Log in
Life

Hanoi's Old Quarter vibrant ahead of Halloween

As the popular annual festival approaches, Hang Ma Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter comes alive with a vibrant array of spooky toys and costumes for sale.

Celebrated annually on October 31, the Halloween festival conveys an important message: to teach children how to overcome their fears of ghosts and darkness and to encourage them to embrace the positive aspects of life.

This Western festival has been growing in popularity in Vietnam for about 20 years, gradually becoming a favorite among young people. They enthusiastically embrace it and turn it into a fun opportunity to hang out together.

As Halloween approaches, vendors along Hang Ma Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter are busy preparing for the thrilling celebration.

According to a merchant on Hang Ma Street, this year's Halloween toys and decorations are diverse, beautiful and creative, ranging from plastic pumpkins and lanterns to skeleton figures, costumes and Halloween-related fashion accessories.

 Hang Ma offers a variety of spooky toys and costumes. Photos: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
 Halloween toys and decorations are diverse, beautiful and creative.
 The top-selling items that kids love the most are witch robes and pumpkin lanterns.
These kids are looking forward to going Halloween shopping early with their parents.
A corner of Hanoi's Old Quarter is lit up with colorful and impressive Halloween decorations.
Foreigners are enthusiastic to see humorous Halloween effigies on the street.
The skeleton bride and groom, together with their families, celebrate a colorful wedding anniversary.
The skeleton witch in her tattered, layered robe.
An endless creation of the artist: a ghostly prisoner attempts to escape from his cell.
This gruesome hanging effigy can scare any Halloween festival goer.
 Another frightening mannequin is on display for sale.
A skeleton couple holding hands shows their deep love.
Some ghosts are flying around in their typical robes.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Related news
Egg Beer: Hanoi’s unexpected winter comfort in a glass

Egg Beer: Hanoi’s unexpected winter comfort in a glass

From a passing whim in a Steinbeck novel to a signature indulgence in Vietnam’s capital, egg beer has evolved into a cultural touchstone, blending heritage, creativity and the unmistakable charm of Hanoi’s beer culture.

Hanoi’s Traditional Craft Village, Street Food and Tourism Festival attracts 30,000 visitors

Hanoi’s Traditional Craft Village, Street Food and Tourism Festival attracts 30,000 visitors

The festival seeks to boost tourism in Hanoi while showcasing the Vietnamese capital as a welcoming, safe and cultural destination.

Dazzling festive scenes light up Hanoi’s shopping malls

Dazzling festive scenes light up Hanoi’s shopping malls

As the year draws to a close, a gentle Christmas spirit drifts through Hanoi, turning the city’s shopping malls into glowing festive landmarks.

Hanoi in winter through its flavors and calm streets

Hanoi in winter through its flavors and calm streets

Hanoi in Autumn unfolds through its rich culinary landscape, from iconic pho shops to West Lake’s shrimp cakes and the bustling street food of the Old Quarter. Blending flavors, culture and local stories, the city offers visitors a sensory journey where food becomes a gateway to its heritage and timeless charm.

Walking through Hanoi’s craft and culinary heritage

Walking through Hanoi’s craft and culinary heritage

Hanoi’s heritage comes alive through flavors, craftsmanship and living traditions at the ongoing Hanoi Traditional Craft Village, Street Food and Tourism Festival in 2025.

Dong Ho folk paintings come alive on stage after UNESCO recognition

Dong Ho folk paintings come alive on stage after UNESCO recognition

A new student-led performance brings Dong Ho folk paintings from paper to stage, opening fresh dialogue on how young people can safeguard and renew heritage after UNESCO recognition.

Hanoi weekend stroll: Exploring cuisine and traditional craft villages along pedestrian street

Hanoi weekend stroll: Exploring cuisine and traditional craft villages along pedestrian street

The annual festival offers a convergence of culture, cuisine and creativity, transforming the West Lake’s lakeside promenade into a lively destination for residents and visitors alike.

Interactive heritage routes bring Hanoi’s ancient stories to life for global tourism

Interactive heritage routes bring Hanoi’s ancient stories to life for global tourism

Hanoi introduces four digital heritage itineraries using interactive maps and the H-Heritage app, offering travelers a rich cultural experience rooted in traditional beliefs and historic relics.