Hàng Gai Street, Hà Nội

Hà Nội is famous for its streets. Some are so long they seem to go on forever, while others are over almost as soon as you set foot on them. Long or short, people love the city's streets for the feelings they evoke. Hàng Gai is no exception. Spend a day on Hàng Gai Street and take in the spirit of the Old Quarter, and you will sense long chapters of history still lingering in every lane and corner, deep yet gentle.

Hàng Gai Street is 250m long, and its eastern end lies only a few dozen steps from Hoàn Kiếm Lake. To the east, it meets the Hàng Đào – Lê Thái Tổ intersection and connects with Cầu Gỗ Street at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square. To the west, it meets the Hàng Hòm – Hàng Trống intersection and continues into Hàng Bông Street. The middle section crosses Lương Văn Can Street and the end of Tố Tịch Street.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Hàng Gai Street has become one of the capital's busiest shopping districts. Visitors to Hà Nội often stop by this newer “silk street,” which has taken over the role once held by nearby Hàng Đào. Hàng Gai now has more than a hundred shops, nearly all selling silk or silk-related goods and services.

• See more: Top must-visit attractions in Hà Nội