The Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street, also known as Hoan Kiem Lake, is an unmissable spot for both tourists and locals. Officially launched in September 2016, after more than two years of trials, the walking street is open every weekend from 7 PM Friday to midnight Sunday.
Overview of Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street
The walking street stretches around Hoan Kiem Lake, passing through famous streets like Trang Tien, Dinh Le, and Hoan Kiem Lake. It combines with a night market and a food zone, extending to nearby old streets such as Hang Duong, Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Buom, Ma May, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Dao Duy Tu, Ta Hien, Hang Giay, and ending at Dong Xuan market alley. In late 2020, the walking space was expanded southward, connecting the north of Hoan Kiem Lake with streets like Dinh Liet, Gia Ngu, Cau Go, Hang Be, Hang Dau, Hang Bac, Dao Duy Tu, O Quan Chuong, Cau Go alley, Trung Yen alley, and Phat Loc alley.
Hanoi walking street weekend
Getting to Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street
Located in the city center, the walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake is easily accessible. Visitors can choose to travel by taxi, ride-hailing services (car or motorbike). If traveling by motorbike or bicycle, you can park at parking lots around the lake, such as Hang Trong, Bao Khanh, Luong Van Can, Ly Thai To, Ngo Quyen, Hang Trong streets. Bus routes to Hoan Kiem Lake include: 08, 09, 14, 31, 36, 86.
Activities and Attractions at Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street
1. Visit Historical Sites The walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by many famous historical sites such as Ngoc Son Temple – The Huc Bridge, Ly Thai To Flower Garden, the statue of the Martyrs, Ba Kieu Temple (opposite Ngoc Son Temple), and King Le Statue. Except for Ngoc Son Temple – The Huc Bridge, other sites are free to visit.
2. Enjoy Street Performances Street performances, often organized by youth groups or local and international art troupes, are a highlight of the walking street. These performances, including music, dance, circus acts, and other shows, take place at different spots within the walking street area. There are more cultural and artistic activities during festivals and holidays.
3. Watch Water Puppet Shows Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, located at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, is a must-visit attraction. With over 50 years of history, this traditional water puppet theater attracts many visitors, especially foreigners, with performances like The Tale of Teu, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Dance of the Four Sacred Animals, Le Loi Sailing, Lion Dance, Fairy Dance, and special shows for children.
4. Sightseeing by Double-Decker Bus Hanoi offers two double-decker bus routes starting and ending at Con Coc Flower Garden near Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street. These buses pass by notable sites such as the Vietnam Military History Museum, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, Hoa Lo Prison, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and streets like Thanh Nien, Hoang Dieu, Phan Dinh Phung. The buses run every 30 minutes from 9 AM to 5 PM, providing commentary in eight languages: Vietnamese, English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, and German.
5. Traditional Games and Children’s Activities The walking street often hosts traditional game competitions, including ô ăn quan, stilt walking, shuttlecock kicking, rope pulling, and making tò he figurines. Children can also enjoy activities like electric car rides, rollerblading, statue painting, and reading.
6. Portrait Sketching Along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, over 10 artists, often art students or traditional sketch artists, offer portrait sketching services for 100,000 to 150,000 VND.
7. Enjoy the Night Market The night market opens from 7 PM to late at night during the weekends on Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Hang Duong streets, ending at Dong Xuan Market. The market features a variety of goods, including clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Food and Drink Near Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street
1. Hoan Kiem Lake Salad Street Located next to Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, this short street is famous for its dried beef salad, made of green papaya, carrots, dried beef, roasted peanuts, herbs, and a sweet and sour dressing. Other delicacies include beef liver, grilled birds, and bánh bột lọc.
2. Tô Tịch Fruit Salad Street Tô Tịch Street, about 100 meters long, is lined with shops selling fruit salads, yogurt, caramel, and other treats, perfect for hot days.
3. Coffee Shops with a Lake View Hoan Kiem Lake is known for its coffee shops located in small attics with balconies overlooking the lake. Famous ones include Đinh Coffee, L’etage Cafe, Highlands Coffee, Cộng Cà Phê, Balcony Cafe, and Phố Cổ Cafe. Some cafes are right by the lake, like Lục Thủy Cafe & Lounge, Four Seasons Cafe.
4. Tràng Tiền Ice Cream Established in 1958, Tràng Tiền Ice Cream is a famous Hanoi brand, offering ice cream cones, green bean, young rice, and chocolate flavors. Products are available for on-site consumption or take-away.
5. Thủy Tạ Restaurant Located on Lý Thái Tổ Street overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, Thủy Tạ Restaurant, established in 1958, serves Vietnamese cuisine, coffee, and ice cream. It is a symbol of Hanoi, ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience authentic Hanoi ambiance.
Within a radius of 500 meters to 1 km around Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street, visitors can find other iconic dishes such as phở at Sướng Alley, Lý Quốc Sư, Ấu Triệu, Bát Đàn, phở gà Bảo Khánh; bún ốc Hàng Chai; xôi Yến; bún riêu Nguyễn Siêu, bún chả Hàng Quạt, bánh khúc Cầu Gỗ, bún ngan Nhàn, nem chua Tạm Thương alley, bánh gối, bánh rán Lý Quốc Sư.
Explore Hanoi
Besides the Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street, visitors can explore other attractions in Hanoi such as the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Hanoi is famous for its old streets, Dong Xuan Night Market, and delicious local dishes like phở, bún chả, bún ốc, and sticky rice.
Hanoi is not only charming with its ancient beauty but also with its unique cultural features and diverse cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street and experience its wonderful offerings.
Walking Street in Hue
1. Overview
Hue’s walking street, also known as Phố Đi Bộ Huế, offers a unique charm distinct from its counterparts in other cities. Located in the heart of Hue, this pedestrian zone stretches through the streets of Phạm Ngũ Lão, Chu Văn An, and Võ Thị Sáu. This walking street was officially opened in 2017, creating a space for cultural exchange and entertainment.
Hue walking street weekend
2. Activities and Attractions
- Historical and Cultural Exploration: Hue, known for its imperial history, offers a rich cultural experience with numerous historical sites nearby. Visitors can explore the Hue Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and various royal tombs.
- Street Performances: The walking street features traditional music performances, modern dances, and various street arts. Artists often perform traditional Vietnamese music using classical instruments.
- Local Cuisine: Hue is famous for its delicious food, and the walking street is the perfect place to sample local specialties such as bánh bèo, bánh khoái, and bún bò Huế. Food stalls line the streets, offering a wide range of traditional dishes and snacks.
- Shopping: Various stalls and shops offer traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local products, making it a great place to pick up unique mementos of your trip.
Walking Street in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
1. Overview
Nguyen Hue Walking Street, located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, is one of the most famous pedestrian streets in Vietnam. Officially opened in April 2015, this walking street stretches from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building to the Saigon River. It’s a bustling hub of activity, especially on weekends when it transforms into a lively space filled with entertainment and cultural events.
Bui Vien walking street
2. Activities and Attractions
- Modern Urban Experience: Unlike the historical charm of Hanoi and Hue, Nguyen Hue Walking Street offers a modern urban experience with its wide boulevard, lined with trees, modern buildings, and luxurious hotels.
- Street Performances and Festivals: The walking street is a hotspot for various performances, including music concerts, dance shows, and cultural festivals. During special events and holidays, the street is beautifully decorated with lights and vibrant displays.
- Dining and Nightlife: The area around Nguyen Hue is known for its diverse dining options, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines, including Vietnamese, Western, and fusion dishes. The walking street is also a hub for nightlife, with numerous bars, cafes, and nightclubs nearby.
- Shopping and Entertainment: Nguyen Hue is home to many shopping centers, boutiques, and entertainment venues. Visitors can enjoy a shopping spree or catch a movie at one of the nearby cinemas.
