Hanoi’s Old Quarter is considered the heart and soul of the capital. It demonstrates a harmonious fusion between an ancient and proudly preserved culture and a city in constant diversification; and now it is the oldest but busiest commercial district and one of the main attractions of the capital of Vietnam.
History of the Old Quarter of Hanoi
Hanoi Old Quarter is located in the northeast of Hanoi, belonged to Hoan Kiem district. The location of the old city was deliberately located between the Imperial Citadel and the Red River, considered an advantageous area for commercial development.
The history of the old quarter dates back to the 11th century when the King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Thang Long (Hanoi). After this historic decision, many artisans gathered around the royal palace to sell their products and over time organized themselves into craft cooperatives and corporations.
People from the same villages gathered and operated on the same street, giving the streets a homogenous appearance.
All the streets that developed here are called “Hang” (meaning merchandise or store), followed by the name of their particular product such as Hang Bac (silver product), Hang Ma (paper product), Hang Duong (sugar ), Hang Muoi (Salt), etc. Today, these street names still reflect specializations although few of them remain exclusively in their original trade.
Things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is a maze of small valleys where you can find everything from street foods, restaurants, boutiques, bakeries, cafes to art galleries, bars… There is an endless list of Interesting activities in Hanoi Old Quarter, but below are some awesome things not to miss:
1. Explore the Old Quarter
While at first glance it is hectic, with many scooters, people and narrow streets, it is beautiful. Some travelers only see how beautiful it was at second glance, but yes: it is definitely beautiful.
You probably won’t have enough time, eyes and ears to see the Old Quarter completely. But you will cover a lot in a few days. By exploring the streets, shops, markets, bars and street food, you will fall in love with the Old Quarter.
2. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword) and Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) are the classic elements of Hanoi tourism. Located right next to the Old Quarter, the lake is one of the city’s main tourist attractions and serves as a focal point for its public life. After the exhausting walking tour of the neighborhood where you have to weave through the ever-busy traffic flow of motorbikes and taxis, a short break by the lake with surrounding green landscape would be refreshing.
A visit to Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, is a must to learn more about Vietnamese worship culture. The temple was built in the 19th century and dedicated to Van Xuong De Quan – the literary star and Tran Hung Dao – a national hero. To get to the temple, you will cross Huc Bridge, a charming red-colored wooden bridge of classic Vietnamese design.
3. See the Water Puppet Show
Tourists cannot miss the opportunity to watch a traditional water puppet show – a unique Vietnamese art form originating from the wet rice culture of Southeast Asia. Supported by a large rod placed underwater and manipulated by experienced puppeteers hidden behind the screen, the wooden puppets appear to dance on the water and tell folk tales.
Conveniently located next to Hoan Kiem Lake and within walking distance of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a familiar place to enjoy this traditional art form. There are 4 daily shows at 4:10 p.m., 5:20 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. all year round.
4. Shopping at Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is one of the oldest markets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It has a history of over 200 years, dating back to the Nguyen dynasty of Vietnam. It is now the largest market in Hanoi and offers a wide range of products including clothing, home appliances, souvenirs, foods, Hanoi specialties, etc.
You can easily find everything you need here at an affordable price, provided you have good negotiation skills. Dong Xuan Market is open every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening you have the chance to explore an open-air night market with many stalls, local food sellers, locals and tourists. It runs through the Old Quarter area from 7 p.m., starting from Hang Dao Street and heading north to the edge of Dong Xuan Market.
5. Taste street foods
Vietnamese cuisine is based on a delicate balance of salty, sweet, sour and spicy flavors. It’s almost impossible to walk around Hanoi without noticing the smell of food from street vendors.
The food choices in general are good and the dishes are offered at cheap to affordable prices no matter where you prefer to dine. “Pho”, “Bun cha”, “Cha ca”, “Bun thang”, “Bun dau mam tom”… are among the top of the list to try during your visit to Hanoi. You will be surprised by the delicious taste of simple dishes. If you have a sweet tooth, try the fried bananas, dessert soup or caramel pudding.
Tasting new cuisine is not just a dish in itself, it is also a part of cultural heritage. There’s no better way to find out
the delicious cuisine Vietnamese street style with the help of a local!
6. Cycling around the old quarter of Hanoi
Hanoi Old Quarter is a perfect stop for those who want to experience Hanoi with a genuine desire to understand the city’s culture or a curiosity to travel back in time. With its old-fashioned narrow streets, full of ancient brick houses, it seems to nostalgically resist the passage of time while actively trying to adapt to the dynamic atmosphere of the modern city.
Jumping on a cyclo, one of Hanoi’s most typical vehicles, a human-powered transport with a seat in the front for passengers and the driver in the back, you will have a perfect chance to take photos and to do some slow sightseeing through a busy alleyway in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
It may be a bit crowded, but you will get in touch with locals and experience the chaotic and energetic life of Hanoians.
7. Drink a “Bia Hoi” in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
“Bia hoi”, draft beer or cold beer, is a very famous drink in Hanoi. A visit to Hanoi won’t end without trying a “bia hoi”. Most foreign visitors and guides recommend the “bia hoi” on the corner of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets. This is why this area is full of foreign visitors.
As an expat, I would like to take my friends and relatives to try a “bia hoi” on Phung Hung street. There are lots of good choices there and the menu is good and not expensive.
It gets busy from 4:30 p.m. when working hours end. It will be busy until late at night. People prefer to sit on plastic stools with a pint of “bia hoi” in hand, snack on peanuts and chat with friends. Come here and do like the locals, you will feel the loudest and liveliest atmosphere of Hanoi nightlife and have a truly local experience.
