Exploring the Famous Streets of Hanoi Old Quarter: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known locally as “Phố Cổ,” is the historic heart of Vietnam’s capital and one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in Southeast Asia. With its narrow laneways, centuries-old architecture, traditional guild streets, and vibrant daily life, the Hanoi Old Quarter offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s past and present.

This guide explores the most famous streets in Hanoi Old Quarter, uncovering their origins, specializations, and the unique experiences they offer travelers. Whether you’re shopping for silk, buying silver jewelry, tasting street food, or enjoying Hanoi’s nightlife, each street tells a story shaped by hundreds of years of culture and craftsmanship.

Why Are Streets in Hanoi Old Quarter Named “Hàng”?

Most streets in the Old Quarter start with the word “Hàng,” meaning “merchandise” or “shop.” Historically, each street specialized in a particular craft or product—silk, silver, paper, masks, spices, medicine, and more. Many of these traditional trades are still alive today, giving visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Famous Streets in Hanoi Old Quarter

Below are the most iconic and culturally significant Hanoi Old Quarter streets every traveler should explore.

Hàng Gai Street – Silk Street

Hàng Gai, also known as Silk Street, is one of the most well-known streets in the Old Quarter. For generations, it has been the center of Hanoi’s silk trade, offering high-quality silk garments, scarves, shawls, and hand-embroidered textiles.

Visitors can also find custom tailoring services, where local artisans create made-to-measure áo dài, suits, dresses, or shirts within 24–48 hours. Many of these boutiques are family-owned and have preserved their craftsmanship through decades.

Beyond silk, Hàng Gai is home to stylish boutiques, lacquerware shops, and art galleries, making it an ideal place to buy high-end Vietnamese souvenirs.

Highlights:
– Premium silk garments and scarves
– Fast custom tailoring
– Local art and handicraft boutiques

Hàng Đào Street – Fashion and Shopping Street

One of the busiest and most essential streets in the Hanoi Old Quarter, Hàng Đào has evolved from a traditional fabric street into a fashion hub. Today, it is filled with clothing shops, accessories, and street vendors offering both modern and traditional pieces.

The street connects directly to Hoàn Kiếm Lake, making it a central route for tourists exploring Old Quarter attractions. Whether you’re looking for a simple T-shirt, an áo dài, or a trendy boutique outfit, Hàng Đào is a must-visit.

Highlights:
– Local fashion shops and markets
– Affordable accessories
– Convenient location near Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Hàng Mã Street – Festive Decoration Street

No street in Hanoi is more colorful than Hàng Mã. Known for its vibrant decorations, it becomes especially lively during major Vietnamese holidays such as Tết (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Visitors will find lanterns, red envelopes, masks, paper crafts, and ornamental items used in traditional celebrations. Even outside festival seasons, Hàng Mã remains a fascinating place to explore and photograph.

Highlights:
– Festive holiday decorations
– Lanterns, masks, and traditional crafts
– A lively, photogenic atmosphere

Tạ Hiện Street – The Legendary Beer Street

Known as Beer Street, Tạ Hiện is the nightlife center of the Old Quarter. Every evening, the narrow street fills with locals, travelers, and backpackers enjoying bia hơi (fresh draft beer), street food, and live music.

Despite its modern energy, Tạ Hiện still retains charming, traditional architecture. Along with bars and cafés, you’ll find street vendors serving Hanoi classics such as bún chả, nem rán, and bánh mì.

Highlights:
– One of the world’s cheapest beers (bia hơi)
– Energetic nightlife
– Street food and open-air seating

Hàng Bạc Street – Silver and Jewelry Street

With a history of over 500 years, Hàng Bạc (Silver Street) has long been associated with silver crafting and fine jewelry making. Today, it remains the center of jewelry production in Hanoi.

Travelers can shop for handcrafted rings, bracelets, pendants, and silver accessories, many created on-site by skilled artisans. Some stores even offer custom design services.

Highlights:
– Handcrafted silver jewelry
– Family-run workshops
– Custom-made pieces

Hàng Buồm Street – The Street Food Heaven

Hàng Buồm is one of the best places in the Old Quarter to experience Hanoi’s traditional street food. As you walk along the street, you’ll find vendors preparing bún chả, nem, phở cuốn, and many other local dishes.

The street is also known for chè, a popular Vietnamese sweet dessert made from beans, fruits, jelly, and sticky rice. For travelers who love food, Hàng Buồm is a must-visit.

Highlights:
– Endless street food options
– Traditional dishes and desserts
– Suitable for night-time food adventures

Hàng Đường Street – The Sweet Street

Hàng Đường is famous for its ô mai, Vietnamese candied fruits that come in a variety of flavors—apricot, plum, star fruit, peach, and more. These treats make perfect souvenirs and gifts.

Many stores on this street have been family-owned for generations, maintaining traditional recipes and high standards of quality.

Highlights:
– Traditional ô mai (candied fruits)
– Unique snacks and local sweets
– Perfect place to buy gifts

Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter Like a Local

The Old Quarter is best enjoyed by walking slowly through its narrow alleys, observing street vendors, traditional houses, and everyday life. Each street specializes in something different, creating a mosaic of history and culture. Exploring these famous streets is one of the most rewarding experiences in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

For a complete overview of the city, including weather, top attractions, food, and itineraries, explore our full Hanoi Travel Guide here:
https://maverickjourneys.com/hanoi-travel-guide/