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From a troubled area during wartime in Vietnam, Yen Phu street now transforms into the beautiful lakeside street along West Lake that wins over visitors’ hearts with its magnetic charm. Located in the heart of Hanoi, Yen Phu street is more than a simple road as it’s a living piece of the capital city. This ancient street dates back to Vietnam’s feudal era and has evolved beautifully over the centuries.
From its unique design to the stories etched into every corner, Yen Phu street offers a quiet charm within the bustling of Hanoi. In this guide, we’ll deep down its history, uncover the secret behind its unusual layout, and share the best things to see and to do there.
Where is Yen Phu Street?
Yen Phu street is located in Hong Ha ward, Ba Dinh District in Hanoi. Stretching about 1400 meters from the Cua Bac junction, the street winds past the Hang Than slope, runs along the Yen Phu dyke, and eventually meets Nghi Tam Street.
Interestingly, there’s also smaller street share the same name with Yen Phu street called ‘phố Yên Phụ’, over 600 meters long, connects Yen Phu with’, over 600 meters long, connects Yen Phu with the intersection of Au Co and Nghi Tam streets.
Set between West Lake and the Red River, Yen Phu Street used to face regular flooding every year from June to July. However, there’s some significant changes that leave peace on the street. The story of how that transformation happened will be shared in the historical stories, which I will tell you about right below.
A travel of time through all Yen Phu street milestones
Yen Phu Street During Wartime
Yen Phu street has deep roots in Hanoi’s history, originally being a part of Yen Hoa, a traditional craft village along the shore of West Lake. The village was famous for its dó paper making, peach blossom growing, and ornamental fish breeding.
In the French colonial period, Yen Phu street was just Yen Phu dyke (digue Yen Phu). Residents here encountered the annual floods that swept through every June and July. Life meant heading to higher ground and waiting for the waters to go down before coming back home.
But the floods weren’t the only challenge. During wartime (1945 – 1975), locals also faced fires caused by French and later American forces, who targeted the Yen Phu power plant and Yen Phu waterworks, two major sources of energy for the city. The area has consistently suffered extensive damage.
Yen Phu Street During Peacetime
After wartime, life on the street changed for the better. The end of wars brought peace and the construction of the Hoa Binh power plant helped control the Red River’s water level, which put an end to annual floods. With these improvements, the street grew busier, both in population and traffic. For that reason, the Yen Phu power plant was shut down to make way for the community, only Yen Phu waterwork remains functional as the oldest power facility on the street.
Since the 2000s, Yen Phu Street has been one of the main traffic arteries of the capital. From the Long Bien bus interchange, travellers can easily reach all parts of the city and neighboring provinces.
Despite the modernization, Yen Phu street still preserves many famous historical charms such as Tran Vu Pagoda, Yen Phu Communal House, An Tho Palace, Hai Co Shrine, Thien An Temple, and Nghia Dung Temple as reminders of the past. Visitors are often captivated by the winding streets and the ancient architecture with gracefully curved tiled roofs, a distinctive feature of the relics from the old Thang Long Citadel.
The Unique Beauty of Yen Phu Street
The first thing that catches your eye when you step onto Yen Phu Street is the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural. Stretching nearly 3,950 meters and covering an area of 7,000 square meters, the mural is divided into 21 sections, each depicting a chapter in Vietnam’s rich history along the Red River. Designed by artist Nguyen Thu Thuy and completed in October 2010, the mural was created to celebrate 1,000 years of Thăng Long Citadel, the ancient name of Hanoi.
Yen Phu Street hosts just a segment of this impressive artwork, as the mural winds its way along several streets that run beside the Red River, including Tran Nhat Duat, An Duong Vuong, Tran Khanh Du, and Tran Quang Khai streets. Walking along it, you can’t help but feel connected to the long, flowing story of Hanoi’s past.
What are the top must-try things at Yen Phu Street?
Explore the old Yen Phu Village and try local food
Tucked away in the Northeastern of West Lake, this village is well known for its traditional fishing and net-making craft. Hidden within the maze of small, narrow alleys, one of Yen Phu village’s signature quirk, there’re two charming historical landmarks.
The first is Yen Phu Communal House, built around the mid-17 century. Sitting on the small rise near the lake, the structure offers a cozy open view with ancient Vietnamese architecture. What makes it so special is its construct following the ‘Dinh’ (T-shape) layout, but is arranged lengthwise instead of the usual horizontal style, something rarely seen in Vietnam. Inside, people worship Uy Lang Dai Vuong, son of the wise king Tran Nhan Tong.
Take some steps toward the second landmark named Tran Quoc Pagoda, it was built in 541 in the Ly Dynasty. Being one of the top must see landmarks in Hanoi, the pagoda holds the ancient charm of 1,500 years and iconic Buddhist structure.
Also, Yen Phu Village is also a haven for food lovers. Sitting in the maze of alleys, several hidden food corners are waiting to be discovered. Classic Hanoi dishes like Bún Chả, Bún Thang, and Mỳ Vằn Thắn can be found here, often lesser know spots and mainly serving locals.
- Location: Yen Phu village, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
Hunt down one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Hanoi
Yen Phu village also has one of the best sunset spots in Hanoi. Just search for Dinh Lang Yen Phu on Vu Mien street on Google Map. Once you arrive, walk straight ahead and keep an eye on your left side, you’ll spot a tiny wooden bridge leading out to West Lake. It’s completely free to visit, and the perfect place to snap some memorable photos of your Hanoi trip.
- Location: Dinh Lang Yen Phu, Vu Mieu Street, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
Stroll along West Lake’s peaceful stretch
Yen Phu Street runs close to the edge of West Lake and offers a cool breeze and fresh atmosphere. Both locals and visitors are normally seen cycling along the street in the morning to hunt hidden breakfast corners or lakeview stool coffee as the street gets busy later hours.
If you’re more into going on foot, I suggest making your way to Yen Hoa street, a small branch of Yen Phu that stretches along the borders of West Lake. The street begins at 28 Thanh and length til the Yen Phu junction, near Thang Loi Hotel with over 1 km length. You’ll find many interesting spots to discover there.
Here are some remarkable places you can stop by:
- Hanoi Club Golf Driving Range & Academy: 76 Yen Phu, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
- Gaea – Upcycling from waste shop: 172A Yen Hoa, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
- Victory CD & DVD shop: 110 Yen Hoa, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
Discover hidden cafés and tea houses
From rustic Vietnamese tea spots to modern-style cafés tucked in colonial villas, Yen Phu has a quieter café scene compared to the Old Quarter. Great spots for digital nomads or peaceful readers.
Look at here to check out our recommendations:
- Cafe Giang: 106 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
- May Kitchenware: 80 Yen Phu, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi
- The Soul Coffee: 156 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
- Mystique Parfum & Café: Aqua Central, 44 Yen Phu, Truc Bach, Ba Đình, Ha Noi
- Monete Cafe: 58 Yen Hoa, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
- Sen Cafe: 8 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
Try local street food and small eateries around Yen Phu Street
The area around Yen Phu has plenty of authentic bites: pho cuon, bun cha, and banh tom Ho Tay are local favorites. Ask around small alleys; the best spots often have no signboard.
Look at here to check out our recommendations:
- Bun Cha 29: 29 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
- Hang Noodles: 58 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
- Yen Beo Grilled Pork Sausage: 57 Yen Phu, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
- Banh Cuon Nong Ho Tay (Steamed Rolled Rice Pancake): 34 Yen Phu, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
- Co Minh 1 Vietnamese Pancake: 198 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
Explore more than just Yen Phu Street in Hanoi with Jackfruit
We’ve just wandered through the stories and quiet corners of Yen Phu street from the days when the village battled floods and wartime destruction, to the lively energy it holds today.
However, Yen Phu street is only one chapter of Hanoi. There are countless other places waiting to be explored, even the off-the-beaten-path corners that quietly hide in plain sight. So if you’re ready to see Hanoi from a fresh perspective, the way locals do every day, you’re in the right place. Jackfruit is here to explore it with you. We will uncover all the hidden pages of the capital on our Hanoi cycling tours, just 2 wheels. Not just places to see but a city to feel in a different way.
But what if you’re in Saigon and still want a cycling tour experience? Don’t worry, all you need is to bring your sense of adventure. You can save the Hanoi cycling tour for next time and explore Saigon with our Ho Chi Minh City cycling tours. In both of these major cities, we have untold stories and hidden corners waiting for you to discover.
