Hang Gai Street, Hanoi

It is convenient and easy to buy local gifts or souvenirs for your family and friends. One of the most favorite items that tourists choose to buy as gifts is silk – a Vietnamese conventional handicraft product. And Hang Gai Street (also called Silk Street Hanoi) is an ideal and well-known place where you can find the best silk products ever. 

I. The Legacy of Vietnamese Silk

Vietnamese silk stands as a testament to centuries of craftsmanship. This lustrous fabric, woven from natural protein fibers, begins its journey with silkworms feasting on mulberry leaves. When mature, these silkworms create cocoons that skilled artisans transform into one of Vietnam’s most precious textiles.

The material’s enduring popularity stems from its remarkable properties. Vietnamese silk adapts perfectly to the country’s tropical climate, keeping wearers cool during sweltering summers while providing warmth in winter months. Its natural sheen and elegant drape have made it a cornerstone of Vietnamese fashion.

II. History of Hang Gai Street

Hang Gai Street, nestled in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, tells a fascinating story of transformation. During the Le Dynasty, it was known as the Street of Hemp, serving as a vital commercial route from the Nhi Ha river to Thang Long imperial citadel. The street’s original name “Gai” comes from hemp plants (cây gai) used for making hammocks and ropes.

Today, the ancient Co Vu communal house at number 85 stands as a silent witness to this history. A majestic banyan tree shades its entrance, while inside, locals still worship Bach Ma and Linh Lang, the tutelary gods of old Thang Long villages.

The Evolution of Hanoi’s Silk Trading Hub

• Originally named “Street of Hemp” during Le Dynasty
• Located in ancient Co Vu village, Thang Long citadel
• Transformed from hemp trading to silk commerce
• Historical landmark: Co Vu communal house (85 Hang Gai)

III. Highlights of Hang Gai Street

Hang Gai is one of “36 streets” of the Old Quarter, which remains many precious cultural sites and helps us find out different sides about daily life and the notion of old Thang Long people to choose, inherit and build Hanoi Old Quarter area in city center.

One of the most special features of Hang Gai street is a harmonious combination between houses’ design, stores’ architecture, and religious places. All of them create a unique beauty, not only traditional but also modern.

Most houses are built based on traditional architectural styles. In front of the house, the width is quite short, about 2 to 4 meters but the length is from 20 to 60 meters. 

Today, the houses and stores are renovated so that they are suitable for contemporary life. One more highlight is almost households here trade in silk as well as services about silk. This also reflects a specific business activity of each street in “36 streets” in Hanoi.

The street has evolved into Hanoi’s premier silk destination, housing over one hundred specialized boutiques within its 250-meter stretch. Each shop offers unique collections, from ready-to-wear items to custom-tailored pieces with:

• 100+ specialized boutiques
• Custom tailoring services
• Contemporary fashion meets traditional craft

IV. What to Do at Hang Gai street?

1. Buying Silk and Souvenirs

Buying silk and souvenirs is the main activity in Hang Gai street. 

Silk is supplied by Van Phuc famous silk village so its quality is guaranteed, the design is diversified, the color is eye-catching which meets various demands and tastes. You can also choose and buy some nice souvenirs for your family and friends.

Besides that, there are available tailor shops where you can suits or outfits with good quality only within 24 hours. However, if you want your suit more perfect, give them more time.

Notable Boutiques

• Cu Thanh: Premium fabrics
• Hoa Silk: Signature scarves
• Kelly Silk: Quick tailoring service
• Tan My Design: Contemporary designs

2. Wandering Around and Taking Photos

Hang Gai offers more than silk shopping – it’s a living museum of Hanoi’s commercial heritage. The street’s architecture reveals layers of history, from traditional Vietnamese designs to French colonial influences.

Take time to wander the street, photographing its ancient facades and observing local life. The blend of old and new creates a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of modern Hanoi.

V. How to Get there

To get to Hang Gai, you can walk from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, cross Hang Hom, Hang Trong or from Hang Bong, and then you go across Luong Van Can Street. Some means of transportation you can choose are bus, taxi, motorbike, pedicab,…

• Walking distance from Hoan Kiem Lake
• Bus routes: 01, 02, 08, 09, 14, 31, 36
• Grab taxi or motorcycle services
• Use Google Maps for navigation

VI. Shopping Tips on Hang Gai Street

The best time to visit Hang Gai is during afternoon hours when shopkeepers are more inclined to offer better prices.

• Always bargain for a good price: The price that shop owners say is always higher than the real price. Therefore, you should begin at 50% off the price that the buyer asked and you shouldn’t pay an extra 70%.
• Be careful that you might be cheated when buying silk: because it’s not authentic Vietnamese traditional silk with high quality, but can be imported from China that is shoddy, fake Vietnamese origin labels or even without clear origin. That’s why you should choose to buy silk-made products in a prestigious boutique.

While shopping, take time to appreciate the street’s unique architecture. Traditional tube houses stretch deep into their plots, combining living spaces with commercial areas in a distinctly Hanoian style.

With traditional and modern beauty and famous silk products, Hang Gai becomes one of the most lively shopping areas where you must visit when you travel to Hanoi. Not only is it a wonderful shopping paradise, but it also bears the hallmark of old Thang Long in the center of Hanoi- an active and developing city.

Hang Gai is a favorite and must-see destination for tourists, especially shopping-lovers when they visit and explore Hanoi Old Quarter. If you have a chance to come to Hanoi, don’t miss this attractive place. Don’t hesitate to comment below and share your emotions and truthful experience after visiting.