Top of Hanoi

Top of Hanoi is an open-air rooftop bar on the 67th floor of the Lotte Center tower at 54 Lieu Giai, in Ba Dinh District, about four kilometres west of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam. At roughly 270 metres above the ground it offers an uninterrupted sweep over West Lake, the Red River and the Old Quarter, and it is one of the highest bars in the city. The crowd is a mix of visitors ticking off a skyline view, couples, small groups and business travellers, mostly adults from their mid-twenties upward. Smart-casual dress is the sensible choice for a tower venue, and the atmosphere is relaxed, scenic and photo-oriented rather than a dancing venue. Music is a background soundtrack and is not the attraction. The drinks programme covers cocktails and beer, with cocktails at about 250,000-450,000 VND (USD 9.62-17.31) and beer from about 150,000 VND (USD 5.77), so prices reflect the height and view. The bar is open daily from about 17:00 to 24:00, weather permitting, and sunset is the hour most visitors aim for. Because the terrace is open to the air, wind and rain close it outright, so the weather forecast effectively decides the visit. There is no cover charge, but a minimum spend may apply at rail-side tables, and a reservation is the usual way to secure one of those tables at sunset. Reservations can be attempted through the tower's channels, including the phone number +84 24 3333 2500, though visitors should confirm current booking arrangements. Because the tower is in Ba Dinh rather than the Old Quarter, most visitors arrive by taxi or ride-hailing car, and the return trip after midnight should be arranged in advance. Combined with a nearby dinner, the venue makes a memorable start to an evening out.