The illustrious history of Vietnam is reflected in the Old Quarter. Its beginnings can be traced to the 11th century, when Emperor Ly Thai To made the decision to transfer the city from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. Nowadays, you can still see remaining parts of the French impact from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Old Quarter of Hanoi is an intriguing travel destination due to all the history that is presented in and around the contemporary high-rises and structures. 

Old Quarter Hanoi is situated to the North and West of Hoan Kiem Lake. Hang Dau Street is on the northernmost side of the ancient district, and Phung Hung Street is on the westernmost side. Another name for the Old Quarter is "Hanoi 36 streets." This area has gone through many phases of change, but it is still crowded with buyers and vendors. 

Any visitor to Vietnam should explore the Old Quarter. Its charming streets are bursting with sights and things to do, offering all tourists an entirely immersive cultural experience. Every turn in this iconic region still holds something unique for you. Here are some travel guides to make your vacation even more memorable! 

The Best Time to Visit the Old Quarter Hanoi

The best months to explore Old Quarter Hanoi are from late September to early November and from February to April. The spring season lasts from February to April, when the days are pleasant and bright. The range of temperatures is 20 to 30 degrees. 

The hours of operation in Hanoi Old Quarter are uncertain. It differs from store to store. The majority of businesses shut their doors between 9 and 10 pm, and the eateries are open until 10–11 pm. The bars and parties are frequently busy until late. 

The ideal time in a day to explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi is in the late afternoon or evening because this is when the stores, bars, and eateries serving street cuisine are busiest. You can take a walking tour and hire a cyclo to ride around the Old Quarter.

How to Get to the Old Quarter Hanoi

How to get to the Hanoi Old Quarte?? Here is a complete list of resources you can use to explore this touristarea,a like buses, taxis, motorbikes...

Buses

You can travel to Hanoi Old Quarter using a variety of modes of transportation, including bus, motorcycle taxi, etc. If you're taking the bus, you can choose from routes 03, 11, 14, 18, 22, 34, or 40 to get to O Quan Chuong Gate or routes 09, 14, and 36 to get to Hoan Kiem Lake.

Taxis/ Motorbike taxis

In Old Quarter Hanoi, taxis are cheap and widely available. Make sure the taxi you ride in has a name and a contact number. Although there have been documented instances of taxi scams in the past, they are uncommon during the day. 

Using one of the local cab apps is another easy way to get to Hanoi Old Quarter; we suggest Grab or Gojek because you can enter your precise location before traveling and receive a set fee.

Walking

Although Hanoi Old Quarter is not the world's most pedestrian-friendly metropolis, walking is the best way to experience it. It takes about 30 minutes to walk through the Old Quarter from one end to the other.

Cyclo 

Cyclo typically only makes short trips within the Old Quarter and to neighboring attractions like the Temple of Literature. It is a relaxing method to take in the grandeur of the city gradually. Before you start, decide on a fee.

Motorbike 

The best way for tourists to travel to well-known locations in Hanoi, such as the Old Quarter, is by motorbike. To get to the Old Quarter, you can reserve a Grab bike or rent a motorcycle from your accommodation. 

The Best Things to Do in Hanoi Old Quarter

Capturing the Beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake

One of Vietnam's most recognizable lakes is Hoan Kiem, which is situated directly in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter. Hoan Kiem Lake is well-known for its mysterious stories and breathtaking natural beauty, making it one of the most attractive locations in the city. 

Turtle Tower, perched gracefully in the center of the lake, is surrounded by the tranquil waterways and stunning scenery of the area. A tiny peninsula can also be seen, on which other well-known landmarks can be found, including Pen Tower, The Huc Bridge, Tran Ba Communal House, Ngoc Son Temple, etc. 

Take a walk around the lake and locate a cafe where you can relax and enjoy the street performances and the lake's stunning colors. This is best experienced on the weekends from 7 p.m. Friday to 12 p.m. Sunday, when driving is prohibited, giving walkers the exceptional chance to control the streets. Additionally, while at Hoan Kiem Lake, you can enjoy Trang Tien ice cream, a well-known delicacy that has long been a favorite in Hanoi.

Exploring the Local-Market Culture in Dong Xuan Market

It would be difficult to discuss what to do in Old Quarter Hanoi without mentioning Dong Xuan Market. Not only a humming commercial center, Dong Xuan Market is also a cultural and historical landmark that has existed since the Nguyen Dynasty.

At the westernmost point of Hanoi Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is surrounded by the alleyways of Dong Xuan, Hang Khoai, and Cau Dong. The market is close to Hang Ma Street, Long Bien Railway Station, and Hoan Kiem Lake, which are all situated within 800 meters of each other. 

Dong Xuan Market caters primarily to traders from the northern regions. It serves as a marketplace for a wide range of goods for Hanoi residents and a delivery hub for merchants. Every day, thousands of people gather here to enjoy the food, buy, or take photos. 

There are numerous additional stores in the area of Dong Xuan Market where you can buy sand artworks, pottery from Bat Trang, embroideries and laces from Binh Da, and traditional sketches from Dong Ho. If you want to experience native culture, you should go to Dong Xuan Market. 

Having a Drink in Ta Hien Street

Ta Hien is situated in the Old Quarter not far from Hoan Kiem Lake. Although the street is only 200 meters long, it is among the busiest in both Hanoi Old Quarter and the entire city. Ta Hien has the most distinctive characteristics of both traditional and contemporary Hanoi. The street attracts both foreign tourists and residents of Hanoi. 

You can find a range of Hanoi street foods, including Vietnamese bread, noodles, sweet porridges,... Hanoi experiences a very sweltering and humid summer. And for that reason, people favor consuming cool beer over other types of alcohol. After a long day of work, hundreds of tourists from around the world and locals from Vietnam gather in this narrow street to relax with a cup of chilled beer. Other visitors enjoy relaxing in a street nook to take in Hanoi's busy daily life.  

You have a wide variety of beer options, including draught beer, packaged beer, keg ale, and dark beer. After a long day of touring the Old Quarter, stopping here for a drink is a memorable experience.

Discovering the Vietnamese History in O Quan Chuong Gate

The Old East Gate, which leads to the packed streets of the Old Quarter, preserves traditional values in the middle of a contemporary metropolis. O Quan Chuong Gate, also referred to as Old East Gate, was constructed under King Le Hien Tong. It is situated about 1.5 kilometers to the north of Hoan Kiem Lake at the junction of Hang Chieu Street, Dao Duy Tu Street, Thanh Ha Street, and O Quan Chuong Street. Visitors can take a stroll from this location to observe the activity of locals' everyday lives. 

The Hanoi Old East Gate is a historical building in the Vietnamese city that still has its original details. The entrance serves as a reminder to the Vietnamese of the custom and spirit of earlier generations and has come to represent the former capital. The gate not only accentuates the historic grandeur of Hanoi Old Quarter, but it also upholds the city's ideals from its 1,000-year history. 

Walking along Long Bien Bridge 

One of the best places to watch the dawn and sunset is Long Bien Bridge. This Bridge, which crosses the Red River for 2290 meters, connects the Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts of Hanoi. The rusted tracks and the rough, narrow roadways on either side of the railway have stained the steel bridge over the years, adding to its history's ups and downs. 

When you visit Long Bien Bridge, you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by Hanoi's breathtaking beauty, which is something you could only find in a fairy story. Standing on Long Bien Bridge in Vietnam at night, you could take in the magnificence of the city's heart. This bridge is the perfect place to visit if you want to take a brief break from the bustling metropolis and experience some uncommon peace and quiet. 

Remember to take a photo when you visit Long Bien Bridge in Vietnam so you can record the incredible landscape. The bridge's natural beauty blends seamlessly with both classic and contemporary attire. Many young people visit this location to take pictures and document their youth in the exciting capital city for that reason. 

Visiting Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market

Hanoi Old Quarter night market has long been a popular attraction for both tourists and residents. Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market is located on the road running from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market Gate. The narrow streets of Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Hang Duong are more dynamic than ever every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. regardless of rain or shine. 

When you visit Hanoi Old Quarter night market, you'll be stunned by the abundance of delicious food available. While strolling the streets, you can choose from a wide variety of meals, including authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Hanoi's well-known presents, Korean cuisine, and Asian-European cuisine. Young people enjoy the grilled sour rolls, grilled kebabs, fried snails, chunks, Korean rolls, Tokbokki, tea, milkshakes, and fried snails at the old town night market. 

Due to the vibrant lights that brighten the streets, it is not only a pleasure for tourists but also a photographer's favored location. Various foods from the Hanoi night market will surely tempt your taste senses here. Additionally, you can buy a variety of presents and mementos. 

Enjoying Coffee in Hanoi Train Street

Foreign visitors have long suggested a must-try location to enjoy coffee while exploring Hanoi. In Hoan Kiem District of Hanoi, at the junction of Phung Hung and Tran Phu Streets, is Café Ga Dong Duong, also known as "Hanoi Train Street."

Visitors are drawn to Cafe Ga Dong Duong by its stunning and impressive ancient interior, but they also come for beverages, including egg coffee, which combines the delicious flavor of pure coffee with the greasy flavor of eggs. A typical beverage, iced white coffee, is also made differently to appeal to outsiders' tastes and has gained popularity. Customers prefer to rest by the track during the day to enjoy the fresh air and the historical surroundings. At night, the higher levels are busier due to the sweeping views of the Hanoi-bound night trains.

Hanoi Train Street is indicated on all travel guides despite not having a formal designation on the government map. The cafés here are frequently crowded with foreign visitors. At this unique tourist destination, hanging out with friends, sipping coffee while people-watching, and posing for retro-styled photographs next to the tracks are just a few things that people frequently do.

Contemplating the Ma May Ancient House's Design

In the Old Quarter of Hanoi, there are 14 ancient homes. When you walk down the street, you can see the building and culture of Hanoi in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the home at No. 87, which has been preserved. The house has undergone multiple ownership changes since it was built, but due to the government and each owner's efforts, the original plan has been preserved.

Ma May Ancient House covers 157.6 square meters in total. It is constructed in the style of a multi-story tube house, which was fashionable at the time. The home measures 28 meters in length, 5 meters in width in the front, and 6 meters in width in the back. The layout of the house, with the rear portion being broader than the front portion, is symbolic of the previous belief that a home would bring its owner wealth and contentment. 

Visiting the Most Colorful Street—Hang Ma Street

Tourists refer to Hang Ma Street in the Old Quarter as the busiest and most spectacular of Hanoi's 36 ancient streets. It is well known for its expertise in the production of prayer papers. When you visit, you can fully immerse yourself in the activity of dealing as well as the energetic noises of drums and even trumpets.

In preparation for numerous ceremonial days like the Mid-Autumn Festival, which comes before our traditional Lunar New Year, Hang Ma Street would become very crowded starting in August, which is July in the lunar calendar. Hang Ma is the place to go during holiday times because it offers everything associated with that time of year. 

Going Sightseeing at the Bach Ma Temple of Thang Long Citadel

Pagodas and temples are undoubtedly must-see locations on any trip to Hanoi. A sacred old sanctuary with important historical and cultural significance to the Hanoians is Bach Ma sanctuary, a tiny temple tucked away in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter. 

As you enter this well-known shrine in Hanoi, you'll observe the stunning ceiling made of glazed tiles. On the roof's summit, there are two golden dragon statues. Another amazing feature to observe is the style of the old wooden entrances that lead into the sanctuary. 

Visitors can view a magnificent red lacquer artwork as well as the legendary monument of the white horse from the tale at Bach Ma Temple. The temple now holds many relics, including statues, stelae, ceramics, etc. 

Top Must-Try Foods in the Old Quarter Hanoi

Bun Cha (Rice Noodle Soup with Grilled Pork)

Although Bun Cha is thought to have originated in Hanoi, it is also widely consumed throughout much of Vietnam's northern regions. Everywhere in Hanoi Old Quarter, from broad avenues to narrow lanes, you can find this dish. These grilled pig meatballs with vermicelli noodles are a common lunch or supper dish in Hanoi.

The quality of the meal is determined by the irresistible dipping sauce, which also contains fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, hot chiles, and black pepper. Vietnamese cuisine depends heavily on fresh plants, and Bun Cha always comes with a big dish of them. The most popular ingredients include fermented green papaya, carrot, cucumber, mint, and cilantro.

Pho  

The best cuisine in Hanoi Old Quarter is Pho. You can eat it for brunch, supper, or breakfast. A dish of pho is carefully prepared through numerous stages. Bone stock is simmered for hours, and to give it flavor, onions and ginger are grilled and pulverized. For this recipe, anise, cinnamon, and sophisticated seasonings are essential. 

White noodles, delicately cooked pork, scallions, and onions are all included in this delicious dish of pho. Clear and delicious soup is also served. This meal can be offered with some chili sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Pork, poultry, and beef are the main proteins in pho.

Bun Thang

When in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and unsure of what to eat, you should try Bun Thang. Since there are many restaurants in Hanoi that serve this meal, it has to meet extremely high standards. To make a delectable bowl of bun thang, the chef must be informed about each component and careful throughout the cooking process.

Bun Thang is a classy noodle broth with a variety of delicious toppings, including shrimp floss, egg crepes, shredded poultry, pig sausage, and flavorful herbs. Shrimp, poultry, and shiitake mushrooms make up the liquid.

Banh Mi

Banh mi has a long history in Vietnam and is now a widely consumed dish throughout the country due to its convenience, diversity, and most significantly, affordable price. 

Banh mi, which is sold in Hanoi Old Quarter, has developed a reputation as one of the country's most popular street dishes among both residents and international visitors.  Banh Mi Tram on Dinh Ngang street is a must-visit for connoisseurs in Hanoi. Normally, a Banh Mi with pork and foie costs about 35,000 VND.

Rice Paper Salad

Rice paper is the main ingredient of this kind of food. Depending on additional ingredients that consumers may want to add to their food, the price starts at just 10,000 VND. 

A plastic container is frequently used to serve rice paper salad, and two skewers are used as utensils. Because it is frequently prepared to order, you can alter your bag to make it less spicy or, if you have a peanut allergy, remove the almonds. Due to its popularity, this food is available almost everywhere in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, on metal carts that move along the streets.

La Vong Grilled Chopped Fish

This recipe includes vermicelli noodles, toasted peanuts, and dipping sauce along with broiled fish that has been seasoned in turmeric and combined with sautéed onions and dills. Its savory, sweet, and sour tastes are in ideal balance.

Top-Rated Hotels to Stay at Hanoi Old Quarter

The majority of visitors also opt to remain in Hanoi Old Quarter due to its convenient position and wealth of amenities. The mid-range and upscale specialty hotels listed below, in our opinion, provide the best services in Hanoi.

The Oriental Suite Hotel & Spa

• Add: 58 Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

• Price from: USD 70

The Oriental Suite Hotel & Spa emphasizes the Asian aesthetic by using timbers and darker color schemes, as indicated by the hotel's name. There is a bar and restaurant, a massage, a sauna, and a secure closet. 

Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy

• Add: 12 Nguyen Quang Bich, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

• Price from: USD 76

The Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy provides 42 hotel rooms with contemporary amenities and decoration, and it only takes 17 minutes to stroll from the hotel to Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter. Expectations for their eatery and leisure are reasonable.

Apricot Hotel

• Add: 136 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi 

• Price from: USD 110

Vietnamese traditional art and personalized service are combined in the lovely Apricot Hotel. Visitors are greeted into an opulent, cozy setting filled with fascinating works of art and wealthy artistic talent. They provide individualized services that enchant and please you on your trip through Hanoi.

Silk Queen Hotel

• Add: 100 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem

• Price from: USD 48

It's very easy to take a quick walk to the Old Quarter from the hotel. Both the childcare services and the morning spread are gratuitous. Low-cost tourists can afford the room prices.

The Light Hotel

• Add: 128-130 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

• Price from: USD 69

A dependable option for your stay in the old district is the Light Hotel. They have an outdoor pool, a complimentary breakfast buffet, an eatery and a lounge by the pool with upscale decor. You can get to Hoan Kiem Lake by walking for just 18 minutes from The Light Hotel.

The Old Quarter's endearing but chaotic streets will stick in your memory no matter where you go. It is one of Vietnam's most well-liked tourist destinations because it is blessed with a distinctive mix of historical sites and architecture, stores and cuisine. And Hanoi Old Quarter will never fail to surprise you with something fresh, whether it's your first visit or your 10th.

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