Bars

[Review] Top of Hanoi: a 360 degree view of a magnificent cityscape

Grab a cocktail and enjoy one of the best views of Hanoi

Published

4 years ago

October 29, 2019

If you are look for a fancy night out with a 360 degree view of Hanoi then dress up and head to the Top of Hanoi Bar in the Lotte Center in Ba Dinh, which has views across the West Lake from a height of 272 meters, giving it perhaps the best view of Hanoi. The Lotte Center is the second tallest building in Hanoi and offers a grocery store, shopping center, restaurants, bars, and a five star hotel. Ride a quick elevator to the 65^th floor, and your ears will pop from the change in altitude. Then take a second elevator up two more flights to find the open air bar on the roof of this towering building.

The Top of Hanoi offers an array of drinks including mojitos, pina coladas, Long Island iced teas, and old fashioneds. There is also an assortment of wines, beers and a choice of 12, 15, or 18 year old whisky (by the glass or bottle). The prices are expensive compared to other bars in Hanoi: a glass of wine will set you back 180,000 to 250,000 VND a glass, a cocktail is 210,000, beer is 130,000 to 170,000, and a glass of aged whisky is 180,000 to 650,000. Pricy for Hanoi, but the drinks do not disappoint.

Although the drinks are on-the-money, it is the spectacular 360 degree view of Hanoi for which most people come. In the evening, the spectacular view of the city lights seems to illuminate the entire West Lake and its surrounding districts. The bar has a hip, but relaxed atmosphere with soft lights and elegant plants giving a stylish look. The menus light up for ease of reading, adding to the smart feel of the bar. With plenty of seating at tables, the bars or couches looking out onto the magnificent view, come on a day with clear blue skies for an optimal view of this beaming city.

Why not make a night of it, by dressing up and making a reservation at the excellent Pizza 4Ps on the first floor, or the Top of Hanoi restaurant on the 66^th floor for some decadent food, and afterwards enjoy a cocktail on the roof with a view. Top of Hanoi is not an every weekend kind of bar, but one that you need to visit at least once to enjoy the simply stunning view of Hanoi.