Hanoi Red Light District is one of the buzzwords foreign tourists have been interested in recently. Many tourists want to learn about the red light districts in Hanoi out of curiosity, while others want to visit these streets to experience the girls in Hanoi.
To help tourists better understand these “adult entertainment” venues, Hanoi Locals has collected a wealth of fascinating information in the article “Hanoi Red Light District – Heaven Or Hell?“. Follow our article below; a lot of interesting information is waiting for you to discover.
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Does Hanoi Have A Red Light District?
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and serves as both the administrative center and a vibrant entertainment hub in the northern region. Besides healthy entertainment activities, Hanoi also has many famous Red Light Districts. These areas feature various businesses, including karaoke bars, massage parlors, and dimly lit cafes.
The red light districts in Hanoi are lively day and night, with the peak hours being from 6 PM until dawn the following day. It is not difficult for tourists to notice young women with heavy makeup and revealing clothes “waving to customers” in these special districts. So which famous red light districts does Hanoi have? Continue reading for more details.
Top 3 Notorious Red Light Districts In Hanoi
Hanoi has three well-known venues for adult entertainment that have been operating for many years. These establishments not only attract local patrons but also pique the interest of international tourists visiting the city.
The businesses along these three streets—such as karaoke bars, dimly lit cafes, and massage parlors—share a common characteristic: they provide erotic and sexual services. In addition, customers who want to engage in prostitution will be led to hotels by staff. This ensures that illegal prostitution activities are not associated with previous business.
Tran Duy Hung Street
Tran Duy Hung Street is the most famous red-light district in Hanoi. Prostitutes actively solicit customers by waving their hands and using suggestive language. Because of that blatantness, the Hanoi government launched a campaign to prevent prostitution, especially on Tran Duy Hung Street (Cau Giay District).
As a result of this campaign, the visibility of women standing on the street in Tran Duy Hung decreased noticeably. However, many resorted to more discreet methods, utilizing social media platforms like Zalo and Facebook to continue their work. This loophole has created an opportunity for these “roses” to “follow the beaten track” and continue their prostitution work.
Phan Dang Luu Street
Phan Dang Luu Street, located in Gia Lam District, Hanoi, is known for being a hotspot for the red-light district, alongside Tran Duy Hung. This street has several nicknames, including “Thailand Street,” “Happy Triangle,” and “Red Light District,” with the most commonly used name being “Waving Street.” Prostitution activities on Phan Dang Luu Street are often concealed within the business establishments of various relaxing coffee shops.
As night falls, the street is illuminated by the red neon lights from the coffee shops and massage parlors. Under the dim glow, provocatively dressed women sit outside the shops, enticing male customers passing by. Those who are persuaded can indulge in sexual stimulation services, which may include touching and massaging sensitive areas. However, these services are limited, and customers seeking more will be escorted to another location by the “staff.”
Thanh Tri District
Another well-known red-light district in Hanoi is the Thanh Tri District. This area is home to nearly 300 businesses that are sensitive to security. Among these, there are 51 karaoke bars, 79 accommodation establishments, and 51 massage parlors, many of which are associated with illegal prostitution activities.
Along a short stretch of road in Thanh Tri District, dozens of girls, dressed in revealing clothing and of varying ages, solicit customers. They often sit in groups to attract passersby on this route. On another stretch of road, visitors can see many massage parlors with healthy advertising signs. However, these shops also provide additional services upon request.
Secrets To Know About Hanoi Red Light District
How Much Is It For The Red Light District?
Prices will vary for customers based on their needs and the type of service they receive. Normally, a massage session will cost 120,000 VND for 50 minutes; however, tourists who want a “deep” massage will have to pay more.
In addition, for girls standing on the street waving to invite customers, the price ranges from 300,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND. The price is based on the age and experience of each girl. In particular, young girls are often chosen by male customers and paid a higher amount, especially girls who are working for the first time.
Moreover, the “armrest” service at karaoke bars is much more expensive, ranging from 500,000 VND to several million VND depending on the age of the employee you choose and the level of service you require. Scantily clad and provocatively dressed girls will sing duets and give male customers sensitive touches.
Identifiers Of Hanoi Red Light Districts
In Vietnam, prostitution is illegal, and Red Light Districts do not officially exist; as a result, tourists may not find public signage indicating such establishments and must rely on implicit cues. However, several characteristics can help tourists identify red-light establishments, such as:
- Store Layout: These venues often feature red lights and windows that are tinted or opaque to ensure privacy. Additionally, entrances are typically covered with thick curtains or barriers to limit visibility from the outside.
- Staff Factor: Outside the entrance, female employees frequently dress in provocative and sexy outfits to attract the attention of passersby. Moreover, these girls can follow to invite and entice male customers.
- Advertisements: Tourists might notice advertising signs that promote “special massage” services. Flyers that mention adult entertainment options are also indicative of venues that offer sensitive services.
What Does Vietnamese Law Regulate About The Red Light Districts?
Vietnamese law strictly prohibits all activities related to prostitution and individuals or establishments that organize prostitution will be fined and prosecuted. Red light districts can appear with legal business activities such as bars, karaoke, or pubs.
However, once the authorities conduct a surprise inspection and discover signs of prostitution, the establishment will face legal consequences. In addition, those who participate in prostitution will also face Vietnamese law. Especially for foreign tourists involved, there will be more severe consequences.
Unpredictable Consequences Of Using Services In Hanoi’s Red Light District
Vietnam has enacted a law that strictly prohibits all forms of prostitution and related activities. To suppress and limit this type of service, the police in various districts of Hanoi have intensified inspections of businesses suspected of engaging in prostitution. As a result, tourists should exercise caution and avoid participating in any prostitution activities while traveling in Vietnam.
In addition, tourists engaging in prostitution in Hanoi’s Red Light District may face serious consequences. If caught, they could be arrested, fined, detained, or even deported. Additionally, there is a significant risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, and genital warts.
Furthermore, many international tourists who use services in the Red Light District often encounter issues like fraud, theft, and overcharging. Unfortunately, they do not dare to report it to the authorities due to their involvement in illegal activities. Be a smart traveler and don’t let “spending money and only get worse.”
Other Charming Entertainment Spots In Hanoi
Hanoi is full of fascinating places to eat and enjoy, especially when the streets are lit. Here are some recommendations for visitors to the capital of Vietnam:
- Grand World Super Complex of Cuisine, Entertainment, and Shopping (part of Vinhomes Ocean Park 3).
- Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market: Experience the vibrant street food scene and shop for souvenirs for friends and family.
- Ta Hien Beer Street: Enjoy a music party and Vietnamese beer with vibrant young people.
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake: Take in the sights of Hanoi at night and relax at the sidewalk tea shops.
- Hanoi Cathedral: Admire the European-style church in the heart of Hanoi.
- Enjoy a panoramic view of Hanoi: Visit rooftop cafes like Trill Rooftop Café, Serein Café & Lounge, or Lofita Drinks for stunning vistas.
Additionally, visitors can join some exciting tours offered by Hanoi Locals:
- Hanoi City Tour 1 Day – 48 USD/pax
- Hanoi Street Food Tour – 40 USD/pax
- Jeep Tour To Hanoi Countryside – 75 USD/pax
- Hanoi Jeep Tour – 149 USD/pax
After exploring Hanoi, you can use our private car service to visit other famous tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam, such as:
- Hanoi To Cat Ba Island Private Car – 100 USD/sedan
- Hanoi To Pu Luong By Car Transfer – 106 USD/sedan
- Private Car Hanoi To Ninh Binh – 68 USD/sedan
- Private Car From Hanoi To Moc Chau – 105 USD/sedan
- Hanoi To Mai Chau Private Car Rental – 80 USD/sedan
- Hanoi To Ha Giang By Car – 139 USD/sedan
Conclusion
In short, Hanoi still has notorious red-light districts. However, we do not encourage visitors to use the services on these streets; instead, visitors can choose other interesting entertainment spots such as Ta Hien Beer Street and Hanoi Train Street.
This is all the information we wish to give you about the Hanoi Red Light District. Please note that the article “Hanoi Red Light District – Heaven Or Hell?” by Hanoi Locals is intended solely to inform about the situation of Hanoi’s red light districts and does not encourage illegal prostitution activities.