Old City Gate: A symbol associated with Hanoi’s history

Contents

The Old City Gate – a historical site in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

1. Overview of the Old City Gate

1.1. Location

The Old City Gate, also known as O Quan Chuong, is situated on O Quan Chuong Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. It is located at the intersection of O Quan Chuong – Hang Chieu – Thanh Ha – Dao Duy Tu, in the eastern part of Hanoi Old Quarter.

1.2. History

In the past, Thang Long Citadel was established over different dynasties and became home to many iconic historical sites. There were five city gates, specifically O Quan Chuong, O Dong Mac, O Cau Den, O Cau Giay, and O Cho Dua. Only the Old City Gate (O Quan Chuong) remains today, a steadfast symbol of the citadel’s historical legacy.

Built-in 1749 by King Le Hien Tong, the gate originally served as the eastern entrance to the ancient citadel. Renovated in 1804 during the reign of King Gia Long, it took on its present-day appearance. O Quan Chuong was named so to honor a commander who defended Hanoi against the French in 1873. Despite his bravery, he was captured and executed.

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2. What to explore at Hanoi Old City Gate?

Visitors to the Old City Gate can not only marvel at its architecture but also indulge in the tantalizing local dishes available here.

2.1. Admire the ancient architecture

Covered in moss and aged by time, the Old City Gate still retains its ancient allure. This two-story structure was designed in the style of double-level towers typical of the Nguyen Dynasty. The first level features three entrances: a central entrance approximately 3 meters tall and wide, flanked by two side entrances about 1.65 meters wide and 2.5 meters tall. All the entrances are designed with curved arches. 

The second level includes a small tower directly above the main entrance, surrounded by decorative balustrades adorned with hexagonal, quadrilateral, and floral patterns. Between the top of the main entrance and the tower lies a rectangular frame nearly 1 meter tall and 3 meters wide, with embossed Chinese characters “Dong Ha Mon.” On the left wall of the main entrance hangs a stone plaque. 

The Old City Gate exudes its timeless beauty (Source: Collected)

2.2. Enjoy the local food in the Old Quarter

The local cuisine awaits you in Hanoi Old Quarter, where you can indulge in a variety of delights such as pho, bun cha, bun thang, banh ran, cha ca la vong, etc.

• Pho, with its aromatic blend of noodles, meat, and savory broth, easily captivates anyone. Some notable pho eateries in the Old Quarter include Pho Cuong on Hang Muoi Street and Pho Ganh on Hang Trong Street.

• Bun cha, a beloved specialty of Hanoi, features tender grilled meat in a golden-brown hue, served with a delicious sweet and sour dipping sauce. Some notable bun cha eateries in the Old Quarter include Bun Cha Hang Than on Hang Than Street.

• Bun thang captures the essence of Hanoi’s culinary finesse, demanding meticulous preparation with nearly 20 ingredients. These include shredded chicken, egg strips, Vietnamese pork sausage, vermicelli, shiitake mushrooms, and cilantro.

• Banh ran is a delightful treat enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. These deep-fried glutinous rice balls are typically filled with mung bean paste or minced pork, creating a crispy outer shell with a sweet or savory filling.
• Cha ca la vong harmoniously blends iconic Vietnamese spices like turmeric, dill, shrimp paste, and fish sauce, creating a uniquely aromatic flavor. You can go to 14 Cha Ca Street to savor this exceptional dish.

The flavorful bun cha (Source: Collected)

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2.3. Visit nearby attractions

After exploring the Old City Gate, make sure to discover these highly sought-after attractions that embody the soul of the city:

• Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi’s heritage, a must-visit on any Hanoi itinerary. Surrounding the lake are iconic sites like The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, the Pen Tower, and the Temple of King Ly Thai To.

• Dong Xuan Market offers a diverse range of goods from food and clothing to everyday items. You can also come to Dong Xuan Market to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones. 

• Long Bien Bridge stands as a testament to Vietnam’s fierce resistance struggles against French and American aggressions, with its historical values echoing through every span.
• Bach Ma Temple, one of the Four Guardian Temples of Thang Long Citadel, is a revered landmark in Hanoi. Annually, it draws millions of visitors seeking to engage with its historical significance.

The vibrant Dong Xuan Market (Source: Collected)

3. How to get to O Quan Chuong Gate?

There are several ways to reach the Old City Gate:

• Motorbikes are often the preferred choice, with rentals at just 150,000 VND per day. The motorbike allows you to easily navigate and discover all the city’s nooks and crannies.
• Taxis provide a smooth and convenient journey around Hanoi. You can either catch a taxi from traditional taxi companies like Mai Linh or utilize a ride-hailing mobile application like Xanh SM.
• Buses are great if you have ample time and want to watch the bustling streets of Hanoi. Bus routes passing by the Old City Gate include 01, 22A, 34, 04, 08A, 08ACT, 08B, 08BCT, E07, E09, 17, 50, 98, E02, 03A, 11, 11CT, 24, E05, 31, 58, and 146.

*Note: On weekends, some streets in the Old Quarter will be closed to vehicles.

Despite its historical ups and downs, the Old City Gate stands proudly in Hanoi Old Quarter, symbolizing the former Thang Long Citadel and Vietnam’s resilience. After exploring the inner city, take your time to venture a bit further to the east, where Ocean City awaits. Ocean City has emerged as a new hub for leisure, known for its diverse recreational activities.

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