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The Thirty-Six Ancient Streets, located north of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam, are a distinctive and important commercial district in Hanoi. Each street here specializes in a specific product, such as the "Chinese Medicine Street," which sells traditional Chinese medicine, the "Watch Street," which sells watches and clocks, and the "Silk Street," which sells silk. The various handicrafts and souvenirs are among the cheapest in Vietnam, and the variety is also very comprehensive.
Suitable for all seasons
About 2 hours
free
All day
Thirty-six Lines Street is one of the oldest and most iconic streets in Hanoi, dating back to the 13th century. It was historically divided into 36 different guilds, each dedicated to a particular trade, such as silk, paper, or metalworking. Today, it serves as a key part of Hanoi's Old Quarter and offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
Thirty-six Lines Street is located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. It is easily accessible by taxi, motorbike, or by walking if you are staying in the Old Quarter area. There is no metro system in Hanoi, but buses and taxis are widely available.
The street is open all day, and you can explore it at any time. However, the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the streets are less crowded. If you want to experience the night market, visit in the evening from around 6 PM to 10 PM.
There is no entrance fee to visit Thirty-six Lines Street as it is a public area. You can freely walk around and explore without purchasing any tickets.
No, there is no need to book tickets in advance to explore Thirty-six Lines Street. It's open to the public and free to access at any time.
It typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to explore Thirty-six Lines Street, depending on how many stops you make for shopping, sightseeing, and eating.
Guided tours are available from local operators. They typically offer tours in English, Vietnamese, and sometimes French. Audio guides are not commonly available, but some guides may provide personal commentary during the tour.
The street is lively at night, especially with the weekend night market, which stretches along the street. There are no light shows or special tours, but the evening atmosphere is a must-see.
The street can be very crowded, especially during the weekend and evenings when the night market is open. The least crowded times are early mornings or weekdays, when the market is quieter.
There are many shops and restaurants along the street, offering traditional Vietnamese food, snacks, and beverages. Toilets are available in some cafes and restaurants, but not on the street itself. Water is sold in many convenience stores.
The street is not particularly accessible for disabled visitors due to its narrow paths and busy traffic. It is suitable for children and elderly visitors, though it can be crowded, so extra caution is needed.
Cash is widely used in the Old Quarter, especially in local shops and street vendors. Cards and mobile payments may be accepted in some larger establishments or more modern cafes and shops, but it's recommended to carry cash.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at several restaurants, especially in the cafes and eateries that cater to tourists. Halal food options may be available at select restaurants catering to Muslim travelers.
Yes, there are many souvenir shops along the street selling traditional Vietnamese items such as lacquerware, silk scarves, wooden carvings, and ethnic minority textiles.
Taxis and motorbike taxis are readily available for further exploration. Alternatively, you can walk to nearby attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake or catch a bus to other parts of Hanoi.
