Hanoi Silver Street Tour: Explore Hang Bac in Old Quarter

The History of Silver Street Hanoi: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Standing firm in the center of Old Quarter,  Hanoi Old Quarter, 400 years standing, Silver Street (Hang Bac, as known in Vietnamese) is much like a rough pomp in Hanoi’s history. Established in the Le Dynasty (1460-1497) by Le Xuan Tien, Le Xuan Tien Street was the location where master silversmiths from Chau Khe (Hai Duong), Dinh Cong (Ha Noi), and Dong Xam (Thai Binh) gathered to do silver casting, jewelry making, and currency exchange. History The street is named after the French colonial past; under the French named “Rue de Changeurs" (Street of silver exchangers), as it accommodated many silver exchange shops of Hanoi districts.

Today, Silver Street Hanoi runs from 42 Hang Bac (Kim Ngan Temple), an altar to worship Hien Vien, the legendary founder of the silver craft, to the busy crossroad of Hang Ngang and Hang Dao. It is a blend of tradition and commerce, with workshops where local artisans produce elaborate silver jewelry by hand, standing adjacent to modern boutiques filled with sleek, contemporary designs. Worthy shops such as Thang Long Silvercraft (56 Hang Bac) and Nguyen Silver Handicrafts (48 Hang Bac) are destinations for anyone interested in purchasing quality silver items.

More than just the glistening silver, Silver Street Hanoi also has the outstanding classic architecture. The famous tube houses with tiled roofs and thin facades are another staple of 36 Streets Hanoi, and the Kim Ngan Temple (42 Hang Bac) is a reminder of the long-standing silver-making tradition. Take a look at all these ancient designs here and visit the busy shops nearby, you won’t leave Silver Street Hanoi without learning something new and learning about another side of Hanoi civilization.

Silver Street Hanoi (Sours: daidoanket)

Cultural Significance and Community Life of Silver Street, Hanoi

Festivals and Traditions: Celebrating Silver Craftsmanship

Per year, on Silver Street, Hanoi is awash with colourful celebrations to celebrate its roots in silver. Two of the inspiring festivities celebrated here are :

• Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan): The holiday is enjoyed in Kim Ngan Communal House (42 Hang Bac), where locals, as well as their families and friends, all go to pray for health and good fortune from Hien Vien, who is claimed to be the master of silver craftsmanship. They also pray, burn incense, and do the traditional cool stuff to wish for good fortune and prosperity in the new year. The temple is ornately decorated, and the sound of ethnic music can be heard as you walk around.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu): This festival features vibrant lanterns, classical dragon dances, and family reunions. The silversmith families there also make special silver ornaments and jewelry for the event. It’s a time of family togetherness and joy, and the whole street is buzzing with excitement.

Kim Ngan Communal House (Sours: traveleverywhere)

The Living Heritage of Silver Craft: Artisans and Their Stories

At the heart of Silver Street Hanoi are the artisan families who have kept the tradition of silver-making alive for generations. Here are a few of their remarkable stories:

• The Nguyen Family at 56 Hang Bac (Thang Long Silvercraft): Descended from fifth-generation silversmiths, the Nguyens have been making silver jewelry using only traditional methods for over a hundred years. His great-grandfather’s tools are still employed by Mr. Nguyen, the current master silversmith. He confides: “My roots in Chau Khe (Hai Duong) spread to Thang Long Citadel. We carry that on with pride.”
• The Tran Family at 48 Hang Bac (Nguyen Silver Handicrafts): The Tran family, specializing in filigree silver patterns, has been practicing in Silver Street, Hanoi, since the 19th century. Mrs. Tran holds up her silver earrings, which she made piece by piece with care. “Silver is not merely a business for us,  it is our identity,” she says.
• The Pham Family at 60 Hang Bac: This family operates a shop dedicated to custom silver jewelry, so you can order your designs. Young Pham, the family’s youngest silversmith, had also graduated from Hanoi University of Fine Arts but decided to return to the family trade. “It’s my way of celebrating our heritage,” he says.

What to See and Do at Silver Street Hanoi (Hang Bac Street)

Shopping for Silver Jewelry and Crafts

Silver Street Hanoi is renowned for its delicate silver products, from classic styles to creative pieces. Here are the top silver shops to check out:

• Thang Long Silvercraft (56 Hang Bac): This family-run store specializes in dainty silver jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and even custom items. Artisans here utilize time-worn techniques that have been handed down for generations.
• Nguyen Silver Handicrafts (48 Hang Bac): This is a good place for both traditional and contemporary silver designs, ranging from elegant silver rings to custom-made jewelry. You can even collaborate with artisans to create your own.
• Silver King (54 Hang Bac): A family-run store with a long heritage of silver-making. It is an awesome place to get some good, authentic Vietnamese silver jewelry, as well as rings, earrings, or bracelets!
• Silver Smith A (45 Hang Bac): Here, they do nothing but personalized silver jewelry. You can even create your own and see how it is made by expert craftsmen.

Tips for Buying Silver Jewelry:

• Check the jewelry for “S925” or “S990” stamp. This represents the 92.5% and 99% pure silver.
• Shop around to compare prices between the shops, but also remember that handmade items might be a bit pricier.
• Bargain politely. Most stores expect people to haggle.

Thang Long Silvercraft (56 Hang Bac) (Sours: vietnamplus)

Exploring Cultural Landmarks

Silver Street Hanoi is far from just shopping,  it is a destination for some of the city’s most significant cultural offerings.

• Kim Ngan Temple (42 Hang Bac): The spiritual centre of Silver Street Hanoi, is a temple to Hien Vien, the mythical discoverer of silvercraft. It is an old, calm place that silversmiths visit to pray for good fortune and success.
• Truong Thi Communal House (58 Hang Bac): A historic, silver-related meeting place where silversmiths had gathered to exchange silver-making techniques and to toast silversmithing. The design here mimics the traditional style of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Walking in Hanoi’s 36 Streets: Hang Bac Street is one of Hanoi’s renowned 36 Streets, where each street contains shops selling one type of product, so that the street name indicates the products originally sold. These streets are like stepping back in time, where narrow lanes, tile-roofed houses, and shops meander past and through buildings where wild and lush plant life grows in the corners.

What to See:

• Gaze in awe at the classic so-called tube houses with skinny fronts and tiled roofs.
• Snap photos of the ancient temples and pretty old buildings.
• Discover the lively side streets that are lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and street vendors.

Walking in Hanoi’s 36 Streets (Sours: sanhotelseries)

Tasting Local Cuisine

Silver Street Hanoi also has great things to try and taste in Hanoi. These local dishes are not to be missed:

• Bami Bread (98 Hang Bac): A traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and herbs. Great snack for on the road.
• Doner Kebab (2 Hang Bac): Vietnamese fusion of the classic kebab, grilled meat combined with fresh salad and a tangy sauce in a warm pita.
• Bun Rieu (11 Hang Bac): A hot bowl of crab noodle soup, accompanied by fresh herbs and a briny tomato-y broth. This is definitely a local hangout for a fast and filling bite.
• Banh Duc (66 Hang Bac): A soft, creamy rice cake enrobed in minced pork, mushrooms, and fried shallots. A beloved local comfort food.
• Cafe Nang Tuong (39 Hang Bac): A little hideaway of an old-school cafe with strong Vietnamese iced coffee when you need an extra jolt.

Dining Tips:

• Visit in the evening when the street is illuminated and the food stalls are bustling.
• Sample different dishes at various spots for an authentic Hanoi street-food experience.

Cafe Nang Tuong (Sours: Năng Tường Coffee)

Join a Silver-Making Workshop

For a memorable experience, consider a silver making workshop where you can learn to create your very own piece of silver jewellery.

• Where to Book:
  • Thang Long Silvercraft (56 Hang Bac) leads beginner-friendly, hands-on workshops in the art and science of silversmithing.
  • Nguyen Silver Handicrafts (48 Hang Bac) also offers custom silver-making experiences.
• What to Expect:
  • Gain hands-on practice of the fundamentals of silver making with skilled silversmiths.
  • Shape, engrave, and polish traditional tools for punching silver, etc.
  • Make your ring, bracelet, or earring out of silver for a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Nguyen Silver Handicrafts (Sours: dantri)

Essential Tips for Visiting Silver Street Hanoi (Hang Bac Street)

Best Time to Visit Silver Street, Hanoi

• Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM): It is a great time for a quiet walk, as the shops are opening and the street is not yet crowded. You can snap some great photos of the tube houses, the traditional Vietnamese architecture, and the iconic Kim Ngan Temple sans the crowds.
• Afternoon (2:00PM-5:00 PM): Perfect time to go shopping and explore as the street is vibrant but not too crowded. This is the perfect opportunity to peruse silver shops and explore local fare.
• Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM): The street becomes alive with noisy silver shops; shining temples, and food vendors selling delicious local treats. A mythical period to be a part of the dynamic ambience of Silver Street, Hanoi.

Pro Tip:

• Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends and therefore, may be an easier time to explore.
• Stay away during heavy rain if you want to take a relaxing stroll.

How to Get to Silver Street, Hanoi

Silver Street Hanoi is in Hoan Kiem District, smack dab in the middle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Its location is also convenient for some major attractions:

• From Hoan Kiem Lake:
  • Distance: 600 meters (approximately a 7-minute walk).
  • Route: Start north on Hang Dao Street and turn left onto Hang Bac Street.
• From Dong Xuan Market:
  • Distance: 500 meters (roughly a 6-minute walk).
  • Route: Head south on Hang Ngang Street, then make a right onto Hang Bac Street.

Transportation Options:

• Walking: The easiest way to get around Silver Street Hanoi and the 36 Streets stear ety ro do te hanoi toes & Hanoi is to walk. The small streets are ideal for going for a walk and finding hidden shops and local cafes.
• Taxi/Grab: Fast and easy if you are staying farther away. Just type “Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem District” into your app.
• Motorbike (Xe om): A quick way to travel around Hanoi, especially if you are traveling from another part of town.
• Public Bus: Get on Bus 09 or 14, these buses pass by near Hoan Kiem Lake, then take a walk to Silver Street, Hanoi from the nearest stop.

Safety and Shopping Tips on Silver Street, Hanoi

While shopping for silver jewelry and wandering among the hustling streets of Silver Street, Hanoi, is an unforgettable experience, below are some tips to keep you safe and enjoy the shopping:

How to Bargain Like a Pro:

• Begin by offering about 70% of the asking price, just remember to bargain with a smile.
• Shop around at a few stores before buying. This can give you an idea of the average price of silver jewelry.
• Be polite and friendly. Many shopkeepers have a sense of humor, and they might give you a better price.

How to Avoid Counterfeit Products:

• Always check for the S925 or S990 stamp, which means it’s 92.5 percent or 99 percent pure silver.
• You are better off sticking to well-known shops with a long history, like Thang Long Silvercraft (56 Hang Bac) or Nguyen Silver Handicrafts (48 Hang Bac).
• Request a receipt from the shop owner, which could be useful if you experience any problems with your purchase.

Personal Safety Tips:

• Man up and don’t get picked, especially in crowded spots. Opt for a cross-body bag.
• Beware of motorbikes when you’re wandering the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter.
• In case you aren’t comfortable with hard selling, just smile and leave.

Conclusion

Silver Street Hanoi is a historical, cultural, and craft exploration through the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Between the sparkling silver jewelry of Thang Long Silvercraft (56 Hang Bac) and the hushed calm of Kim Ngan Temple (42 Hang Bac), this signature roadway is an intersection of heritage and the now. Are you prepared to dig up the treasure of Silver Street, Hanoi? Reserve your Hanoi adventure now and experience the timeless beauty oceans away!