Hang Ma

Much likely, Hang Ma is the most colorful street inside Hanoi’s Old Quarter. 

Starting from the intersection of Hang Duong Street and ending at Phung Hung Street, the 339m-long commercial street used to be part of Vinh Hanh and Yen Phu Villages, separated by To Lich River, of Tien Tuc Commune, Tho Xuong District. The river has been filled up, thus joining the two villages. 

Along the small street, a vivid scene comes out of many shops selling toys, paper good and particularly paper votive offering. Hang Ma has been selling paper good for more than half a century. In Vietnamese’s conception, the afterlife of a person is never less important than their living time, therefore, paper miniatures sold on the streets have everything to send to the dead by burning: house, car, motorbike, household devices or it even surprises people with the latest version of Apple’s products. 

The vibrant business of Hang Ma street can be seen so more clearly each time a festive season comes. Half a month before Mid-autumn festival, the street begins to bring on itself many children’s toys and welcome parents bringing their kids to let them enjoy the childhood fun; or youngsters with their friends who still find themselves not yet ready to give up the mid-autumn joy. Likewise in the Halloween times, Christmas times and Tet Holiday, Hang Ma street just turns sparkling and cheerful with decorative stuffs and toys. Let’s wander and get lost in flamboyance when coming to Hang Ma street.