OK, here's more, as promised. First from our friend Drew:Unfortunately, hip and hanoi night life really don't go together.
there is a minor gay scene, but it is very minor and mostly it is people who already know each other.. though really, I don't know this for certain.. I can introduce this person to people who might be able to help out in one way or another..
Now from the lovely Diane, who lived in Hanoi for 4 years and is the one who showed me around, as edited by me:Food:
People have Pho noodles for breakfast, and the best Pho in Hanoi is at 42 Nha Chung street (called: Pho Ly Quoc Su). I liked it, but Diane is the pho maniac.
And for lunch people have rice with all kinds of neat dishes. We liked this place:
Nguyen Binh Khiem street, no number, btw Nguyen Du and Tran Xuan Soan streets (go at noon or so).
As you walk in, there is a woman surrounded by heaps of various foods and foods in preparation. Point to the dishes you want, maybe 3 or 4, and they will be brought to you along with rice, after you sit down. We marched upstairs to find a free table, passing a tiny sleeping loft along the way, in between floors.
Also note "Pho Alley" where we had late night eats after a party. It's not just Pho. Tong Duy Tan street, off Dien Bien Phu street (and Hang Bong street on the other end)
Note also that the many-flavored Vietnamese food you may be expecting is more of a Southern Viet Nam thing. In Hanoi it's mostly one dish-one flavor.
Finally, check out this guide--it's truly recommended, by expats who actually live in Hanoi:
Luxe City Guides HANOI Hope this helps, let me know! Hanoi can be a real adventure. I wish I was going back with you.