Ham Ca Map Hanoi Plaza: Farewell to the Shark's Jaw

Hàm Cá Mập

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, Hanoi

If you have ever traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam, there is one building you have undoubtedly seen, even if you did not know its name at the time. Standing prominently right in front of the bustling Hanoi Plaza next to Hoan Kiem Lake, this iconic multi-tiered structure is a staple of the city's skyline. However, major urban changes are coming in 2026, and this landmark is slated for demolition to make way for a spacious new public plaza.

Because of this, the square has recently been packed with locals and travelers alike, all eager to capture one last photo of this historic building before it disappears forever.

1. Hanoi Plaza and Hàm Cá Mập

Hàm Cá Mập is arguably the most eye-catching building overlooking the famous fountain at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. When I first heard the name, I thought it was just a local nickname, but it literally translates to "Shark's Jaw." Once you look at the tiered, overlapping balconies, the resemblance is uncanny—it really does look like a giant shark's mouth opening up over the plaza!

The building has historically housed various popular cafes and restaurants, offering prime viewing spots of the chaotic Hanoi traffic below. While it is a famous meeting point, many travelers (myself included) often bypassed its cafes in favor of the nearby Cong Caphe or the KFC directly opposite for a quick bite.

Though the open area of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square isn't massive, it serves as the beating heart of Hanoi's weekend walking street, frequently hosting live music, cultural performances, and major seasonal events.

2. The Sudden Crowds Explained

During my visit last weekend, I noticed the square was exceptionally packed. Usually, you only see crowds of this scale when there is a major concert or festival happening, but the stage was empty. Why were so many people gathering?

As it turns out, the news of the building's impending demolition had spread. People were flocking to the square to capture their final memories with the "Shark's Jaw" before the bulldozers arrived.

From the late afternoon well into the night, the flow of people taking photos never seemed to stop.

While daytime photos are great, the square truly comes alive at night. The cool breeze coming off Hoan Kiem Lake makes it the perfect time for a leisurely stroll and some night photography.

3. Fading into Hanoi's History

To be fair, while Hàm Cá Mập is highly recognizable due to its prime location, it hasn't always been loved for its architectural beauty. In fact, removing the building might actually be a fantastic step forward for Hanoi's urban landscape.

Anyone who has visited this area during weekend events knows how incredibly congested it gets. The bottleneck around the fountain can make walking almost impossible when crowds gather.

According to the new redevelopment plans:

- The first basement level (B1) will host commercial shops.

- The lower basement levels (B2 and B3) will serve as much-needed underground parking.

By moving these facilities underground and clearing the ground level completely, Hanoi will gain a massive, open public plaza. As long as the city keeps the ground level open and doesn't construct another high-rise, this transformation will make the Hoan Kiem Lake area much more breathable and pedestrian-friendly.

4. Should You Snap a Farewell Photo?

Seeing everyone lined up with their cameras made me wonder if I should join in and take a few more shots myself.

However, having traveled to Hanoi multiple times over the years, my hard drives are already full of photos featuring this quirky building. Since the city is constantly evolving, focusing too much on what is disappearing might make us miss what is coming next.

Even so, seeing a familiar face like Hàm Cá Mập prepare to leave the stage brings a slight wave of nostalgia. It has been a silent witness to countless travel memories, late-night walks, and street performances.

Yet, the anticipation of a grander, more open Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square is incredibly exciting.

I was just in Hanoi last week, but as fate would have it, I am heading back again next week. I'll be sure to stop by the plaza to see if the farewell crowds have grown even larger.

To match the nostalgic mood of the changing city, I highly recommend queueing up the classic V-pop hit "Em của ngày hôm qua" (Yesterday's You) by Sơn Tùng M-TP on your playlist as you wander around the lake.