Ultimate Guide to Exploring Hanoi's Old Quarter

1. Where is Hanoi's Old Quarter?

Hanoi's Old Quarter is located to the West and North of Hoan Kiem Lake, comprising 36 streets, each specializing in unique goods. Its boundaries extend to Hang Dau Street in the North, Phung Hung Street in the West, Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, and Hang Thung Streets in the South, and Tran Quang Khai and Tran Nhat Duat Streets in the East. 

2. Getting to the Old Quarter

Wondering how to get to Hanoi's Old Quarter? There are various transportation options to reach this iconic area, including buses, motorbikes, and taxis. If you opt for the bus, consider routes 09, 14, 36 to reach Hoan Kiem Lake or 03, 11, 14, 18, 22, 34, 40 to reach O Quan Chuong.

3. Fun Places to Visit in Hanoi's Old Quarter

Explore the exciting attractions in Hanoi's Old Quarter!

• Hoan Kiem Lake

Also known as Sword Lake, closely tied to the legend of the Sword-Returning Turtle. Hoan Kiem Lake is situated in the city center, attracting many domestic and international tourists. Surrounding the lake are various attractions: Ngoc Son Temple, Pen Tower, The Huc Bridge, etc. Here, you can indulge in the famous Trang Tien ice cream. Hoan Kiem Lake is a must-visit location when exploring Hanoi's Old Quarter.

• Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple is located on Ngoc Island in Hoan Kiem Lake, dedicated to the worship of Van Xuong and Thanh Tran saints. To enter the temple, you must cross The Huc Bridge. The architectural complex of Ngoc Son Temple is classified as a special national monument in Vietnam. Here, you can explore the legend of Sword Lake or the history of Hanoi.

• Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets in Hanoi and the biggest within the

Hanoi Old Quarter. Here, you'll witness a bustling and lively trading scene with various products. Visit Dong Xuan Market to choose and buy unique gifts to bring back.

• Hang Ma Street – an interesting spot in Hanoi Old Quarter

Situated in the Old Quarter, Hang Ma Street is considered one of the busiest and most vibrant streets in Hanoi. Especially during festivals and holidays, the street is adorned with lanterns, luminous toys, and balloons, creating an atmosphere filled with sound, color, and light. It bears the spiritual essence of the Orient.

• Ma May Ancient House

As one of the captivating attractions in the Old Quarter, the ancient house at 87 Ma May replicates the traditional living space and distinctive features of ancient Hanoians. The house is regularly open for tourists to visit, with an entrance fee of 10,000 VND.

• Bach Ma Temple

Bach Ma Temple is one of the four temples in the ancient Thang Long Citadel, located in the middle of Hang Buom Street at house numbers 76-78. The temple worships the deity Long Do and the white horse, surrounded by many historical and mythical stories. This is a cultural and historical relic with a history of thousands of years, the oldest and most venerable among the surviving ancient temples of the Thang Long Citadel.

• Ta Hien Street

This small street in the heart of Hanoi is always bustling with people. It is a famous beer-drinking spot in the capital, loved by both local and international youth. After enjoying a beer, you can head to the 1900 Bar around 9 PM for some lively music. Known as the 'international crossroads,' it has made it to the must-visit list for tourists exploring Hanoi.

• O Quan Chuong Gate

O Quan Chuong is one of the five remaining gates of the ancient Thang Long Citadel, designed in the style of a watchtower – a distinctive architecture of the Nguyen dynasty. The gate is named to commemorate the contributions and heroic sacrifice of the official Chưởng Cơ during the resistance against the French.

4. What to eat in Hanoi's Old Quarter?

When traveling to Hanoi's Old Quarter, you surely cannot miss out on the delicious local dishes. Let's explore some of the best street food and dining addresses in this area:

• Culinary delights at Dong Xuan Market
• Bun Cha Hang Buom – 43 Hang Buom
• Pho Bat Dan – 49 Bat Dan
• Bun Thang at Bun Thang Cau Go – 32 Cau Go
• Xoi che, banh troi tau at Mrs. Mai's sweet soup stall – 93 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District
• Bun dau mam tom at Alley 31 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem District
• Cha Ca La Vong – 14 Cha Ca
• Dried beef salad, banh bot loc on Hoan Kiem Street

Learn more: Hanoi Cuisine – Must-Try Delicious Dishes that Leave a Lasting Impression

5. Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market

Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market operates from 6 pm to 11 pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, making it one of the bustling trading spots with nearly 4000 participating stalls. The variety of items here ranges from clothing, footwear, household items, handicrafts to souvenirs, all at affordable prices.

On Saturday evenings, both ends of the street host cultural and folk art performances such as traditional folk songs, quan ho, and ca tru. This unique feature of the Old Quarter Night Market attracts many tourists, especially international visitors.

7. Sample itinerary for exploring Hanoi Old Quarter

– In the morning, you can visit Dong Xuan Alley to savor local dishes such as snail noodles, crab noodle soup, etc. After breakfast, explore the market stalls. Then, continue your journey to places like O Quan Chuong, Ma May ancient house, Bach Ma Temple

– For lunch, you can choose to enjoy Bun Cha Hang Manh, Bun Dau Phat Loc, or Dao Chicken Rice on Ma May Street. In the afternoon, continue visiting Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

– In the evening, especially on weekends, you can stroll around the pedestrian street and explore the night market. Alternatively, you can head to Ta Hien Street for dining and experiencing the city's vibrant nightlife.

8. Hotels in Old Quarter

Explore some fantastic hotel deals in the Old Quarter area that you can book right away, such as:

Or opt for accommodations that better suit your preferences, like:

>> View all hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter <<

Hope these insights enhance your exploration of Hanoi Old Quarter for a delightful and fascinating experience.

Explore more:

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• Explore the scenery of Hoan Kiem Lake: Where to go and what to eat?