Kham Thien Street

Kham Thien Street extends from Le Duan Street to the Cho Dua Gate (O Cho Dua). At approximately 1,170 meters, it is a bustling area due to its densely populated residential neighborhoods and 26 narrow, tooth-harrow-shaped lanes flanking both sides of the road. Some lanes still retain their historic names, including Trung Ta, Trung Thuan, Lenh Cu, and Tho Quan.
The street derives its name, Kham Thien, from the former Kham Thien Giam tower, where officials were responsible for monitoring weather, astronomy, and the calendar during the Ly to Le dynasties.

Before the August Revolution, Kham Thien was known as a vibrant entertainment hub. However, it is also steeped in history. At house number 312, Ngo Gia Tu and 20 others convened on June 17, 1929, to establish the Indochina Communist Party, a precursor to the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The street is perhaps most poignantly remembered for the tragic B-52 bombing that occurred on December 26, 1972. The attack resulted in significant loss of life and destruction, transforming the area into a key backdrop for the acclaimed film “Hanoi Child.”

Today, the street has revitalized into a busy commercial area teeming with boutiques, small restaurants, and newer cinema facilities. While visitors may struggle to find any remnants of the horrific past, there remains a solemn monument depicting a grieving woman holding her child who was lost to the bombings. The street now boasts a diverse range of clothing stores, from independent boutiques to well-established design shops. While the contemporary buildings, shops, and restaurants infuse a sense of renewal and vibrancy, the painful memories of the past continue to linger in the hearts of the people.