Home » Travel Guider » The Silk Road of Hanoi: Hang Gai Street Tour

The Silk Road of Hanoi: Hang Gai Street Tour

Renowned as Silk Street, Hang Gai Street is a vibrant and busy part of Hanoi offering a unique blend of rich history, cultural legacy, and modern retail experiences. This tour guide will show you highlights of Hang Gai Street’s location, history, prominent attractions, and must-see sights by means of its enchanting paths.

Location: Hang Gai Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Operating hours: Daily 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Hanoi Silk Street, tucked away in the middle of Hanoi Old Quarter, is among the most vibrant and active areas of the city. Comprising 36 streets in Hanoi, each named for a product typically marketed there, this historic street makes part of a larger network.

Providing a window into Vietnam’s rich cultural past, Hanoi Silk Street as its name suggests is dedicated to the silk weaving industry. As you meander through the tiny alleyways and busy boutiques, you will discover a wonderful choice of beautiful silk products ranging from elegant scarves and traditional ao dai skirts to skillfully woven tapestries and elaborate pillow covers.

Where is Hang Gai Street?

Hang Gai Street in Ha Noi

Hang Gai Street in Ha Noi

Centrally in the middle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hang Gai Street runs near the famous Hoan Kiem Lake. There are several ways to reach the street: taxis, motorbikes, and bicycles among other things. Its prominent location makes it a handy stop for visitors as well as residents discovering the old areas of the city.

Location : On the brink of Hanoi Old Quarter, close to the northwest side of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Gai Street is Comprising just 253 meters, this roadway links Hang Dao roadway in the south with Hang Bong Street in the west. It is among other well-known Old Quarter alleys including Hang Hom and Hang Quat, the site of the well-liked Hanoi Night Market.

Directions: From Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, stroll Hang Trong, Hang Hom, or Hang Bong Street to Luong Van Can Street to reach Hang Gai Street. Alternatively from any point in Hanoi, you can pay a cab to this well-known street. You can alternatively catch buses number 01, 02, 08, 09, 14, 31, or 36, get off at Hoan Kiem Lake, then stroll to Hang Gai Street.

History of Hang Gai Street

Hang Gai Street in Hanoi

Hang Gai Street in Hanoi

Hang Gai Street has a rich past going back to the early years of Hanoi. Originally a busy market, over centuries it developed into a famous hub for silk trading. Though it still has historical value, the street has seen many changes from a conventional trading center to a modern shopping strip.

Hang Gai used to mostly trade rope hammocks and hemp. Serving as a location for trade hemp, the street was also known as “Rue de Chanvre’," which translated to “Street of Hemp Exchangers," during the French colonial era.

The manufacture of hemp and rope hammocks gave place to the silk business and the printing sector around the end of the 19th century.

The Vietnamese printing sector embraced new technology in the 20th century. Many newspapers consider Hang Gai Street Hanoi as the cradle of their field.

Mostly dealing with silk, Hang Gai was acknowledged as one of the biggest business districts in Hanoi in the early twenty-century. As such, it is also known as “Hanoi Silk Street".

Nowadays, this street boasts more than a hundred stores, most of which focus on silk or silk-related goods and services.

What is Hang Gai Street Known For?

Silk shop in Hang Gai, Hanoi

Silk shop in Hang Gai, Hanoi

The finest silk goods on Hang Gai Street are what define it. Many stores and boutiques lining the street provide a large selection of silk fabrics, apparel, accessories, and house décor pieces. Celebrated for its brilliant colors and fine workmanship, Hang Gai Street draws customers seeking for real Vietnamese silk goods. Along the route are notable stores and artists who offer guests a distinctive and individual shopping experience.

One of the special qualities of Hang Gai Street is the harmonic mixing of religious structures, stores, and homes among other architectural forms. Together, they produce a classic beauty with traditional and modern aspects.

Another point of interest is practically every house here deals in silk. Though just 253 metres, stores flood both sides of the roadway. After 48 hours, visitors can purchase custom-made goods.

Apart from custom stores, Hang Gai Street boasts other gift stores offering lamps, notebooks, and postcards as well as reputable art galleries including Thang Long Art Gallery and the Green Palm Gallery.

Hang Gai Street is thus considered as one of the busiest retail areas in Hanoi.  

What to Discover on Hang Gai Street

Hang Gai Street

Hang Gai Street

 Visiting this famous street, you should not miss out on several signature Hanoi foods below:

  • Hoa qua dam To Tich

  • Hoa qua dam To Tich

    Hoa qua dam To Tich

Location: No. 17, To Tich Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

The operating hours: From 9:30 am until 10:30 pm.

Hoa qua dam is a refreshing dessert made by combining several fresh fruits with crushed ice. It comes in a variety of options including strawberry, avocado, grape, longan, lychee, mango, jackfruit, dragon fruit, papaya, guava, and watermelon. Every serving of the mixed fruit beverage at Hoa qua dam To Tich offers a delightful combination of vibrant flavors and visually appealing hues.

  • Xoi che Ba Thin

  • Xoi che Ba Thin

    Xoi che Ba Thin

Location: 1 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Operating hours: 9:30 am – 10:30 pm

Xoi che Ba Thin is a renowned and enduring food stall located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. During the summer season, it is common for them to offer black bean tea, iced green bean tea, and tofu for sale. In addition, they provide well-liked options such as hot black bean tea, Luc Tao Xa tea, and Chinese soup ball during the winter season.

  • Pho ga tron Khanh Beo

  • Pho ga tron Khanh Beo

    Pho ga tron Khanh Beo

Location:  No. 17, Hang Hom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Operating hours: 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Pho ga tron Khanh Beo is an essential destination for nocturnal food enthusiasts. A bowl of Pho, brimming with succulent chicken, aromatic broth, and the scent of cinnamon, is sure to gratify connoisseurs.

  • Nem chua ran Tam Thuong

  • Nem chua ran Tam Thuong

    Nem chua ran Tam Thuong

Location: No. 36, Tam Thuong Alley, Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM

Nem chua run, a deep-fried pork roll that has been fermented, is a delectable delicacy found in Hanoi that is highly recommended for you to sample at least once. Nem chua run Tam Thuong is renowned for its exterior crispness and inside chewiness, resulting in a lingering sensation on the taste buds that lasts throughout the day.

Advice for individuals who are visiting Hang Gai Street for the first time

Hang Gai Street

Hang Gai Street

  • Everybody wants to find a good deal; always negotiate for one. It is so advised that you try negotiating for 50% less than what the store owners have to give.
  • Guard against false silk goods: There could be fake Vietnamese traditional silk articles of poor quality. To buy silk, then, you need to choose a famous store.

Along with touring Hang Gai Street, you should also visit many well-known sites in the capital city of Vietnam, including Ta Hien Street, Hang Da Market, Dong Xuan Market, Ba Dinh Square, Bach Ma Temple, Temple of Literature, and particularly VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium for a whole experience in the city.

Among the best and most beautiful aquarium systems available in Vietnam is Vinpearl Aquarium Covering around 4,000 square meters, it is home to more than 30,000 sea life, allowing guests to explore a stunning underwater environment.

VinKE, a contemporary entertainment complex, presents kids with chances to have fun and learn. Your children can play several job simulation games here to learn more about their preferred sectors.Along with several silk products, Hang Gai Street has become more and more popular for visitors—especially those who enjoy shopping—when they tour Hanoi Old Quarter because of the mix of traditional and modern attractiveness. It also reflects the traits of Hanoi, a busy and growing metropolis. If you could visit Hanoi, do not hesitate to explore this beautiful city!

Apart from that, you might think about Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Ha Long on your travel plans. Booking lodging in advance for any location you want to visit can help you to have the finest experience.

It is advised that you reserve a room at the Vinpearl hotel and resort system, a top-rated brand of accomodations with first-class facilities like bars, swimming pools and leisure areas. Found in several of Vietnam’s most popular tourist spots, Vinpearl will most definitely make your trip fun. 

Conclusion

Hang Gai Street presents a special fusion of modern retail with history and culture. Hang Gai Street guarantees a fascinating and fun experience regardless of your interests—history, culture, or smart shopping. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this famous site and carry a bit of Hanoi’s rich silk legacy home.

Don’t forget to regularly follow our Facebook page and Website for more interesting information about traveling to Hanoi and to book Hanoi tours at the best prices.

Amazing Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh: 5 days

Genesis cruises halong bay
Genesis cruises halong bay
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Hanoi people
Hanoi people
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Farm tours
Hanoi Farm tours
Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Halong Boat
Halong Boat
Glory Cruise
Glory Cruise
Halong islet
Halong islet
Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Genesis cruises halong bay
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Hanoi people
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Farm tours
Halong Bay
Halong Boat
Glory Cruise
Halong islet
Halong Bay

We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.

 Email:northvietnamtour@impresstravel.com or contact the hotline (Whatsapp, Zalo, Viber, Skype) at +84.912 379 189 – Mr. Alex.

Tours Itinerary

Day 01

HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)

  • Good morning, pick you up at Noi Bai International
  • Airport and transfer to Hanoi Capital city.
  • Check-in the hotel then have lunch at the restaurant.
  • Afternoon sightseeing tour begins with a visit to President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ( closed on Monday and Friday, every afternoon, and whole from 15 June – 15 August, view the outside the building). Inside the mausoleum, there are sightseeing of the Presidential Palace (view from outside), President’s Fishpond, House On Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda.
  • Next, we will pay a visit to the Temple of Literature. It is where Confucius – The founder of Confucianism was worshiped. This place as known as the first National University of Vietnam. It is where kings, mandarins, talented people of Vietnam training to the functionary.
  • Our tour continues with an exciting visit. We will visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we will go to the Ngoc Son Temple, which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Continue a short walking tour around the old quarter with a tour guide.

Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi

Day 02

HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)

  • Good morning, have breakfast at the hotel.
  • 7.30 – 8.00 AM: Pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter and transfer to Tam Coc.
  • 8.00 – 10.00 AM: After two hours of transferring, our tour guide will introduce you to Vietnam as the history, culture, lifestyle of local people. On the conical hat, we will have a mini-game show to teach you how to say and write some Vietnamese simple words such as Xin Chào, Tạm Biệt, Tôi yêu Ninh Bình, etc. We will give you a little souvenir and you can wear it during the trip.
  • 10 AM: We will prepare for a boat trip to visit the beautiful Tam Coc. It takes 1.30 hours rowing along the Ngo Dong river through the three mysterious caves. You can enjoy spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone mountain peaks.
  • 11.30 AM: We will get on Thanh pier for a short walk to visit Thai Vi Temple, which is one of the well-known temples in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. We will continue 10 minutes walking along majestic valley with rice fields, rivers and lotus ponds for Tam Coc Nature Lodge where we will relaxing
  • Enjoy your lunch in here – Vietnamese food.
  • 1.30 PM: you have a chance to be a fisherman and learn how to catch the fish in the pond or river.
  • 2:00 – 3:00 PM: We ride a bike to Thung Nang, along the river among the rice field, lotus ponds, and limestone Mountains. We will continue to through a peaceful Dan Khe Trong village. This area is a real picture of the rural countryside in the north of Vietnam.
  • 15: 00: Return the van, drive to visit Hoa Lu Ancient citadel which was built in the 10th century, and the temple dedicated to King Dinh and King Le
  • 4:00 PM: Back to Hanoi Capital.
  • 18:30: Arrive in Hanoi & we will drop you at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
  • Have dinner is available on your request.
  • Overnight at the Hanoi Hotel.

Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish

Day 03

HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)

  • Good morning! Enjoy your with have breakfast at your hotel, then check-out the hotel.
  • 07:30 am – 08:00: Pick up from your hotel to travel to Halong Bay (notice: pickup time can be a bit flexible depending on each different Cruise, distance Hanoi – Halong bay is 160km, a stop for break time on halfway for a refreshment).
  • You enjoy the drive and sightseeing the peaceful countryside scenery during the bus trip (4 hours), we arrive at the Ha Long bay seaport at around noontime.
  • 12h 30: You will aboard the cruise, check-in & enjoy a welcome drink while your cabin will be assigned.
  • Check-in your cabin and put your luggage in, relax and may do a short inspection tour by moving around the cruise to discover about the cruise’s architecture & design
  • Enjoy the sumptuous lunch with fresh seafood meal while cruise slowly gliding out into the Halong bay.
  • 15h00 – 16h00: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
  • 16h00 – 17h00: Cruising to Titop Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titop or climb up to the top of the island for a view panorama of Halong Bay.
  • 17h00 – 17h30: Return to the boat, enjoying beautiful seascape on the way.
  • 17h30 – 19h00: Enjoy Sunset Party on the sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.

Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)

Day 04

HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)

  • Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
  • 07h00 – 07h30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
  • 08h30 – 09h30 Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Drum Cave.
  • 09h45 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
  • 10h00 – 10h30 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
  • 10h30 – 11h30 while heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
  • 11h45 – 12h00 Disembark V’Spirit Classic.
  • 12h15 – 12h30 Transfer back to Hanoi.
  • About 16:00 – Arrival back to Hanoi central city, recheck in the hotel
  • Dinner is available on your request.
  • Free time & Overnight in Hanoi city

Day 05

HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)

  • Good morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, you have some free time to explore Hanoi city before going to Noi Bai airport for your scheduled flight.
  • The end of the tour, thank you and see you again!

What’s included in this trip :

  • A/C accommodation with DOUBLE or TWIN ROOM (2 persons share 1 room; single room can be available on request) with daily breakfast
  • A/C transfer from Airports to the hotel and other tourist destinations according to the itinerary
  • Bus round trip to Hanoi – Ha Long Bay; (private land transfer available on request)
  • 2 days 1 night on Joint Cruise trip in Ha Long Bay, with DOUBLE or TWIN (2 persons share 1 cabin; single cabin can be available on request), full meals on board
  • Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (Breakfast = 04; Lunch = 04; Dinner = 01)
  • English- speaking guides as specified (Chinese/ Malaysian speaking guide can be available on request)
  • Entrance fees
  • Mineral water (2 bottles/ per day with sightseeing tour)
What’s excluded in this trip:
  • All international and domestic flights
  • Specified as Chinese/ Malaysian/ Indonesian/Thai speaking guide can be available on request to pay for extra-fee.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport taxes
  • All meals not mentioned
  • Tips for tour guides, drivers, crew members in Ha Long Bay, other attendants if may have (3 USD/pax/day)
  • Other personal expenses not mentioned.

3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM  SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Hanoi 3-star Hotels

Adamas Deluxe City 

ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL
Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/

3-star Halong  Bay Cruises

Swan Cruise Deluxe

SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/


4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

  Hanoi  4-star Hotels

The light deluxe with window

THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI

Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/

4-star Halong Bay Cruises

Sealife Suite Canbin

HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: www.sealifegroup.com

5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Hotel Category

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

  Hanoi 5-star hotels

Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel

 APRICOT HOTEL HANOI

Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch

5-star Halong bay Cruises

Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret

MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: https://margaretcruises.com

 

The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked

Vietnam Travel Map: 15 Days

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress

CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY - BEST QUALITY GUARANTEE

    TOP FIVE

    PACKAGE TOURS

    IN Hanoi
    Hanoi

    Discovery

    All the latest breaking news & travel information on Hanoi travel. Browse The Independent’s complete collection of articles and commentary on Hanoi travel: Hanoi attractions, travel news, gallery, culture, history and tips.

    Bat Trang Handicraft Village

    Bat Trang-Dong Ho-Dong Ky Handicraft Villages Tour in Hanoi

    Join the Bat Trang – Dong Ho – Dong Ky Handicraft Village Tour from Hanoi as you will be engrossed in the charisma of traditional...
    Shopping at renowned tailor shops in Hanoi

    Discovering Hanoi’s Antique Shops and Hidden Gems

    You'll find treasures such as beautifully carved figures and delicate porcelain vases, each with a fascinating tale.
    Dao Xa musical instrument handicraft

    Dao Xa musical instrument handicrafts in Hanoi: Tours, Guide

    About 50km from the center of Hanoi, there is a small village located on the last piece of land of the city, famous for making ethnic musical instruments with a…

    Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter: Hanoi’s History

    Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter with our Hanoi Tours to explore Hanoi's rich history, stunning architecture, and unique culture.