Old Quarter ReviewHàng Bài
Original trade: Playing cards and paper goods. A calm street running south from the lake, historically tied to card and paper trades.
Like every street in this quarter, Hàng Bài began as a guild street of old Thang Long, where one craft or one trade gathered on one street and gave the street its name. Our full street story, filmed on location with Suzy, is in production for the channel.
About 6 minutes on foot from Hoan Kiem Lake (0.5 km by street).
Eat
Our tasted and tested picks for this street are being filmed and written now. No paid placements, ever.
Do
The walks, workshops and small experiences of this street will appear here as the channel covers them.
Shop
What this street still makes and sells, and how to judge quality and fair prices, is coming with the street video.
See
Temples, communal houses and photo corners of this street, mapped in the street story when it publishes.
What the name means
Hàng Bài: Row of the playing cards. Bai are playing cards; the street traded in cards and paper goods.
Meanings are the literal Vietnamese of each street name, checked against the guild trade recorded for that street on this site.
See this street on a private walk
Private tours are sold and operated by Bao Son Travel, a licensed travel company, and led by a licensed guide. This page never takes bookings or payments.
Nearby in Lake & South Gate
One of the short streets along the lake, once known for lacquerware trays and betel boxes.
Folk paintings and drumsHàng TrốngHome of the Hang Trong folk painting tradition, printed by hand on paper for Tet and festivals.
Luggage and travel goodsHàng HànhA small street of bag and luggage shops close to the lake and the Cathedral.