Hanoi Old Quarter

With a history of more than 1000 years, the Hanoi Old Quarter is the cultural soul of this city and a typical national historical relic.

In addition to 121 religious and spiritual works and relics, such as temples, pagodas, shrines, and many valuable residential buildings, the Hanoi Old Quarter is considered a museum of the ancient urban lifestyle of Vietnam. It is a place with people who live a very Hanoian lifestyle and cuisine.

That is why tourists who travel to Hanoi cannot miss the opportunity to visit this unique destination.

The Old Quarter of Hanoi, with a total area of ​​about 100 hectares, is located next to Hoan Kiem Lake. It has 78 selling-specific-item streets, starting from Hang Dau Street in the North, Phung Hung Street in the West, Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, and Hang Thung Streets in the South, and Tran Quang Khai and Tran Nhat Duat Streets in the East.

Mysterious, deep, narrow alleys:

In addition to ancient houses and temples, the biggest impression that the Old Quarter leaves on visitors is the thousands of small, deep alleys that run throughout the streets and carry the local daily life.

There are alleys that are only about 50-60cm wide, looking like small, dark, and deep nooks with no end. But inside each alley, which is just enough space for one pedestrian, are the residences of many native Hanoians.

Up to 7 to 8 households can share the living space in a cramped, dark, and inconvenient alley, which has become a unique feature of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

For Vietnamdrive's team, Hanoi's small alleys create a lot of curiosity. Sometimes, standing in front of an alley, our mind suddenly feels a little creepy but full of inquisitiveness. It feels like standing before a strange exploration in a fascinating witch story.

The neighborhood of countless delicious dishes typical of Hanoi:

Hanoi Old Quarter also leaves lasting impressions on visitors because of its many tasty dishes.

You are starting with a bowl of famous and delicious pho. You can find it at famous traditional pho restaurants, such as Pho Bat Dan at 49 Bat Dan, Pho Vui at 25 Hang Giay, and Pho Thin Bo Ho at 61 Dinh Tien Hoang. And many other famous names.

Come with a full range of delicious dishes, such as Bun Cha, Bun Than, La Vong fish cake, green rice cake, hot rice rolls, orange cakes, bread, boiled snails, and stewed chicken. Or simply a cup of rich and fragrant egg coffee. A simple and peaceful glass of Hanoi draft beer with a plate of lightly roasted peanuts.

In the Old Quarter, you don't need to worry about not finding anything to eat on your empty stomach. Instead, you will probably regret not having enough time to taste all the delicious dishes inviting you.

The ancient trading and commercial life of the Vietnamese:

Unable to be found anywhere else, Hanoi's Old Quarter gives a realistic, vivid look at the trading and commercial life of the Vietnamese people, which has been formed and preserved over many years.

Typically, one street in the old section specializes in only one product. People named them after the products sold on the street, such as Hang Than Street selling charcoal, Hang Bac Street selling silver, Hang Chieu Street selling sleeping mats, Hang Bong Street selling cotton and blankets, and Hang Trong Street selling drums.

This concentrated trading method shows the hustle and bustle and development of the ancient Hanoians' commercial activities.

With the development of modern life, traditional products are not sold on almost all roads in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. However, a few streets, such as Hang Chieu Street, Hang Bong Street, and Hang Tin Street, still trade in ancient products.

Walk through these streets to better understand the trading and business practices of a beautiful and vibrant old Hanoi.

Strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake:

Hanoi's Old Quarter is adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake, so you can combine visiting it with walking to Hoan Kiem Lake. This place is interesting for breathing in the fresh, romantic air.

You can also rest for a while on the stone benches placed on the lake's bank. They can also simply watch the people of the capital come and go here every morning and every afternoon. It is so peaceful, opposite to the rushing life in the old streets.

Suitable for accommodation:

Not only does it have places to explore and visit with rich cultural values ​​and delicious food, but Hanoi's Old Quarter also has many standard accommodation facilities for tourists.

Choosing to stay here also offers many conveniences for traveling to the main attractions in Hanoi.

However, the inconvenience is that the Old Quarter is cramped, so no four or 5-star hotels exist. Also, finding rooms with large balconies and clear views or swimming pools is hard.

Of course, this inconvenience does not diminish the value of the Old Quarter, which is rich in cultural and historical significance. Alternatively, you can stay in luxury hotels by West Lake and visit the Old Quarter later.