The West Lake area in Tay Ho District has long been famous for its lyrical natural landscapes and various relics, not only in the capital Hanoi, but also throughout the country. And the heart of the area is Quang An Peninsula, an ancient landmass that juts into the center of West Lake. 

Charming Quang An Street on the shores of Hanoi's iconic West Lake. Photo: Chuyen cua Ha Noi

One of the edges of the peninsula is a street of the same name. Stretching 1.2km from its junction with Xuan Dieu Street to another with Quang Khanh Street, Quang An Street is about 5km north of Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter.

Earlier this year, London-based global magazine Time Out named Quang An one of the world's 30 coolest streets, alongside others in famous cities around the world, including High Street (Melbourne), Hollywood Road (Hong Kong), Miracle Mile (Miami), and Gerrard Street (London).

The magazine praised its vibrant feel, with ‘a series of cozy cafes, boutique shopping and global cuisine.’ “Running along the eastern shore of West Lake, Quang An Street is the vibrant, cosmopolitan heart of Hanoi,” it wrote.

Time Out also suggested its readers to dine at Ole Tapas, Cocktails & Wine for authentic Spanish tapas paired with handcrafted cocktails and wine. 

So what makes this street so 'cool'? According to Phuong Linh, a resident of Tay Ho District, the iconic street of the so-called 'western district of Hanoi' is home to many interesting things that you have to explore yourself to see them all.

Public spaces

Sunset over West Lake seen from Quang An Street. Photo: Cao Anh Tuan

Bordering the West Lake, Quang An is a popular outdoor spot where Hanoi residents come to exercise and unwind every day, especially in the mornings and evenings. Cycling and jogging are the most common activities. During their breaks, they often sit on the pavement or on the steps by the lake, chatting and rehydrating themselves.

At the end of the street, where it intersects with Quang Khanh Street, is the Quang An Flower Garden, with fitness equipment, stone benches, and playgrounds.

For gifts, Better World Hanoi sells handmade souvenirs from around the world and donates a portion of the proceeds to local charities.

Meanwhile, a hotel and restaurant complex has taken over the once-popular Sao Mai swimming pool area.

Restaurants

International dinners at Ole Tapas, Cocktails & Wine. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Quang An is a unique street where every house overlooks the lake, making it easy for you to get a fantastic view. This place is full of European and Asian restaurants, beer gardens, bars, and vegetarian food, namely Olé, Cork & Bottle Wine Bar, Le Jardin French Bistro, Mr. Beer, Ben Thuy, The Fat Pig, VOU Cafe & Eatery, Chay Dao An, and many more.

The best thing about this street is that it's not crowded and bustling like many other places in Hanoi, said Long Lee, manager of Cork & Bottle Wine Bar.

"The best time to sit here and admire the West Lake is during the change of seasons like this, around three to six o'clock in the afternoon, sipping a glass of wine and enjoying the atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in Hanoi," Long said, adding that about 70% of the bar's visitors are foreigners.

This Western dish is prepared by the chef at the Chops Vietnam restaurant on Quang An Street. Photo: Chops Vietnam

 Coffee and tea shops

Nagocha Matcha Specialty & Tea House, Eastern & Oriental Tea House and Coffee Parlor, and the row of about ten coffee shops at the end of Quang An Street, including Kali and Bao Nhi, are always packed in the late afternoon and evening, as well as on weekends and holidays. These establishments offer a wide variety of reasonably priced drinks to suit all tastes.

Emma Bancroft, an expatriate living in Tay Ho District, said she cycles around West Lake every weekend, stopping for coffee at the end of the road. When she craves cake and tea, she heads to the Eastern & Oriental Tea House and Coffee Parlor. "The drinks here are so good that when people ask me where to go at the weekend, I tell them," she told The Hanoi Times. 

Nagocha Matcha Specialty & Tea House.

Homestay lodges and hotels

As described by Time Out, Quang An is the "vibrant, cosmopolitan heart of Hanoi" where many expats live. There are many homestays, hotels, and houses for rent on this street, the most recommended being Hanoi Sunflower Westlake Homestay, Jin's Chill Spot 2, or Elegant Mansion 88. Foreigners often rent long-term - for months or years - with apartment prices starting at VND15 million (US$600) per month. 

Surrounding landmarks 

A visitor to the renowned Quang Ba Flower Market in Hanoi. Photo: Chuyen cua Ha Noi

The surrounding areas of Quang An Street enhance the classic waterfront setting, particularly the Quang Ba Flower Market, Tay Ho Temple, and the restaurants around Xuan Dieu Street and Dang Thai Mai Street.

At present, as the surrounding roads are being repaired and traffic is being diverted, tourists and people from other places who come to the Quang An Street area should pay attention to the traffic signs to avoid entering prohibited roads or getting stuck in traffic jams.