In Hanoi, shopping isn’t just about buying things—it’s a part of everyday life. The streets are filled with shops selling all sorts of items, from clothes, accessories, and electronics to street food, fresh fruits and vegetables, and household goods.
The History of Shopping Streets in Hanoi
In the past, Hanoi was famous for its 36 old streets, each starting with the word “Hang” followed by the name of a specific product sold on that street. For instance, Hang Bac was known as the silver street, selling only silver items, while Hang Gai was the silk street, specializing in silk products. Similarly, Hang Tre was the bamboo street, offering a variety of bamboo goods. These streets were a unique and integral part of Hanoi’s cultural and commercial heritage.
Whether you are a seasoned shopper or a first-time visitor, the following 9 shopping streets in Hanoi have something to offer for everyone.
1. Hang Gai Street
For the finest silk and souvenirs, look no further than Hang Gai, famously known as Silk Street, in Hanoi. This bustling street is filled with shops offering top-quality silk fabrics, tailor-made clothing, scarves, ties, and various other silk products. Additionally, Hang Gai is an excellent destination for souvenir shopping, with many shops selling handicrafts, lacquerware, and other traditional Vietnamese items. Whether you’re in search of elegant silk garments or unique mementos, Hang Gai has something to offer for every shopper.
2. Hang Dau Street
Adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake lies Hang Dau, famously known as Shoe Street. This bustling street is lined with numerous shoe stores on both sides, offering a diverse selection of styles and designs. A visit to Hang Dau is sure to satisfy your desires for affordable footwear, as it is packed with models from major brands worldwide. However, it’s essential to note that these are all replicas, and prices range from $10 to $50, depending on the quality and design of the shoes.
3. Hang Ma Street
Hang Ma is undeniably one of the most charming streets in Hanoi, adorned with vibrant lanterns, streamers, and toys. It’s a go-to destination for all things related to celebrations and festivals. Whether you’re in need of joss paper, elaborate fish-shaped lanterns, or Chinese zodiac masks, this street has it all. Even if you’re not currently shopping for festive items, a stroll down Hang Ma is always a delightful and visually stimulating experience, thanks to its lively atmosphere and colorful decorations.
4. Hang Bac Street
Along this bustling shopping street, silver steals the spotlight instead of gold. While it may have been one of the later trade streets established in the Old Quarter, Hanoi’s silver industry has a rich history dating back to the 15th century. It all began when King Le Thanh Ton decided to establish a silver foundry, gathering skilled craftsmen from nearby provinces and forming a guild in the Thang Long Citadel.
However, in the 19th century, the Nguyen dynasty shifted the capital to Hue, prompting most of the guild to relocate there. Nevertheless, not all craftsmen were eager to move, and those who remained behind established their own trade street in the city center, where it thrives to this day.
5. Hang Vai Street
Hang Vai street used to be all about selling textiles. But around the 19th century, bamboo craftsmen moved in. Now, you’ll see bundles of bamboo everywhere and lots of shops selling handmade bamboo gifts and trinkets.
6. Hang Duong Street
Hang Duong, also known as Sugar Street, is a delightful destination filled with all things sweet. It’s like stepping into an old-fashioned candy shop mixed with a bustling marketplace. You’ll find countless stores and stalls offering traditional treats sold by weight, including dried fruits and spiced candies. It’s the perfect spot to explore the sweeter side of Vietnamese cuisine and, of course, indulge in a variety of tasty samples.
7. Hang Trong Street
For the best selection of lacquer wares in Hanoi, head to Hang Trong street. You’ll come across numerous handicraft stores showcasing a variety of lacquerware for sale, including vases, plates, dishes, and teapots. In addition to lacquerware, you’ll also find other handicrafts such as oil paintings, prints, and assorted ceramic products, both genuine and imitation.
8. Lan Ong Street
Lan Ong is a unique street in the Old Quarter, as its name doesn’t directly relate to its trade. Instead, it translates to ‘Lazy Old Man’ in Vietnamese, which was the nickname of the 18th-century physician Le Huu Trac. He authored numerous books and was highly regarded in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine. Thus, it’s fitting that Hanoi’s herbal street is named in honor of him.
Thanks to the wide selection of herbs and spices available for sale, Lan Ong is perhaps one of the most fragrant streets in the entire city. In addition to offering a vast variety of herbal remedies, you’ll also find physicians practicing holistic diagnoses along this street. It’s important to note that these techniques and treatments are passed down through generations rather than learned at medical school.
9. Hanoi Weekend Night Market
The Hanoi night market, also called Dong Xuan night market, happens every weekend in the Old Quarter. It stretches from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market.
At the market, you’ll find all sorts of things like clothes, sweets, dried fruits, toys, and decorations on streets like Hang Ngang, Hang Duong, Luong Van Can, Hang Ma, Ngo Gach, and Hang Ca. Further along, from Dong Xuan Market to Hang Giay Street, you’ll mostly find goods and other stuff.
Lots of locals make it a habit to visit the night market, even if they’re not planning to buy anything. They just like walking around, enjoying the vibe, chatting with friends or family, and grabbing a snack.