Hanoi's Beer Corner on Saturday night

Nightlife in Hanoi might be a tad patchy compared to its racy sibling Saigon in the south, but the recent decision to close sections of the Old Quarter on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights has definitely given the city a lift - in the early evening hours at least. Beer corner, or "bia" corner to the locals is especially busy with huge crowds of Hanoians and travellers descending each weekend for a quiet beer, a chat and some live music. It wouldn't be Vietnam without "Lemon Tree".