When it comes to the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, everyone is probably familiar with “Hanoi’s 36 Old Streets” or thinks of the Old Quarter of Hanoi, where it’s easy to get lost. These are the streets that have preserved the historical memories of the capital. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Hanoi, the Old Quarter is a must-visit tourist destination that you shouldn’t miss. Now, let’s explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter together through the article below on RuudNguyen.com
The location of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
A Corner of Hanoi’s Old Quarter (Photo collected)
The Old Quarter is located in the northern and western parts of Hoan Kiem District, comprising 36 old streets (as they were traditionally called). Some of these streets include Hang Ngang, Hang Ma, Hang Dao, Hang Chieu, Hang Tre, Hang Duong, Hang Bac, Hang Buom, Hang Trong, Hang Manh, and many more. When visiting the Old Quarter, you can focus on specific key areas without the need to explore all 36 streets and alleys.
Moving to the Old Quarter
Have you ever wondered how to get to Hanoi’s Old Quarter? Nowadays, there are various transportation options to reach the Old Quarter, such as buses, motorcycles, cars, taxis, and motorbike taxis (xe ôm). However, the fastest means of transportation is probably by motorbike taxi or using your own personal motorbike.
Fun Places in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem Lake
The season of changing leaves around Hoan Kiem Lake (Photo collected)
Located right in the center of the capital city is Hoan Kiem Lake, a body of water closely intertwined with the important historical narratives of the capital. Surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake is a diverse range of historical architecture, making it a special destination that one cannot miss when traveling to Hanoi.
Known as the heart of the capital, during the reign of King Lê, Hoan Kiem Lake was referred to as “Hồ Thủy Quân.” According to legend, King Lê returned the magical sword to a golden turtle, hence the name Hoan Kiem Lake.
In the middle of the lake stands the revered Turtle Tower, and around the lake are well-preserved historical landmarks such as Ngoc Son Temple, the Pen Tower, the Huc Bridge leading to Jade Island, the Stele Pavilion, and more. All of these are symbols that contribute to the timeless beauty of the thousand-year-old capital.
With its antique ambiance, fresh air, and serene surroundings, Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular destination for young people, couples seeking picturesque spots for photos, and weekend strollers. Moreover, Hoan Kiem Lake is also one of the attractive destinations for tourists both domestically and internationally.
Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple (Photo collected))
Ngoc Son Temple was constructed in the 19th century and is one of the impressive architectural landmarks in Hanoi. The temple is not only a renowned spiritual and historical attraction but also a place that provides both local and international visitors with unforgettable experiences.
Dong Xuan Market
The entrance gate of Dong Xuan Market (Photo collected)
Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets in Hanoi. It is a place where you can find a wide variety of products, from food to clothing and household items, catering to different tastes and demographics. Being a wholesale market, the prices here are often more competitive compared to other places. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs while exploring this vibrant market.
Hang Ma Street
The bustling Hang Ma Street during Christmas (Photo collected)
When visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter, it’s indeed challenging to remember all the names of each “hàng” (street), and not every street still sells the items associated with its name. However, Hang Ma Street stands out as one of the few streets that have preserved its traditional character closely tied to its name.
Hang Ma Street is considered one of the most bustling and vibrant streets in Hanoi, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations.
Ma May Ancient House
Ma May Ancient House (Photo collected)
The Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street is one of the well-preserved ancient houses with architecture dating back to the early 19th century. This house is representative of the architectural style and daily life of the ancient Trang An people. It’s a destination often visited by foreign tourists when they come to Hanoi. The following information will give you some insights into the history and related architecture of this house.
With its distinctive 19th-century architectural style, the house is shaped like a tube with a total area of 157 square meters. It is built perpendicular to the street, with a length of 28 meters, a front width of 5 meters, and a rear width of 6 meters. This layout is based on ancient Feng Shui principles and beliefs, where a “nở hậu” (narrow frontage and wider rear) would bring good fortune in the future.
The architectural layout of the ancient house consists of: House 1 – Courtyard 1 – House 2 – Courtyard 2 – House 3 (toilet and storage). With this design, the space of the tube-shaped house is considered favorable for natural ventilation and light. This is one of the most impressive aspects of the traditional Vietnamese spatial arrangement.
Bach Ma Temple
Bach Ma Temple in Hang Buom Street (Photo collected)
Bach Ma Temple is one of the Four Guardian Temples of the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Located at 76 Hang Buom Street, this temple dates back to the 9th century and is dedicated to the deity Long Do (the Dragon Fountain), who is associated with many legends. Following tradition, the Bach Ma Temple Festival takes place annually on the 12th and 13th days of the lunar month of February to commemorate the contributions of the Dragon Fountain deity.
Ta Hien Street
Ta Hien Street is always bustling in the evening (Photo collected)
Every day, when the city lights up, it’s also the time when Ta Hien Beer Street comes to life. The patrons of this “beer street” are diverse in terms of age and nationality. Especially at night, Ta Hien is always bustling with laughter, chatter, cheering, and lively singing, making it seem like you’d forget that the night is falling. In Ta Hien, you won’t find high-rise or modern beer bars, but rather simple sidewalk establishments. Diners sit closely together in front of the houses on plastic chairs, and on the tables, you’ll find glasses of cold beer.
This relatively small street in the heart of Hanoi is always packed with people. When you mention beer, people immediately think of this famous drinking spot in the capital. It’s known by a revolutionary name, “the international crossroads,” and it has quickly made its way onto the “must-visit” list for tourists traveling to Hanoi from abroad.
O Quan Chuong Gate
O Quan Chuong in the evening sunlight (Photo collected)
O Quan Chuong is located on O Quan Chuong Street, at the beginning of Hàng Chiếu Street. Its front faces east towards the Red River, while its rear faces west, extending into Hang Chieu Street. In terms of architecture, it follows a classical style with a fortified entrance gate and a watchtower above, which used to be a guard post for the royal soldiers.
The gate is constructed with a wide arched entrance. In the past, there were two large wooden gates, and at night, during curfew hours, the guards would close the gates, reopening them in the morning for the movement of people and trade.
Food in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
When immersing yourself in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you definitely can’t miss out on the delicious street food offerings here. Below, I’ll list some of the most famous dishes you should try in the Old Quarter:
- Street food at Dong Xuan Market.
- Bun Cha at Hang Buom.
- Pho at Bat Dan Street.
- Bun Thang at Cau Go Bun Thang.
- Sticky rice desserts and floating cakes at Mrs. Mai’s shop.
- Bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste).
- Cha Ca La Vong (La Vong grilled fish).
- Dried beef salad and rice cakes.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter Night Market
The bustling shopping scene at Dong Xuan Night Market (Photo collected)
Hanoi’s Old Quarter night market opens its doors from 6 PM to 11 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s one of the vibrant trading spots with a wide variety of goods, including clothing, shoes, household items, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more, all at very affordable prices.
The travel itinerary for Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Here is a basic itinerary for a day in Hanoi’s Old Quarter that can be customized according to personal preferences and available time:
- Morning:
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local pho restaurant like Pho Bat Dan or Bun Cha Hang Buom.
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Visit famous attractions such as Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam), and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Lunch:
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Have lunch at a local restaurant or try a traditional street food dish like cheese bread or egg coffee.
- Afternoon:
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Explore the old streets, Dong Xuan Market, and souvenir shops in the Old Quarter. Stroll and shop at Dong Xuan Night Market if you’re there on the weekend.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a historic Old Quarter café like Giang Cafe or Cafe Dinh.
- Evening:
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Savor dinner at a local restaurant, trying dishes like Bun Rieu Cua (crab noodle soup), Nem Cua Be (crab spring rolls), or Com Hen (clam rice).
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Experience the evening life in the Old Quarter. Wander around the Hanoi Night Market for shopping and street food, or join the fun at famous beer spots like Ta Hien Street.
Please note that the timings for each activity may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions. To have the best experience, tailor your itinerary based on personal preferences and available time.
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