. Historical Origins and the Unique Naming of Hanoi's 36 Streets
Hanoi's Old Quarter, famously known as the "36 streets," has long been a symbol of the bustling commercial vitality of both the past and present. To help you easily visualize this cultural map, VEC Homes would like to share a famous traditional Vietnamese poem—a "poetic map" that beautifully preserves the names of these ancient streets:
"Invite each other to explore Long Thanh (Hanoi), Thirty-six streets are clear and unmistakable; Hang Bo, Hang Bac, Hang Gai, Hang Buom, Hang Thiec, Hang Hai, Hang Khay… Mã Vĩ, Hang Dieu, Hang Giay, Hang Lo, Hang Cot, Hang May, Hang Dan… Pho Moi, Phuc Kien, Hang Ngang, Hang Ma, Hang Mam, Hang Than, Hang Dong… Hang Muoi, Hang Non, Cau Dong, Hang Hom, Hang Dau, Hang Bong, Hang Be… Hang Thung, Hang Bat, Hang Tre, Hang Voi, Hang Giay, Hang Thia, Hang Ga. Stroll around to Hang Da street, Pass through Hang Cho, it is truly beautiful..."
According to Hanoi travel tips passed down through generations, the street names here are highly descriptive. Most streets begin with the word "Hang" (meaning "Ware" or "Goods"), followed by the specific item or handicraft traditionally traded there. Each ancient street served as a miniature craft village in the heart of old Thang Long, gathering talented artisans from across the region to settle down and trade, creating a diverse and culturally rich economic tapestry.
2. Exploring Hanoi's 36 Streets: What Do They Sell Today?
Over decades of ups and downs and rapid urban development, the appearance and goods traded in the Old Quarter have evolved to adapt to modern times.
According to local insights from VEC Homes, some streets have completely shifted their business focus: Hang Khoai Street no longer sells sweet potatoes but has become a bustling food alley; Hang Ga Street has switched to wedding invitation printing; while Hang Duong Street remains world-famous for its exquisite O mai (traditional salted/sweet dried fruits). Nevertheless, several corners still proudly preserve their ancestral crafts.
Below is a curated checklist of prominent streets you should not miss when exploring Hanoi's 36 streets:
Hang Bong Street (Phố Hàng Bông)
This street maintains its traditional strength, with shops specializing in high-quality blankets, pillows, mattresses, and cotton products, offering a cozy and comfortable feel.
Hang Bac Street (Phố Hàng Bạc)
True to its name ("Silver Street"), this is the oldest jewelry-making hub in the capital, gathering exquisite gold and silver shops crafted by the skilled hands of master artisans.
Hang Dao Street (Phố Hàng Đào)
The busiest fashion street in the Old Quarter, specializing in a wide variety of fabrics, clothing, and accessories for both wholesale and retail customers.
Hang Ma Street (Phố Hàng Mã)
Known as the most colorful street in Hanoi. It specializes in votive paper, worship items, and decorations. It becomes a must-visit check-in hotspot during major festivals like Mid-Autumn, Christmas, or Lunar New Year, thanks to thousands of sparkling lanterns and ornaments.
Hang Quat Street (Phố Hàng Quạt)
A place preserving traditional spiritual and feng shui values, offering worship items, horizontal lacquered boards, silk banners, and artistic paper fans.
Hang Buom Street (Phố Hàng Buồm)
If you are looking for traditional candies, jams, or typical dried foods, this is the perfect destination with side-by-side shops always bustling with buyers and sellers.
Hang Thiec Street (Phố Hàng Thiếc)
Impressing visitors with the distinct sounds of hammering and welding, this street still preserves its trade of tin casting, galvanized iron, and manufacturing metal household utensils.
Ma May Street (Phố Mã Mây)
Boasting a prime location, Ma May has transformed into a vibrant hub for travel services, accommodation, restaurants, and tourism offices, catering seamlessly to international tourists.
3. Hanoi Travel Guide: Is Traveling from VEC Dong Anh to the Old Quarter Convenient?
For delegations of experts, entrepreneurs, or tourists choosing to stay at serviced apartments near VEC Dong Anh to attend conferences and exhibitions, a common question is: "Is it difficult to travel to the Old Quarter for sightseeing?"
VEC Homes assures you that it is incredibly convenient! Thanks to the rapid development of connected transportation infrastructure, it takes only about 15 to 20 minutes from the VEC Dong Anh area to reach the heart of the Old Quarter via major bridges spanning the Red River (such as Nhat Tan Bridge or Dong Tru Bridge).
After a busy day of meetings or events, treating yourself to an evening stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying a rich cup of traditional egg coffee, and admiring the ancient pace of life while exploring Hanoi's 36 streets is the perfect way to unwind and recharge.
4. VEC Homes – The Premier Accommodation Choice for Every Journey
After a long journey of exploring Hanoi's 36 streets or busy hours at the VEC Dong Anh exhibition center, a quiet, comfortable, and luxurious space is exactly what you need to recover.
VEC Homes is proud to be a leading provider of premium serviced apartments near VEC Dong Anh, offering sophisticated, modern living spaces equipped with all the amenities of home. Beyond top-tier accommodation, VEC Homes is always ready to guide you with local Hanoi travel tips, ensuring your business trip or vacation is seamless, rewarding, and truly memorable.
CONTACT VEC HOMES TODAY TO BOOK YOUR STAY AND ENJOY THE BEST DEALS FOR THE UPCOMING EVENT SEASON!
Hotline: (+84) 0383388338
Address: Vicinity of VEC Dong Anh, Hanoi
Website/Fanpage: VEC Homes - Premium Event Serviced Apartments
