A Thousand Years of History
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is often called the “soul of the city,” and for good reason. Its origins date back to the early 11th century, when Emperor Ly Thai To established Thang Long (now Hanoi) as the capital, moving it from Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh. Around the newly built Imperial Citadel, markets and artisan guilds quickly appeared, giving rise to what would become the bustling Old Quarter.
By the 13th century, the neighborhood had developed into a thriving commercial hub, attracting traders from across Asia. Each guild or craft group would gather in its own street, which is why many streets are named after their traditional trade. Even today, you’ll find echoes of this history:
- Hang Ma – once famous for votive paper offerings, still lined with colorful paper lanterns and decorations.
- Hang Bac – the street of silversmiths, where jewelry and fine silverware were crafted.
- Hang Duong – once known for candied fruits and sweet treats, still a favorite spot for traditional snacks.
The Old Quarter was not only about commerce; it was also a place of cultural exchange. Chinese, French, and later Western influences left their mark on the architecture, blending with Vietnamese tube houses to create a unique urban landscape. Narrow alleyways, communal houses, pagodas, and traditional shophouses still stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time.
Walking through the Old Quarter today feels like stepping into a living museum. The past and present intertwine: old merchants’ homes transformed into cafés, ancient temples nestled between boutiques, street vendors selling traditional dishes alongside trendy restaurants. Amid the hum of motorbikes and the glow of neon lights, you can still sense the heartbeat of a community that has endured for nearly a thousand years—a quarter that continues to evolve while fiercely holding on to its heritage.
Where Is the Old Quarter?
The Hanoi Old Quarter sits in the heart of the city, within Hoan Kiem District, with the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake marking its southern edge. This compact yet lively neighborhood is easy to explore on foot, and its borders are clearly defined:
- North: Hang Dau Street, leading toward the historic Long Bien Bridge, built by the French in 1902.
- East: Tran Nhat Duat and Tran Quang Khai streets, where you’ll also find Vietnam’s longest ceramic mosaic mural wall, stretching nearly 4 km.
- West: Phung Hung Street, lined with mural art and just steps away from the famous Hanoi Train Street, where trains pass within inches of houses.
- South: The shimmering waters of Hoan Kiem Lake and the bustling Hang Bong Street, one of the Old Quarter’s main shopping arteries.
This compact grid of 36 old streets forms the city’s commercial and cultural heart, making it the perfect starting point for any Hanoi adventure.
How to Get There
- 🚌 By bus: Numerous city buses stop at or near Hoan Kiem Lake, just a short walk from the Old Quarter’s busiest streets.
- 🚖 By taxi or motorbike taxi (Grab): A fast and affordable choice, especially if you’re staying outside the central district.
- 🚶 On foot or by cyclo: The best way to experience the Old Quarter is slowly. Wander its maze-like alleys, or hop on a traditional cyclo ride to soak in the atmosphere at a leisurely pace.
Top 10 Things to Do in Hanoi Old Quarter
- Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake
Often called the soul of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is where locals gather to exercise, chat, and enjoy the fresh air. On weekends, the surrounding streets are closed to traffic and transformed into a pedestrian playground, with live music, traditional games, and cultural performances. It’s the perfect place to feel the city’s vibrant pulse.
- Explore the Traditional Craft Streets
The Old Quarter was historically organized by trades, and many streets still carry the names of their original crafts:
- Hang Dong – copper and bronze products
- Hang Ma – colorful votive paper, lanterns, and festive decorations
- Hang Duong – traditional sweets and preserved fruits
Wandering these streets is like stepping back in time, with shops still echoing Hanoi’s centuries-old trading culture.
- Visit Historic Temples
Amid the hustle and bustle, the Old Quarter is dotted with ancient temples that preserve Hanoi’s spiritual side:
- Ngoc Son Temple – located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, reached by the iconic red The Huc Bridge.
- Bach Ma Temple – dedicated to a white horse spirit, it’s one of Hanoi’s four guardian temples and one of the oldest in the city.
- Shop at Dong Xuan Market
Built in 1889, Dong Xuan Market is Hanoi’s largest indoor market, offering everything from fabrics and souvenirs to street food and fresh produce. On Friday to Sunday evenings, the surrounding streets turn into the Hanoi Night Market, buzzing with stalls, performances, and endless energy.
- Watch the Sunset at Long Bien Bridge
Constructed by the French in the early 1900s, Long Bien Bridge is both an engineering marvel and a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience during wartime. At sunset, locals and travelers alike gather to admire sweeping views of the Red River and the countryside beyond.
- Enjoy Beer on Ta Hien Street
Nicknamed “Beer Street”, Ta Hien comes alive after dark. Locals and backpackers sit side by side on tiny plastic stools, sipping cheap draft beer (bia hơi) and snacking on grilled skewers. It’s chaotic, fun, and one of the best places to experience Hanoi nightlife.
- Taste Hanoi Street Food
The Old Quarter is a food lover’s paradise. Don’t miss Hanoi’s signature dishes:
- Phở – Vietnam’s most famous noodle soup
- Bún chả – grilled pork with noodles and herbs
- Bánh mì – Vietnamese baguette sandwich
- Bánh cuốn – steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms
- Chả cá – turmeric-marinated fish with dill, a true Hanoi specialty
Every corner has a stall waiting to surprise your taste buds.
- Take a Cyclo Ride
For a touch of nostalgia, hop on a cyclo (pedal-powered rickshaw). It’s a relaxed way to weave through the Old Quarter’s maze-like streets, perfect for first-time visitors who want to admire the French colonial architecture and lively street scenes at a slower pace.
- Try Egg Coffee
Invented in Hanoi in the 1940s, egg coffee is a creamy delight made with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and robust Vietnamese coffee. Famous spots include:
- Giang Café (39 Nguyen Huu Huan) – birthplace of egg coffee
- Café Lam (60 Nguyen Huu Huan) – a historic café frequented by local artists
This rich, dessert-like drink is a must-try experience unique to Hanoi.
- Relax with a Massage
After hours of exploring on foot, treat yourself to a soothing massage or foot spa. The Old Quarter has countless affordable spas offering everything from traditional Vietnamese massage to herbal foot soaks—an ideal way to unwind before another day of adventures.
Final Thoughts
The Hanoi Old Quarter is more than just a destination—it’s the soul of Vietnam’s capital. From ancient temples and bustling markets to vibrant nightlife and mouthwatering street food, every corner tells a story.
