Hanoi Old Quarter Travel Guide

Located in the heart of Hanoi, the Hanoi Old Quarter is one of the most vibrant and historic areas in Vietnam. With a history of more than 1,000 years, this fascinating district is known for its maze of narrow streets, traditional shop houses, and lively street life. Each street was historically dedicated to a specific trade, giving the area its famous name of the “36 Streets.”

Visitors can wander through bustling markets, discover centuries-old temples, and enjoy some of the best street food in the country. Highlights include walking around nearby Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple, and tasting local specialties such as Pho, Bun Cha, and Egg Coffee.

The Old Quarter is also a great place to shop for handicrafts, silk products, and souvenirs, especially along streets like Hang Gai and Hang Bac. In the evening, the area becomes even more lively with the famous Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market and vibrant nightlife around Ta Hien Street.

For first-time travelers, exploring the Old Quarter on foot or by cyclo is one of the best ways to experience the culture, history, and energy that make Hanoi such a unique destination.

Map to the Hanoi Old Quarter:

Where is Hanoi Old Quarter Located?

Located between Hoan Kiem Lake the Lake of the Restored Sword), the Long Bien Bridge, a former city rampart, and a citadel wall, the Old Quarter (consisting of 36 old streets inside) started as a snake and alligator-infested swamp. It later evolved into a cluster of villages made up of houses on stilts, and was unified by Chinese administrators who built ramparts around their headquarters. The area was named “Dominated Annam” or “Protected South” by the Chinese.

How Old are The Streets?

It would be a big surprise should you know that Hanoi’s Old Quarter came into being at the time King Ly Thai To selected Thang Long as the country’s capital in 1010, that is, the streets have a nearly 1,000-year old history and became crowded & lively in 15th century. What makes them unique is that many of them remain in their very ancient architecture of the 15th century. Up to now, it has been the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam.

What are Their Names’ Origins?

Due to their long-lasting age, they are called “Old Quarter” or “36 Old Streets” (as consisting of 36 member streets). Similarly to the Guilded age of Europe, “Ha Noi’s 36 districts” is Vietnam’s version of the guild concept. In the past, as artisans moved to the capital city to do business, they gathered together in this area to share the resources. As a result, many of the streets were named after the crafts sold at that individual street. Pho Hang Bun (Vermicelli), Pho Hang Ma (Paper Product), Pho Hang Bac (Silver), etc. are examples of the streets carrying the name of the products sold there.

The phrase “36 pho phuong” often causes much confusion for most people; “Phố” means a street or a place for merchants to gather to do business, while “Phường”, a district or a guild of artisans specializing in a particular trade (phuong cheo, phuong tho, etc.). Yet, in any case, both are right to some extent.