New Delhi: A different kind of adventure begins as the sun goes down and most people retreat indoors. Yes, it’s called noctourism or night tourism, a rapidly growing travel trend that garnered significant attention in 2024 and early 2025. This trend has been appealing to many travellers as it offers cooler exploration in hot climates, avoids large daytime crowds for a more peaceful experience, provides a unique atmosphere with enhanced safety and cultural immersion through nighttime events and illuminated landscapes and fulfils the desire to experience destinations after dark.
These surreal quality experiences reveal what daylight misses. From bioluminescent waters to all-night temple ceremonies, you will be mesmerised if you have never experienced these before. Whether you are looking to see a familiar city in a new light or dive into the mystical, here are the unforgettable noctourism activities that are worth staying up for after dark.
Must-experience night tourism activities
Here is the list of unforgettable noctourism activities you must explore after dark.
1. Stargazing in the Atacama Desert, Chile
Chile’s Atacama Desert is among the best noctourism hotspots as it is one of the darkest places on Earth. With minimal light pollution, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Stargazing outside the village of San Pedro de Atacama is an ethereal experience. Night tours often include tales from local mythology alongside scientific explanations.
2. Night safari in Chiang Mai, Thailand
It is Thailand’s first night safari park. Located outside Chiang Mai, it offers a safe and guided encounter with nocturnal wildlife, including giraffes to Bengal tigers, under artificial moonlight. Noctourism here inclines more towards curated than wild, but it’s no less captivating.
3. Night diving in Kona, Hawaii
Diving after sunset off the coast of Kona on the Big Island is truly exhilarating. Here, nocturnal manta rays gather to feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights. Noctourism in Hawaii takes the nighttime experience to another level.
4. Desert safari in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum’s sandstone cliffs and rust-coloured dunes enchant every traveller as they transform under the moonlight. In fact, owing to nighttime safaris, this ancient desert has earned its reputation as the Valley of the Moon. At Bedouin-led camps, one can enjoy stargazing with traditional music and stories. Even amateur astronomers will be amazed.
5. Urban light hikes in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s skyline is a spectacular sight to behold, but travel to Victoria Peak or the Dragon’s Back trail at twilight and you will find out why noctourism has a place in city life, too. Guided night hikes are available, offering both safety and a fresh perspective on this high-density metropolis.
6. Bioluminescent kayaking in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Other than Mosquito Bay in Vieques, nearby Fajardo is just as magical and more accessible. Paddle out at night, and each stroke ignites microscopic dinoflagellates, lighting up the water in eerie neon blue. Tours are often led by marine biologists who explain the phenomenon.
7. Northern lights chasing in Tromso, Norway
Located above the Arctic Circle, this tiny Norwegian city offers night-time aurora chases by van, snowmobile or even dog sledge. However, here you need to layer up, brave the cold and often stay out until 2 or 3 am. A curtain of green, pink and purple undulating across the polar sky is worthy.
8. Exploring night markets in Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei’s night markets with open-air, chaos and endless foods — are perfect for noctourism activities. Shilin Night Market remains the most visited, but Raohe Street offers a more local ambience. It’s beyond savoury foods. Fortune tellers, carnival games and late-night shopping make it a full sensory experience.
9. Wandering Shibuya after dark in Tokyo, Japan
Shibuya’s renowned scramble crossing is a neon-lit theatre of urban life after dark. You will find late-night ramen counters, vinyl bars and narrow alleys like Nonbei Yokocho. Noctourism in Shibuya thrives on contrast, hyper-stimulated one minute, deeply local the next.
You will feel differently, whether you are navigating a forest by firefly light or savouring midnight ramen in Tokyo. You just need to go beyond your comfort zone and time!