Overview of Hang Gai Street (Street of Hemp)
1.1. Where is Hang Gai Street?
Hang Gai Street is situated on the edge of Hanoi Old Quarter, near the northwestern side of Hoan Kiem Lake. This street is only 253 meters long, connecting with Hang Bong Street in the west and Hang Dao Street in the south. It is close to other famous streets of the Old Quarter like Hang Hom and Hang Quat - the venue of the popular Hanoi Night Market.
To reach Hang Gai Street, you can walk from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, take Hang Trong, Hang Hom, or Hang Bong Street to Luong Van Can Street. Or you can take a taxi to this famous street from any location in Hanoi. You can also take buses number 01, 02, 08, 09, 14, 31, or 36, get off at the stop by Hoan Kiem Lake, then walk to Hang Gai Street.
1.2. History of Hang Gai Street Hanoi
In the past, Hang Gai mainly traded hemp and rope hammocks. During the French colonial period, the street was also known as “Rue de Chanvre’’, which translated to “Street of Hemp Exchangers”, as it served as a hub for trading hemp.
At the end of the 19th century, the manufacturing of hemp and rope hammocks gave way to the silk business and the printing industry.
In the 20th century, the printing industry in Vietnam welcomed new technology. Hang Gai Street Hanoi is known as the cradle of many newspapers.
In the early 21st century, Hang Gai was recognized as one of the largest business districts in Hanoi, mainly trading silk. Therefore, it is also referred to as “Hanoi Silk Street”.
Now, this street has more than a hundred shops, most of which specialize in silk or silk-related products and services.
2. Highlights of Hang Gai Street
A unique feature of Hang Gai Street is the harmonious blend of architectural styles between the houses, shops, and religious buildings. They all combine to create a common beauty that is both traditional and contemporary.
Another highlight is that almost all the households here trade in silk. Although it only stretches 253 meters, both sides of the street are flooded with shops. Visitors can order tailor-made products and get them after 48 hours.
In addition to tailor shops, Hang Gai Street is home to a number of gift shops that sell lamps, notebooks, and postcards, as well as well-known art galleries like the Green Palm Gallery and Thang Long Art Gallery.
Thus, Hang Gai Street is regarded as one of the most bustling shopping places in Hanoi.
3. Best foods to eat near Hang Gai Street Hanoi Vietnam
Visiting this famous street, you should not miss out on several signature Hanoi foods below:
Address: No. 17, To Tich Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 10:30 pm
Hoa qua dam (mixed fresh fruits with crushed ice) offers different variations of mixed fruits, such as strawberry, avocado, grape, longan, lychee, mango, jackfruit, dragon fruit, papaya, guava, and watermelon. Each glass of mixed fruits at Hoa qua dam To Tich has fresh flavors and eye-catching colors.
Address: No. 1, Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 10:30 pm
Xoi che Ba Thin is a well-known and long-standing food stall in the Old Quarter in Hanoi. In summer, they often sell black bean tea, iced green bean tea, and tofu. They also offer popular dishes such as hot black bean tea, Luc Tao Xa tea, and Chinese soup ball in winter.
Address: No. 17, Hang Hom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 9 am - 11 pm
Pho ga tron Khanh Beo is a must-visit place for visitors who have a passion for eating at night. A bowl of Pho, which is full of sweet and delicious chicken, fragrant broth, and the smell of cinnamon, will certainly satisfy gourmets.
Address: No. 36, Tam Thuong Alley, Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8 am - 11 pm
Nem chua ran (deep-fried fermented pork roll) is one of many delicious treats available in Hanoi that you should try at least once. Nem chua ran Tam Thuong has a reputation for its crispiness on the outside and chewiness on the inside, which will linger on your taste buds for the whole day.
