Hang Bong Street

Street in Hanoi

PhoHangBong — Public Domain / Newone (talk)

Hàng Bông (French: Rue du Coton) is an ancient street extending approximately 932 meters from the intersection of Hàng Bông – Hàng Gai – Hàng Trống – Hàng Hòm to the former city gate, Cửa Nam (South Gate). Historically home to cotton dealers and makers of clothes and winter blankets, today’s Hàng Bông is one of Hanoi’s busiest shopping streets, lined with art galleries, and silk and clothing shops.

Originally, this street was composed of various sections, each with its own name, such as Hang Hai (or Hang Bong Hai), Hang Manh (known for shops selling comedy shoes, hats, and paper worship items), Hang Bong Dem (populated by sellers of cotton balls and blankets), Hang Bong Banyan Tree Cua Quyen (which featured a small temple dedicated to Co Quyen with a nearby banyan tree), Hang Bong Lo (where various fish were sold), Hang Bong Tho Nhuom (home to silk fabric dyers in the early 20th century), and Hang Bong Alley (referred to as Rue Lhonde during the French colonial era).

During the French period, Hang Bong Street was home to many print houses, bookstores, and journalists. It was notorious for traffic accidents involving trams before 1991. Since the turn of the 21st century, Hang Bong has become synonymous with luxurious fashion, surpassing rival streets like Hang Dao, Luong Van Can, and Tran Nhan Tong. The street now features the upscale Silk Path Hotel, which replaced the former music tea rooms popular among artists and creative individuals.

At night, Hang Bong Street is a popular gathering spot for young people and students, attracted by the affordable fried and grilled spring rolls sold at the corner of Hang Bong junction and Tam Thuong Alley. Toward the end of the street, on the right-hand side (even-numbered), there is a pastry shop famous among backpackers. During festive occasions, the street is bustling with vendors selling flags and T-shirts.

The Hang Bong Street appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

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