Hanoi Old Quarter: Where the charm is hidden in the old streets

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Hanoi Old Quarter is an unmissable destination for tourists in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

Hanoi Old Quarter, with its history dating back to 1000 years ago, attracts a large number of visitors every year. It is not only the heart of Vietnam’s capital city but also a place that preserves and reflects both the ancient and modern beauty of Hanoi.

1. Where is Hanoi Old Quarter?

Hanoi Old Quarter is situated in the northwest of Hoan Kiem District. Until now, this place has been preserving the rich cultural heritage of Hanoi. It is also the most populated area of the city. Here, each and every single street has its own unique features.

2. How to get from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter?

The Old Quarter in Hanoi is nearly 30 kilometers away from Noi Bai International Airport, located on the outskirts of Hanoi. From the airport, to reach the Old Quarter, you can use either one of the following means of transport:

• Taxi: There will be lots of taxi brands waiting outside the arrival gate at Noi Bai Airport. The fare to get to Hanoi Old Quarter from this airport using a taxi is around 300,000VND depending on the distance. Make sure to ask for the price before you go to avoid overcharged rides.
• Bus: The most budget-friendly option is to take the bus. To get to the Old Quarter from the airport, you should take bus number 86, which will take you to Hanoi Railway Station for only 30,000 VND.

A bus number 86 at Noi Bai International Airport (Source: Collected)

3. TOP 7 Hanoi Old Quarter attractions to visit at least once

Are you wondering about the things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter? Check out these 7 attractions and be sure to add them to your Hanoi Old Quarter guide!

3.1. Hoan Kiem Lake

Located right next to Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is considered to be the symbol of the city and one of the most iconic lakes in Vietnam. It is also known as Sword Lake, which is associated with the legend of a Turtle Deity giving King Le Loi a magic sword to defeat the invading Ming dynasty from China.

It is best to visit Hoan Kiem Lake on weekends (Source: Collected)

With its calm water and peaceful scenery, the lake will bring a fresh breeze that cools you down after you have walked through many crowded and bustling streets.

From 7 pm on Friday to 11:59 pm on Sunday, the streets around the lake become a pedestrian-only zone. This will be the perfect time for you to take a walk and enjoy the beauty of Hanoi.

3.2. Dong Xuan Market

• Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 6 am – 7 pm

Dong Xuan Market is one of the oldest traditional markets in Hanoi. If you are seeking a Hanoi Old Quarter market that sells almost anything, this market is an ideal destination. It is also known to have some of the best food in Hanoi Old Quarter.

The main entrance of Dong Xuan Market (Source: Collected)

3.3. Thang Long Citadel

After exploring Hanoi Old Quarter, you should pay a visit to the historical symbol of the city – Thang Long Citadel (or the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long). This site is as old as Hanoi itself, so it is undoubtedly a place of great cultural significance. In 2010, the Central Section of Thang Long Citadel was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Thang Long Citadel is situated in the heart of Hanoi (Source: Collected)

3.4. O Quan Chuong Gate

As the only standing ancient city gate of Hanoi, O Quan Chuong Gate itself represents the history of the capital. Surrounded by bustling modern streets, the gate stands out with its architecture, which is typical of the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam.

O Quan Chuong Gate’s ancient design blends well with Hanoi Old Quarter (Source: Collected)

3.5. Ma May Old House

• Address: No. 87, Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 8 AM – 12 PM | 1.30 PM – 8 PM every day
• Entrance ticket price: 10,000 VND

Ma May Old House recreates the living space of the ancient people of Hanoi. At night, many traditional Vietnamese art forms are performed here.

Ma May House is one of the cultural highlights in Hanoi Old Quarter (Source: Collected)

3.6. Hang Ma Street

Hang Ma Street is one of the most attractive trading streets in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Here, decorative paper crafts are the main commodity. Today, the street continues to shine, especially during special occasions such as Tet, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Christmas.

Hang Ma Street is always crowded during festive seasons (Source: Collected)

3.7. Ta Hien Beer Street

Watching Hanoi Old Quarter at night is a mesmerizing experience, and Ta Hien Beer Street is the perfect spot for you to get the best view. It is fair to say that Ta Hien has become so iconic that it is mentioned whenever Hanoi’s locals talk about Hanoi Old Quarter beer street.

Ta Hien Beer Street is a local hub for people to bond over a glass of beer (Source: Collected)

4. Note the best tips for your upcoming tour

4.1. What to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter?

In addition to visiting the attractions during your Hanoi Old Quarter tour, you should definitely try the food here. Below are some famous dishes for you when you visit this captivating place:

• Cha Ca La Vong (La Vong fishcake)
• Bun Cha (Vietnamese vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs)
• Bun Ca (Vietnamese fish noodle soup)
• Vietnamese Coffee
• Dried Beef Salad

The Old Quarter is one the best places for you to explore Hanoi cuisine (Source: Collected)

4.2. Shopping guide

Hanoi Old Quarter is home to a diverse collection of unique items that you can buy as souvenirs. In particular, from 8 pm to 11 pm on Fridays and weekends, the night market of Hanoi Old Quarter will be open for you to shop around.

One little tip is that you should go shopping at the local shops in the afternoon for a better experience, because the shop owners here believe that it would be bad luck if a potential customer leaves the shop without purchasing anything in the morning.

Hanoi Old Quarter night market (Source: Collected)

4.3. Other recommended destinations in Hanoi

After exploring the many attractions in Hanoi Old Quarter, you should continue your trip by visiting other destinations in Hanoi. It is recommended that you come to Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE Times City, just a short distance away from the Old Quarter.

At Vinpearl Aquarium, you can explore the colorful underwater world of more than 30,000 freshwater and saltwater marine specimens.

Visit Vinpearl Aquarium to have the best experience of the underwater world

On the other hand, VinKE is the perfect educational playground for your kids. With an area of nearly 4,000 square meters, the kids will have a chance to experience many career-oriented games and explore their future job interests.

VinKE is an excellent stop on your Hanoi trip if you travel with kids

>>> Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium in advance to get the best offers!

With various attractions and unique cuisine, Hanoi Old Quarter is definitely an unmissable destination for tourists to this capital of Vietnam. Hopefully, the information above will be helpful as you make plans for your upcoming Hanoi Old Quarter travel.