Hang Bac Street Hanoi
Hanoi's historic Silver Street, a bustling hub for currency exchange, jewelry shopping, and authentic Vietnamese street food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Street food and vibrant atmosphere
Hang Bac Street Hanoi
Best Time
Street food and vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hanoi's historic Silver Street, a bustling hub for currency exchange, jewelry shopping, and authentic Vietnamese street food.
"A busy street that reflects the essence of Vietnam, offering food, souvenirs, and jewelry."
💰 Best Exchange Rates
Exchange USD at gold shops for better rates than banks. Bring crisp $100 bills for optimal deals.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the shops and food stalls.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Currency Exchange Shops
Find competitive rates for USD to VND exchange, often better than banks or hotels. Bring crisp bills for the best deals.
Jewelry Shops
Explore a variety of silver, pearl, and platinum jewelry. While gold jewelry is available, certification and purity can vary.
Authentic Vietnamese Food
Savor delicious local delicacies, including famous Banh Mi and late-night Pho.
Dinh Kim Ngan
A historic site showcasing traditional crafts and the legacy of the silver-making trade.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Currency Exchange Hub
Navigating the Bustle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Best Exchange Rates
Exchange USD at gold shops for better rates than banks. Bring crisp $100 bills for optimal deals.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the shops and food stalls.
📱 Research Exchange Rates
Check online for current exchange rates before you go to ensure you get a fair deal.
🍜 Late-Night Eats
Discover delicious late-night Pho and other street food options.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Best Exchange Rates
Exchange USD at gold shops for better rates than banks. Bring crisp $100 bills for optimal deals.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the shops and food stalls.
📱 Research Exchange Rates
Check online for current exchange rates before you go to ensure you get a fair deal.
🍜 Late-Night Eats
Discover delicious late-night Pho and other street food options.
💍 Jewelry Bargaining
Be prepared to negotiate prices, especially for jewelry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hang Bac Street is a vibrant and essential stop in Hanoi's Old Quarter, praised for its excellent currency exchange rates and diverse shopping, especially for jewelry. Visitors enjoy the authentic Vietnamese food, from Banh Mi to late-night Pho, and the lively atmosphere. However, some find the gold jewelry quality inconsistent and the street can get very crowded.
"A busy street that reflects the essence of Vietnam. You can get authentic vietnamese food, souvenirs and jewelery on this street.
We had visited here for currency exchange and got a good rate for our dollars. Recommended to carry crisp 100 dollar notes and exchange a couple hundred dollars together to get the best rate."
Dhairya Mehta
"If you are looking to convert USD to VND at gold shops. They don't charge commission like banks and hotels.
This is the best place to go, walking distance from Hanoi Old Quater (5-10 mins).
You will get better rate of return for 100 USD bills so try not to take 50 USD bills.
You should get some idea for the exchange rates online before going."
Vivek Pratap Singh
"Vibrant atmosphere and iconic roadaide restaurants"
Hiro K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hang Bac Street is located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, making it easily accessible on foot from many popular tourist areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, it's a short 5-10 minute walk from many central Old Quarter locations, making it a convenient stop on your exploration.
The street is best explored on foot to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
Parking can be challenging in the Old Quarter. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or walk if you're staying nearby.
While buses do run through the Old Quarter, walking or using taxis/ride-sharing is generally more direct and convenient for reaching Hang Bac Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hang Bac Street is a public street and does not require an entrance ticket. You can explore it freely.
Most shops operate during regular business hours, typically from morning to evening. Some food stalls, like late-night Pho, stay open very late.
Evenings can be very crowded due to street food and local activity, which might be overwhelming for some.
While Dinh Kim Ngan is a historical site, entry is generally free or has a nominal fee for maintenance. It's best to check on-site for the most current information. +1
Currency exchange shops typically operate during business hours, though some may have extended hours. It's wise to visit during the day for the best selection and rates.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide array of silver, pearl, and platinum jewelry. Gold jewelry is also available, but quality and certification can vary.
Yes, bargaining is common, especially for jewelry and souvenirs. Be polite and have a price in mind.
Beyond jewelry, you can find traditional Vietnamese crafts and items reflecting local culture.
Several vendors offer delicious Banh Mi. Look for busy stalls with locals queuing up for a sign of quality.
Hang Bac Street is historically known for its silver craftsmanship, so you can find authentic silver items, though quality can vary.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
Don't miss the famous Banh Mi and the late-night Pho, known for its rich broth and tender meat. +1
While many dishes are meat-centric, you can often find vegetarian versions of Pho or Banh Mi. Inquire with vendors.
Street food is generally affordable, with dishes like Pho costing around 50,000 VND per serving.
The late-night Pho stalls offer a unique, bustling atmosphere. Also, explore the small eateries tucked away in the alleys.
While the focus is on Vietnamese cuisine, some cafes might offer Western-style snacks. Unnaked Potato offers jacket potatoes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant street life, colorful shopfronts, and the intricate details of jewelry stores. The narrow alleys also offer unique perspectives. +1
It's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or inside shops.
Golden hour in the late afternoon or early evening offers beautiful lighting. Evenings are also vibrant with streetlights and food stalls.
Dinh Kim Ngan provides a historical backdrop, and the bustling street scenes themselves are iconic. +1
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both street scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be good for the narrow alleys.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Dinh Kim Ngan for a brief cultural stop that might engage older children with its historical significance. The variety of shops and food stalls can also provide interesting discoveries for younger ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
When shopping for souvenirs or jewelry, remember that bargaining is expected. This allows you to potentially get great deals on items, stretching your travel budget further.
🛍️ Shoppers & Bargain Hunters
Beyond jewelry, you can find various souvenirs and local crafts. The vibrant atmosphere and the sheer number of shops make it an exciting place to hunt for unique finds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Silver Craftsmanship
While the street is no longer solely dedicated to silver, its name and historical significance remain. Visitors can still find shops selling silver, pearl, and platinum jewelry, offering a glimpse into this traditional craft. It's a place where history meets commerce, and the echoes of its past are palpable in the bustling present.
For those interested in the craft, visiting Dinh Kim Ngan, a historic communal house on Hang Bac Street, offers a deeper understanding of the artisans' lives and work. It serves as a testament to the street's enduring connection to its heritage.
A Culinary Hotspot: From Banh Mi to Late-Night Pho
As night falls, the street transforms into a vibrant culinary scene, particularly known for its late-night Pho. These Pho stalls serve up steaming bowls of the iconic noodle soup, often with rich, flavorful broths and generous portions of meat. It's an experience that captures the essence of Hanoi's nocturnal food culture.
Beyond these highlights, the street is dotted with numerous small eateries and food vendors offering a variety of local snacks and dishes. Exploring these culinary offerings is an integral part of the Hang Bac Street experience, providing a true taste of Hanoi.
Navigating the Crowds and Commerce
The primary draw for many visitors is the opportunity for currency exchange. Gold shops on Hang Bac Street are known to offer competitive rates for USD to VND, often surpassing those at banks and hotels. This has made the street a go-to spot for travelers looking to manage their money efficiently.
Beyond currency exchange, the street is a hub for shopping, particularly for jewelry. While the focus is on silver, pearl, and platinum, gold items are also available. Visitors are advised to research exchange rates and be prepared to negotiate prices to secure the best deals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit