Buzz
Hanoi's 36 Streets and Wards, with a history spanning a thousand years, holds the cultural essence passed through generations of the Trang An land. Outsiders may be unaware, but Hanoians, without exception, know and cherish it deeply, proudly recounting its stories to visitors.
Hanoi's Old Quarter through the artistic lens (Photo: Collectible)
History of Hanoi's 36 Streets and Wards
When recalling the history of Hanoi's 36 Streets and Wards or the Old Quarter, we must go back to the period from the Ly – Tran dynasty. It was during this time that this bustling trading and residential area began to take shape, attracting people from villages across the Red River Delta. The community gathered here became the most vibrant area in the capital at that time. Not only that, but this urban area also concentrated many small-scale industrial and commercial activities, giving rise to the name 'Hang,' referring to the distinctive trade streets that bear strong traditional characteristics.
For centuries, Hanoi's 36 streets and wards have been celebrated in poetry, most famously in the verses:
“Inviting each other to play throughout Long Thanh,
Thirty-six streets clearly marked, no mistake;
Hang Bo, Hang Bac, Hang Gai,
Hang Buom, Hang Thiec, Hang Hai, Hang Khay,
Ma Vi, Hang Dieu, Hang Giay,
Hang Lo, Hang Cot, Hang May, Hang Dan,
New Street, Lucky Town, Cross Street,
Gift Street, Fish Street, Coal Street, Copper Street,
Salt Street, Hat Street, East Bridge,
Vault Street, Bean Street, Flower Street, Raft Street,
Barrel Street, Bowl Street, Bamboo Street,
Lime Street, Paper Street, Tea Street, Chicken Street.
Around, to Hang Da street,
Explore the street, it's quite charming.
First Blossom Street in Long Thanh,
A street adorned with flowers, surrounded by players around the chessboard.
People returning remember the mesmerizing scene,
Ink and flowers combine to create an enduring poem.”
Enduring through the ups and downs of the capital's land, that neighborhood has journeyed alongside time, persevering until now, preserved and cherished to become the ancient city of Hanoi in the hearts of many Vietnamese.
Former Hanoi Old Quarter (Photo collection)
Former Fish Sauce Street (Photo collection)
2. Scale
Concerning the area, as per the regulations of the Ministry of Construction, the official extent of Hanoi Old Quarter is defined as follows: to the North lies Hang Dau Street; to the West is Phung Hung Street; to the South encompass the streets of Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, and Hang Thung; while the East is marked by Tran Quang Khai Street and Tran Nhat Duat Street.
Map clearly delineating the boundaries of Hanoi Old Quarter (Photo collection)
3. Distinctive Features of Hanoi 36 Streets
Name
Hanoi's 36 Streets and Wards, a name ingrained in the minds of many, evokes simplicity and rustic charm through names like Hang Mam, Hang Non, Hang Duong, Hang Muoi... representing the primary goods traded by local merchants. The old quarter carries a distinctive urban charm, a bustling and crowded place, yet it still preserves the traditional cultural values from ancient times in this fascinating land. Each street gathers artisans from renowned craft villages around the ancient Thang Long citadel, turning every street into a miniature craft village in the heart of Hanoi.
Travelers enchanted by the beauty of Vietnamese culture (Photo collection)
Architecture
Architecture is another distinctive feature that defines the essence of the old quarter, with its tube houses, sloping roofs, and storefronts designed primarily for business, built mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries. These houses may appear small and seemingly dilapidated, but they are cleverly and reasonably arranged to fully serve the living needs of the local residents.
Distinctive architectural style of the old quarter (Photo collection)
Culture
Returning to the old quarter is returning to the tradition of a thousand years of civilization, with cultural values preserved in about 100 ancient architectural structures, including communal houses, temples, pagodas, assembly halls, exemplified by the Bach Ma Temple on Hang Buom Street, one of the four precincts of the ancient Thang Long citadel.
Bach Ma Temple, one of the four precincts of the ancient Thang Long citadel (Photo collection)
First-time visitors or foreign tourists may feel somewhat overwhelmed, confused when walking through the small and crowded streets, tightly packed houses, bustling traffic, and scenes that might seem chaotic to the unaccustomed. However, one has to go, to feel, to stay, to truly appreciate the unique and peculiar cultural aspects of life and people in this place.
By the side of Hoan Kiem Lake (Photo collection)
The flower vendors' bicycles on every street (Photo collection)
On every festive occasion, people gather in Hanoi's Old Quarter, especially Hang Ma Street, the typical street of colors, sounds, and the culture of the East.
Vibrant Hang Ma Street during every Mid-Autumn Festival (Photo collection)
Culinary Delights
Hanoi's Old Quarter is charming with small street-side eateries. While not luxurious, the flavors are rich, capturing the hearts of wanderers. Sitting by Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying Thuy Ta ice cream, watching the bustling crowd, or strolling the streets without savoring Trang Tien ice cream would be a missed opportunity. Old Hanoi, with its wandering street vendors, sneaking through each street with simple and rustic dishes like fried dough, balut eggs, or just simple green rice, a gift from the homeland, can touch the heart of any discerning diner.
Wandering street vendors traversing every street (Photo collection)
Cốm, the rustic gift from Hanoi (Photo collection)
Old Quarter bustling on weekends (Photo collection)
The cuisine of the Old Quarter is intertwined with traditional dishes like bun cha, pho, bun ca, bun dau mam tom, bun oc, bun thang, served in small roadside stalls or in centuries-old houses.
Bun dau in the Old Quarter (Photo collection)
Bun thang noodle soup (Photo collection)
“Hanoi's 36 Old Streets” is not only renowned as the ultimate dining and entertainment destination in the Capital City, but it also preserves countless historical and cultural values spanning over a millennium. Make sure not to miss this iconic destination when visiting Hanoi.
You might be interested:
- Hoan Kiem Lake walking street - an ideal weekend hangout
- Discover 20 “everyone's favorite” eateries around Hanoi Old Quarter
- Essential Hanoi travel guide from A to Z
- City map of Hanoi
