1. Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street (Ho Guom)

Hoan Kiem Lake (Hồ Hoàn Kiếm) Walking Street is Hanoi's first walking street route, established in 2016 and has now become a distinctive urban cultural symbol of the capital. Thanks to its prime location, beautiful scenery, well-organized and professional management with complete entertainment services, this place now attracts tens of thousands of visitors each weekend.

1.1. Location

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is located in Hoan Kiem Ward (phường Hoàn Kiếm), right in the center of Hanoi Capital. This area includes streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake such as: Dinh Tien Hoang (Đinh Tiên Hoàng), Le Thai To (Lê Thái Tổ), Dinh Le (Đinh Lễ), Trang Tien (Tràng Tiền), Ba Trieu (Bà Triệu), Lo Su (Lò Sũ), Hang Bai (Hàng Bài), Le Lai (Lê Lai), Le Thach (Lê Thạch), etc.

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street connects with the southern area of the Old Quarter walking route, creating a large cultural-entertainment space (Source: Internet)

1.2. Operating hours

The Ho Guom (Hồ Gươm) Walking Street operates regularly on 3 weekend days, from 19:00 Friday to 24:00 Sunday every week.

During major holidays such as Tet (Tết Nguyên Đán), Hung Kings' Death Anniversary (giỗ tổ Hùng Vương), and major national cultural events, the walking street's operating hours may be extended according to local government announcements.

Note: In bad weather conditions (heavy rain, storms), walking street activities may be temporarily suspended to ensure safety for residents and tourists.

1.3. Outstanding activities

Ho Guom Walking Street is not only an ideal place to stroll in the heart of the capital but also a vibrant cultural space with many rich activities that carry the distinctive essence of Hanoi:

Street art performances: Traditional folk songs (hát xẩm), court music (ca trù), contemporary folk music, modern dance, acoustic performances, etc. Especially, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater (Nhà hát Múa rối nước Thăng Long) near the lake is also an attractive destination with many shows for international and domestic visitors.

Arts and handicrafts: Portrait drawing and sketching, artistic tattooing, calligraphy writing, clay figurine making (nặn tò he), silk cocoon pulling demonstrations, handicraft product stalls, etc.

Domestic and international cultural exchanges: Many art programs from ASEAN countries, South Korea, Japan, cultural-musical events from major brands and companies have been organized at the walking street, creating a diverse and colorful open space.

Folk games and recreational activities: Small areas around the lake often organize traditional games like mandarin square capturing (ô ăn quan), tug of war, jump rope, blindfolded goat catching, kite flying, statue painting, wooden block stacking, shuttlecock kicking, magic shows, electric car riding, etc. The cheerful atmosphere especially attracts children.

Community activities: Book reading clubs, outdoor art photo exhibitions, walking for the environment, campaigns against plastic waste, etc., attracting active participation from residents and tourists.

Culinary exploration: The walking street and surrounding areas are home to hundreds of food stalls with complete delicious dishes with authentic Hanoi flavors such as bun thang, banh cuon (bánh cuốn), pho bo (phở bò), bun cha (bún chả), Trang Tien ice cream (kem Tràng Tiền), grass jelly yogurt (sữa chua thạch lá nếp), bun moc (bún mọc), La Vong grilled fish (chả cá Lã Vọng), snails (ốc), cartilage rib porridge (cháo sườn sụn), egg coffee (cà phê trứng), etc.

Sightseeing landmarks: Special structures around the lake such as Ngoc Son Temple (đền Ngọc Sơn), The Huc Bridge (cầu Thê Húc), Ly Thai To statue (tượng đài Lý Thái Tổ).

Night market strolling and shopping: Streets like Hang Dao (Hàng Đào), Hang Ngang (Hàng Ngang) become bustling night markets with many stalls selling clothes, handbags, jewelry, perfume, glasses and souvenirs.

This is the busiest walking street in the capital (Source: Internet)

Many cultural-entertainment events take place here (Source: Internet)

This is also a place that attracts many young people with various entertainment activities and cultural art performances (Source: Internet)

Many outstanding activities for both adults and children (Source: Internet)

Visitors to the walking street should not forget to stroll and visit famous scenic spots (Source: Internet)

1.4. Transportation guide

Transportation guide: Visitors can choose the following transportation methods:

• Bus: Routes 09A, 09B, 14, 31, 31, 36, 86, 146 all stop near Hoan Kiem Lake area.
  
• Ride-hailing, taxi: Choose destinations around Hoan Kiem Lake shore area, drivers will take you to the closest stop to the walking street.
  
• Cat Linh - Ha Dong Metro: Take line 2A or line 3 stopping at Hanoi Station (ga Hà Nội), then take taxi, ride-hailing motorbike, bus or cyclo to the walking street.
  

Note: During walking street operating hours, roads around the lake prohibit cars and motorbikes. People should choose public transportation or walk.

Parking guide: Around Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street there are 78 vehicle parking points serving tourists.

• Tourist buses over 25 seats: Park at Tran Quang Khai stone yard area (bãi đá phố Trần Quang Khải), Tran Khanh Du parking point (điểm đỗ xe Trần Khánh Dư), and Phung Hung parking point (điểm đỗ xe Phùng Hưng).
  
• Private cars: Park on sidewalks at 5 Quang Trung, or at points on Tran Nguyen Han (Trần Nguyên Hãn) and 3 Trieu Tong Dan (Triệu Tông Đản), Tran Quang Khai parking lot (bãi xe Trần Quang Khải), Tran Nhat Duat (Trần Nhật Duật), Co Tan flower garden (vườn hoa Cổ Tân) or basement levels of shopping centers like Trang Tien Plaza.
  
• Motorbikes: Areas on Ly Thai To (Lý Thái Tổ), Trang Tien (Tràng Tiền), Hai Ba Trung (Hai Bà Trưng), Tran Nguyen Han (Trần Nguyên Hãn) streets all have parking points with clearly posted prices.
  

Parking fees:

• Motorbike parking from 8,000 - 50,000 VND/time. During peak occasions like holidays and Tet, prices may increase.
• Car parking from 30,000 - 100,000 VND/time. Some areas allow car parking at rates from 25,000 VND/hour.

2. Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Street

This is a walking street route located in the Old Quarter area - a key tourism zone of Hanoi. This place has been expanded and connected with Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street, while being associated with bustling night market culture.

2.1. Location and operating hours

The Hanoi Old Quarter walking space is concentrated on streets: Hang Dao (Hàng Đào), Hang Ngang (Hàng Ngang), Hang Duong (Hàng Đường), Dong Xuan (Đồng Xuân), Hang Khoai (Hàng Khoai), Hang Giay (Hàng Giầy). This area extends from the north of Hoan Kiem Lake to Dong Xuan Market (chợ Đồng Xuân).

This area operates from 19:00 - 24:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings weekly. Note that operating hours may be adjusted during major holidays according to local government directives.

Map of Old Quarter walking route - marked in red, distinguished from Hoan Kiem Lake walking route marked in orange (Source: Internet)

2.2. Outstanding activities

Night market exploration: Stretching from Hang Dao to Hang Giay are hundreds of handicraft, fashion, accessory, souvenir, and street food stalls sold vibrantly.

Folk arts and traditional performances: Areas near Bach Ma Temple (đền Bạch Mã) and Dong Xuan Market often organize performances of court music (ca trù), folk songs (quan họ), water puppetry (múa rối cạn), sap dance (múa sạp), etc.

Vibrant dining and entertainment on Ta Hien Street (phố Tạ Hiện): Known as Hanoi's "beer street", Ta Hien Street concentrates sidewalk beer joints, Western-style pubs, fast food and street music groups creating an extremely lively atmosphere.

Traditional craft displays and demonstrations: On special occasions like Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung thu), festival occasions, areas on Hang Ma (Hàng Mã), Hang Luoc (Hàng Lược), Hang Dong (Hàng Đồng) streets will organize activities demonstrating lantern making, wood carving, clay figurine making (tò he), hand embroidery, etc.

Visiting notable points: Dong Xuan Market, Bach Ma Temple, 87 Ma May ancient house (nhà cổ 87 Mã Mây).

Old Quarter Walking Street (Source: Internet)

The Old Quarter walking street area is an excellent place for tourists who want to explore the city at night (Source: Internet)

Old Quarter night market (Source: Internet)

This is also an ideal place to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs (Source: Internet)

2.3. Transportation guide

Transportation guide:

• Bus: Routes 01, 03A, 11, 23, 31, 36, 36CT have stops near Dong Xuan Market, Ly Nam De (Lý Nam Đế) or Tran Nhat Duat areas.
  
• Ride-hailing, taxi: Tourists can stop at Hang Giay - Hang Dau (Hàng Giấy - Hàng Đậu) intersection or Tran Nhat Duat, then walk into the Old Quarter.
  
• Walking from Ho Guom Walking Street: Only takes about 5 - 10 minutes moving along Hang Dao to Hang Ngang direction.
  

Parking guide:

• Motorbikes can be parked at points on Hang Ma, Luong Ngoc Quyen (Lương Ngọc Quyến), Hang Buom (Hàng Buồm), Phat Loc alley (ngõ Phát Lộc).
  
• Cars park at public parking lots on Tran Nhat Duat (under Long Bien Bridge), Phung Hung Street (phố Phùng Hưng) or hotel basements around there.
  

Parking fees: Motorbikes 8,000 - 50,000 VND/time depending on time and location. Cars from 50,000 VND/time.

3. Tran Nhan Tong - Thien Quang Lake Walking Street

This is a new walking space in the center of Hai Ba Trung District (quận Hai Bà Trưng), harmoniously combining lake scenery, parks and community activities.

3.1. Location and operating hours

Tran Nhan Tong Walking Street (Phố đi bộ Trần Nhân Tông) is located in Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, including the Tran Nhan Tong street section (from Quang Trung intersection to Tran Binh Trong five-way intersection), the main axis of Thong Nhat Park (công viên Thống Nhất) (from park gate to Bay Mau Lake (hồ Bảy Mẫu)) and the entire flower garden, greenery, and walking path area around Thien Quang Lake (hồ Thiền Quang).

Operating hours

• Summer: From 7:30 Saturday to 24:00 Sunday.
• Winter: From 8:00 Saturday to 24:00 Sunday.
• Operating on holidays and events according to city plans.

Tran Nhan Tong Walking Street area (Source: Internet)

3.2. Outstanding activities

Art performances at the outdoor stage area of Thong Nhat Park, with music, dance, short drama, street art programs.

Folk games and sports: Activities like tug of war, jump rope, shuttlecock kicking, roller skating attract many families and young people to participate.

Food and handicraft stalls: Along the street there are stalls selling snacks, drinks and traditional handicraft products.

Visiting notable points: Thien Quang Lake, Thong Nhat Park, Tuoi Tre Theater (nhà hát Tuổi Trẻ).

Tran Nhan Tong Walking Street (Source: Internet)

Tran Nhan Tong Walking Street (Source: Internet)

3.3. Transportation guide

Transportation guide

• Bus: Tourists can take bus routes stopping near Thien Quang Lake area such as routes 03A, 32, 43, 09B, 11, 38, 40, 43, 11CT, 30CT.
  
• Ride-hailing, taxi: Can stop at Quang Trung, Nguyen Du (Nguyễn Du), or Tran Nhan Tong streets, then walk a few minutes to reach the destination.
  

Parking: There are many motorbike parking lots arranged on streets like Tran Nhan Tong, Quang Trung, Nguyen Du, and around Thien Quang Lake.

Parking fees: Motorbikes from 5,000 VND/time, cars from 30,000 VND/time.

4. Dao Ngoc - Ngu Xa Walking Street

This is a small lakeside walking street by Truc Bach Lake (hồ Trúc Bạch), notable for its traditional culinary space and peaceful scenery near the Old Quarter.

4.1. Location and operating hours

Dao Ngoc - Ngu Xa Walking Street (Phố đi bộ Đảo Ngọc - Ngũ Xã) is located on Truc Bach peninsula, in Truc Bach Ward (phường Trúc Bạch), Ba Dinh District (quận Ba Đình), Hanoi. This area includes 7 streets: Ngu Xa (Ngũ Xã), Nguyen Khac Hieu (Nguyễn Khắc Hiếu), Tran Te Xuong (Trần Tế Xương), Mac Dinh Chi (Mạc Đĩnh Chi), Nam Trang (Nam Tràng), Lac Chinh (Lạc Chính) and Tran Vu (Trấn Vũ).

Operating hours: Friday from 18:00 - 22:00, Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 - 22:00.

Dao Ngoc - Ngu Xa Walking Street area (marked in red) located by Truc Bach Lake (Source: Internet)

4.2. Outstanding activities

Dao Ngoc - Ngu Xa Walking Street mainly attracts tourists thanks to its distinctive culinary space with many famous shops. Famous dishes such as fresh spring rolls (phở cuốn), fried pho (phở chiên phồng), shrimp cakes (bánh tôm), fried spring rolls (nem rán) are sold along Ngu Xa and Nguyen Khac Hieu streets.

Besides, some OCOP stalls, handicrafts and small-scale art performances are also organized during holidays, helping the street space become more lively while maintaining the quiet characteristics of the Truc Bach Lake area.

Dao Ngoc - Ngu Xa culinary walking street (Source: Internet)

The street route located along the cool Truc Bach Lake shore (Source: Internet)

This is one of the distinctive night food streets in the capital (Source: Internet)

4.3. Transportation guide

Tourists can choose the following transportation methods:

• Bus: Bus routes 31, 50, 55, 58 have stops near the walking street area.
  
• Private vehicles or ride-hailing: Travel via Tran Vu, Thanh Nien (Thanh Niên), or from Phan Dinh Phung Street (phố Phan Đình Phùng).
  
• Walking: From the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake area, tourists can walk across Long Bien Bridge (cầu Long Biên) or Chuong Duong Bridge (cầu Chương Dương) to reach Dao Ngoc - Ngu Xa Walking Street.
  

Parking guide:

• Motorbikes: Park at parking lots on Tran Vu, Thanh Nien streets or near Truc Bach Park (công viên Trúc Bạch).
  
• Cars: The nearest parking lot is on Phan Dinh Phung Street, Quan Thanh Street (phố Quán Thánh) or areas near Tran Quoc Pagoda (chùa Trấn Quốc).
  

Parking fees: From 10,000 VND/time

5. Ngoc Khanh Lake Walking Street

Located in Ba Dinh District, Ngoc Khanh Lake Walking Street (Phố đi bộ hồ Ngọc Khánh) is becoming a new highlight for inner-city public spaces. With a total water surface area of about 3.6 hectares, this area brings an airy, fresh space, very suitable for recreational and relaxation activities.

Location

Ngoc Khanh Lake Walking Street stretches around Ngoc Khanh Lake (Hồ Ngọc Khánh), including Pham Huy Thong Street (phố Phạm Huy Thông) and adjacent alleys such as alleys 535, 575, 523 Kim Ma Street (phố Kim Mã) and alley 998 La Thanh (La Thành).

Operating hours: 18:00 - 22:00 Friday, 7:00 - 22:00 Saturday and Sunday weekly.

Ngoc Khanh Lake area (Source: Internet)

Outstanding activities

Ngoc Khanh Lake Walking Street offers many diverse activities, attracting visitors of all ages:

Dining: Food and beverage stalls are arranged along the lake shore, creating a cool and romantic space for tourists to enjoy delicious food and enjoy the scenery.

Cultural activities: Organizing cultural programs and street art on weekends and festival occasions.

Visiting the reconstructed Giang Vo Duong (Giảng Võ Đường): The area will reconstruct some details reminiscent of Giang Vo Duong - a place for martial arts training and military drills during the Le Dynasty, aiming to create cultural and historical highlights.

Visiting notable points: Don't forget to visit Ngoc Khanh Lake and Ngoc Khanh Communal House (đình Ngọc Khánh) to fully feel the beauty and tranquility of this area.

The street route was built based on the idea of recalling Giang Vo Duong (Source: Internet)

The walking street route stretches along peaceful Ngoc Khanh Lake (Source: Internet)

This is an ideal destination for tourists who love quietness and tranquility (Source: Internet)

Transportation guide

To reach Ngoc Khanh Lake Walking Street, you can choose the following transportation:

Transportation guide:

• Bus: Bus routes 09, 25, 32, 34, 38 have stops near Ngoc Khanh Lake area.
  
• Private vehicles or ride-hailing: Tourists can reach this area via Kim Ma, Nguyen Chi Thanh (Nguyễn Chí Thanh), La Thanh roads.
  

Parking guide: Park at parking lots arranged around the walking street area. Pay attention to signs or ask local people to find convenient parking locations.

Parking fees: From 5,000 VND/time

6. Son Tay Ancient Citadel Walking Street

The only walking street route located outside central Hanoi, associated with the Ancient Citadel relic and Doai region cultural space (không gian văn hóa xứ Đoài). After 3 years of operation, this place has attracted over 1.3 million visitors.

Location

Son Tay Ancient Citadel Walking Street (Phố đi bộ Thành cổ Sơn Tây) is located in Son Tay Town (thị xã Sơn Tây), Hanoi, about 40 - 50km from the city center.

The street area surrounds the moat and ancient citadel walls, with a total length of about 820m and a usage area of over 34,000m². The main routes include: Pho Duc Chinh (Phó Đức Chính), Phan Chu Trinh (Phan Chu Trinh), walking path around the citadel moat, central flower garden and square in front of the Town Cultural Center.

Operating hours: From 19:00 Saturday to 12:00 Sunday weekly.

Son Tay Ancient Citadel Walking Street route (Source: Internet)

Outstanding activities

Cultural-artistic performances: Music, water puppetry, folk dancing, street performances, painting, photo, book and newspaper exhibitions.

Folk games: Activities such as clay figurine making (tò he), calligraphy writing, sap dancing, tug of war are regularly organized, attracting many residents and tourists to participate.

Food and souvenir stalls: About over 50 stalls are allowed to do business in the walking street area, introducing Doai region specialty dishes and handicraft products.

Visiting notable points: Visit the Son Tay ancient citadel relic built from 1882, stroll under the cool and fresh green canopy space.

Son Tay Ancient Citadel Walking Street area (Source: Internet)

Cultural activities at Son Tay Ancient Citadel Walking Street (Source: Internet)

Small-scale art performance groups at the walking street (Source: Internet)

Transportation guide

Tourists can travel conveniently by the following means:

• Bus: Bus routes 70, 71 or 77 from central Hanoi to Son Tay Town.
  
• Private vehicles or ride-hailing: From central Hanoi, take National Highway 32 about 50km to Son Tay Town.
  

Parking guide: Motorbikes and cars park at parking lots arranged around the walking street area, such as Son Tay Town stadium, Town Cultural Center and adjacent streets.

Parking fees: Motorbikes from 5,000 VND/time, cars from 10,000 VND/time.

Note: Update Son Tay Town forum page on social networks to know information about free parking lots during festivals or major events.

Planned walking street routes

Besides the routes already in operation, Hanoi is planning to develop many new walking spaces to expand public spaces, connect cultural-historical areas and enhance urban experience for residents and tourists:

• Hoang Cau - Hao Nam Walking Street: This street route aims to connect living, cultural and artistic spaces. The space along To Lich River (sông Tô Lịch) will be renovated to serve pedestrians and community activities.
  
• Walking street combined with Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam cultural space: Proposed at the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam historical relic site (khu di tích lịch sử Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám), this walking street route aims to preserve ancient cultural values.
  

From ancient streets bearing deep Hanoi cultural imprints to modern lakeside walking spaces close to nature, Hanoi walking street routes are not only places for strolling but also cultural, culinary and entertainment meeting points for both residents and tourists. If you have the opportunity to visit Hanoi on weekends, don't forget to plan to explore walking street routes like Ho Guom, Old Quarter or Son Tay Ancient Citadel. Let your feet guide you through vibrant cultural spaces, taste local specialties and immerse yourself in the dynamic rhythm of a city that is transforming day by day.