Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi – A Characteristic Feature of the Capital City

When mentioning Hanoi, undoubtedly everyone is familiar with the iconic image of the Old Quarter or Hanoi’s 36 Streets. This place has roads that bear the historical marks of the capital city. Today, the Old Quarter is an incredibly attractive tourist destination that no traveler can overlook when visiting this place. Let’s explore the Old Quarter through the following article!

1. Introduction to the Old Quarter of Hanoi

– Location: Located in the center of Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

– Opening Hours: All day

– Reference Ticket Price: Free

The Old Quarter is situated to the West and North of Hoan Kiem Lake. It comprises 36 streets, each selling a different type of goods. The Old Quarter is bordered to the North by Hang Dau street, to the West by Phung Hung street, and to the South by streets such as Hang Gai, Cau Go, Hang Bong, and Hang Thung, while the Eastern boundary includes Tran Nhat Duat and Tran Quang Khai streets.

Some street corners are becoming more bustling, transforming with the development of the capital.

Many ancient houses built during the feudal period are still preserved to this day and hold high historical and architectural value.

Houses with old architecture always attract every tourist, as well as photographers.

The row of old houses with unique architecture always fascinates anyone who passes by.

The warm rays of sunshine in the early day add beauty to the quiet old street.

2. How to get to the Old Quarter

To get to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, there are many means of transportation such as: motorbike, taxi, motorbike taxi, bus,… Since it is located in the city center, moving around is very convenient. If you want to take the bus to leisurely enjoy the city and save costs, you can travel by routes such as: 09, 14… to reach Hoan Kiem Lake or 03, 11, 22, 34,… to get to O Quan Chuong.

3. Explore the entertainment spots in the Hanoi Old Quarter

Let’s explore the Old Quarter to see what unique attractions and entertainment spots this place has!

3.1 Hoan Kiem Lake

This place is also known as Ho Guom, associated with the legend of the Golden Turtle. Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the center of the city and often attracts many tourists. Next to the lake are many adjacent tourist spots such as: Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge…

The panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake from above

3.2 Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple is located on Ngoc Island in Hoan Kiem Lake, where it worships the deity Van Xuong and the saint Tran. To enter the temple, you must cross the red Huc Bridge. Here, you will gain a better understanding of the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake and the history of Hanoi.

The architecture of Ngoc Son Temple is considered one of the special national monuments in Vietnam.

3.3 Dong Xuan Market in the Old Quarter of Hanoi

Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets in the North and the only large market located in the Old Quarter. When you arrive here, you will immerse yourself in the bustling, crowded shopping scene.

This place is also an ideal spot for buying souvenirs and gifts.

3.4 Hang Ma Street

Located within the Old Quarter, Hang Ma Street is one of the most vibrant and crowded streets in Hanoi. Especially during holidays and Tet, the street is adorned with colorful lanterns and balloons, filling the area with sounds, lights, and colors.

Moreover, this place carries a deep spiritual imprint of Eastern culture.

3.5 Ma May Ancient House

The Ma May Ancient House, located at 87 Ma May, is a house built in traditional style. It vividly recreates the living space and the characteristics of the old Hanoi people.

This house is often open for visitors, with an entrance fee of only about 10,000 VND.

3.6 Highlights of the Old Quarter of Hanoi – Bach Ma Temple

One of the four guardians of the ancient Thang Long citadel is Bach Ma Temple. It is located at the intersection of Hang Buom Street, specifically at number 76-78. The temple is dedicated to the deity Long Do and the white horse.

This cultural and historical relic is thousands of years old and is the oldest and most ancient among the old temples of the Thang Long citadel.

3.7 Ta Hien Street

Ta Hien Street is a famous eating and drinking spot in Hanoi that anyone visiting here cannot miss.

This street is located in the heart of Hanoi, so it is always bustling with people.

3.8 O Quan Chuong

O Quan Chuong is one of the five remaining gates of the ancient Thang Long citadel. It was designed in the style of a watchtower – a typical architectural style of the Nguyen dynasty.

The name of the gate was given by the locals to commemorate the contributions of the official in charge during the resistance against the French.

4. What to eat in the Old Quarter of Hanoi?

When visiting the Old Quarter, you cannot miss the rich culinary system here. One of the delicious dishes in Hanoi that you should try is: bun dau mam tom, bun cha, pho, bun oc, boiled snails, stir-fried intestines, and bia hoi,…

4.1 Visit Dong Xuan Market alley

This is a dining spot for Hanoi’s youth located next to Dong Xuan Market. There are many food stalls here offering delicious Hanoi dishes such as bun rieu, pho tiu, eel vermicelli, rib porridge with shrimp cake, and sweet soups … This is an extremely interesting experience for those who want to enjoy the cuisine. The price of each dish ranges from 15,000 VND to 25,000 VND.

4.2 Enjoy bun cha Hang Buom in the Old Quarter of Hanoi

Bun cha Hang Buom is a famous signature dish of Hanoi. The bun is usually eaten with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. The chewy, soft strands of bun along with the flavorful meatballs and grilled pork will impress even the most discerning diners.

Each bowl of bun costs only from 25,000 VND.

4.3 Visit Dinh Liet Street to enjoy boiled snails

This is a snack spot favored by many tourists while exploring Hanoi. The menu is also very diverse, featuring dishes such as steamed food, fried nem chua, boiled snails, and stir-fried dishes… The hot snail stalls emit a fragrant aroma that attracts passersby. On chilly winter days, enjoying hot snail dishes with spicy and sour dipping sauce is truly ideal.

The price of each dish is around 70,000 VND.

4.4 Tasting the Flavors of Stir-Fried Pho and Offal

Another famous address you should visit to enjoy is stir-fried pho and offal on Nguyen Sieu Street. Just standing at the beginning of the street, you’ll fall for the wonderful aroma of the dishes here. Stir-fried pho and offal are enhanced with a bit of soy sauce, served with pickled cucumber, making it truly amazing. Although it only opens in the evening, this eatery is always bustling with customers coming in and out.

4.5 Other Snack Specialties in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

– Tràng Tiền Ice Cream: Like many other specialty dishes, Tràng Tiền ice cream has established a strong brand in the hearts of tourists. The ice cream sticks come in various flavors such as coconut milk, green bean, chocolate, and cones, all sweet and fragrant.

– Mixed Fruit at the Corner of Tô Tịch Street: After strolling around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Old Quarter, you can stop by Tô Tịch Street to enjoy refreshing, delicious mixed fruit bowls. The mixed fruit here is very student-friendly in price while still fresh and tasty.

– Hàm Long Street in Hoàn Kiếm is famous for Dried Beef Salad: This snack is best known around Hoàn Kiếm Lake; the dried beef salad is easy to eat, perfect for nibbling while chatting with friends.

– Fried Fermented Pork Roll at Tạm Thương Alley: This place is known as the paradise of fried fermented pork rolls. The rolls here are always fried very crispy and beautifully arranged on banana leaf trays. You can eat them with green mango, jicama, and cucumber to balance the richness.

Trang Tien ice cream is the oldest and most famous in Hanoi.

The article above contains all the information and useful experiences about the journey to explore the 36 streets of Hanoi that Revitravel.com wants to share with you. If you have the opportunity to visit the capital city, be sure not to miss these fascinating destinations. We hope you have a fun trip, wonderful experiences, and a safe time in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

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Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi – A Characteristic Feature of the Capital City