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When discussing the formation and development of “Thang Long - Hanoi”, it is impossible not to mention the ancient streets of Hanoi. Traveling through Hanoi's Old Quarter is one of the precious architectural heritages steeped in traditional essence, representing the cultural identity of the nation, a proud emblem embodying the soul of the millennium-old capital.
Many Vietnamese tourists, upon arriving in Hanoi, often fondly refer to the Old Quarter as the endearing and rustic 'Hanoi's 36 districts'.
Touring Hanoi's 36 districts is where artisans gather, selling similar products with the spirit of 'trade with friends, sell with districts', thus creating a distinctive trading culture of Hanoi's ancient residents.
Today, in Hanoi, that distinctive charm still permeates through the winding streets within the ancient quarters like Hang Gao, Hang Duong, Hang Bun, Hang Than... These modestly changing names represent the goods traded by the local vendors here. Like a tradition passed down through generations, it creates the simple, familiar beauty of Hanoi. These images embed themselves in the hearts of tourists, leaving everyone who departs filled with nostalgia and regret.
A Glimpse of Hanoi's 36 Districts
Adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake, covering an area of about 100 hectares, Hanoi's Old Quarter consists of 76 streets formed since the 11th century, with a history spanning over a thousand years. It's a bustling urban area, densely populated with mainly handicraft and trade activities, giving rise to characteristic trade streets imbued with the unique traditions of urban residents, the capital's essence enduring through the memories of Hanoians through generations. Despite being an old quarter, unlike quiet, serene neighborhoods, Hanoi's Old Quarter is always bustling with the hustle and bustle of commerce and labor. Many streets still sell traditional products such as Hang Ma, Hang Tre, Hang Thiec, and Thuoc Bac...
Another characteristic of Hanoi's Old Quarter is the architecture of ancient houses with tube-shaped structures, tilted tile roofs, and storefronts. These houses were built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hanoians cleverly arranged rooms, lofts, and courtyards to meet the diverse needs of life. As a result, although not large, each Hanoi ancient house has enough space to serve as a place for selling goods, production, worship, entertaining guests, dining, living, and seeking shade.
Where to Go When Visiting Hanoi's 36 Districts
Exploring Hanoi's 36 districts, no matter how discerning the traveler, one cannot resist the allure of the cultural treasures housed within the 100 ancient architectural landmarks here, such as pagodas, temples, and communal houses with gracefully curved roofs. The most iconic is the Bach Ma Temple on Hang Buom Street, considered one of the four guardians of the ancient capital of Thang Long.
Many travelers on their first trip to Hanoi's Old Quarter might feel a bit anxious navigating through the maze of streets with similar names, lined with shops selling similar products, bustling food stalls crowding both sides of the streets, and the constant flow of people and vehicles. However, this hustle and bustle also adds a unique charm to Hanoi tourism, as the ancient beauty blends with modern, dynamic innovations, endearing Hanoi to many visitors after just one day of exploration.
Nevertheless, this hustle and bustle also contribute to the allure of Hanoi tourism, as the ancient charm intertwines with modern dynamism and innovation, endearing Hanoi to many visitors after just one day of experience. When visiting Hanoi's Old Quarter without a specific plan, tourists can sit back and admire the ancient scenery, shop for traditional handicrafts, or indulge in typical Hanoian cuisine such as bun cha, pho, bun ca, bun dau... available in small sidewalk eateries or from street vendors selling trendy snacks in Hanoi.
Especially on weekends, when the streets start to light up, the pedestrian street of Hang Dao - Dong Xuan becomes an enticing tourist destination for domestic travelers to experience the atmosphere of a night market right in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Visiting the night market in the Old Quarter, tourists can immerse themselves in the crowd and shop for souvenirs and daily necessities at stalls set up along the streets to feel the allure of the night market and the Old Quarter at night. On Saturday evenings, traditional folk performances such as Cheo singing, Xam singing, Ca tru singing, Quan ho singing... organized by the Vietnam Musicians Association not only enhance the unique ancient charm of Hanoi's Old Quarter but also make tourists choose the Old Quarter as a place to unwind after a fun-filled, exhausting day of exploration.
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