Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square image

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square

Tourist attraction

Bustling, nighttime pedestrian gathering place with street vendors selling goods & casual eats. People often mention square, night, lake, area, Hanoi, walk, street, restaurants, traffic, weekend,


Address

7 P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 110213, Vietnam

Website

dongkinhnghiathuc.business.site

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (8K reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: (Lantern Festival), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: square (18) night (17) lake (16) area (15) Hanoi (12) walk (12) street (12) restaurants (11) traffic (11) weekend (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Edwin P. 5 months ago on Google • 981 reviews
    It is a city square at the lake side of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is within walking distance from the Old Quarter of Hanoi. This square is fully closed for motor vehicles on weekends (Friday to Sunday) so pedestrians may walk around freely. There are a lot of coffee shops, restaurants, roadside hawker, fashion outlets, minimarkets, etc around this square. Crowd is expected on evening time
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JP T. 1 year ago on Google
    In the heart of the city, there are many places to visit. From Friday to Sunday, the road will be closed for pedestrians.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Sergio Cavero D. 8 months ago on Google
    Noisy square full of scooters and cars doing vietnamese conduction. Not a place to relax and chill.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bethanne C. 1 year ago on Google
    what a great experience walking around the area. lots of people enjoy the place especially during night time. it is near a touristic lake where people also like to sit by the area. lots of food choices but what amazed me is the famous icecream.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 HEIKO REHER (STRV-FRWD Cyclerace C. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the most popular, lively and fascinating places I've ever been in life. Crowds moving through mopeds and car masses like a herd of ants between stick and stone in the forest. Pure life. Pub, restaurants and pubs as far as the eye can see. Despite all the traffic and all the movement, nothing happens if you simply follow your common sense and stop thinking in rules and patterns. Use all your senses and walk across the streets... Just walk, don't stop and don't look back. Be one with the crowd and forget everything you learned about road traffic in Germany 😉
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 ANKIT S. 1 year ago on Google
    The place feels like the heart of the city centre of Hanoi in old quarters. It gets crowded in the evening. It's a nice place to relax and hang around. It is near ti the lake. There are many food joints near this area. The lake feels so calm
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachadech M. 2 months ago on Google • 227 reviews New
    It’s pretty cool how they switch a busy road into a chill walking spot at night. You can just wander around for hours, no rush! 🌃🚶 Tourist must enjoy this spot for sure! Many shops to choose from: restaurant, bars, etc.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Wesley W. 7 months ago on Google • 574 reviews
    This location sits right between Hanoi's historic Old Quarter and the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake. However, navigating this area can be challenging due to heavy traffic, primarily comprising cars and motorcycles, making it difficult to cross the road safely.

  • 3/5 Brian L. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to b watch the world go by. Full of life and energy. At the weekend the square is blocked off from traffic and pedestrianised with a large stage and music played to the public. Great community spirit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gliese 4. 6 months ago on Google
    An interesting place in Hanoi. Various types of eateries, local street food, dessert, cafe, pizza, and many more. I was here on the weekend, it was so lively and crowded. The local police will block & close quite a couple of streets for the night market during the weekend, if you need to get a taxi/grab car, i would advise you to walk further down to a less crowded street to skip the traffic jam. It is great to see the busy side of vietnam and enjoy the night scene here. But if you are not keen to get stuck in a huge crowd of people, i would not recommend you to visit it during the night.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Max C. 6 years ago on Google
    Well, there is not so much to see rather than the old houses that have beautiful architecture but in very bad conditions. The narrow streets are crowded with motorbikes and cars trying to make their way through. There are a lot of places to find cheap and affordable clothes and really good street food. I think the main attractions in here are the churches an the water bodies surrounding the area. If you like to experience the local daily life of Vietnam you will have a good time in here, but be aware that it is a noisy spot. There are many affordable hostels and by night you can have fun in the many bars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 plcrewe 5 years ago on Google
    The lake is really tranquil. We walked around it a couple of times during our stay in Hanoi. At the far end there are a few shops (including a lovely coffee shop which serves the most amazing selection of cakes). The temple in the centre of the lake is well worth seeking out, it's a beautiful place to visit and inexpensive too. Afterwards, enjoy watching the madness of the traffic at Legend Beer, located on the first floor of a large building situated right next to the lake at the start of the Old Quarter. The streets of the Old Quarter are amazing, you need a day or two for them alone. There are lots of things to buy, including clothing, silk, jewellery etc. Make sure you try an Egg Coffee when staying in Hanoi, it's a local delicacy and we absolutely loved it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shakeim P. 4 years ago on Google
    You definitely need to visit on the weekend. Incredible night life that is filled with culture and vendors. They block the streets for like a mile long.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelly N. 5 years ago on Google
    Bustling place to watch all the traffic, and tourists. Great shopping in this area, make sure to barter...as prices are quite varied, and you can always go back to the place with the lowest price. I would check 5-10 places for prices, and go back to the place that offered lowest price. The square is close to the lake and puppet theatre. Lots of great cafes and restaurants too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ganesh K. 2 months ago on Google • 457 reviews New
    Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square is a vibrant and bustling hub in Hanoi, bustling with tourists eager to explore the city's rich history and culture. Despite the crowds, the square is meticulously maintained, offering visitors a clean and pleasant environment to enjoy. One of the highlights of this square is the availability of free amenities, including wifi, drinking water, and washrooms, making it convenient for travelers to relax and refresh during their visit. The cleanliness of the square is commendable, contributing to a positive experience for all who visit. For those seeking a more peaceful experience, I recommend visiting Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square early in the morning around 6 am, when the crowds are sparse, allowing for a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're admiring the historic architecture, enjoying a leisurely stroll, or simply taking in the lively atmosphere, this square offers something for everyone to enjoy.

  • 4/5 Jeffrey Lau �. 6 months ago on Google • 356 reviews
    This is the most busy retail area with many Cafés in Hanoi. It is about 12 minutes walking distance to St. Joseph's Cathedral.

  • 4/5 KP L. 4 months ago on Google • 318 reviews
    Lovely place at the old quarter. Big square with the iconic building in front .. full of cafes n restaurants. It’s nice to walk around here and on weekends there is lots of activities going on around nearby and along the lakefront.

  • 5/5 V H. 4 months ago on Google • 213 reviews
    Chaos central........ But in a good way, it seems at times all the traffic, and mobile vendors descend on the roundabout come square, especially at night, when it comes alive with , sound, light and endless activity

  • 5/5 Lisa C. 6 months ago on Google • 193 reviews
    Busy square with traffic circle right in the heart of old quarter in Hanoi. Coffee shops, restaurants, vendor stalls and next to Hoan Kiem Lake. Always busy but busier at night when everyone is out to play.

  • 4/5 Moon P. 5 months ago on Google • 168 reviews
    It's a lively hangout area with many eateries, banks and stores. We did a lot of shopping at the Aldo here as they had a good sale going on. The area was sealed off for vehicles during the weekend when some street festival was going on. Some fashion show, music, kids playing in the street. All in all a lively experience.

  • 4/5 Jai mata di Mobile accessories & repair shop k. 5 months ago on Google • 101 reviews
    amazing location with a beautiful view, you will feel as if u are in Europe and not in Vietnam, the city is quite clear and beautiful. There are plenty of options to eat to roam around, the night life is also nice. Whatever u need, u get there. The weather is quite cool and nice.

  • 5/5 Dominic N. 6 months ago on Google
    Nice place with very kind staff! Very good coffe to enjoy along the not too busy road! Plan a stopp to relax with a good coffe or tea

  • 5/5 S P. 3 months ago on Google • 37 reviews New
    The center of Hanoi where you can have an evening walk around the lake and you can have shopping, you get all kinds of stuff u like to buy in memory of Vietnam. Also there are so many strength vendors and restaurants from which you can enjoy the tastes of Vietnam

  • 5/5 nithin s. 9 months ago on Google
    Vibrant place near hoan keim lake. Lot of street food outlets and other restaurants are here. You will get Hanoi city tour bus from here.

  • 5/5 Samuel S. 1 year ago on Google
    On weekends when the road is closed off, you've got lots of people just hanging out in the area. There's also street vendors too, selling all sorts of things like bubble toys and ice cream. There's also the night market nearby with plenty of stalls.

  • 5/5 Can E. 9 months ago on Google
    Super nice and extremely chaotic square, which represents the old town pretty well. I would suggest you to visit on the weekend as the roads are getting blocked for cars and pedestrians can walk (relatively free) :) you can have a walk around the lake. Pro tip: get a coffee from Cong Coffee and sit at the top floor at the balcony overlooking the square. After that you can visit a nice design T-Shirt shop that is called "Tired city". It is expensive compared to Vietnam prices. But very cool designs.

  • 5/5 Roland 8 months ago on Google
    I was here during a weekend, and they closed the streets for the night markets. It was a cool spot to walk around the lake with the locals.

  • 5/5 John L. 7 months ago on Google
    The most happening square at weekend, wouldn't miss this place.

  • 5/5 Greg S. 5 months ago on Google
    Vibrant area at head of Hoan Kiem lake. Many eateries. Many people on weekends when motorised traffic banned.

  • 5/5 Yes 1 year ago on Google
    This square has a lot of restaurants and shops around it, you should definitely visit this place. Also there are normally cyclo which you can go in to have a tour around Hoan Kiem Lake. Definitely a must-go.

  • 5/5 Flam T. 3 years ago on Google
    Watching fireworks for the very first time here and it was really fun.

  • 4/5 Paul F. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing to watch this intersection (and many others like it in Hanoi) of 6 different roads coming together.... without any traffic control. Best bit is then when a street vendor walks straight through the middle as if no one there. Study the technique from any of the bars/restaurants above then have a go at crossing a busy road yourself.... with confidence (filmed, to amaze your friends, of course!)

  • 4/5 Tran T. 3 years ago on Google
    Exciting place at weekend night for everyone

  • 5/5 Dương Anh K. 4 years ago on Google
    A great place to spend your weekends. They have everything - and I mean it. Your whole family can find at least one auitable activity for each and every member, from kids to elderly. Fresh air in the morning, nice breeze in the evening.

  • 5/5 Lavish L. 4 years ago on Google
    Love this place. It's easy to walk to every corner of it and it has everything you'd want including restaurants, souvenirs, temples, lake, hotels, and more. It's a must visit if you're in Hanoi, Vietnam.

  • 5/5 steven f. 6 years ago on Google
    Once you get your bearings and learn how to cross the streets the beauty around every corner just opens up. Friendly people, broad boulevards, parks and more food in more varieties than you can imagine. Nights around the main lake are wonderous for children and adults alike.

  • 5/5 Marcel D. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant vibe. Good that they close the streets on the weekends

  • 5/5 pedro S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice area to walk around. During the weekend is best

  • 5/5 Eric T. 1 year ago on Google
    A cool place to hangout in the weekends, especially with the market and live music in the evenings.

  • 5/5 Narciso A. 11 months ago on Google
    Great area for your sight seeing while eating or sipping your coffee or drinks. A lot of choices of food from different restaurants and coffee shops. A great photo zone especially at night with lights. You can bring your family and friends. It is beside the famous Hoan Kiem Lake. It is walkable as well to your hotel or hostels in the Old Quarter area. It is that busy during holidays but the area is guarded at night.

  • 5/5 Olivér S. 1 year ago on Google
    We spent new years eve here, it was a great experience, however the fireworks werent visible from here and everyone started running to a different location when it started. Happy new year!

  • 5/5 J T. 1 year ago on Google
    Crazy bustling square, maybe the Shibuya Crossing of southeast asia?

  • 5/5 Wylam S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great spot for any time of the day or night. I ordered a Hawaiian pizza, a Long Island, iced tea and a tiger beer. The pizza was extra cheesy and so delicious. The atmosphere at the restaurant is easy going. A nice chill spot to hang out in the sun or under one of the many shade awnings. The staff was very polite and appreciative.

  • 5/5 Maricar M. 1 year ago on Google
    Yep a very chaotic place 😅😀 alot of things happening here but still like you'll like coming here

  • 4/5 vijaya kumar S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place but go when there is festival to see more activities and shops. There are local shops where u can bargain and buy . If u can eat pork beef then you will have more food varieties . Local person help is needed for language translation if you want to explore more

  • 5/5 Jenn R. 1 year ago on Google
    I love that it closes to cars during the weekends. Such a great vibe. There’s a travel expo on currently with lots of presentations and stalls which is really interesting. It’s nice to sit and look over it and people watch!

  • 4/5 Gyu sik J. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited here to have dinner. However, there was a performance by Vietnamese singers on this day, but it was so noisy that I couldn't eat here. It must have been an event because it was a weekend. We couldn't use this place, so we had to find another place. Although I couldn't eat the food, it was a good place to see the cultural events of Vietnam.

  • 5/5 Sush 10 months ago on Google
    This place is lively, it's like the city centre. The street becomes walking street during the week ends and Friday to Sunday, there is a night market and live performances. Lot of shop on the road. Local food and local vibe you can get the feel of everything. The street gets really crowded, so be prepared to face a street filled with tons of people. We stayed near the old quarter and we would just walk around the hotel and get to the lake crossing the busy streets.


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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