EXPLORING HANOI OLD QUARTER
Referring to Hanoi, everyone thinks of the name “Hanoi with 36 streets” or “Hanoi Old Quarter” with many roads that have preserved the memories of the capital. Also, the Old Quarter is now an attractive tourist spot that visitors can not ignore when coming here.
1. Where is Hanoi Old Quarter?
Hanoi Old Quarter is located in the West and North of Hoan Kiem Lake, consisting of 36 streets. Different items are sold in each street. The limit of the Northern Old Quarter is Hang Dau Street, of the West is Phung Hung Street, of the South, are the streets of Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, and Hang Thung, and of the East, are Tran Quang Khai and Tran Nhat Duat Streets.
2. How to go to Hanoi Old Quarter?
There are many vehicles for you to go to Hanoi Old Quarter such as bus, motorcycle taxi, motorbike, taxi, etc. If you go by bus, you can choose the bus routes: 09, 14, 36 to Hoan Kiem Lake or 03, 11, 14, 18, 22, 34, 40 to O Quan Chuong.
3. Places to visit in Hanoi Old Quarter:
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Turtle Lake) is associated with the legend of the Turtle God demanding the sword. Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the city center, which attracts many domestic and foreign tourists. Besides the lake, there are many other tourist attractions: Ngoc Son Temple, Pen Tower, The Huc Bridge. You can also enjoy the famous Trang Tien ice cream here.
Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple is located on Ngoc Son Islet of Hoan Kiem Lake, which is a place to worship God Van Xuong and God Tran. To enter the temple, you have to go over The Huc Bridge. Ngoc Son Temple is classified as a special national monument in Vietnam.
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets in Hanoi and also the largest market located in the Old Quarter. Coming here, you can witness the bustling scene of people selling and buying. You can go to Dong Xuan Market to buy souvenirs or gifts.
Ma May Ancient House
As one of the attractive places to visit in Hanoi Old Quarter, the ancient house in 87 Ma May is a traditional house that recreates the living space, as well as the characteristic of Hanoi people in the old time. The house is open regularly for tourists to visit, and the entrance ticket price is 10.000 VND. (about 1 US dollar)
Hang Ma Street
Located in the Old Quarter, Hang Ma Street is considered one of the most crowded and colorful streets in Hanoi. Especially on holidays and festivals, the street is decorated with lanterns, glowing toys, balloons making this place not only filled with sound, colors, and lights but also imbued with oriental spirit.
Bach Ma Temple
Bach Ma Temple, one of the four towns of the ancient Thang Long citadel, is located in at 76-78 Hang Buom street. In the temple, people worship god Long Do and white horses in the national legend. This is the oldest historical and cultural relic with thousand years old among of Thang Long citadel’s ancient temples.
Ta Hien Street
This small street located in Hanoi center is always crowded with people. In addition, Ta Hien street, also known as the “international crossroads”, is the famous beer-drinking place which is loved by numerous young people in the capital. It has been included in the list of “must-visit places” when traveling to Hanoi of foreign tourists.
O Quan Chuong
O Quan Chuong is one of the 5 remaining gates of the ancient Thang Long citadel, designed in the style of gazebo – the typical architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. The name of the gate is given by local people to remember the merit and heroic sacrifice of the Attorney General during the French invasion.
4. What to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter?
When traveling in Hanoi Old Quarter, surely you will not be able to ignore the food here. Let’s take a look at some delicacies and famous dining addresses in the Old Quarter!
• Dong Xuan market – Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 – Price: from 15.000VND (about 1 US dollar/ 75 Japanese Yen)
• Bun Cha Hang Buom – 43 Hang Buom – Opening hours: 7:00 – 17:00 – Price: 30.000 VND /bowl ( about 1.5 US dollars/ 150 Japanese Yen)
• Pho Bat Dan – 49 Bat Dan – Opening hours: 6:30-20:30 – Price: from 30.000 VND /bowl ( about 1.5 US dollars/ 150 Japanese Yen)
• Bun Thang Cau Go – 32 Cau Go – Opening hours: 8:30-14:00 – Price: 30.000 VND /bowl (about 1.5 US dollars/ 150 Japanese yen)
• Sticky rice, sweet soup, Banh Troi Mrs. Mai’s shop – 93 Hang Bac – Opening hours: 8:00 – 23:00 – Price: from 15.000 VND (about 1 US dollar/ 75 Japanese Yen)
• Bun Dau Mam Tom ( Fermented Shrimp Paste noodles) – 31 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem district – Opening hours: 10:00-20:30 – Price: from 15.000 VND (about 1 US dollar/ 75 Japanese Yen)
• Cha Ca La Vong ( Fishball ) – 14 Cha Ca – Opening hours: 11h00-21h00 – Price from 30k / rate (equivalent to about 150 Japanese yen)
• Dried beef salad, Banh Bot Loc in Hoan Kiem street – Opening hours: 8:00 – 21:00 – Price: from 15.000 VND (about 1 US dollar/ 75 Japanese Yen)
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market
Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market is operated from 18:00 to 23:00 every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This is one of the busy trading places with nearly 4000 vendor booths selling diverse goods such as clothes, shoes, household appliances, handicrafts, souvenirs at affordable prices.
Hopefully, the information will give you more information to explore Hanoi Old Quarter!
