What is Hai Bà Trung Walking Street?
Overview
Hai Bà Trưng Walking Street is a weekend-only pedestrian zone in central Hue, stretching about 850 meters. The street is neatly paved with granite and lined with Taiwanese almond trees, giving it a clean and orderly look. It was launched in March 2023 as part of the city’s effort to expand its nightlife options, alongside other walking streets and night markets. On weekend evenings, the road is closed to traffic, making it easy to wander between food stalls, small shops, and performance areas without worrying about vehicles.
Location
The walking street is in Vĩnh Ninh Ward, right in the heart of Hue. It runs between Phan Đình Phùng Street and Hà Nội Street, with two clear landmarks at each end: the VNPT building on one side and the Cinestar Cinema on the other. Its central location means it’s easy to reach from most hotels and other attractions in the city.
Opening days & Hours
Hai Bà Trưng Walking Street operates only on weekends:
- Friday & Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 PM – midnight
There’s no entrance fee, so you can simply walk in and explore at your own pace. If you go outside these hours or on weekdays, it functions as a regular street with traffic and open businesses, so the “walking street” atmosphere won’t be there.
What to see and do at Hai Bà Trung Walking Street
1. Food & Drinks
You’ll find a mix of Hue street food and more generic snacks here. Local specialties like bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes with toppings), nem lụi (grilled pork skewers with rice paper), and sweet chè desserts are worth trying if you want a taste of Hue’s flavors.
Alongside these are plenty of simple, low-cost snacks such as fried fish balls, milk tea, and fruit juice. It’s more about casual bites than gourmet dining, so don’t expect a wide variety of high-quality restaurants—this is more of a place to snack as you stroll.
2. Shopping & Souvenirs
A few stalls sell handmade crafts, small trinkets, and clothing, but the selection is quite limited and not always unique to Hue. You might come across some nice local items if you browse carefully, but much of what’s on offer can be found in other markets across Vietnam. From time to time, local vendors set up pop-up stalls, adding some variety.
3. Street Performances & Entertainment
Weekend evenings sometimes bring live music, small dance performances, or cultural showcases to the street. Larger events—such as the Hue Summer Festival—have included themed parades with costumes from different countries. On a regular night, the entertainment is more low-key, so it’s worth checking if something special is scheduled during your visit.
4. Games & Activities for Kids
Families will find small game stalls and simple carnival-style activities for children, as well as a few informal play areas. It’s a convenient stop if you’re traveling with kids, but be aware that the music from nearby bars and performance stages can be loud.
5. Local Life & Atmosphere
This is primarily a hangout spot for Hue residents rather than a major tourist draw. Compared to the more popular Võ Thị Sáu night street, it often feels quieter and more low-key. If you’re looking for a slice of everyday Hue nightlife without the heavy tourist presence, this can be an interesting stop—but if you want a buzzing, high-energy market atmosphere, you may find it underwhelming.
How to get there
Walking
Hai Bà Trưng Walking Street is in a very central part of Hue, so walking is often the simplest option if you’re staying nearby. From hotels in the city center, it can take anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes on foot, depending on your location. The route is straightforward and safe to walk in the evening, with well-lit streets and plenty of shops along the way.
Taxi or Grab
For those staying a bit farther away—or if you want to save your energy for exploring—the street is just a quick ride by taxi or Grab from anywhere in Hue. Ask the driver to drop you at either the VNPT building or Cinestar Cinema, depending on which end you want to start from.
Parking
If you’re arriving by motorbike, there are small parking areas along the street, usually run by local residents or businesses. Parking typically costs around 5,000 VND for the evening. It’s best to choose a spot close to the pedestrian zone to avoid a long walk back at night.
Is Hai Bà Trung Walking Street worth visiting?
Hai Bà Trưng Walking Street is best suited for travelers who enjoy experiencing local life and prefer a calmer evening atmosphere compared to Hue’s busier night streets like Võ Thị Sáu. It’s a good spot if you’re curious about where Hue residents spend their weekends, want to try a few local snacks, or are simply looking for a relaxed place to stroll.
If you’re expecting a bustling tourist market, a wide variety of unique shopping, or major attractions, you may find it underwhelming. The street is relatively new and still developing, so it doesn’t yet have the same energy or diversity as Hue’s more established nightlife areas.
To get the most out of it, visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening—outside those times, it’s just a regular street with traffic. Many visitors combine it with other walking streets in Hue in a single night, which can give you a fuller picture of the city’s nightlife scene.
Tip: If you’re in Hue on a weekday, check our Hue nightlife guide for other evening options, including bars, night markets, and cultural performances.
