Hang Bong Street (French: Rue du Coton) is one of the busiest streets of Hanoi for shopping with art galleries, silk shops, and clothes shops. The fact is that Hang Bong is not the original name of the street. The current one was given around 80 years ago. This street was divided into 4 different streets in the pass. The road begins at Hang Hom street, go straight to Hang Manh cross was call Hang Hai, which selling all kind of traditional shoes (Vietnamese: Hai) made of wood and silk. Bong Dem (blanket) was the name of the street between Hang Manh Street and Hang Da Street. There were many shop selling cotton blanket or tailormade store along this street. Next is Hàng Bong Lo street, which sells bamboo fish traps. Hang Bong Tho Nhuom street is last one and finished at Southern Gate of Hanoi, as its name, fabric dyeing profession was main business of this street.
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During 20th century, Hang Bong was one of the first streets in Hanoi operated tram line which was built by French nearly 100 years ago. However, fast urbanization increase the amount of personal transportation made the tram system ineffective and had to shut down in 1991.
At present, Hang Bong Street is not only famous for its fancy boutiques, but also because of the best snack alley in the city – Tam Thuong alley. Many people agree that Tam Thuong alley is best place for enjoy fired sore with reasonable price. Yen Thai temple with thousand years old ancient well worship for Empress Mother Y Lan is famous destination in here too. During festivals time or big football tournaments, its sidewalk become selling Vietnamese flag, cheer banners and national team uniform for fans.
Don’t forget to spend at least 01 day in this street when you come to Hanoi get into the atmosphere of the market, and have a better understand of Hanoi’s culture.