Hanoi Old Quarter: 20+ Things to Do & Travel Guide

About Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter remains a historical and cultural center in the heart of Hanoi Capital. As you wander through the Old Quarter, you will experience a unique combination of traditional and modern influences. Established over a thousand years ago, this intricate area consists of countless narrow streets and alleys interconnected like a maze. The residential architecture showcases a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French styles, characterized by ceramic roof tiles. The 36 streets, each historically dedicated to a specific trade or craft, still retain their original names. The area offers a sensory feast, with its vibrant street food scene and a lively atmosphere filled with motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Best Things to See

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Leisurely walking around Hoan Kiem Lake and exploring its historical sites provide a perfect opportunity to escape the city's hustle and immerse yourself in nature. The surroundings of the lake offer tranquility to both locals and visitors. By taking a guided tour, you can learn about the history and significance of the Legend of the Restored Sword. Make sure to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and capture beautiful photos of the jade-green water, the iconic The Huc Red Bridge, and Turtle Tower, which symbolize the lake. On weekends, Hoan Kiem Lake transforms into a vibrant pedestrian zone, attracting crowds of locals and tourists who enjoy various activities.

Ticket prices for Ngoc Son Temple:

• Children under 15 years old: Free
• Students: 20,000 VND/person
• Adults: 40,000 VND/person

Note: Dress appropriately before visiting the temple.

Ly Thai To Flower Garden

Ly Thai To Flower Garden is a well-known public space where residents and tourists gather for leisure activities or casual strolls. The garden features a prominent bronze statue of King Ly Thai To, towering at 10.35m high, honoring the founder of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the millennium-old Hanoi Capital.

Location: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District.

Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, recognized as one of the largest central markets in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. This bustling marketplace offers a wide array of goods, including textiles, clothing, electronics, household items, souvenirs, fresh produce, and street food. Visiting Dong Xuan Market provides an opportunity to shop while immersing yourself in the local culture and experiencing the daily life of Hanoi's residents.

Location: No.15, Cau Dong Street, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District.

Note: Bargaining is common in this market, so negotiate prices before purchasing.

O Quan Chuong Gate

O Quan Chuong Gate, a historic landmark, symbolizes Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage. Constructed in the 18th century, it was one of five original gates to the Thang Long Citadel. The gate exemplifies feudal era Vietnamese architecture with its sloping roofs and brick walls. Remarkably well-preserved, it remains a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a glimpse into the city's history.

Location: No.4, Hang Chieu Street, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District.

Long Bien Bridge

Long Bien Bridge is a notable historical relic connecting Long Bien District to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Built during the French colonial period, this cantilever bridge is renowned for its distinctive architectural design. Long Bien Street becomes lively in the morning and late afternoon as you enjoy panoramic views of the Red River and surrounding landscapes, particularly breathtaking at sunrise and sunset.

Note: Long Bien Bridge is accessible to pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles only.

Hang Ma Street

Hang Ma Street is a must-visit location in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, particularly during Vietnamese festivals. This vibrant street offers a variety of shops and stalls selling festive goods. Particularly before the Mid-Autumn Festival and Tet Holiday, you can find beautifully decorative paper lanterns, traditional masks, and other ornaments. Hang Ma Street is also an excellent spot for souvenir shopping and unique gifts.

Note: Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices for the best deals.

Best Things to Do

Wander Around Narrow Streets

The ideal way to explore Hanoi Old Quarter is by foot, providing an authentic glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the city. It’s best to rise early and stroll through the streets, stopping at local vendors for breakfast while taking in the sights around you. Alternatively, consider a cyclo or motorbike trip for a unique experience.

Take a Cyclo Tour

If you prefer a more relaxing way to discover the lively streets of Hanoi, consider a cyclo tour. This slow-paced exploration allows you to enjoy the scenery comfortably from your three-wheeled vehicle. You’ll have unobstructed views for taking pictures and can interact with the cyclo driver to learn more about local stories. Cyclo tours usually include landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph Cathedral, and the Old City Gate. Just be sure to negotiate the price and route before you begin, and stay alert for your belongings.

The cost for a one-hour cyclo tour typically ranges from 120,000 - 200,000 VND.

Watch a Water Puppet Show

Experience a unique cultural show by attending a water puppet performance, a traditional Vietnamese art form that dates back centuries. This distinct theatrical presentation features puppeteers enacting traditional folk stories on a water stage using intricately crafted wooden puppets. The performance is accompanied by live music, songs, and traditional instruments. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is the premier venue for this cultural experience, and tickets can be reserved easily in advance.

Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District.

Ticket prices:

• General ticket: 120,000 VND/person
• Economy ticket: 150,000 VND/person
• VIP ticket: 250,000 VND/person

Savor Local Street Food

Discovering the local street food scene is a vital experience when visiting Hanoi, showcasing the city’s rich culinary traditions. The Old Quarter is filled with vendors offering authentic Vietnamese dishes such as pho, bun cha (marinated charcoal-grilled meat with vermicelli), cha ca (grilled fish), crab noodle soup, sticky rice, savory Vietnamese pancakes, fresh spring rolls, and egg coffee. It’s advisable to choose stalls bustling with locals, which is usually a good sign of tasty food, and inquire about the menu or prices beforehand.

A bowl of pho or crab noodle soup usually ranges from 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND.

Shop for Souvenirs

Buying traditional crafts and souvenirs is a wonderful idea. These can also serve as gifts for friends and family. Noteworthy items include silk products, lacquerware, embroidery, ceramics, watercolor paintings, and traditional Vietnamese hats. Popular shopping locations include Dong Xuan Market, the Old Quarter Night Market, and well-known souvenir shops like Collective Memory, Hanoia House, and Tohe Style Shop.

What to Do at Night

Explore Ta Hien Street

Ta Hien is famously known as a vibrant "Beer Street" in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The street is lined with numerous bars, pubs, and restaurants frequented by local youth and international tourists. Apart from imported drinks, Ta Hien is known for its fresh beer, affordable for budget travelers. You can also find a variety of street food options here such as fried spring rolls and grilled meat skewers. Many bars host live music performances, allowing you to enjoy a mix of Vietnamese and international tunes while you sip drinks or people-watch.

Top bars on Ta Hien Street: Hanoi Rocks Bar, The Republic, Beer 2KU, 1900 Club Hanoi, and Hanoi Beer Corner.

Go Shopping at Hang Dao Night Market

Hang Dao Night Market, also known as the Old Quarter Night Market, stretches for approximately 3km from Hang Dao to Dong Xuan Market. The night market operates every weekend evening from 18:00-23:00 (Friday to Sunday). Locals and foreigners alike enjoy visiting the market for various goods and indulging in local street food like hotpot, grilled fermented rolls, steamed sticky rice, and pho.

Take a Leisure Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Pedestrian Streets on the Weekend

Hanoi’s Old Quarter becomes more lively on weekends as streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake turn into pedestrian zones, allowing for festive celebrations. While exploring, you may catch various performances, traditional folk games, live music, and shopping opportunities.

Where and What to Eat

Exploring the diverse food scene in Hanoi Old Quarter is essential, as you can taste a variety of local specialties. Here are some must-try dishes and recommended places to savor them:

Pho (Vietnamese Noodles)

Pho is Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, loved worldwide. It consists of thin rice noodles and your choice of meat, typically beef or chicken, served in a flavorful and aromatic broth. It is best accompanied by fresh herbs and bean sprouts.

Suggested locations:

• Pho Bat Dan: No.49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Pho Thin: No.13 Lo Duc Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Pho Ly Quoc Su: No.10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District

Bun Cha (Vietnamese Rice Noodles with Charcoal-Grilled Pork)

Bun cha, featuring marinated charcoal-grilled pork, is among Hanoi's most beloved dishes. With its flavorful grilled meat served with fresh herbs and rice noodles, this dish is a hit among diners. Enjoy this delicacy dipped in a bowl of aromatic fish sauce.

Suggested locations:

• Bun Cha Hang Quat: Alley 74, Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Bun Cha Dac Kim: 01 Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem District

Price: A bun cha set typically costs between 35,000 - 60,000 VND.

Bun Oc (Snail Noodles)

This noodle dish featuring snails in a rich broth is particularly popular at Dong Xuan Market. Snail noodles are commonly consumed for breakfast in Hanoi.

Suggested location: Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem District.

Price: A bowl of snail noodles typically costs 35,000 - 50,000 VND.

Cha Ca La Vong (Grilled Fish with Turmeric and Dill)

Cha Ca La Vong, known for its unique preparation of fried fish marinated with turmeric and dill, has been a classic dish in Hanoi for over 130 years. Served with vermicelli and fresh herbs, it is a must-try in the Old Quarter.

Suggested location: No.14, Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem District.

Price: A serving of cha ca La Vong costs around 150,000 - 200,000 VND.

Trang Tien Ice Cream

Trang Tien is one of Hanoi’s well-known ice cream brands, offering a variety of flavors and forms, including popsicles and ice cream bars, all at reasonable prices. The shop located on Trang Tien Street, near Hoan Kiem Lake, is especially popular.

Suggested location: No.35 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District.

Price: Trang Tien ice cream typically costs less than US$1.

Dried Beef Salad

As you walk along Hoan Kiem Lake, you'll come across many venders selling nom bo kho, or dried beef salad. This dish comprises dried beef, pickled papaya, carrots, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a flavorful broth. The ingredients are combined to create a savory delight.

Suggested locations:

• Nom Long Vi Dung: No.23 Hoan Kiem/51 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Nom Hai Sinh: No.53 Hoan Kiem/57A Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Nom Bo Gia: No.1 Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ba Dinh District.

Price: Typical pricing is between 25,000 - 40,000 VND/plate.

Where and What to Buy

When visiting Hanoi, don’t miss the chance to purchase unique souvenirs. Here are some notable suggestions:

Silk Products

The Old Quarter is famous for silk products such as scarves, clothing, and accessories. High-quality silk shops can be found on Hang Gai Street, Hang Dao Street, and at Dong Xuan Market.

Suggested locations:

• Thao Silk Store: No.49 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Ha Dong Silk: No.102 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem District

Ao Dai

Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese dress, is a distinctive item to purchase for yourself or as a gift. The dress can be custom-made to fit your size and preferences.

Suggested location: Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem District.

Prices typically range from US$50 to US$200/item.

Ceramics and Pottery

If you’re searching for souvenirs to decorate your home or for gifts, ceramics and pottery are excellent options. You can find a variety of items, including bowls, plates, vases, and coffee sets.

Suggested locations: Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Ngoc Son Temple Gift Shop, and Hai Duc Pottery.

Vietnamese Conical Hat (Non La)

Non La is a traditional accessory representing Vietnamese culture and is practical for tourists. Many shops in local markets and street vendors offer conical hats throughout the Old Quarter.

Suggested locations: Dong Xuan Market.

Price: Non La is often priced between 50,000 - 100,000 VND.

Suggested Itinerary

With such an array of activities to enjoy, you may find it helpful to have an itinerary to organize your day. Here’s a suggested plan for one day in Hanoi’s Old Quarter:

Morning

• Start your day with a hearty bowl of Vietnamese pho, bun cha (charcoal-grilled pork with vermicelli), or sticky rice at a local eatery.
• Stroll to Hoan Kiem Lake, explore Ngoc Son Temple, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
• Next, visit the Hanoi Opera House with its stunning French colonial architecture and the nearby Ly Thai To Flower Garden.

Lunch

• Consider dining on pho, crab noodle soup, or grilled pork vermicelli at a local restaurant.

Suggested locations: Bun Cha Hang Manh, Pho Bat Dan, Cha Ca La Vong.

Afternoon

• Spend the afternoon exploring the Old Quarter on foot or by cyclo. You’ll find beautiful souvenirs, traditional crafts, and tasty local street food.
• Enjoy a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater for a unique cultural experience.

Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District.

• In the late afternoon, take a break with a cup of coffee, trying Vietnamese egg coffee or iced coffee with condensed milk.

Evening

• Your dining options may include a local restaurant or exploring the night market.
• Conclude your day with the lively atmosphere on Ta Hien Street, known for fresh beer, bars, and live music.

Other Things to Do in Surrounding Areas

The surroundings of Hanoi's Old Quarter offer a vibrant mix of historical charm and modern attractions. With culinary delights and cultural experiences, your visit can become unforgettable. Here are some places to explore:

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex is an essential site holding the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh as well as other historical attractions. The monumental structure features simple yet impressive architecture constructed from gray granite, set against the backdrop of Ba Dinh Square. Adjacent to the mausoleum is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a small Buddhist temple built in the 11th century resembling a lotus flower emerging from a pond. The grounds also include Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, Presidential Palace, and a tranquil fish pond.

Entry is located at the corner of Le Hong Phong and Ngoc Ha Street. The ticket price for foreign visitors is US$1/person.

Location: No.8 Hung Vuong Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District.

Ticket price: US$1/person.

Take a Biking Tour Around West Lake

If you prefer a more active way to explore Hanoi, consider renting a bike from your hotel or a rental center to cycle around West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi. This cycling adventure typically covers a 17-km path and meanders through tree-lined streets, pagodas, gardens, coffee shops, and eateries.

Plan your ride for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid afternoon heat and traffic. Wear comfortable clothing and bring plenty of water.

Daily bike rental costs usually range from 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND.

Recommended bike rental centers: Bike Plus, Good Morning, Van Chinh Bike Rental Hanoi, and Vibike Bike Rental.

Embark on a Cultural Tour at Hanoi’s Museums

By visiting Hanoi's museums, you can gain insight into the city’s history, culture, and art. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology showcases various Vietnamese ethnic groups, their customs, and artifacts, while the Ho Chi Minh Museum presents documents and personal belongings related to the esteemed leader. For a look at Vietnam's rich history, the Vietnam Museum of History exhibits ancient tools, sculptures, and ceramics. You can also visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, which offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime struggles.

Ticket prices for Hanoi museums typically range from 10,000 VND for children to 30,000 VND for adults.

Visit the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is an iconic cultural landmark and Vietnam's first national university, dedicated to Confucian teachings. With multiple courtyards, gateways, and pavilions, the temple showcases an impressive traditional architecture. Remember to dress modestly and respect the sacred grounds. Consider hiring a guide for deeper insight into the temple’s history and meaning.

Entrance fees:

Students: 20,000 VND/person (student ID required).

Adults: 40,000 VND/person.

Explore Traditional Craft Villages

Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage is represented by its traditional craft villages, where artisanal skills have been passed down through generations. Bat Trang Ceramic Village, just outside Hanoi, is famous for its exquisite ceramics and pottery. Here, you can watch artisans create beautiful works and even try pottery-making yourself. Van Phuc Silk Village specializes in silk products and has been in operation for over a thousand years. Other notable villages include Ha Thai Lacquerware Village and Duong Lam Ancient Village.

Notable craft villages to explore: Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Hai Thai Lacquerware Village, Van Phuc Silk Village, and Duong Lam Ancient Village.