Hang Ma

Hang Ma Street is often regarded as the most vibrant and colorful street in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Stretching from the intersection of Hang Duong Street to Phung Hung Street, this 339-meter-long commercial street was historically part of the Vinh Hanh and Yen Phu Villages, separated by the To Lich River, which has since been filled in, joining the two communities.

As you stroll down this lively street, you'll encounter a scene bursting with shops selling an array of toys and paper products, particularly paper votive offerings. Hang Ma has been a hub for these unique paper goods for over sixty years. In Vietnamese culture, the afterlife is considered just as significant as life on earth. As a result, the miniature paper items sold here encompass everything needed for the deceased, including houses, cars, motorbikes, and even the latest versions of popular tech products, all intended to be burned as gifts for the dead.

The dynamic atmosphere of Hang Ma Street becomes evident during festive seasons. A few weeks prior to the Mid-Autumn Festival, the street transforms with an influx of children’s toys, attracting parents eager to let their kids indulge in playful memories. Young adults also flock here, relishing the spirit of the festival. Similarly, during Halloween, Christmas, and the Tet Holiday, Hang Ma Street bursts into life with dazzling decorations and cheerful merchandise. Visitors are invited to wander and immerse themselves in the exuberance that characterizes this iconic street.