Hanoi by Night – Cinematic Short Film

Cinematic Short Film

✨ Hanoi by Night – A Cinematic Short Film ✨

Filmed around midnight in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and Beer Street, this special feature showcases the city when the crowds thin out and the neon lights glow brightest.

The Midnight Spirit of Hanoi

This is one of the projects I’m most proud of so far. Filmed around midnight in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and Beer Street, it captures the city in all its contrasts.

Think chaos in the crowds, silence at Ngọc Sơn Temple, and neon glow that makes the sidewalks shimmer.

For the daylight version of this energy, start with my top 10 things to do in Hanoi checklist.

Mid-Article Check-in

Time marker: 1:15 AM halfway point at Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Money marker: $4 for hot trà đá and a late-night snack. Trade-off/regret: I skipped a second pass through Train Street and felt it later.

I’ve always wanted to show Hanoi not just as a travel destination, but as an experience , a city that feels alive long after midnight.

This short film is my attempt at creating something more timeless: a cinematic piece that reflects the true spirit of Vietnam at night.

I’d love to hear your thoughts , does this capture the Hanoi you know, or the one you dream of visiting?

#HanoiByNight #CinematicShortFilm #HanoiVietnam #VietnamTravel #TravelFilm

Connect with the Journey

How I filmed it in one night

8:30 PM: Started at Train Street with a $2 egg coffee while waiting for the last train (arrived 8:55 PM).
9:30 PM: Walked to Beer Street (Tạ Hiện) for crowd shots. Paid 50k VND for a bia hơi and filmed from a corner stool to avoid blocking staff.
11:00 PM: Moved to Hoàn Kiếm Lake; street vendors dropped to 20–30k VND for snacks after 11 PM.
12:15 AM: Slipped down Đinh Liệt for neon motorbike passes; ISO 6400 on the A7C II with the Tamron 28–200mm.
1:00 AM: Wrapped at Ngọc Sơn Temple bridge,tripod not allowed, so I used a monopod tucked against the railing.

Transport was all on foot; Grab rides at midnight ran about 40–60k VND if you prefer hopping between spots.

What surprised me

Security guards at Hoàn Kiếm quietly wave you away if your tripod looks too professional,monopod works.
Street lights flicker on camera at 1/50 shutter; 1/60 reduced flicker but cost me a stop of light.
Most shops close by midnight, but bánh mì carts still run near Hàng Buồm for 25k VND.

Things people don't tell you

Lens fog is real when leaving A/C,keep a microfibre cloth handy for the first ten minutes outside.
Police occasionally clear Beer Street at 11 PM; film handheld so you can move fast.
Noise floors jump near generators; I kept the Rode Wireless Pro at -12 dB and boosted in post.
Crosswalks near the lake are calmer after midnight,perfect for tracking shots without playing Frogger.

FAQs

Is it safe to carry gear? Yes with basic awareness. I keep one lens mounted and leave the rest at the hotel to avoid bag swaps in the crowd.

Can you fly a drone? Not around Hoàn Kiếm; police will stop you. Head to Long Biên Bridge pre-dawn if you must, and still check local rules.

Best low-light lens? I used the Tamron 28–200mm for flexibility, but a 35mm f/1.8 would have saved ISO at Beer Street.

Budget for a similar night? 150k–200k VND covers drinks, snacks, and a Grab ride back to the hotel.

Practical checklist

Pack a small umbrella or lens hood,Hanoi mist drifts in after midnight.
Carry 100k VND in small notes; some late-night vendors refuse card or app payments.
Set white balance manually (3600–3800K) to avoid neon color shifts between streets.
Plan a second battery; filming the full loop used 1.5 NP-FZ100s on the A7C II.

Filmmaking Kit

🎒 The Gear Behind Hanoi by Night

From gimbals to low-light lenses, here’s what brought the energy of Hanoi’s nightlife to life. These are affiliate links that help keep the adventures going.