Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter things to do is a highly sought-after topic for those traveling to Vietnam.
Hanoi Old Quarter is the destination of any tourist when visiting the Capital. Traveling to Hanoi’s Old Quarter brings you interesting experiences, enjoying delicious foods and admiring ancient architecture.
When mentioning Hanoi, people will immediately think of 36 Ancient Streets. Indeed, traveling to Hanoi’s Old Quarter is completely different from other destinations, extremely suitable for those who love both peaceful and modern beauty.
Now, let’s explore Hanoi Old Quarter together and discover the best activities to ensure an optimal preparation for your Vietnam tour!
Hanoi Old Quarter Things to Do: Places not to be Missed
Hanoi Old Quarter is located in Hoan Kiem District, the center of the Capital. Streets in the old quarter that must be mentioned are Hang Ma, Hang Dao, Hang Than, Hang Buom, Hang Bong, Ma May… Below are famous places for you to visit when coming to Hanoi’s old quarter.
Sword Lake or “Ho Hoan Kiem”
Sword Lake is considered a symbol of the capital of a thousand years of civilization. Anyone who travels to Hanoi’s Old Quarter also visits this 12-hectare natural freshwater lake. Hanoi’s Sword Lake is surrounded by cool rows of ancient green trees, casting blue shadows on the lake surface, creating a sparkling, fresh scene.
Coming to Hoan Kiem Lake, at each time you will see different flower seasons, sometimes rice flowers bloom bright red, sometimes poinciana flowers, linden flowers bloom sky purple… One side is a romantic scene, the other side is a romantic scene. It’s a busy street with vehicles. The contrasting beauty between modernity and antiquity makes people love Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi even more.
Walking around the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake, you will enjoy the feeling of relaxation and visit historical architectural works. Ngoc Son Temple, Turtle Tower, The Huc Bridge, Dai Nghien… located around the lake are cultural and historical markers that contribute to the beauty of Sword Lake.
O Quan Chuong Gate
Another must-see tourist destination in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the O Quan Chuong Gate. This is the only doorway still remaining intact in Hanoi, bearing within it an imprint of the ancient capital of Thang Long, as an undeniable proof of the heroic history of the Vietnamese people.
Quan Chuong Gate was built by the King Le Hien Tong in 1749 and has been repaired and restored several times. The building is built in dome style, with 2 floors. The upper part of Quan Chuong Gate is a 4-roof gazebo, for soldiers to guard and observe the surroundings.
Over hundreds of years of existence, the walls of Quan Chuong Gate have imprinted traces of time through layers of old moss. Coming here, visitors will hear about the glorious history, see the ancient past, and make their souls more nostalgic.
Ta Hien Street
Ta Hien Street is a sleepless destination for tourists in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Ta Hien Street is also known as Sleepless Street or Western Street because this place is very popular with foreign tourists. On both sides of the street are rows of ancient houses, built in the early 20th century in French style with striking yellow tones.
During the day, the street is very peaceful, but at night it becomes the busiest and busiest in Hanoi. The road in the middle of the street is lined with shops with a full range of dishes and bars and pubs, serving young people. Coming to Ta Hien, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, sip beer with friends, enjoy fried spring rolls, roasted birds or salad…
Ma May Ancient House
Address: No. 87 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Vietnam
When traveling to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you can visit the old house on Ma May Street – the house was granted National Heritage status in February 2004. Built around the end of the 19th century, although it has gone through the sun, rain and wind of time, up to now, the architecture and living objects in this house are still preserved intact.
The Ma May heritage house has changed hands a few times. In 1945, it was the residence of a merchant selling traditional Chinese medicine. From 1954 to 1999, the owner changed 5 times. Looking from the outside of Ma May, you can easily mistake the house for being small, but going deep inside, it is relatively spacious.
Currently, this ancient house still has many precious artifacts from the past such as teapots, mills, bowls, antique fans… although simple, they contain immeasurable cultural value. .
Hang Ma Street
Hang Ma Street is also a busy street in the Old Quarter area of the Capital. The street is only about 300m long but brings a very special feeling to every tourist in Hanoi.
Hang Ma Street is still known as a street that specializes in selling decorative items for each occasion such as Lunar New Year, Halloween, Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas… Shops are close together with bright colors, creating a beautiful space, filled with a vibrant festive atmosphere.
People come to Hang Ma Street not only to shop but also to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and to take check-in photos. However, one thing to note is that you should ask the shop owner for permission to take photos or buy a small item as a thank you.
Phung Hung Mural Street
A beautiful and unique check-in point of Hanoi is Phung Hung mural street. The 200m long street is brightly painted with 17 works on 127 bridge arches, allowing tourists to reminisce about the ancient land of Thang Long.
Each mural recreates images that are very close to the people, such as general stores, street vendors, wordsmiths, lion dances… painted delicately and meticulously by talented hands. artist’s flowers. In particular, visitors can watch the train passing by on the murals. Don’t forget to check the train schedule to get the check-in photos you want.
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets in Hanoi. Dong Xuan Market has gone through many events in Hanoi’s history until today and has been rebuilt spaciously and on a large scale. The market has 3 floors, selling all items, of which the ground floor is shoes, accessories, and electronics; The second floor is for clothes and fabrics; The 3rd floor is for children’s items. Dong Xuan Market also has a dry food area and a famous delicious food area. One experience when shopping at this famous market is that you should ask the price and bargain before buying.
Hang Dau Water Tower
Hang Dau water tower is also known by many people as Hang Dau Tower, located at a busy and bustling intersection. Built in 1894, after 120 years of existence, the water tower still retains its original architecture. Traveling to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, visit Hang Dau Tower to learn about an interesting project.
The 20m high structure was built by the French to provide clean water for French citizens and soldiers in the past. The rest will be given to serve the people of the old town. Hang Dau Water Tower is a project that marks a change in the urban face of Hanoi. Because before that, people still had to use well water or get it from ponds and lakes.
From the outside looking in, Hang Dau water tower makes many people mistakenly think it is a solid architectural blockhouse. Existing for more than 100 years, this place has witnessed the city’s development from the war of resistance against invaders to the years of innovation and integration.
Things to Do in Hanoi Old Quarter: Enjoy Its Cuisine!
Traveling to Hanoi’s Old Quarter certainly cannot miss enjoying the cuisine. Hanoi is famous for its diverse culinary culture, countless delicious dishes, especially the old quarter.
Bun Cha Hang Quat: Grilled Pork with Rice Vermicelli
Address: Lane 74, Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi
Located deep in alley 74 Hang Quat street, this bun cha restaurant has existed for more than 20 years, becoming a familiar address for gourmets. In the capital, there are hundreds of different bun cha restaurants, but when it comes to Hang Quat bun cha restaurant, almost everyone knows it.
The bun cha restaurant only opens at lunchtime, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., selling 500 servings a day. The restaurant’s grilled meat and grilled pork rolls are grilled over two fires on a charcoal stove, slightly scorched, and fragrant with a golden yellow color. The dipping sauce is made from vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, filtered water, chopped garlic and chili. It looks simple, but the dipping sauce is the soul that attracts customers to the restaurant.
A serving of bun cha at Hang Quat costs 40,000 VND. In addition to meat rolls, diners can order spring rolls at the restaurant next door for 10,000 VND/piece.
Cha Ca Thang Long : Grilled Chopped Fish
Address: No. 6B, Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi
A dish that is highly appreciated and promises to conquer even the most demanding tourists in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is Thang Long fish cake on Duong Thanh street. First of all, in terms of space, the restaurant is designed exactly like a familiar old French villa of the Capital in the late 19th century. The space is large and the staff serves quite quickly even though it is crowded.
The fish at this restaurant is kept with its outer skin intact when processed, so it has a certain chewy and crispy taste when eaten. The shrimp paste is just right, not too salty. Fish spring rolls are also a favorite dish of diners because they are crispy on the outside, soft and fragrant on the inside.
Pho Bat Dan : Noodle Soup with Beef
Address: No. 49, Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi
When talking about the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine, we definitely have to name pho. This is a famous dish associated with Hanoi. If you travel to Hanoi’s Old Quarter and skip Pho Bat Dan, your trip is not truly complete.
Pho Bat Dan Hanoi opened in the 60s of the last century, surviving to this day thanks to its unmistakable flavor. The restaurant is crowded, on weekends you may have to line up to enjoy.
The broth is simmered from beef bones, so it’s sweet, naturally fragrant, and has a little greasy texture without being greasy. The noodles are fresh and white, not broken at all. Outstanding on the bowl of pho is beef and attractive fresh onions. A bowl of Pho Bat Dan in Hanoi costs from 40,000 VND to keep you full and warm.
The noodle soup of Bat Dan Street is one of best pho in Hanoi, let’s try it!
Nem Ran Tam Thuong: Fried Spring Rolls
Tam Thuong Alley is small but has 6-7 shops selling fried spring rolls. If you are looking for delicious snacks when traveling to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you can stop by this street to enjoy. Some delicious fried spring rolls shops in Tam Thuong Street are Ngoc restaurant, the fried spring rolls are cooked to the right taste, the chili dipping sauce is not too spicy but still ensures quality.
Another restaurant is No. 36 Tam Thuong. The spring rolls are chewy and have many skins, so when eaten, they are crunchy and very satisfying. In particular, fried spring rolls are not greasy like many other shops. The staff serves quickly to satisfy your cravings.
Ms.Tuyen’s Vermicelli: Tofu and Shrimp Paste
Address: End of Lane 31, Hang Khay Street, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi
Located in the old town area, the restaurant’s area is quite small. Yet, at any time, Ms. Tuyen’s restaurant is always full of customers, even if she has to wait in line. Compared to other vermicelli and tofu shops along the streets of Hanoi, Ms. Tuyen’s shop is a bit more expensive but extremely high quality.
The restaurant’s menu includes a noodle soup with tofu for one person for 70,000 VND and a large noodle soup with tofu for two people for 140,000 VND. The full meal includes vermicelli, beans, green rice rolls, pork, sausage, fried spring rolls, crab rolls, and shrimp paste served on the side. Tourists in Hanoi’s Old Quarter can order more food if they want.
The most characteristic of the restaurant is the crispy fried intestines, soft inside, eaten hot, dipped in a bowl of sweet and salty shrimp, oh my, how delicious it is.
Xoi Xeo May: Sticky Rice
Address: Hang Bai – Ly Thuong Kiet intersection, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi
Xoi Xeo is a specialty of the Capital and one of the most famous restaurants is Xoi Xeo May. Even though it’s just a sidewalk restaurant, every day at about 6:30 a.m., passing Hang Bai, you will see a row of sticky rice stalls crowded with buyers.
Xeo May sticky rice restaurant once appeared on Korean television because of the owner’s speedy wrapping of sticky rice. The sticky rice here is extremely flexible, neither crushed nor dry. The green beans are rich and creamy, with fried onions sprinkled with onion grease, true Hanoi style. A package of traditional sticky rice at this restaurant costs 15,000 VND. You can add spring rolls, shrimp paste… depending on your preference.
Che Bon Mua: Sweet Gruel
Address: No. 4, Hang Can Street, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi
Traveling to Hanoi’s Old Quarter has countless delicious dishes and 4 Seasons Che shop is one of them. The tea shop opened before 1975 and has been associated with many generations of people in the Capital.
The number of visitors to 4-Season sweet gruel is very stable, whether in summer or cold winter. Coming to the restaurant in the hot season, diners enjoy green bean sweet soup, pearl jelly, black bean sweet soup… In the cold season, the restaurant conquers diners again with delicious and hot Ba Cot sweet soup, Banh troi tau, Luc tau xa. The gruel here has the traditional flavor, the gruel has a faint jasmine scent, and is sweet.
Other Experiences For Things To Do in Hanoi Old Quarter
Moving
According to Hanoi Old Quarter experience, moving within the inner city is very convenient, by many different means. However, because the old town area is quite crowded and small, it is best to choose a motorbike or walk.
Tourists can rent motorbikes from 120,000 VND/day depending on the type of vehicle for convenient transportation. In addition, the streets are quite close to each other, you can walk but you should choose sports shoes for ease of walking. If you want a new experience, tourists choose a cyclo (remember to ask the price and bargain) while looking at the streets without fear of getting lost.
Accommodation
Around Hanoi’s Old Quarter area, there are many motels and hotels from 3 to 5 stars for you to choose from. Depending on your finances and needs, you can choose a suitable place to stay. Some suggestions for tourists include Hilton Hanoi Opera, luxury Apricot Hotel, Grand Hotel du LAC Hanoi… or more affordable homestays.
Above is information about things to do in Hanoi Old Quarter for you and your family. Follow Indochina Charm Travel to update more new destinations and useful travel experiences on your upcoming trip.
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