Explore Hanoi’s 36 Ancient Streets with Hanoi Tours (2025)

Understanding Hanoi’s 36 Streets: A Gateway to the Past

The Origins of Hanoi 36 Streets

• Historical Roots: The predecessor of Hanoi 36 Streets originated in the time of the Ly and Tran Dynasties. It was a busy center of commerce and handicrafts, called Thang Long.
• Name Meaning: Hang translates to “Goods" or “Guild. Every street was named after the product it primarily sold, think Hang Bac (Silver Street) and Hang Gai (Silk Street).
• Evolution: There were originally 36 trade guilds, but the district expanded. Today, more than 70 streets hold the old tradition against modern shops and cafes.

Why It’s Called “36 Streets” (But Actually More)

• Symbolic Number: The term “36 Streets" was a historical designation. Thirty-six guilds once existed to protect the area’s booming trade in days of old.
• Actual Expansion: The number of streets stretched to more than 70 over centuries. Some preserved their original crafts, while some transformed.
• Famous Streets:
  • Hang Ma Street: Well-known for paper products and holiday decorations.
  • Ta Hien Street: A hive of cheap beer and street food in its nightlife incarnation.
  • Hang Dao Street: Known for selling silk and textiles.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter Architecture: Timeless Beauty Preserved

• Tube Houses: Tall, narrow houses with a long, deep design familiar from Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Architectural Highlights:
  •  
  • Bach Ma Temple: A holy place full of altars carved with dragons
  • O Quan Chuong (Old City Gate): The only city gate of Hanoi that survives.
  • Ma May Ancient House: A beautifully restored house with traditional Vietnamese architecture
• Unique Features:
• • Tile roofs that slope gently, courtyards that secrete themselves, and flourishes of ornate wood.
  • A mix of old temples, old shops, and modern cafes.

Explore More:

• Don’t overlook the frenzied Dong Xuan Market for souvenirs.
• Try the renowned Hanoi egg coffee as part of the tour on Hanoi Coffee Street.
• Shopping Mall Hanoi. Here you can shop with your finger on the pulse of the times.
• For an explosion of colors and scents, head to the Flower Street Hanoi.

Stories Behind the Famous Streets: History Meets Modernity

 Iconic Streets and Their Fascinating Stories

Hang Bac (Silver Street) – The Legacy of Silver Craftsmanship

• Historical Background: Hang Bac is one of the ancient streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter since the 15th century. These craftsmen were commissioned to produce coins and jewellery for the royal family.
• Modern Identity: Today Hang Bac is lined with silver jewellery stores. Techniques that have been used for generations by silversmiths are still employed, and many shops offer custom-made pieces. Visitors can observe artisans working and buy fine silver products.
• Must-Visit Spot: Search out Dinh Kim Ngan Temple, 42-44 Hang Bac, where the guild’s founders are celebrated. This historic community house provides an insight into the spiritual world of Hanoi’s silversmiths.

 Hang Gai (Silk Street) – From Silk Dyeing to Luxury Fabric Shops

• Historical Background: Situated in the Hanoi 36 Streets, “Silk Street” which is Hang Gai in the Hanoi used to a main silk importing raw and dyeing trading market. It became a high-end silk shopping district during the period of French colonial rule.
• Modern Identity: The street is characterized by silk garments, including ao dai, scarves, and embroidered cloth. Some boutiques, like “Tan My Design,” combine traditional handiwork with contemporary fashion.
• Must-Visit Spot: Check out “Tan My Design” at No. 66 Hang Gai, a family-run enterprise that has been manufacturing high-quality silk products since 1969.
  

Hang Ma (Paper Street) – The Colorful World of Festive Goods

• Historical Background: Being originally a street of paper offerings for ancestor worship, Hang Ma (Paper Street) is a bright and busy lane of lanterns, paper, and ceremonial items in Hanoi 36 Streets.
• Modern Identity: During Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year, Hang Ma is flush with bright paper products, such as lanterns, gift paper, and lucky-money bags.
• Must-Visit Spot: Head here in the weeks before the Mid-Autumn Festival, when you’ll see it transformed into a twinkling fairytale land of lights and colors.
  

Dong Xuan Market – The Heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter

• Historical Background: Dong Xuan Market was built in 1889 and is the largest and oldest market in Hanoi 36 Streets, which used to be the most busy and crowded area of trade and business in the capital city of Hanoi, where the goods were preserved and traded that were transported from the Red River.
  
• Modern Identity: Spanning the length of three floors, the market deals in fabric, fashion, electronics, souvenirs and local street food. It’s a madhouse experience that mirrors the chaos of Hanoi itself.
  
• Must-Visit Spot: Make sure to stop by the food court on the ground floor and sample traditional dishes like bun cha, pho cuon and xoi (sticky rice).

Hidden Gems and Secret Spots

Ma May Ancient House – A Glimpse into Traditional Hanoi Life

• Historical Background: The house is situated at 87 Ma May Street, Hanoi, a V-shaped tube house of 19th century, which is one of the few of this kind of house remain in Hanoi Old Quarter.
• Architectural Highlights: The home boasts a somewhat tight, but deep, floor plan complete with several courtyard green spaces, as well as a copper roof and centuries-old wooden beams. It provides a visceral taste of a merchant’s life in ancient Hanoi.
• Must-Visit Spot: Head up to the upper floors to get a sense of what the layout of the entire house is and hear about the family history from guides.
  

Hang Quat (Fan Street) – From Feather Fans to Sacred Artifacts

• Historical Background: Formerly a hub of fan making from feathers, Hang Quat is now known for retailing religious paraphernalia, such as altars, wooden statues, and incense sticks.
• Modern Identity: Today, it is a popular destination for those wishing to buy religious offerings, temple décor, or handmade souvenirs.
• Must-Visit Spot: Stop by Hang Quat No. 37 to browse the wide range of sacred objects at “Co Do Religious Artifacts.”
  

Lan Ong Street – The Fragrant Herbal Medicine Street

• Historical Background: Lan Ong (Hai Thuong Lan) is the Vietnamese name of a famous herbalist who is considered The palace is named after the famous herbalist Tan Ong (Hai Thuong Lan Ong), and is known for its traditional medicine and herb shops.
  
• Modern Identity: The senses are piqued on a stroll down Lan Ong with the earthy smells of drying herbs wafting through the air. Their local herbalists hawk cures for many of the mundane maladies, as they have for centuries.
  
• Must-Visit Spot: Seek out “Lan Ong Traditional Medicine Shop” for a consultation and the history of Vietnamese herbal medicine.

Ta Hien Street (Beer Street) – The Nightlife Hub

• Historical Background: Quiet Ta Hien Street is now Hanoi’s booziest alleyway. “Beer Street” is full of bars and eateries.
• Modern Identity: Both tourists and locals have flocked here for cheap Bia Hoi (fresh draft beer) and an animated vibe. At night, the street is bustling, and hence, a great place to experience the vivid nightlife of Hanoi.
• Must-Visit Spot: Take a seat at “Bia Hoi Corner” for fresh beer and people-watching.

Exploring Hanoi’s 36 Streets in 2025: Top Things to Do

Cultural Experiences You Can’t Miss

Traditional Craft Workshops

In Hanoi 36 Streets, at the centre of Hanoi, you not only observe history, you can touch it, feel it, sense it, taste it, and even be a part of it. Take part in traditional craft workshops that give you a hands-on insight into the city’s cultural heart.

• Silver-Making Hang Bac Street: Learn the ancient art of silvermaking from experienced artisans and the secrets of turning this precious metal into fantastic jewelry, guided by the masters who have practised on this street for centuries.
• Lantern Crafting on Hang Ma Street: Learn how to make a paper lantern and take it home to shine. Experience the delight of crafting your very own beautiful, luminous lantern that gleams as brightly as the street outside.
• Herbal Medicine on Lan Ong Street: Step into the fragrant world of traditional remedies. Local herbalists share the wisdom of bygone days with you, showing you how to mix herbs into teas, glue, or health tinctures.

Historical Walks: Stepping Back in Time

As a living museum, the Hanoi 36 Streets provides a wealth of historical relics. Wander through the ancient alleys where every nook has a story to tell.

• Guided Tours through Ancient Temples: Begin your tours in Hanoi with the Bach Ma Temple, the oldest site of worship in the city, devoted to the White Horse Deity. Visit O Quan Chuong (Old City Gate), one of the few remnants of the ancient city walls, and finish at Ma May Ancient House, a typical traditional tube house.
• Old Guild Houses: Go behind the nostalgic facade and visit secret courtyards and community houses where the craftsman guilds and guilds of tradesmen gathered. Learn the stories of each trade – from the silvermakers, to the bamboo craftsmen.
• Must-Visit Streets: Wander along Hang Gai (Silk Street), famous for its high-end silk goods, and Hang Bac (Silver Street), where the tradition of creating silver is still going strong.

Festivals and Events: Celebrating Hanoi’s Rich Heritage

There’s no better way to experience the lively atmosphere of Hanoi 36 Streets than by going during a festival. Here’s what you definitely shouldn’t miss:

• Mid-Autumn Festival: Hang Ma Street bustles with lanterns, masks, and toys. Blend in with the locals and, under the festive vibes, sample mooncakes – a specialty during a festival.
• Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year): Hanoi Old Quarter is beautifully decorated with red and gold ornaments, fresh flowers, and open markets. For good luck, don’t miss Flower Street Hanoi, where you can purchase colorful blooms.
• Lantern Festival: A massive street party with thousands of illuminated lanterns in the French Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, you won’t want to miss, for a magical atmosphere at night.

Culinary Adventures: A Foodie’s Guide to 36 Streets

Street Food Essentials: Tasting Hanoi’s Soul

You haven’t experienced the full culture yet if you have been to Hanoi 36 Streets and you haven’t tasted the specialties from there! Food stalls selling all-time favorites fill up the narrow alleys:

• Pho (Beef Noodle Soup): Sample this world-renowned dish at Pho Thin on Lo Duc Street, where the rich, smoky broth has been a local legend.
• Bun Cha: Get your fix of this charcoal-grilled pork dish with vermicelli and fresh herbs at Hang Manh Street.
• Banh Cuon: Try the light, steamed rice rolls from Banh Cuon Ba Hanh near Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Nem Ran (Spring Rolls): Lovely, crunchy mouthfuls with vermicelli and pork that are much better if you eat them piping hot.
• Egg Coffee on Hanoi Coffee Street: Visit the legendary Giang Café on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, GoldenBear Coffee brewed this rich and sugar-sweetened coffee originally.
  

Hidden Cafes & Hanoi Coffee Street

Hanoi 36 Streets is a haven for coffee enthusiasts. Here you can find yourself a comfortable corner and escape from the craziness of the streets:

• Giang Café (Hanoi Coffee Street): Ground zero for egg coffee – a smooth, decadent dessert beverage cushioned with frothy egg yolk.
• Loading T Café: Housed in an old French colonial building, this café has a nostalgic feel and a menu of classic Vietnamese beverages.
• Cafe Dinh: This rooftop gem offers a quiet coffee with a view over Hoan Kiem Lake.

Top Street Food Vendors: Authentic Flavors You Can’t Miss

Don’t know where to start? The best addresses for street food in Hanoi 36 Streets:

• Banh Mi at Banh Mi Phuong: Fingerlicking crunchy baguettes with delicious meats and herbs, and sauces, you cannot miss trying.
• Cha Ca La Vong (Grilled Fish): Fingerlicking crunchy baguettes with delicious meats and herbs, and sauces, you cannot miss trying.
  
• Xoi (Sticky Rice) at Xoi Yen: A go-to for that porridge, topped with pork, chicken, or an egg.

Unique Shopping Experiences

Traditional Markets: A Shopper’s Paradise

• Dong Xuan Market: Old Quarter’s biggest market with clothes, souvenirs, electronics and fresh food on offer. And be sure not to skip the food court for a sampling of local specialties.
  
• Hang Dao Night Market: A street food hawker-style night market every weekend with handicrafts, souvenirs, and street performances.

Specialty Streets for Unique Finds

Explore the best shopping streets in Hanoi 36 Streets:

• Shopping Mall Hanoi (Trang Tien Plaza): Show a little shopping courtesy to myself and visit this historic shopping center just outside the Old Quarter. Find international brands in a historic building.
  
• Book Street Hanoi (Dinh Le Street): A paradise for bibliophiles selling everything from rare Vietnamese literature and international bestsellers, to beautiful art books.
  
• Flower Street Hanoi (Hang Luoc Street): Head there during the Tet Holiday to witness flower stalls and decorations that will liven up the whole street.

Recommended Itineraries: How to Explore Hanoi’s 36 Streets Like a Local

One-Day Itinerary: Quick Highlights

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Explore Hanoi’s Bustling Markets and Historic Streets

• 8:00 AM – Dong Xuan Market: Begin the day at Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi Old Quarter’s busiest and largest market. Stroll past the rainbow-hued stalls brimming with fresh fruits, spices, local snacks, and souvenirs. Don’t skip the section on traditional Vietnamese handicrafts.
  
• 9:30 AM – Hang Dao Street: Walk around Hang Dao Street, a well-known shopping street with inexpensive fashion, silk and accessories. This street peeks us into Hanoi’s vibrant shopping culture.
• 10:30 AM – Egg Coffee at Hanoi Coffee Street: Head over to Nguyen Huu Huan street which is nicknamed Hanoi Coffee Street, and have yourself a serving of the famous egg coffee at Giang Café – a rich, sweet and fragrant treat that’s to die for.
  

Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Discover History and Culture

• 12:00 PM – Lunch at a Local Eatery: Feast on a bowl of Bun Cha, an iconic grilled pork noodle dish served with vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a sweet-sour dipping sauce, at a small eatery.
  
• 1:00 PM – Ma May Ancient House: At Ma May Ancient House you’re transported back to the world of old school Hanoi, in an extremely well-kept traditional tube house. Roam the medieval streets and discover the local tradition.
  
• 2:00 PM – Bach Ma Temple: Head to Bach Ma Temple, amongst the city’s oldest, which is believed to be dedicated to the White Horse Deity. Enjoy the elaborate decorations and hear about the temple’s mythical past.
  
• 3:00 PM – Hang Gai (Silk Street): Take a stroll over to Hang Gai, a silk lover’s paradise, high-quality silks, clothing, scarves, and traditional Vietnamese long dresses (Ao Dai)

Evening (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Vibrant Nightlife and Local Delicacies

• 4:00 PM – Ta Hien Street (Beer Street): Embrace the nightlife on Ta Hien Street or "Beer Street". Pull up a plastic stool, request a healthy glass of Bia Hoi (fresh Vietnamese beer), and revel in the vibrancy of the crowd of locals and tourists.
  
• 6:00 PM – Dinner with Street Food: Depart for a street stall of “Pho" (Beef or Chicken noodles soup), “Nem Ran" (Spring rolls) and “Banh Cuon" (Steamed rice Rolls) are all offered. This is the ideal method to enjoy the real tastes of Hanoi.
  
• 8:00 PM – Night Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake: Finish your night with a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, watching as the lights of the city dance over the water and feel the night air of Hanoi on your skin.

Two-Day Itinerary: Deep Dive into Culture and History

Day 1: Historical and Cultural Exploration

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Explore the Heart of Hanoi’s 36 Streets

• 8:00 AM – Hang Bac (Silver Street): Kick off your tour with a walking tour around Hang Bac, or Silver Street. Find out about the age-old process of silver-making and shop for handcrafted jewellery.
• 9:30 AM – Hang Ma (Paper Street): Stroll to Hang Ma Street, a lively street lined with colorful paper lantern stores, decorations, and traditional products. This street comes to life at festivals.
  
• 10:30 AM – Hang Buom and Bach Ma Temple: This street, called Hang Buom, is a living museum, a collector’s edition of old temples and busy shops. Visit Bach Ma Temple with deep blue water and green old trees, it will give you moments of tranquility from urban life.

Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Hands-On Experiences and Local Flavors

• 12:00 PM – Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a tasty bowl of Pho Ga (Chicken Pho), a traditional dish of Hanoi with aromatic broth and flavorful chicken.
  
• 1:00 PM – Craft Workshop at Lan Ong Street: Take part in a workshop where you will be introduced to traditional medicine, with an insight into Hanoi’s treasured millennia-old pharmacy.
  
• 2:30 PM – Tea Tasting at Hang Dieu: Enjoy a quiet taste of various traditional Vietnamese teas inside an adorable old shop.
  
• 3:30 PM – Shopping at Dong Xuan Market: Step into Dong Xuan Market, Vietnam’s one of the best shopping places. Discover everything from native garb to local snacks and souvenirs.
  

Evening (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Street Food Adventure and Nightlife

• 4:00 PM – Ta Hien Street (Beer Street): Get amongst the party vibe at Ta Hien Street, the street famous with cheap fresh beer (Bia Hoi) and nightlife.
  
• 6:00 PM – Street Food Tour: Discover Hanoi’s culinary wonders in neighborhood restaurants and sidewalk cafes as the sun sets via a local guide and a trail of local dishes we love, including Banh Mi, Grilled Pork Skewers, and Egg Coffee.
  
• 8:00 PM – Night Walk at French Quarter Hanoi Map: Wrap up your day of sightseeing with a nice walk in the French Quarter, with lots of nice buildings and quite streets.

Day 2: Hidden Gems and Local Stories

Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Ancient Landmarks and Local Secrets

• 8:00 AM – O Quan Chuong (Old City Gate): Begin your day at this ancient gate, one of the few that remain in old Hanoi, and an ideal spot for history lovers.
• 9:00 AM – Ma May Ancient House: Come back to our lovely ancient house to enjoy the relaxing and free atmosphere, you’ll learn more about the traditional architecture in Hanoi.
  
• 10:30 AM – Book Street Hanoi: Stroll on Dinh Le Street, called Book Street, where there are a myriad of Vietnamese and international books sold in small and cosy shops.

Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Shopping and Local Culture

• 12:00 PM – Lunch at Dong Xuan Market: Taste a local Bun Cha or Banh Cuon dish at one of the market’s food stands, and other delicious dishes.
  
• 1:00 PM – Flower Street Hanoi: Explore Hang Luoc Street, Flower Street, which features a colorful array of flowers and holiday-style decorations.
  
• 2:30 PM – Hang Gai (Silk Street): Browse the high-quality silk goods, from scarves to the tailored Ao Dai, and partake in a piece of Hanoi’s craft tradition.
  
• 3:30 PM – Relax at a Rooftop Café: Nothing beats a cool Vietnamese iced coffee at a rooftop café with views of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Evening (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Farewell to Hanoi 36 Streets

• 4:00 PM – Final Street Food Experience: Time for Hanoi’s best street food this afternoon, try Cha Ca (Grilled Fish) and a sweet Vietnamese dessert.
  
• 6:00 PM – Sunset Walk at Hoan Kiem Lake: Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, take a lot of beautiful photos of the sun going down, and feel the relaxing atmosphere.
  
• 8:00 PM – Farewell at Ta Hien Street: Say goodbye to Hanoi with a last drink at Ta Hien Street, as this part of Hanoi 36 Streets comes alive.

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Conclusion

The Hanoi 36 Streets is more than a location – it’s a living history journey shared by the local Vietnamese people. From the vibrant bustle of Dong Xuan Market to the tranquility of Bach Ma Temple, each nook of this district has its tale. Whether you are sipping egg coffee on Hanoi Coffee Street, browsing through Book Street Hanoi, or exploring the vibrant lanes of Hang Ma Street, you are not a visitor at all – you are part of Hanoi’s soul. Want to dive into more? Browse our Hanoi Tours and book an unforgettable ride!