Hang Ma (Votive Paper Street)

Hang Ma, the votive paper street, lies in the northwestern Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam, near Dong Xuan Market in Hoan Kiem District. It is often described as the most photographed street in the quarter because its shopfronts are hung wall to wall with lanterns, paper decorations, wrapping paper and joss goods. The street sells votive offerings that are burned for ancestors, including paper houses, motorbikes, banknotes and clothing, which distinguishes it from general souvenir shopping: much of the trade serves local religious practice rather than tourism. Window displays are switched wholesale for each festival, with red and gold before Tet, lanterns and lion-dance masks before Mid-Autumn and tinsel before Christmas. Most goods are mass-produced paper and plastic items made in workshops in the region, so authentic handmade craft is limited, but the lanterns, paper decorations and festival props are genuine local commercial products rather than imported trinkets. Bargaining is mild and mostly applied to bulk purchases or larger decorations; small paper items carry low fixed prices, often 10,000 to 50,000 VND. Payment is by cash, and card acceptance is rare. No tax refund is available on purchases here. The atmosphere is colourful, busy and slightly chaotic, particularly in the weeks before Tet and Mid-Autumn when the street is packed with local shoppers. Food is available from the surrounding Old Quarter streets, and the Dong Xuan Market food alley is a short walk away. The most photogenic stretch is the central block where lanterns overhang the pavement. Visitors interested in souvenirs can look for lightweight lanterns, paper fans and greeting cards, which pack flat, while burnt offerings are not intended as souvenirs and should not be taken as ritual items without understanding their purpose. Prices range from about 10,000 to 500,000 VND.