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While Quảng Nam is home to the ancient town of Hội An and Hanoi is renowned for its 36 historic streets, Hải Phòng also features a quaint old neighborhood, with traces of time etched deeply into its buildings, which many may not even be aware of. For most visitors to Hải Phòng, the well-known tourist spots like Đồ Sơn and Cát Bà take center stage, often overlooking this charming destination nestled in the heart of the city. A historic street covered in moss will undoubtedly add a unique touch to your travel experience. Let’s explore Hải Phòng's Old Quarter through this article.
Exploring the Unique Charm of Hải Phòng’s Old Quarter
Iconic Landmarks of the Old Quarter
The journey to discover Hải Phòng's ancient streets begins at the foot of the Lạc Long Bridge, where a centuries-old building stands. Constructed in 1885, this historic structure now houses the Hải Phòng branch of the State Bank of Vietnam. Built in the distinctive French architectural style, what makes this building unique is its foundation and surrounding walls, crafted from tens of thousands of precisely carved, angular green stones, giving it a remarkable appearance.
Across from the building lies the most famous old streets in Hải Phòng, serving as historical landmarks that reflect the city's development through different eras, from its early days to the present.
The Beauty of the Old Streets
When people hear the term 'old streets,' they often think of the ancient lanes of Hanoi. However, many visitors are unaware that Hải Phòng also preserves several ancient streets, each showcasing the passage of time, including the famous Tam Bạc street.
Over the course of history, Tam Bạc Street has managed to retain its distinctive architectural features, with buildings that have stood for centuries. The street, established during the French colonial period, has undergone multiple name changes. However, in 1954, after the liberation, it was officially named Tam Bạc Street, as it runs along the Tam Bạc River.
Winding alongside the picturesque Tam Bạc River, Tam Bạc Street used to be bustling with activity, its piers constantly filled with boats coming and going. Once considered an artistic symbol of Hải Phòng, the street inspired many poets and artists, who captured its slow yet lively pace in their poems and paintings, depicting the charm of this historic corner of the city.
Next, parallel to Tam Bạc Street, visitors seeking affordable travel options will encounter Lý Thường Kiệt Street, which has preserved the beauty of its old architectural style. The houses line up one after the other, connecting Lý Thường Kiệt Street to Tam Bạc.
A visit to Hải Phòng is incomplete without stopping by Lý Thường Kiệt Street, where visitors can admire the beauty of weathered yellow walls, narrow, tall wooden doors, and traditional Chinese-style terraced houses with yin-yang tiled roofs. These are interspersed with French Gothic-style villas from the early 20th century, featuring small windows above curved arches, creating an architectural fusion of East and West.
At the end of Lý Thường Kiệt and Tam Bạc Streets, there are numerous narrow streets, both horizontal and vertical, intricately intertwined. Even the long-time residents of Hải Phòng often struggle to remember their names, such as Trạng Trình, Ký Con, and Hoàng Ngân. As a result, locals commonly refer to this area as Chợ Đổ or Chợ Tam Bạc. Chợ Tam Bạc is one of the city's earliest and busiest markets, offering a wide variety of goods.
Another historic street that seems more familiar to domestic tourists visiting Hải Phòng is Cầu Đất Street. During the French colonial period, Cầu Đất was considered one of the wealthiest streets in Hải Phòng. It was home to many renowned craft industries, including leather shoes, quilt-making, candy, restaurants, grocery stores, photography studios, and gold and silver shops.
Today, Cầu Đất Street is not only a popular tourist and commercial area but also known as the traditional candy street of Hải Phòng, where visitors can find a variety of local sweets that are beloved for their distinctive flavors, representing the essence of the coastal city.
Whether traveling by electric vehicle or strolling through the bustling yet humble old streets, savoring a cup of coffee at one of the quiet sidewalk cafés, or enjoying a hot, crispy snack with a cup of tea in the unique old corners of the city center, Hải Phòng promises an enriching experience for every traveler embarking on a self-guided adventure in this vibrant port city.
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