What is Trang Tien Plaza like?
Trang Tien Plaza is located just south of Hoan Kiem Lake, at the junction of Trang Tien, Hang Bai, and Hai Ba Trung streets. The cream-colored colonial façade, with its arched windows and decorative details, stands out among the buildings in the area — a reminder of its French origins rather than something that feels like a typical shopping mall.
Inside, the atmosphere is quiet and cool. It’s air-conditioned, spotless, and often nearly empty, even when the streets outside are crowded. The mall is best known for its luxury fashion brands, but there’s more than just shopping: a cinema, several restaurants, and a few cafés make it a decent place to take a short break while walking through the French Quarter.
History of Trang Tien Plaza
Trang Tien Plaza has occupied one of Hanoi’s most prominent corners for over a century. It began in 1901 as Maison Godard, a French-built department store that introduced Western-style retail to colonial Hanoi — making it one of the city’s earliest commercial landmarks.
During the 1960s to the 1990s, the building was nationalized and renamed Bach Hoa Tong Hop, becoming North Vietnam’s largest state-run department store. For many Hanoians, it was the go-to place for essentials, especially during the subsidy era, when choice was limited but the store held cultural significance.
In 2000, a new structure was commissioned to mark the 25th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification. Construction began that April and finished in late 2002, transforming the site into a modern mall. The biggest shift came in 2013, when it was acquired and renovated by IMEX Pan Pacific — the group behind many of Vietnam’s luxury retail ventures. From then on, Trang Tien Plaza became the country’s first true luxury shopping center, blending French-era elegance with high-end brands.
Its story mirrors Hanoi’s evolution — from colonial outpost to socialist capital to consumer city — all housed under one historic roof.
What’s inside Trang Tien Plaza
Trang Tien Plaza has six floors, each with a slightly different focus — though the overall experience leans heavily toward luxury.
The lower floors are filled with international fashion brands, while the upper levels mix restaurants, entertainment, and a few surprises. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find inside:
1. Luxury Brands
The ground and second floors are home to high-end global names, including Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Rolex, Dior, Versace, Hublot, Burberry, and Balmain. These flagship stores are sleek, minimal, and quiet — with prices that are often higher than what you’d find in other parts of Asia. It’s not a place for casual browsing; unless you’re a serious shopper, most visitors just take a quick look.
2. Midrange & Miscellaneous Brands
The luxury image starts to blur a bit as you go up. On the third and fourth floors, you’ll find more midrange or accessible brands like Banana Republic, GAP, ECCO, Converse, Timberland, Wacoal, and Triumph. This mix feels a little disjointed — it’s a step down in price and style, and the layout can feel half-empty at times. Still, for travelers who aren’t interested in high fashion, these floors may be the only ones with shops that feel approachable.
3. Restaurants & Cafés
Food options are mostly found on the fifth floor, with a mix of international and local chains. Choices include Lion City (Singaporean cuisine), Gogi House (Korean BBQ), Kichi Kichi (conveyor hotpot), Dunkin Donuts, and Wrap & Roll (Vietnamese food). It’s a decent spot for a casual lunch or early dinner if you’re walking through the French Quarter and want a break in air-con comfort.
There are also smaller cafés scattered around, including Eggyolk Café, which some visitors mention for its quality coffee and quiet setting.
4. Entertainment
Trang Tien Plaza isn’t just about shopping — though the other attractions are easy to miss. On the fifth floor, there’s a CGV cinema with modern seating and sound — rarely full, and good for an evening film. There’s also a small arcade, mostly geared toward kids, though it’s not always open.
5. Digital Art Museum
Tucked behind the restaurants on the fifth floor, this immersive multimedia museum is one of the plaza’s lesser-known features. The experience involves interactive rooms, digital projections, themed photo zones, and creative installations aimed at both adults and kids.
Reactions are mixed — some visitors love the calm atmosphere, playful exhibits, and photo opportunities; others feel it’s overpriced (usually around 200,000–250,000 VND) and underwhelming if you’re expecting a traditional museum. It’s best suited for travelers looking for something quirky, air-conditioned, and visually fun — especially if you enjoy taking creative photos or short videos.
Facilities & Practical Uses
Trang Tien Plaza isn’t just for shoppers — it also works well as a practical stop during a walk through Hanoi’s French Quarter. Whether you’re looking to cool off, grab lunch, or just use the bathroom, the mall offers a few underrated conveniences.
- Toilets – Free, clean, and well-maintained. If you’re out walking and need a reliable restroom, this is one of the better spots in central Hanoi.
- Air-conditioning – The cool, steady AC makes it a good place to take a break from the heat, especially in the middle of the day.
- Opening hours – Open daily from 09:30–21:30 on weekdays and until 22:00 on weekends. Useful if you’re out exploring in the evening.
- Security policies – Drinks aren’t allowed inside, and waiting around too long without shopping can attract the attention of staff or security. It’s best to keep your visit purposeful.
- Quiet atmosphere – Despite its central location, the mall is rarely busy. That makes it a calm, indoor alternative to the more chaotic streets outside.
How to get there
Trang Tien Plaza is easy to reach thanks to its central location in Hanoi’s French Quarter. Whether you’re on foot or using public transport, getting there doesn’t require much effort.
- By Foot – It’s a short and pleasant 5–10 minute walk from the Old Quarter. Just head south along Hoan Kiem Lake and cross over at the southern tip — the plaza is right at the intersection ahead.
- By Grab or Taxi – Simply enter “Trang Tien Plaza” in the app or tell the driver. It’s a well-known location, though drop-off can be slightly tricky during rush hour due to traffic and limited space around the main entrance.
- By Bus – Several bus routes stop near the plaza, including numbers 8, 9, 31, 35, 36, and the 86 airport bus. Use Google Maps or a local bus app to check stops and schedules.
- Suggested walking route – If you’re exploring the French Quarter on foot, Trang Tien Plaza fits well into a loop with nearby sights like the Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Book Street, and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum — all within a few blocks.
What’s nearby
Trang Tien Plaza is right in the heart of Hanoi’s French Quarter, making it easy to combine with several nearby landmarks — all within a short walking distance. Whether you’re into museums, colonial architecture, or local treats, there’s plenty to see just around the corner.
- Trang Tien Ice Cream – Located just across the street, this old-school ice cream shop has been a Hanoi staple since the 1950s. Expect simple flavors, low prices, and often a short queue of locals lining up for a cone.
- Hoan Kiem Lake – Only steps away from the mall’s entrance, the lake is a great place for a quiet walk, people-watching, or taking photos. It also serves as a natural starting or ending point for a French Quarter walking route.
- Vietnamese Women’s Museum – Just across the road, this museum is one of Hanoi’s best, with exhibits on ethnic minority women, traditional dress, and gender roles in Vietnam. It’s well-curated, accessible, and not overly crowded.
- Hanoi Opera House – A five-minute walk brings you to this striking colonial landmark, often used for both concerts and casual photo ops. Even if you don’t attend a show, the building itself is worth seeing.
- National Museum of Vietnamese History – Housed in another elegant colonial structure, this museum offers a quieter, more traditional take on Vietnamese history. It’s a short 7-minute walk and usually far less crowded than the more famous sites.
- Hanoi Book Street – Tucked in a street near Hoa Lo Prison, this cozy pedestrian lane is lined with cafés and local bookshops. A nice spot for a quiet coffee or browsing Vietnamese literature and postcards.
- Hoa Lo Prison Museum – About 10 minutes away on foot, this former prison turned museum gives a sobering look into Vietnam’s colonial and war-time past. The exhibits are heavy, but it’s one of Hanoi’s most visited historical sites.
See our full guide to the French Quarter in Hanoi for more nearby highlights and walking routes.
Is Trang Tien Plaza worth visiting?
If you’re not into high-end shopping or browsing expensive boutiques, Trang Tien Plaza probably won’t hold your attention for long. It’s quiet, polished, and heavily focused on luxury brands — which makes it feel a bit out of place compared to the livelier street life outside.
That said, it can still be worth a short stop if you’re walking through the French Quarter. The strong air-conditioning, clean restrooms, and upstairs cafés make it a convenient place for a quick break. And if you’re interested in colonial architecture or quiet photo spots, the building’s exterior and interior design add another reason to pause here — even if just for a few minutes.
