Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street: A Vibrant Hub for Leisure and Recreation in Hanoi
In the heart of Hanoi, the Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street has become a vibrant hub for leisure and recreation, attracting both tourists and locals alike. Opened officially in September 2016 after a successful two-year pilot, the pedestrian street area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake is now accessible every weekend, starting from 7 p.m. on Fridays and ending at midnight on Sundays.
The walking street stretches through downtown streets, including Trang Tien, Dinh Le, and the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake itself. Alongside a night market and street food area, the street expands into streets such as Hang Duong, Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Buom, Ma May, and Hang Giay, ultimately ending at Dong Xuan Market.
The popularity of the walking street has grown over the years, with both domestic and international visitors flocking to the area. On average, 25,000 to 35,000 people visit the walking street each weekend, while during the Lunar New Year, the numbers can surge up to 50,000.
Getting to the Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street is made easy with various transportation options. First-time visitors can choose taxi services or ride-sharing platforms for convenience. For those traveling on motorcycles or bicycles, there are numerous parking facilities available around the lake. Car parking options can be found around the Vietnam National Museum of History near the Hanoi Opera House and other nearby streets.
Public transportation routes also cater to Hoan Kiem Lake, with bus lines 08, 09, 14, 31, 36, and 86 serving the area.
The Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Alongside traditional games, street performers entertain crowds with music, dances, magic acts, and various other performances. Water puppetry at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is also a popular attraction. This long-standing institution offers captivating shows, including Uncle Teu’s Tale and the Dance of the Four Holy Beasts.
Exploring Hoan Kiem Lake can be done through the double-decker bus tours that start and end near the Toad Flower Garden next to the walking street. These tours take visitors to landmarks such as the Vietnam Military History Museum, Quan Thanh Temple, and even the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Tickets for the bus tours can be purchased on-site or online.
Children can also enjoy a range of activities along the walking street, including traditional games such as Mandarin square capturing and bamboo jacks. They can also ride kids’ electric cars, rollerblade, paint statues, and participate in reading activities.
Exploring the culinary delights of the Hoan Kiem Lake area is a must-do. The night market offers a range of clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs, while lakeside cafes provide a cozy atmosphere with picturesque lake views. Sample the famous green papaya salad with beef jerky, indulge in mixed fruits at To Tich Street, or try the renowned Trang Tien ice cream on Trang Tien Street.
Within a 500-meter to 1-kilometer radius of the Hoan Kiem pedestrian street, there are numerous options for enjoying authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Dishes such as pho, snail noodle soup, sticky rice, and fermented pork rolls are among the many delicious offerings available.
Visitors to the walking street are reminded to inquire about parking prices, as they can vary around Hoan Kiem Lake. Additionally, keeping the area clean is encouraged, with conveniently located trash cans and public toilets available.
The Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street in Hanoi has undoubtedly become a vibrant hub for leisure and recreation. With its mix of cultural experiences, delicious food, and entertainment options, it has become an iconic destination for locals and tourists alike.
