Hanoi Old Quarter: Experience The Charm Of Hanoi
Hanoi Old Quarter, or Hanoi 36 streets, is a familiar name referred to the old town with historical memories of this capital city.
Over the years, Hanoi Old Quarter may have been changed, but this area is still a top tourist attraction to experience the remains of an old Hanoi.
In this Hanoi Travel Guide, you will know more about Vietnam’s capital and explore the charm of the Old Quarter.
In this article, you will know.
- The Old Vs. The Current Hanoi Old Town
- The design of houses
- Places to visit in Hanoi Old Quarter
- Best food to try in Hanoi Old Quarter
- One-day itinerary to explore this area
- Best places to stay in Hanoi Old Quarter
- How to get from Hanoi airport to Old Quarter
The old
Hanoi Old Quarter is an urban area formed from the Ly – Tran dynasty and located east of Thang Long Royal Citadel to the Red River. This downtown area focused on small-scale industrial and commercial activities.
Each street had different characteristics in this old town as artisans from the villages around Thang Long gathered here according to the profession.
The main products of each street became street names with the word Hàng at the beginning. From there, Hang Trong, Hang Buom, Hang ga, etc., were born.
The current
Throughout history, the old town of Hanoi still stands and remains as the bustling commodity market and as one of the busiest places in the capital.
Society develops and changes, and the old town also gradually transforms, but the streets still retain their inherent cultural values.
However, some streets in Hanoi Old Quarter are no longer sell their specialties. Now the streets of Hanoi Old Quarter with names such as Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Luoc don’t produce the goods as its name anymore.
For example, Hang Khoai does not sell potatoes anymore and sells plates instead. Hang Duong became famous for Ô Mai (salt/ sugared dry apricot), and Hang Ga is known for printing wedding cards.
Houses in Hanoi Old Quarter
Walking through the old town, visitors can observe the ancient architecture of houses in this area.
The houses were built in the style of pipe houses with tiled roofs and small business shops in the facades. They were mainly constructed from the beginning of the twentieth century.
Old signs are still present through the old houses of Hanoi, with the tile roofs covered in moss. There are many generations of Hanoian living in these houses, preserving the lifestyles and cultures of Hanoi.
Where is Hanoi Old Quarter?
The northern part of Hanoi Old Quarter is Hang Dau street, and the west is Phung Hung street, the south road is Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go street, and Hang Thung street, the east is Tran Quang Khai street and Tran Nhat Duat street.
Places to visit in Hanoi Old Quarter
If you only have two days in Hanoi, I suggest spending one day exploring Hanoi Old Quarter. Below are some remarkable places to visit in Hanoi.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Located in the historical center of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem lake is also known as Lake of the Restored Sword. This lake is a lovely place to go for a walk, jog, or sit along the lake.
You can also visit Ngoc Son Temple, But Tower, The Huc Bridge.
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is a symbol and an exciting place for shopping in Hanoi. It is one of the biggest markets in Hanoi and the largest one in the Hanoi Old Quarter.
Market goods are diverse, ranging from everyday items to handicrafts.
Ta Hien street
While Saigon has Bui Vien street, Hanoi has Ta Hien street. This street has long become a great place to hang out for the locals and visitors.
You cannot find fancy restaurants here but instead, experience a “Vietnamese style” while sitting on a plastic chair outside while drinking and eating.
There are many bars along the street, and you can find clubs around the area.
What to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter?
Hanoi Old Quarter’s food is diverse and tasty. There are many Hanoi food you should try on your trip to Hanoi, and here are some main ones.
- Trang Tien ice-cream – Any place on Tràng Tiền street
- Egg Coffee at Cafe Giảng – 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân
- Bun Cha Hang Buom on 43 Hàng Buồm
- Pho Bat Dan – 49 Bát Đàn
- Bun Thang at Bun Thang Cau Go – 32 Cầu Gỗ
- Bun Bo Nam Bo – 67 Hàng Điếu
What to do in Hanoi Old Quarter – One-day itinerary
You can start the day by trying the famous Pho on Bat Dan street. Then, have an egg coffee before exploring the Dong Xuan market and try some of Hanoi’s specialties in this old market.
Have lunch, take a walk along Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit Ngoc Son temple in the afternoon. Don’t forget to try Trang Tien ice cream and Papaya salad near Hoan Kiem lake.
At night, explore the night market before heading to Ta Hien street for a few beers and a fun time.
Where to stay in Hanoi Old Quarter?
I recommend staying in Hanoi Old Quarter while visiting Hanoi because it’s easy to get around the main attractions.
However, if you’d like to get some early sleep, you should avoid staying near Ta Hien street as that area is noisy and chaotic until midnight.
Read more: Tips for finding the best accommodation.
Hanoi Old Quarter hotels
Oriental Suites Hotel & Spa
Just a few meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, Oriental Suites Hotel & Spa is situated in a perfect location where you can walk around and explore Hanoi during the day or night.
The staffs here are professional and friendly, assisting customers from storing luggage to booking trips. You can also enjoy a sauna session after a long day at this hotel.
-> Check availability and read reviews of Oriental Suites Hotel & Spa
Hanoi Old Quarter Hostels
Hanoi Backpackers Hostel
Stay in the heart of Hanoi with Hanoi Backpackers Hostel – a budget hostel on Hang Muoi street. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower, and there is a common area to hang out.
With around $5, you can get a bed and a decent breakfast. Staffs are friendly and welcoming too.
-> Check availability and read reviews of Hanoi Backpackers Hostel.
Little Charm Hanoi Hostel
I stayed at Little Charm Hanoi Hostel a few times on my trip there, and the experience was pleasant.
The boutique hostel provides excellent service at a reasonable price, with complimentary breakfast, a swimming pool, and free beer hour.
-> Check availability and read reviews of Little Charm Hanoi Hostel.
How to get from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter by bus?
The easiest and cheapest option to get from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter is by bus.
From April 30, 2016, at the airport terminal T2, Ha Noi Transport Corporation launched high-quality bus route 86 from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Railway Station and vice versa.
As there is ample luggage space for passengers, it’s convenient when you have big luggage. The bus is also equipped with Vietnamese and English audio systems, an LGD screen system, an LED display of service, and route information.
There’s a surveillance camera system at the front and rear doors, translation services, and free wifi service on the bus.
Price: 30.000 VND/route/passenger. One route takes 50-60 minutes. You can pay the driver when getting on the bus.
Bus Detail From Hanoi Center To Airport:
- Hanoi Train Station -> bus stop opposite the Melia Hotel -> Hanoi Post Office (Buu Dien Bo Ho) -> 23 Hang Tre –> Long Bien Transpoint station (E11) -> bus stop at intersection Yen Phu – Cua Bac -> bus stop at intersection Au Co – Xuan Dieu -> Au Co – Lac Long Quan (468 Au Co) –> VAECO Company –> Terminal 1 -> Terminal 2.
Bus Detail Airport To Hanoi Center:
- Terminal 1 -> Terminal 2 -> VAECO Company –> Au Co – Lac Long Quan (523 Au Co str)–> Au Co – Xuan Dieu stop -> bus stop at intersection Yen Phu – Cua Bac -> Long Bien Transpoint station -> 142 Tran Quang Khai –> Hanoi Opera House -> Hanoi Melia Hotel -> Hanoi Train Station.
How to get to Hanoi Old Quarter from other places?
You can get to Hanoi Old Quarter easily by taxi or Grab. Also, renting a bike is a convenient option to get to the old town.
Going by bus is a cheap option, but it can be time-consuming and inconvenient when you visit Hanoi for the first time.
- Bus number 09, 14, 36 to Hoan Kiem lake
- Bus No. 31 to Dong Xuan Market
- Bus numbers: 03, 11, 18, 22, 34, 40 to the gate of Quan Chuong
Read more to prepare for your trip to Vietnam
- Best places to visit in Vietnam
- How to plan an awesome trip to Vietnam
- Vietnamese phrases and words to know
Pin it for later!
Thanks a lot for this amazing travel guide. I love the fact that you gave important information about reaching point a to point b via public transport. Makes it super useful for foreign tourists who don’t want to rent car
Thank you. I’m glad that you enjoy the article.
This is a great guide to Hanoi, thanks for sharing all the information. I love the look of Hoan Kiem lake with that old building in the middle, looks so cool. I love the food in Vietnam but it’s always good to have some recommendations. The Trang Tien ice-cream sounds interesting.
Trang Tien ice-cream is one of the must-try sweet in Hanoi :)
Hanoi Old Quarter is one of the most charming places I have visited and would love to go back again for the culture and food! I would agree when you say that the streets at the Hanoi Old Quarter have retained the inherent cultural values. Never paid attention to the history of the place and happy to have discovered it here. It has made me see the Hanoi Old Quarter with new perspective. Made a note of Hanoi Backpacker Hostel for our next visit there!
It’s great to hear that you had a good time in Hanoi Old Quarter :)
It’s wonderful that they were able to maintain the architecture of the old houses. It’s a little disappointing though that some streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter no longer sell their specialties. When I visit a place, I always look for its specialties no matter how trivial it could be. I loved the three places you suggested to visit and the list of must-try food! Overall, you made a great guide! I’ll pin this for future reference. :)
Thank you, Jen. I’m glad that you enjoy the guide.
It’s interesting that the city’s street named after what the merchants used to sell. Too bad they don’t follow it anymore, but it’s understandable with all the developments of the city. The old houses captured my attention, too. The kind of architecture that is always bring me to the past.
It’s a pity that some streets don’t sell their original products anymore, but it’s still lovely to wander around.
Oriental Suites and Spa looks exactly like my kind of accommodation. I’m so sad I missed seeing Hanoi when I was in Vietnam; it’s so beautiful. I adore pho, especially on a wintry cold day. Egg coffee is something I’d love to try, and this lake is so ethereal! Just perfect.
You should definitely try Egg Coffee when you visit Hanoi :)
Hanoi is an absolutely amazing city and one of my personal favorites in Southeast Asia. The city has it all, from beautiful lakes and nature, through historic monuments, to wild nightlife. However, the Old Quarter is my favorite part of the city!
It’s great to know that :)
Love the old town captures the most…Never heard of pipe architecture, though! I am intrigued to know more about this now. This is a complete guide for the first timer and a really comprehensive one!
I really hope to visit the eastern countries in 2020 which ofcourse includes Vietnam!
As someone who likes Heritage, I’m sure I’ll be fascinated by the Old Quarter.
Reg., the must try street food, is there any of it that’s vegetarian???
Ha Noi is a very beautiful city. when I go to Vietnam I always try to go there.