Tours

Hang Long Street’s Renaissance: Rediscovering Hanoi’s Hidden Gem

7 November, 2025

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THE HANOI TIMES — As you wander through the vibrant streets of Hanoi, the city’s rich tapestry of history unfolds at every turn. One such thread, once faint and nearly lost to time, has been beautifully restored with the revival of Hang Long Street, a name that now echoes through the heart of the city.

Hang Long Street, once a bustling hub where artisans crafted palanquins, umbrellas, and parasols for mandarins and pagodas, now lies along what is today’s Le Duan Street. File photo

Nestled in the lively Cua Nam Ward, surrounded by landmarks such as the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace and the Indochina University of Fine Arts, this newly restored street has captured the attention and stirred the memories of Hanoians both young and old.

Its revival sparks a profound sense of nostalgia, weaving together generations of stories—from personal recollections to family tales of a city defined by its craftsmanship, commerce, and community spirit.

A Name That Echoes History

The name “Pho Hang Long” (Hang Long Street) now proudly stands at the intersections of Le Duan, Yet Kieu, and Tran Binh Trong, symbolizing not just a physical location but the rebirth of a cultural landmark once forgotten.

The term “Hang,” meaning “guild,” “row,” or “line of shops,” is a hallmark of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where streets were traditionally named after the goods sold or the crafts practiced there.

In contemporary times, most new street names honor national figures or historical heroes, making the reappearance of a “Hang” name particularly noteworthy.

Today, Hang Long Street is situated at the intersections of Le Duan, Yet Kieu, and Tran Binh Trong streets in Cua Nam Ward. Photo: VOV

For younger residents like Lan Phuong, who works nearby, the return of Hang Long sparked curiosity.

“When the sign first appeared, I was intrigued. I asked my mother, who used to live in Kham Thien Market Alley, and she told me it was once called Hang Long Alley. Now that it’s officially recognized as a street, it feels as though it’s been given new life and dignity.”

This renewed curiosity has rekindled family conversations, fostering a deeper appreciation for Hanoi’s lesser-known heritage.

The return of Hang Long is more than an administrative act; it’s an emotional reconnection, linking generations to a street that was once a humble alley.

A Cultural Bridge

Once a narrow passage used primarily by locals as a shortcut between Yet Kieu and Le Duan, Hang Long was often overlooked, a hidden lane in plain sight.

Through restoration and development efforts, it has transformed into a wider, more inviting avenue connecting four major streets: Le Duan, Yet Kieu, Tran Binh Trong, and Tran Quoc Toan.

During the French colonial period, Hang Long Street ran alongside the Indochina College of Fine Arts, with its main façade facing Yet Kieu Street. File photo

Resident Nguyen Van Thanh, whose home faces the newly named street, recalls, “It used to be such a narrow alley that riding a bike through was a challenge. Now it’s bright, wide, and feels like a proper street. Yet, it still feels familiar because the name, Hang Long, never truly disappeared.”

This blend of continuity and renewal lies at the heart of Hanoi’s urban charm.

Hang Long is more than a name; it tells a story. Historically part of what is now Hoan Kiem Ward, the area dates back to the late Later Le Dynasty (1428-1789) or early Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945).

In earlier times, the neighborhood was renowned for its artisans who crafted palanquins, parasols, and ceremonial umbrellas—luxury items for mandarins, temples, and pagodas.

The word “long” refers to these ornate parasols. A small temple once stood here, dedicated to the guardian deity of parasol-making and embroidery, a testament to a rich craft tradition now largely lost.

*The striking relief titled “Fishery” by Vietnamese painter Georges Khanh adorns the wall of the Fine Arts School of Indochina on the newly restored Hang Long Street. Photo: Xuan*

Echoes of a Thriving Trade Hub

Though modest in scale, Hang Long Alley was once a bustling commercial lane, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s. Its proximity to Hanoi Railway Station made it a prime destination for shops selling military uniforms, pith helmets, sportswear, and other goods.

Resident Nguyen Van Thanh reminisces, “Back then, if you wanted to buy pith helmets, this was the place. They were genuine, old-style helmets, expensive and highly sought-after. Some people were so stylish they even preferred the battlefield kind.”

While the bustling trade has long faded, memories of that era remain vivid among long-time residents.

*The vibrant Hang Long Street of today.* Photo: *Tienphong.vn*

The revival of a “Hang” street is more than a nod to history. Many residents see this restoration as a vital effort to preserve Hanoi’s unique street-naming culture, where each name reflects a legacy of trade, craftsmanship, and community life.

In a city where modern towers stand beside centuries-old temples, the quiet return of Hang Long Street serves as a reminder that Hanoi is not just a place to visit, but a city to feel—one step at a time.