When traveling to Hanoi, you should not miss visiting the Hanoi Old Quarter, which has a unique historical and cultural heritage. The peaceful Hanoi Old Quarter lies in the heart of the bustling city. This place possesses an ancient beauty that lasts forever. Let’s explore interesting things in Hanoi Old Quarter with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this blog post, you will find the following pieces of information. 

General information about Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter was formed during the Ly - Tran Dynasty in the 11th century. This area used to be the place where trading activities of the ancient capital Thang Long took place. The houses in the Old Quarter were built in the classical architectural style and have a common style with sloping tiled roofs, small tube houses, and a popular yellow paint color.

A typical house in Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is located in Hoan Kiem District, including 76 streets belonging to 10 wards: Dong Xuan, Hang Dao, Hang Ma, Hang Bo, Hang Bac, Hang Gai, Hang Buom, Hang Bong, Ly Thai To, and Cua Dong. The scope of Hanoi Old Quarter is clearly defined. The North is limited by Hang Dau Street, the West by Phung Hung Street, the South includes Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, and Hang Thung Streets, and the East is limited by Tran Quang Khai Street and Tran Nhat Duat Street. Each street has its own unique characteristics, Each has its own unique characteristics, bringing different impressions and feelings to visitors. Coming here, you can feel the bustling, vibrant life of the local people in Hanoi. 

Must-see attractions when traveling to Hanoi's Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is where many famous tourist attractions of the city are concentrated. Visiting the Old Quarter, you can stroll around the street, visit historical sites, and traditional markets, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of urban nightlife. Let’s explore the top 07 must-see attractions when traveling to the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is the symbol of Hanoi’s iconic beauty with peaceful scenery and many relics. Under the King Le dynasty, Hoan Kiem Lake was named Thuy Quan Lake. According to legend, at Thuy Quan Lake, King Le handed over the golden turtle sword, so Hoan Kiem Lake got its name. In the middle of the lake is the ancient Turtle Tower, surrounded by long-standing historical and cultural heritages such as the But Tower, Ngoc Son temple, The Huc Bridge leading to the Dac Nguyet floor, Dai Nghien, etc. These are symbols making Hanoi a thousand years of civilization. With a clean and fresh space, this place is popular with local people as a relaxing hangout spot and one of the famous attractions for domestic and foreign tourists. 

Hoan Kiem Lake

Dong Xuan Market

If you want to go shopping or experience the locals’ day-to-day life, Dong Xuan Market is the best choice for you. It is the largest Hanoi market where you can find all daily goods, from local handicrafts to specialties. The market has three floors with the following cargo layout. 

• First floor: stores selling items of clothing, shoes, fashion accessories, electronics
• Second floor: retail and wholesale area for adult clothing, fabrics
• Third floor: items for babies
• Back of the market: stalls selling birds and pets
• Bac Qua Market area: food and culinary stalls, open until midnight

Dong Xuan Market

Visiting the market, you can immerse yourself in the crowded atmosphere of selling and buying products. You can also find something to bring home. Don’t forget to practice bargaining when buying items here. 

Hang Ma Street

Hang Ma Street is among the outstanding spots to visit in the Hanoi Old Quarter. This street is located in Hang Ma Ward, about 300 meters long, and located in the East-West direction. The eastern end of the neighborhood is the intersection with Hang Ngang, Hang Duong, and Hang Chieu. At the western end, Hang Ma Street intersects with Phung Hung and the railway. 

Hang Ma Street

The street is associated with the production and trading of paper items, votive offerings, and funeral items according to Eastern culture, as well as various types of paper decorations and folk toys. Later, the street expanded to sell many items such as wedding invitations, postcards, decorative flowers, stationery, and modern toys. Wandering around Hang Ma Street, you can immerse yourself in splendid items. Especially during special occasions like the Mid-Autumn festival, Christmas, and New Year, the street becomes more glistening. 

Ta Hien Street

Ta Hien Street is a must-go place for you to explore the Hanoi nightlife. This street is a crossroads between Asian and Eastern cultures, bringing both modern life and ancient features. It is a cool spot to hang out with Hanoians and international visitors to enjoy beer and meet friends. Sitting and sipping a little beer, chatting with friends, and listening to music will make you forget all your troubles. Meanwhile, other people would like to sit in the corner, watch daily life, and enjoy that comfortable atmosphere. Food in Ta Hien is a great combination when drinking with fresh cold beers. They are simple street foods like Vietnamese bread, Nem Chua, boiled peanuts, noodles, etc. 

Ta Hien Street at night

Besides the stalls along the street, this street is also bustling with pubs and bars in which you can enjoy vibrant and lively music and some cups of cocktails. Below is the list of some featured bars in Ta Hien Street that you should drop in.

• 1900 Le Theater Bar
• Prague Pub
• Hay Bar

Let's invite your friends to come to Ta Hien Street and have a wonderful time!

Bach Ma Temple

Bach Ma Temple, located at 76 Hang Buom Street, is a must-see spot in the Hanoi Old Quarter. The temple was built in the 9th century, with typical architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. The temple’s constructions include a Tam Quan area, a yard, a communal house, an incense burner, a forbidden palace, and a council house. The Tam Quan area has 5 compartments. The communal house was built in a two-storey architecture with eight curved roofs. 

Bach Ma Temple

Currently, the temple still preserves many valuable relics. Typically, there are 15 stone steles recording the temple's history, rituals, and restorations. Besides, there are ancient weapons, bronze incense burners, bronze tops, statues, etc., exquisitely carved.

Ma May Ancient House

Ma May Ancient House is also among the spots in the Hanoi Old Quarter you should not miss. This house was built in the early 19th century. It is one of the last 14 ancient houses still existing in the capital Hanoi and still retains almost intact the traditional architecture of Hanoi ancient houses. After more than 100 years of experiencing many ups and downs with the city, Ma May ancient house has now become a tourist destination that cannot be missed when coming to Hanoi. Visiting the house, you will partly understand the living space and home decoration of previous generations in Hanoi. 

Ma May Ancient House

Quan Chuong Gate

Quan Chuong Gate is one of the five gates of the ancient Thang Long citadel that still remains today. It is an impressive sightseeing and photography spot during a tour to explore Hanoi's Old Quarter. The gate was designed in the style of a watchtower - a typical architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty. The first floor of Quan Chuong Gate has three doors. The main door is in the middle, about 3m high and wide, two side doors are on both sides, about 1.65m wide, 2.5m high. 

Quan Chuong Gate

What to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter?

Traveling to Hanoi Old Quarter, you should not miss trying delicious food here. Below is the list of Hanoi specialties and famous delicious restaurants that you can choose for your journey to explore the capital's cuisine. 

Bun Cha Hanoi

Bun Cha Hanoi

Bun Cha is one of the most famous dishes in the Hanoi Old Quarter. It is very suitable to eat regardless of breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The dish is attractive because the grilled pieces are seasoned deeply, deliciously grilled, and dotted with characteristic sweet and sour sauce. The dish combined with raw vegetables has a perfect taste. Here are two restaurants to try Bun Cha in the Old Quarter. 

• Bun cha Dac Kim (Bún chả Đắc Kim)
  • Address: No. 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Open hours: 9:00 a.m - 21:00 a.m
  • Price: 50,000 VND - 60,000 VND
• Bun cha Hang Quat
  • Address: No 74, Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Open hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m
  • Price: 20,000 - 40,000 VND
• Bun cha Hang Than (Bún chả Hàng Than)
  • Address: 34 Hang Than street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi
  • Open hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m
  • Price: 35,000 VND - 55,000 VND

Cha Ca La Vong (La Vong grilled fish)

Cha Ca La Vong is also among the Hanoi specialities you should not miss in the Hanoi Old Quarter.  Traditional Cha Ca La Vong is made from natural fresh hemibagrus fish, which is soft and sweet. This dish is normally served with vermicelli, roasted peanuts, herbs, and shrimp paste. You can add lemon juice, sugar, and cooking oil to the shrimp paste for full flavors. If you cannot eat shrimp paste, you can also use the fish sauce instead.

Cha Ca La Vong

Below are three most popular restaurants to try Cha Ca in the Old Quarter.

• Cha Ca La Vong
  • Address: 14 Cha Ca, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 11.00 a.m. - 02.00 p.m. & 05.00 p.m. - 09.00 p.m.
  • Price: from VND 350,000
• Cha Ca Thang Long
  • Address: 19 - 21 - 2D Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 10.30 a.m. - 01.30 p.m. & 05.30 p.m. - 08.30 p.m.
  • Price: from VND 150,000
• Vua Cha Ca
  • Address: 01 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 10.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m.
  • Price: from VND 150,000

Hanoi Pho

In the first place, Pho is a special gift from Hanoi. Although it is available in many other regions of Vietnam, Pho Hanoi is still the best. It is a staple breakfast, but no matter what time of day you will find restaurants and street vendors serving the dish. Below are some of your choices for trying delicious Hanoi Pho in the Hanoi Old Quarter. 

• Pho Bat Dan
  • Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 06.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m. & 06.00 p.m. - 08.30 p.m.
  • Price: from VND 30,000

Pho Bat Dan

• Pho Thin
  • Address: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Opening time: 06.30 a.m. - 08.30 p.m.
  • Price: from VND 40,000
• Pho Ly Quoc Su
  • Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Open hours: 6:00 a.m to 2:30 p.m and 5:30 pm to 10:00 p.m
  • Price: 60,000 – 85,000vnd/person

Bun Dau Mam Tom

Bun Dau Mam Tom is also a popular specialty in Hanoi. It originally only had fried tofu with crispy skin, fresh vermicelli, shrimp paste and raw vegetables, simple but every bite was unforgettable. Nowadays, Bun Dau Mam Tom has been transformed with more ingredients such as pork, fried sour spring rolls, and squid rolls.

Bun Dau Mam Tom

Here are some spots you can try delicious Bun Dau Mam Tom.

• Bun Dau Viet
  • Address: 29 Hang Khay Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Open hours: 08.00 a.m. - 09.00 p.m.
  • Price: from VND 30,000
• Bun Dau Ma May
  • Address: 06 Ma May Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Open hours: 07.00 a.m. - 06.00 p.m.
  • Price: from VND 40,000
• Bun Dau Trung Luong
  • Address: 49 Phat Loc Alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Open hours: 07.00 a.m. - 09.00 p.m.
  • Price: from VND 50,000

Besides the main food, Hanoi Old Quarter also has many snacks. For example, you should not miss trying Trang Tien ice cream, mixed fruit at the corner of To Tich street, and dried beef salad in Dinh Tien Hoang Street. 

In general, Hanoi Old Quarter is a must-visit destination in Hanoi. Let’s prepare for your trip and travel to Hanoi. For further information, booking a Hanoi tour package, or tailoring your own itinerary, please do not hesitate to contact our team.