Travel Plan
Old Quarter

Home Vietnam Hanoi Old Quarter

ATTRACTION GUIDE · HANOI

Old Quarter

A maze of 36 historic streets packed with shops, street food, temples and tube houses.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Half day
Entry
Free
Best time
Evening, for street food
Area
Hoan Kiem

36 busy streets once named after the goods sold on them.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

  • On foot: Just north of Hoan Kiem Lake; best explored walking.
  • Cyclo: A cyclo (bicycle taxi) ride is a fun way to see it; agree the price first.
  • Electric car: Electric buggies tour the quarter from the lake.

The story of the Old Quarter

For centuries craftsmen and traders lived here in guilds, each street named after its trade: Hang Bac for silver, Hang Gai for silk, Hang Ma for paper goods. Many streets still sell the same things today.

Narrow "tube houses" stretch far back from tiny shopfronts, because taxes were once based on width. Between them are temples, communal houses and the old Dong Xuan Market.

Best time to visit

Best season

October to April.

Best time of day

Evening, when food stalls fill the pavements.

Festivals

Before Lunar New Year, Hang Ma is full of decorations.

Tips before you go

  • Cross the road slowly and steadily; scooters will flow around you.
  • Try pho, bun cha and banh mi from busy local stalls.
  • Look up to see old balconies above the shops.

Best hotels near the Old Quarter

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Historic 1901 hotel near the Opera House.

See prices

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Rooms over the water of West Lake.

See prices

Pan Pacific Hanoi

Tower hotel with lake views.

See prices
All hotels near the Old Quarter

What's around the Old Quarter

  • Dong Xuan MarketHanoi's largest covered market.
  • Hoan Kiem LakeSouth edge of the quarter.
  • Heritage HouseRestored tube house at 87 Ma May.
  • Long Bien BridgeHistoric bridge to the east.

Questions travellers ask

How many streets are in the Old Quarter?

Traditionally 36, each named after a trade.

Is it safe to walk at night?

Yes, but watch for scooters and keep bags close.

What should I eat there?

Pho, bun cha, banh mi and egg coffee.

More in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake

Read the guide
Train Street

Train Street

Read the guide
Temple of Literature

Temple of Literature

Read the guide
Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Read the guide
Back to the Hanoi guide
Travel Plan · Old Quarter Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure · Contact us