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11/07/2024
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Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is among Hanoi’s most captivating attractions (Source: Collected)
1. Location & opening hours of Hoan Kiem Walking Street
Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is situated in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. This pedestrian zone includes 16 streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake: Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Lai, Le Thach, Dinh Le, Nguyen Xi, Trang Tien, Hang Khay, Le Thai To, Ho Hoan Kiem, Lo Su, Hang Dau, the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square area, Tran Nguyen Han, Luong Van Can, Bao Khanh, and Hang Bai.
The walking street comes alive every Friday evening from 7:00 PM and continues until midnight on Sunday. During these hours, the area is closed to vehicular traffic, allowing visitors to freely explore the various attractions here.
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2. Unmissable activities at Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street
2.1. Experience Vietnamese traditional games
One of the highlights of Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is the opportunity to experience traditional Vietnamese games. Some popular activities here include “o an quan” (Mandarin square capturing), walking on stilts, “danh chuyen” (bamboo jacks), shuttlecock kicking, tug-of-war, and making “to he” (rice flour figurines). Participating in these games not only provides fun but also offers a deeper understanding of Vietnamese traditions.
Test your skills with some fun Vietnamese traditional games on Hanoi Walking Street (Source: Collected)
2.2. Get a portrait painting
Located along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, the portrait sketching area offers a unique opportunity to sit for about 10 minutes and receive your personalized portrait for 100,000 – 150,000 VND. With over 10 artists, often art students or traditional painters, this service has become quite popular. Getting your portrait drawn is a wonderful way to capture the special moments of your trip to Hanoi.
2.3. Enjoy Vietnamese traditional performances
Visitors to Hoan Kiem Walking Street can enjoy a rich tapestry of Vietnamese traditional performances. These cultural showcases take place from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. Some notable ones include:
- Thang Long Theater: Folk music
- Time: Saturday and Sunday evenings (April 2024 – August 2024)
- Location: 59 Dinh Tien Hoang Street
- Hanoi Cheo Theater: Folk music
- Time: Friday evenings (April 2024 – December 2024) and Saturday evenings (November 2024 – December 2024)
- Location: 59 Dinh Tien Hoang Street
- Hanoi Drama Theater: Excerpts from plays, short dramas, and skits
- Time: Friday and Saturday evenings (April 2024 – December 2024)
- Location: 42 Trang Tien Street
- Hanoi Cai Luong Theater: Folk music
- Time: Friday and Saturday evenings in the 2nd and 4th week of the month (April 2024 – October 2024), then every Friday and Saturday evening from November 2024 to December 2024
- Location: 72 Hang Bac Street
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: water puppetry, dry puppetry, and various art performances
- Time: Saturday evenings (April 2024 – December 2024) and Sunday evenings (November 2024 – December 2024)
- Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street
- Hanoi Theater of Circus and Various Arts: Circus and various art performances
- Time: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings (September 2024 – December 2024)
- Location: 59 Dinh Tien Hoang Street
Be mesmerized by Vietnamese traditional performances at Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street (Source: Collected)
2.4. Immerse oneself in the bustling night market
As the sun sets, the night market at Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street transforms into a vibrant spectacle. Operating from 7 PM until midnight, the market spans the streets of Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Hang Duong. It offers a wide array of goods, from souvenirs and clothing to handicrafts and street food. The lively atmosphere, filled with the sounds of vendors and visitors chattering, creates an exciting environment.
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2.5. Visit historical and cultural sites
While exploring Hanoi Walking Street, don’t miss the opportunity to visit several historical and cultural sites around the area:
- Hoan Kiem Lake: As the heart of the walking street, this iconic lake is a symbol of Hanoi. It offers a tranquil setting for leisurely strolls.
- Ngoc Son Temple: Located on a small islet on Hoan Kiem Lake, this temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century.
- Ba Kieu Temple: This temple is dedicated to Princess Lieu Hanh, one of the four immortal gods in Vietnamese culture. It is an excellent place to learn about the local religious practices.
- Ly Thai To Park: Named after the founder of the Ly Dynasty, this park features a statue of Emperor Ly Thai To and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to gather and relax.
Visiting these landmarks will enhance your experience at Hanoi Walking Street (Source: Collected)
2.6. Enjoy street performances
Another highlight of Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is the diverse array of street performances that bring the area to life. As you stroll around, you will encounter various artists showcasing their talents. From musicians playing traditional Vietnamese instruments to modern bands covering popular songs, the variety is impressive. You can also find dancers, magicians, and acrobats performing to the delight of the crowds.
3. Best foods & drinks to try near the walking street
Hanoi’s cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. Here are some must-try foods and drinks near Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street:
3.1. Vietnamese rice noodles with grilled pork (Bun cha)
Bun cha is a classic dish that features grilled pork served with vermicelli, herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. The pork is marinated and grilled to perfection, providing a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the refreshing vermicelli and herbs.
- Recommended spot: Bun cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu Street, Hai Ba Trung District)
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3.2. Vietnamese pho (Pho)
Pho is often considered Vietnam’s national dish, consisting of a savory broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (typically beef or chicken). The broth is simmered for hours with bones, spices, and herbs, resulting in a flavorful bowl.
- Recommended spot: Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District)
Complete your Hanoi Walking Street experience with a classic bowl of Vietnamese pho (Source: Collected)
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3.3. Mixed fruits
Mixed fruits, often served with condensed milk and fruit syrup, make for a refreshing snack. This dish typically includes a variety of tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and watermelon, offering a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Recommended spot: Hoa qua dam Hoa Beo (17 To Tich Street, Hoan Kiem District)
3.4. Trang Tien ice cream
Trang Tien ice cream is a beloved treat known for its creamy texture. Available in various flavors like green bean, coconut, and chocolate, this ice cream is perfect for cooling down after a stroll around the lake.
- Recommended spot: Trang Tien Ice Cream (35 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District)
3.5. Vietnamese coffee
Vietnamese coffee is famous for its robust flavor, often enjoyed with sweetened condensed milk (ca phe sua da) or egg yolk topping (ca phe trung).
- Recommended spot: Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District)
3.6. Vietnamese papaya salad with beef jerky
This salad is a delightful mix of shredded green papaya, herbs, and strips of seasoned beef jerky, topped with crushed peanuts and a tangy dressing. It is a crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet dish that is perfect as a light snack.
- Recommended spot: Nom bo kho Hai Sinh (57A Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District)
Don’t miss the chance to savor the flavors of Hanoi’s street food (Source: Collected)
4. Best places to visit near the walking street
4.1. Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant streets, and an array of food stalls. One of the must-visit spots in the Old Quarter is Dong Xuan Market, the largest indoor market in Hanoi. Embarking on a street food tour is also highly recommended here, allowing you to taste the authentic local delicacies.
4.2. Hanoi Opera House
Built in the early 20th century, Hanoi Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture. Attending a concert of classical music, ballet, or Vietnamese folk music like cai luong or tuong will be a memorable experience here. The surrounding area is also picturesque, making the opera house an ideal spot for photography.
4.3. St. Joseph’S Cathedral
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a striking Gothic Revival structure reminiscent of Notre Dame in Paris. Here, you can attend mass services to experience the local Catholic traditions and admire the intricate architectural details. The area around the cathedral is also charming, with numerous cafes where you can enjoy the view while sipping Vietnamese coffee.
4.4. Vietnamese Women’s Museum
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum celebrates the contributions of women throughout Vietnam’s history. It features exhibits on women’s roles in family life, history, and contemporary society. Here, there is a museum shop which offers unique handicrafts and books related to Vietnamese culture, making it a perfect place to pick up meaningful souvenirs.
Hanoi Old Quarter captivates visitors with its charming narrow streets (Source: Collected)
5. Frequently asked questions about Hoan Kiem Walking Street
5.1. How to get there?
If you are staying in the Old Quarter, getting to Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is very convenient as it is within walking distance from most hotels here. For those staying farther away, the easiest way to reach the walking street is by taxi or using a ride-hailing app such as Xanh SM. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Hoan Kiem Lake. If you have a vehicle, you can easily follow the directions of Google Maps to reach Hoan Kiem Lake.
5.2. Where to park near the walking street?
If you drive to Hanoi Walking Street, you will need to find a parking spot, which is usually available near the walking street. You can find these spots on Hai Ba Trung Street, Quang Trung Street, Ngo Quyen Street, and Ly Thai To Street.
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Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street perfectly represents Hanoi’s vibrant culture. Whether you are fond of exploring historical sites, immersing yourself in traditional experiences, or indulging in the local cuisine, the walking street will be an ideal place for you to explore. So, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy everything Hanoi has to offer!
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