Ngoc Ha Street

Ngoc Ha Street, located in the Ba Dinh District of Hanoi, remains known for its vibrant flower planting and herb cultivation. According to archaeologists, the name Ngoc Ha is derived from a river that once flowed through the eastern and western parts of the Thang Long Imperial City. During the colonial era, young women famously sold roses, chrysanthemums, violets, carnations, and gladioluses cultivated in Ngoc Ha village along the street. While the flower trade is not as prominent as it once was, some households continue to uphold this tradition, and visitors can still see women selling handmade floral arrangements on the streets. In recent years, several flower shops have opened at busy intersections, catering to the community’s ongoing demand for fresh flowers, particularly on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month. These dates hold cultural significance in Vietnam, as they are traditionally dedicated to honoring ancestors. Another notable village along Ngoc Ha Street is Dai Yen, which has been crafting Vietnamese herbs for nearly a millennium, deeply intertwined with Hanoi’s historical narrative. Unfortunately, both traditional villages have seen a decline in their historical practices, with fewer flower and herb gardens remaining compared to the last century. Instead, high-rise buildings have transformed the area into a bustling urban environment. Nevertheless, the city’s authorities are actively working to preserve these traditions, offering hope for a future where Ngoc Ha Street balances its modernity with its rich cultural heritage.