contests and lucky draws at the Masquerade Ball Halloween party on Hai Ba Trung Street.

Cinemas

Watching movies on Halloween night is a suggestion. Horror and scary movies such as Venom: The Last Dance, Tee Yod 2: The Organ Eater, Sakaratul Maut - The Demon Hunter are being shown at cinema complexes. Theaters are also decorated with a mysterious, eerie style in the lobby, providing plenty of “quality” photo opportunities for those who love taking pictures. Food and drinks are also themed around Halloween.

Ho Chi Minh City

In Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can head to public spots, join in costume parties, or gather with friends to check in at bars and restaurants with Halloween themes.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Every year during Halloween, Nguyen Hue Walking Street becomes a stage where locals and tourists showcase costumes and ghostly makeovers. This location is open to everyone. On the night of October 31st, many costume activities fill the nearly one-kilometer-long street. Typically, the walking street becomes bustling from 8 pm. Along this street, there are many cafes and restaurants where visitors can sit back and enjoy the lively Halloween night atmosphere.

Bui Vien Street

About 1.5 km from Nguyen Hue Walking Street is Bui Vien Street, famous for its concentration of bars that attract foreign visitors. The Halloween atmosphere also engulfs this party street as most venues are decorated with spooky themes. Visitors here can drink beer and parade in costumes along the street. The later the night, the busier the street becomes. Guests who dislike crowds and loud noises should consider visiting this location.

The Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar Saigon

Halloween originates from the ancient Celtic festival, primarily celebrated in Ireland today and considered a major holiday in the country. Visitors in Ho Chi Minh City can visit an Irish-style bar to experience traditional Halloween spirit.

The Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar Saigon on Pham Viet Chanh Street, Binh Thanh District, hosts a Halloween celebration on October 31st with various activities. Guests can participate in costume contests, and enjoy Irish-style food and drinks. The spooky party runs from 6 pm until midnight. The average cost of dining here is about 300,000 VND per person.

Treats & Sweets

This candy, toy, and decoration shop on Thao Dien Street, Thu Duc City, is a popular Halloween spot for many locals and visitors. During Halloween, the store transforms into themed decorations, inspired by Harry Potter this year. The store is divided into sections selling toys, candy, and chocolate, as well as seasonal decorations. Visitors can shop, check in, and participate in quizzes and dress up as characters from the Harry Potter series. The location is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.

Yoko Cafe

Another experience for Halloween night in Ho Chi Minh City is attending a rock music show. Yoko Cafe on Nguyen Thi Dieu Street, District 3, hosts a lively Halloween music night. The music event takes place on the evening of November 1st, as Halloween falls on a weekday. Tickets for entry are 120,000 VND per person, with online reservations priced at 100,000 VND, open from 7 pm. Dining costs at the cafe are separate, averaging around 100,000 VND per person. The music night encourages participants to dress up in Halloween themes for a chance to win the best costume award.

Bích Phương - Tâm Anh