Chua Lang Street
It is called that name because there is a pagoda named Lang-one of the most long-standing pagodas in Hanoi-on the street.
To visit Lang Pagoda today, start from the Old Quarter and head along Nguyen Thai Hoc-Kim Ma Street. After turning left onto Lang Street, continue for approximately one kilometer until you reach Chua Lang Street. This street is named after Lang Pagoda, one of the oldest and most significant pagodas in Hanoi.
Built during the reign of King Ly Than Tong from 1128 to 1138, this pagoda is dedicated to the Buddhist monk Tu Dao Hanh, the 12th master of the Thien Tong sect. It is also known as Chieu Thien Tu (Chieu Thien Pagoda), a name inscribed on its gates.
The pagoda underwent significant renovations from 1994 to 1995, which expanded its grounds and improved its facilities. It is recognized as a historical site, boasting a peaceful natural landscape and architectural beauty. Visitors to Lang Pagoda are often charmed by the tranquil scenes reminiscent of a traditional Northern village, complete with a large banyan tree at its entrance. A decade ago, the area around Chua Lang was relatively quiet, with a narrow street.
However, recent developments have transformed the area. The street has been widened to connect with Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, and the presence of two prominent educational institutions—Foreign Trade University and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam—has led to increased foot traffic. As a result, new buildings, shops, and accommodations have proliferated, leading to a significant reduction in farmland previously owned by Lang villagers. As visitors stroll along Lang Street today, they may find it challenging to locate patches of Hung Lang, a famed variety of basil that was once common in the area.
