Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Street – The lively heart of Hanoi, is not only a place to stroll but also a popular meeting spot for those who love vibrant energy. This article will guide you through the activities schedule, the routes to get here, and the must-try experiences at Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Street, where every corner tells a unique story.
1. Introduction to Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street
Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street officially opened on September 1, 2016, as a bridge connecting Vietnamese culture with people from all walks of life. The pedestrian area is open every weekend, from Friday to Sunday, with summer hours from 7 p.m. to midnight and winter hours from 6 p.m. to midnight, creating a lively and exciting space for both locals and tourists.
As you stroll along the streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake, such as Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Khay, and Le Thai To, you’ll feel the bustling yet colorful life of Hanoi. Streets like Le Lai, Tran Nguyen Han, and Dinh Le each have their own unique beauty, inviting you to explore and enjoy the lively atmosphere that only this place can offer.
2. How to get to Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street
Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street, located in the heart of Hanoi, is easily accessible to visitors from all directions. You can choose from various transportation options, but motorbikes or buses remain the quickest and most convenient choices.
If you decide to ride a motorbike, follow the familiar roads: Cau Giay – Kim Ma – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Ba Trieu – and stop by Hoan Kiem Lake, where the stories of Hanoi seem to intertwine. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Routes such as 02 from Yen Nghia Bus Station, 31 from University of Mining, or 34 from My Dinh Bus Station will bring you closer to the bustling atmosphere of the pedestrian street. Each trip is not only about transportation but also a journey to discover the beauty of this thousand-year-old city.
3. Parking Fees and Locations for Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street
3.1. Bicycle and motorbike parking locations:
- Hai Ba Trung: In front of houses numbered 1-3, 11, 28-32, 35, 38A, 5, 7-9, 8, 15, 17, 27, 42A-42M, 52A, 54.
- Numbers 37, 41, 40, 29F, 44, 23L, 23K, 23T, 22B, 38, 34, 48 Hai Ba Trung.
- Quang Trung: Near the fence of the National Library.
- Numbers 2E, 2D, 3C, 3 Quang Trung.
- Ngo Quyen: In front of houses 18-20, 08, 2-4, 14, 16, 18D, 6, 1B, 12, 21, 25 on the opposite side of the State Bank.
- Ly Thai To: In front of houses 55-57, 58-60, 34, 36, 51.
- Numbers 61 Ly Thai To + Ly Dao Thanh.
- Number 11 Le Phung Hieu.
- Dien Hong Park.
- Numbers 28-34 Ba Trieu.
- Even side of Hang Bai Street.
- Odd side of Hang Bai Street.
- Hang Gai sidewalk.
- Ly Thai To sidewalk.
3.2. Car parking locations at Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street for passenger cars:
- Ly Thai To (from Lo Su to Le Lai): 29 spots.
- Ngo Quyen (from house numbers 16-22): 21 spots.
- Hai Ba Trung (in front of houses 34-38): 6 spots.
- Quang Trung (from Hai Ba Trung to Trang Thi): 11 spots.
- Le Phung Hieu (Dien Hong Park): 10 spots.
- Co Tan (Co Tan Park): 11 spots.
- Tran Nhat Duat (multi-story parking lot): 91 spots.
- Phung Hung (on the sidewalk and road): 67 spots.
- 5 Quang Trung: 18 spots.
- Tran Nguyen Han (from Ngo Quyen to Tong Dan): 3 spots.
- Tong Dan (from Trang Tien to Ly Dao Thanh): 8 spots.
- Hang Bai (from Hai Ba Trung to Trang Thi, opposite Trang Tien Plaza): 10 spots.
For buses and tourist cars with more than 25 seats:
- Parking at Tran Khanh Du (near the History Museum’s wall).
- Parking at Tran Quang Khai (stone parking area).
- Parking at Phung Hung (intersection of Le Van Linh – Phan Dinh Phung).
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3.3. Important notes when parking:
- Choose parking lots with listed prices regulated by the Ward People’s Committee for transparency.
- Avoid parking at spontaneous lots to prevent inflated fees that don’t comply with regulations.
- Before leaving your vehicle, carefully check the location where you parked and the license plate to easily find it later.
- Always ask for the price before parking your vehicle at a parking lot.
- Bring cash and important documents, along with your parking ticket, and keep them with you, not in the trunk, to avoid theft while parking.
4. Exciting Experiences at Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street
4.1. Enjoy fraditional folk games
Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Street is like a vibrant painting in the heart of Hanoi on weekends. Here, the sound of laughter and lively conversations blends with the hustle and bustle of the city, creating an energetic atmosphere. Traditional Vietnamese folk games such as “O an quan” (a mancala game), tug of war, and shuttlecock tossing are often held throughout the streets, turning these small alleys into lively and familiar spaces.
Each laugh, each excited gaze from the players not only brings joy but also breathes life into the area, making people feel as though they’ve returned to their childhood. These games are not just moments of fun but also serve as a bridge, connecting the youth and helping them bond in the fast-paced life. Here, visitors not only find joy but also revive beautiful memories, temporarily forgetting the pressures of daily life.
4.2. Enjoy street art performances
As you walk along the streets in Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Zone, you’ll easily spot groups of artists performing, bringing a colorful and lively atmosphere. The sounds of Latin music blend with soothing melodies, from pop music to classical orchestras, traditional Vietnamese music, and folk performances, all creating a vibrant symphony for this space.
The image of people gathering together, swaying to the music, and singing along in harmony, no longer needing to dodge traffic, has become a beautiful part of Hanoi’s pedestrian street. These simple but meaningful moments are what make the pedestrian street unique, drawing everyone to visit and immerse themselves in the warm and familiar atmosphere of life here.
4.3. Participate in special events and programs at Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street
This place is not just a leisurely spot; it’s also where colorful and lively events take place. From grand music festivals, exciting brand events, bustling fairs, to rich food festivals, everything contributes to the dynamic cultural scene of the capital.
Each event is a delightful piece of the puzzle, offering new and unexpected experiences. You will gain a deeper understanding of the diversity and energy of Hanoi, a city where life never stops. Amid the cheerful sounds and vibrant colors, you will feel like you’ve stepped into another world, where everyone comes together in rhythm, sharing joy and love for the city.
4.4. Take stunning photos for social media a must-do activity when visiting Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Street
This area is like a treasure trove of photogenic spots, from the impressive Hanoi Moi Newspaper building, the majestic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, to cafes with views of trains passing by, and the colorful Phung Hung Mural Street.
On weekends, when traffic is restricted, you can leisurely wander and pose for photos in these stunning locations without worrying about congestion. You don’t need an expensive camera to capture impressive, “like-worthy” photos that will leave everyone in awe.
4.5. Stroll and admire Hoan Kiem lake at night
As the sun gradually sets, Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Street wraps itself in a romantic atmosphere, glowing with the warm yellow light of street lamps. Visitors can leisurely walk around the lake, enjoying the peaceful and poetic ambiance along with the cool breeze.
Simply find a perfect spot to sit, and you’ll be able to admire the stunning view where unique architectural landmarks like the Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, and The Huc Bridge blend seamlessly with the colors of the sunset. This moment feels like a poem, helping you slow down, let go of the daily worries, and embrace the simple yet meaningful beauty of life around you. It’s a perfect opportunity to temporarily leave behind the pressures of life and find inner peace.
4.6. Watch water puppet shows at Thang Long water puppet theater
An exciting activity you shouldn’t miss when visiting Hanoi is to watch a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. This place is not just a performance venue, but also the heart of traditional water puppet art in Hanoi, helping to promote the beauty of this folk art form to visitors from all over.
At the theater, you’ll be able to enjoy many captivating performances such as “Buffalo Herd Blowing Flute,” “Dragon and Phoenix Dance,” and “Agriculture and Farming.” Each performance tells a lively story, carrying meaningful messages that resonate with everyday life. The performances are enhanced by the soothing sounds of traditional musical instruments like the two-stringed violin, the zither, and the monochord, combined with warm folk melodies, creating a rich cultural atmosphere.
4.7. Shopping Experience at Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street
As you stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Street, you’ll encounter street vendors selling colorful toys, souvenirs, and handicrafts. However, if you’re looking for a special souvenir, make sure to visit the lively night market along the streets of Hang Ngang and Hang Dao, where you’ll be amazed by a wide variety of products.
The pedestrian street is like a shopping paradise, offering all sorts of items from clothes, shoes, watches, to jewelry and small souvenirs. When you step into the shopping world here, don’t forget to haggle a bit, as the vendors might “overprice” the items initially.
4.8. Sip Coffee at Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street
Hoan Kiem coffee has become an essential part of the culture in Hanoi, deeply rooted in the lives of the locals and visitors who come to the capital. These coffee shops are not just places to enjoy a cup of delicious coffee but are also relaxing spots where you can admire the surroundings and find some peace after a stressful day.
Here are some coffee shops at Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Street that you shouldn’t miss:
- HaNoiTime Coffee: 30 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District
- I Feel Cafe Lounge: 63 Cau Go, Hang Bac and 19 – 21 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District
- L’etage Cafe: 9A Hang Khay, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District
- Cong Cafe: 116 Cau Go, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District
- Cafe Balcony: 4 Le Thai To, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District
5. Great Restaurants Near Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street, Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Street in Hanoi is not just a tourist destination; it is also a food paradise where you can explore a variety of delicious dishes, from noodles and pho to bánh mì and tempting street snacks, all filled with the authentic flavors of Hanoi. As part of your food tour, here is a list of 15 notable restaurants you should not miss:
- Kem Trang Tien: 35 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District
- Sup Thanh Hien: 96 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem District
- Xoi Ga Pate: 2 Luong Van Can, Hoan Kiem District
- Mr.100 Food & Drink: 23 Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem District
- Nem Chua Ran: Tam Thuong Alley, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem District
- Bun Ngan Chay Toi Minh Thu: 31 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District
- Banh Mi Nuong Muoi Ot: 50 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem District
- Nom Long Vi Dung: Stall 5 Hang Giay, Hoan Kiem District
- Xoi Ba Son: 46 Cau Go Alley, Hoan Kiem District
- King Roti: 34 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem District
- Oc Trang: 1A Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem District
- Chao Suon Quay: 2A Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District
- Banh Ran Hy Lap Lukulove: 5B Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem District
- Bun Rieu Nam Bo O Phuong: 71 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem District
- Hoa Qua Dam Kem: 17 To Tich, Hoan Kiem District
Each restaurant tells its own story, offering you a diverse and rich culinary experience. From the strong flavors of traditional dishes to creative innovations, you’ll easily find a dish that suits your taste. Dining here is not just about the food; each meal is an opportunity to feel the rhythm of the city, leaving you with beautiful memories and unforgettable flavors.
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6. What to Keep in Mind When Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian street?
The pedestrian street offers free wifi: both locals and visitors can access it from their smartphones or handheld devices by connecting to the network named “Freewifi_UBNDHANOI.”
For a complete experience, don’t forget to bring essential items such as a camera to capture memorable moments, a power bank so you don’t miss any moments, comfortable sneakers for easy walking, sunscreen to protect your skin, and an umbrella to shield yourself from unexpected rain showers.
Choosing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing will make it easier for you to participate in the various fun activities.
Always remember to ask for the price before using services or purchasing goods to avoid any unwanted surprises.
Above all, please maintain public hygiene by disposing of trash in the proper bins to help preserve the beauty of Hanoi’s streets, where beautiful memories will forever live in the hearts of everyone.
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7. Notable attractions near Hoan Kiem lake pedestrian street
In addition to the romantic beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian street, many other fascinating attractions await your exploration. These places not only offer exciting experiences but also blend with the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi, such as:
- Hanoi Opera House
- Hanoi Old Quarter
- Ta Hien Street
- Dong Xuan Market
- Hang Ma Street
- Train Street…
Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Street is not just a recreational space, but also a place that preserves the cultural and historical values of Hanoi. Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll not only experience the romantic beauty of the city but also embark on a journey to discover the spiritual and cultural values that are an essential part of Hanoi’s identity.
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