Buzz
Hanoi's 36 Streets and Wards boast a thousand years of cultural heritage, traversing generations of Trang An land's inhabitants. While outsiders may be unaware, every Hanoian holds dear and proudly recounts the tales of this historic quarter.
Hanoi's Old Quarter Through the Artist's Brushstroke (Photo Credit: Collected)
The History of Hanoi's 36 Streets and Wards
When discussing the history of Hanoi's 36 Streets and Wards or the Old Quarter of Hanoi, one must harken back to the Ly – Tran dynasty era, when this bustling residential and trading area began to take shape. People from various villages around the Red River Delta converged here, forming the most vibrant district of the capital at that time. Moreover, this urban area also concentrated many cottage industries and commercial activities, giving rise to the name 'Hang,' referring to the characteristic craft streets imbued with tradition.
Hanoi's 36 Streets and Wards have long been immortalized in poetry, with the most famous verse being:
'Gather to roam all around Long Thanh,
Thirty-six streets, clear and distinct, never in disarray.'
Hàng Bồ, Hàng Bạc, Hàng Gai,
Hàng Buồm, Hàng Thiếc, Hàng Hài, Hàng Khay,
Mã Vĩ, Hàng Điếu, Hàng Giầy,
Hàng Lờ, Hàng Cót, Hàng Mây, Hàng Đàn,
New Street, Phuc Kien, Cross Street,
Hàng Mã, Hàng Mắm, Hàng Than, Hàng Đồng,
Hàng Muối, Hàng Nón, Dong Bridge,
Hàng Hòm, Hàng Đậu, Hàng Bông, Hàng Bè,
Barrel Street, Bowl Street, Bamboo Street,
Lime Street, Paper Street, Tea Street, Chicken Street.
Around to Hang Da Street,
Explore the Pho Hang, so beautiful indeed.
The first flower street of Long Thanh,
Busy street, people gather around chessboards.
Returning, one remembers the mesmerizing scene,
Inscribe poetry, capturing the beauty to pass on.”
Throughout the ups and downs of the capital land, that neighborhood has persevered through the years, enduring until now, preserved and safeguarded to become Hanoi's ancient quarter in the hearts of many Vietnamese.
Former Hanoi's old quarter (Photo collection)
Former Fish Sauce Street (Photo collection)
2. Scale
In terms of area, as regulated by the Ministry of Construction, the official scope of Hanoi's Old Quarter is defined as follows: to the North is Hang Dau Street; to the West is Phung Hung Street; to the South are Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, and Hang Thung Streets; and to the East are Tran Quang Khai and Tran Nhat Duat Streets.
Map delineating the boundaries of Hanoi's Old Quarter (Photo collection)
3. Distinctive features of Hanoi's 36 streets
Name
Hanoi's 36 streets and guilds, a name deeply ingrained in the minds of many, evoke the simplest and most rustic characteristics through names like Hang Mam (Fish Sauce), Hang Non (Conical Hat), Hang Duong (Sugar), Hang Muoi (Salt)... representing the main commodities exchanged by traders here. The Old Quarter bears a very distinctive urban character, a bustling and crowded place, always bustling with people yet still preserving the traditional cultural values from ancient times. Each street gathers artisans from famous craft villages around the ancient capital of Thang Long, turning each street into a miniature craft village in the heart of Hanoi.
Tourists fascinated by the beauty of Vietnamese culture (Photo collection)
Architecture
Architecture is another distinctive feature that defines the charm of the Old Quarter, with tube houses, sloping tiled roofs, and storefronts dedicated to business, mainly built from the 18th and 19th centuries. These houses may appear small at first glance, but they are cleverly and reasonably arranged by humans to fully serve the daily needs of the people here.
Distinctive architectural style of the Old Quarter (Photo collection)
Culture
Returning to the Old Quarter means returning to the tradition of a thousand years of civilization, with cultural values preserved in about 100 ancient architectural works including communal houses, pagodas, temples, assembly halls, with the most prominent being the Bach Ma Temple on Hang Buom Street, one of the four precincts of the ancient capital of Thang Long.
Bach Ma Temple, one of the four precincts of the ancient capital of Thang Long (Photo collection)
For first-time visitors or foreigners, stepping into the bustling narrow streets of the Old Quarter may feel somewhat overwhelming and confusing, with houses closely packed together, bustling traffic, and a chaotic atmosphere. However, it's only by exploring, experiencing, and staying here that one can truly appreciate the unique and exotic cultural aspects of life and people in this area.
By the side of Hoan Kiem Lake (Photo collection)
Flower vendors' bicycles traversing every street (Photo collection)
During every festive season, people gather in Hanoi's Old Quarter, especially on Hang Ma Street, the epitome of colors, sounds, and Eastern culture.
Vibrant Hang Ma Street during the Mid-Autumn Festival (Photo collection)
Cuisine
The Old Quarter of Hanoi charms with its small eateries along the streets. Though not fancy restaurants, the flavors are rich, captivating travelers' taste buds, leaving an unforgettable impression. Sitting by Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying Thuy Ta ice cream, watching the hustle and bustle, or strolling along the streets without trying Trang Tien ice cream would be a missed opportunity. Old Hanoi with its wandering street vendors, meandering through every alleyway, offering humble and rustic dishes like fried doughnuts, balut eggs, or simply green rice flakes, a nostalgic gift from Trang An land, can enchant even the most discerning palate.
Wandering street vendors roaming through every street (Photo collection)
Cốm, a traditional rustic gift from Hanoi (Photo collection)
The bustling Old Quarter on weekends (Photo collection)
The culinary scene in the Old Quarter is closely associated with traditional dishes like bun cha, pho, fish noodle soup, vermicelli with shrimp paste, snail noodles, ladder-like noodles,... served at small street-side eateries or in ancient houses that are decades old.
Bun dau in the Old Quarter (Photo collection)
Bun thang (Photo collection)
“Hanoi's 36 streets and guilds” is not only renowned as the top entertainment hub in Hanoi but also preserves numerous historical and cultural values spanning over a thousand years. You definitely shouldn't miss this destination when visiting Hanoi.
You might be interested:
- Hoan Kiem pedestrian street - an ideal weekend hangout spot
- Discover 20 must-try dishes around Hanoi's Old Quarter
- Comprehensive travel guide to Hanoi from A to Z
- Hanoi city map
