Hanoi Walking Street: 5 Top Things to Do

Hanoi walking street appeared from September 2016 with 16 streets around Hoan Kiem Lake. It was created to become an entertainment area as well as organize events, sports and cultural activities serving locals and tourists. Hanoi walking street only starts at weekend, which is from 19:00 hrs every Friday to 24:00 hrs every Sunday. This walking street has no strange to local people but not all tourists know it well. One of the tourists’ common question is about things to do in Hanoi walking street. Here are some suggestions for tourists.

Take part in fascinating Vietnamese folk games

Joining Vietnamese folk games is one of the most interesting activities in Hanoi walking street. Even though the street has no modern games or services, it still has its distinct attractive thanks to Vietnamese folk games reflecting traditional and cultural beauty. Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, people are met to play Keo Co (Tug of War), Nhay Bao Bo (Bag jumping), O An Quan (Mandarin square capturing), shuttlecock kicking, rope jumping, etc. These games attached to Vietnamese people’s childhood for a long time.

Besides, there are many games and activities taking place in Hanoi walking street. They attracted a large number of both locals and tourists. Although they are unfamiliar and do not know each other, everyone becomes closer and more connected when participating in the games. These folk games not only bring tourists interesting experience, but they also give a great chance to communicate with local people and explore the unique cultural beauty of Hanoians.

Take part in fascinating Vietnamese folk games

Try appealing local street food

Street food is one of the most fascinating things for tourists when visiting one destination. Coming to Hanoi without tasting local street food is a big mistake. Thus, one of the must-do things when reaching Hanoi walking street is trying local street food.

Wandering around walking street, there are countless food stalls sell delicious special dishes such as Nom Bo Kho (Green Papaya Salad with Dried Beef), Hoa qua dam (fruit beams), Tra chanh (Lemon iced tea), ice cream, etc. Besides, there are many famous street selling food associated with the childhood of many Hanoians such as Trang Tien street with Trang Tien ice-cream, Hoan Kiem lake with Thuy Ta ice cream. Besides, tourists can also drink beers and try spring rolls, chips on Ta Hien Street (also known as Beer Street in Hanoi). Additionally, there are some vending machines along the walking street where people can buy beverages such as mineral water, soft drinks at a very reasonable price (only about 0.2 – 0.5 USD per bottle).

Try appealing local street food

Read more: Hanoi street food tour

Enjoy incredible street music performances

One of the special features that attract most visitors to Hanoi walking street is the opportunity to enjoy live music performances from street groups with saxophone, flute, violin, etc. There are different styles and genres of music displayed from the excitement of Latin American music, the melodiousness of folk music, the dynamic tune of pop music, etc. Specifically, it is a great chance to connect locals and foreigners in exciting street dances displayed by talented artists. This is a wonderful activity for those loving music.

Enjoy incredible street music performances

Try portrait painting at Hanoi walking street

The next thing to do in Hanoi walking street is to try portrait painting. It is not difficult to find painting booths set up by talented portrait artists near Hoan Kiem Lake. There are around two or three people sitting in each booth. With only around 20 – 30 minutes, artists finish masterpieces of incredibly realistic and vivid portraits with skillful lines. Besides, it is a great chance to hear funny stories and interesting sharing from artists.

Try Portrait Painting At Hanoi Walking Street

Do shopping at the night market

Hanoi walking street is not only famous for the above interesting activities but also for the shopping area. Shopping at the night market and around Old Quarter is also must-do activities in Hanoi walking street. Hanoi night market starts from 18:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. There are a variety of items selling at night market such as fabric, clothes, street food, souvenirs, accessories, etc. It is a favorite place for shopaholics as well as tourists to buy gifts for family members, friends at home. How great it is to go shopping and buy goods with a reasonable price at the same area.

Do Shopping At The Night Market

In conclusion, Hanoi walking street is one of the favorite destinations in which tourists should pay a visit. With the top 5 things to do in Hanoi walking street above, we hope to provide useful information for those having plans to visit Vietnam in the future.

Vana Pham 

Image source: Internet