The Hanoi Old Quarter, which is often referred to as Hanoi 36 streets, is a historic district that can be found in the very center of Vietnam's capital city. The Old Quarter may have seen some changes over the years, but it has managed to retain much of its historic allure and continues to be a popular destination for tourists.

Imagine yourself making your way down winding alleyways that are crammed with crowded marketplaces and brightly colored stores, all while the tantalizing scent of mouthwatering street food fills the air. You will feel as if you have traveled through time and immersed yourself in the diverse cultural history of Hanoi.

Overview Hanoi Old Quarter

The Ly-Tran dynasty was the beginning of a long and illustrious history for the Hanoi Old Quarter. In the past, this location served as a vibrant center for a variety of commercial and industrial activity on a smaller scale. Each street had its distinct personality, which was representative of the many businesses and goods that were located there. Some streets, such as Hang Trong, Hang Buom, and Hang Ga, got their names from the primary goods that were traded on those streets.

Even though it has changed much over the years, the old town nevertheless has a significant cultural meaning. Even while several streets no longer offer the products that gave rise to their names, the allure of their rich histories has been preserved.

For instance, the specializations in Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, and Hang Luoc have shifted, but the streets themselves still have a lot of foot traffic. Plates are now available to purchase at Hang Khoai, which was once best known for selling potatoes. Both Hang Duong and Hang Ga are well-known for their respective specialties; Hang Duong is known for its salted and sugared dried apricots, while Hang Ga is known for its wedding card printing services.

Hanoi Old Quarter, Vietnam

Where is the Old Quarter of Hanoi located?

Hang Dau Street is located in the northern portion of the Hanoi Old Quarter, and Phung Hung Street is located to the west. The streets Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go street, and Hang Thung Street are located along the south road, while Tran Quang Khai Street and Tran Nhat Duat Street are located along the east road.

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Residences in the Old Quarter of Hanoi

As you make your way into the Old Quarter, you'll find that the architecture of the homes there is very mesmerizing. These homes, sometimes known as "tube houses," are distinguished by their slender and elongated form, which gives them their name. They have roofs that are covered with tiles and retail establishments on the ground level. The majority of these buildings were constructed in the early part of the twentieth century.

The homes still show the effects of time, with moss growing on the tile roofs and weather damage appearing on the outside walls. These residences have been inhabited by a great number of generations of Hanoians, which has helped to maintain the city's customs, ways of life, and cultural legacy.

Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter gives visitors a look into the architectural history of the city and the lives of the people who live there on a day-to-day basis.

Vietnamese traditional Tet recreated in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Tour 1 day at Hanoi Old Quarter

At Pho Bat Dan, you can have a substantial bowl of pho to get your day started on the right foot. This famous cafe is well-known for its soup which is rich in taste and for the substantial servings that it serves. It's a wonderful way to get some sustenance before setting off on an adventure for the day.

After you've finished your breakfast and egg coffee, you should go over to the Dong Xuan Market. Get disoriented in the complex network of congested aisles while taking in the lively environment. Spend some time wandering among the booths, chatting with the helpful merchants, and picking up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs or regional treats if you get the chance.

As noon draws near, you should make your way to Bun Cha Hang Buom to indulge in this mouthwatering dish, which consists of barbecued pork and vermicelli noodles. The lively atmosphere of the street adds to the enjoyment of the eating experience.

After your sense of taste has been satiated, you should walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Take in the tranquility and natural splendor of the lake, and while you're there, stop by Ngoc Son Temple to get some insight into the region's past and appreciate the timeless design of the building.

Explore Hanoi Old Town Tour 1 Day

To cool yourself from the heat of the day, I recommend indulging in some Trang Tien ice cream. Since time immemorial, this well-known ice cream shop's velvety textures and one-of-a-kind flavor combinations have been drawing in customers from all over the world.

Explore the bustling night market located in the Old Quarter as the evening draws closer. This is the ideal time to go shopping for mementos, sample some of the region's delicious street food, and experience the buzzing energy of Hanoi after dark.

Head to Ta Hien Street when you're ready to call it a day. Take a seat at one of the open-air pubs, where you can mingle with the locals and other tourists while having a few drinks and engaging in vibrant discussion. It is common practice to refer to Ta Hien Street as Hanoi's "beer street" due to the thriving nightlife that can be found on this street. It is a wonderful spot for unwinding, making new friends, and experiencing the vibrant culture of the city all at the same time.

Discover the beauty of Hanoi's Old Quarter

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How to get from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter?

By private car

The last thing you want to do when you land at Noi Bai Airport is stress out about how you're going to get from there to the lively Old Quarter of Hanoi where your hotel is located. That's when the life-saving assistance of private transport comes in.

If you choose a private car service from Noibai airport to Hanoi city, a trained and experienced driver will be waiting for you directly at the airport, all set to whisk you away to your destination in comfort and elegance.

Flexibility is yet another advantage that comes with using private transfer. You are free to choose the kind of automobile that best meets your requirements, whether it is a quaint sedan for those who are traveling alone or a roomy minivan for people who are traveling in bigger groups. Additionally, you are free to leave at any moment you want and go at your leisure during the journey. There is no need to be in a hurry or to wait for the timetables of public transit.

Remember to mention your flight information, including your arrival time and flight number, when you make your reservation so that we can prepare for your arrival. This gives the transfer business the ability to monitor your flight and modify the pickup time appropriately, guaranteeing that your driver will be there to meet you regardless of whether or not there are any delays.

By bus

Taking the bus is an excellent alternative if you are landing at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport and are looking for a low-cost method to get to the Old Quarter. 

After landing at Noi Bai International Airport, the first thing you should do is go to the bus station, which is situated outside the terminal. Look for signs that indicate the routes that the bus takes.

Bus route 86 is the one that passengers should use if they want to go to the Old Quarter. This first-rate bus service travels between Noi Bai International Airport and Hanoi Railway Station, making numerous stops in the city center along the route, one of which is in the Old Quarter.

Bus route 86 has a cost of 30,000 VND (Vietnamese Dong) per passenger, per route. You will be able to make payment to the driver when you board the bus. The bus has convenient facilities such as the adequate capacity for passengers' bags, music systems in both Vietnamese and English, LED displays for route information, and free wireless internet access.

The time it takes to go from the airport to the Old Quarter by bus may range anywhere from fifty to sixty minutes, depending on how busy the roads are.

There are numerous things you can do in Hanoi Old Quarter that will make you want to come back, such as eating a sizzling bowl of pho, exploring the busy streets, or taking part in the active nightlife.

Therefore, prepare yourself for an experience you won't forget in the mesmerizing Old Quarter of Hanoi. 

Things to see and do in the Old Quarter in Hanoi

If you are only going to be in Hanoi for two days or fewer, you should plan to spend one of those days seeing the Old Quarter. The following are some fantastic locations to consider adding to your itinerary:

Hoan Kiem Lake

An absolute must-see, Hoan Kiem Lake can be found right in the middle of the historical district of the city. In the middle of the busy streets, this placid lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, provides a haven of serenity.

You might go for a jog around the lake, or you could locate a peaceful area somewhere nearby and rest there. In addition, you shouldn't pass up the chance to travel to the Ngoc Son Temple, which is situated on a tiny island in the middle of the lake and can be reached by crossing a picturesque red bridge known as The Huc.

Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

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Dong Xuan Market

The Dong Xuan Market is a bustling center of activity in the city of Hanoi since it is both one of the biggest and the oldest marketplaces in the city. It is a wonderful location to take in the sights and sounds of the community and to get a feel for the bustle and activity of a typical Vietnamese market.

You are welcome to peruse the extensive selection of available things, which includes anything from commonplace items to artisanal crafts, textiles, and regional specialties.

Ta Hien street

While Bui Vien Street may be found in Saigon, Ta Hien Street can be found in Hanoi.

Ta Hien Street is a popular hangout location in Hanoi for both residents and tourists alike. It is also known as the "beer street" of the city. You won't find any luxury restaurants here, but you will get a true taste of the "Vietnamese style" of eating.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, pull up a plastic chair, take a drink, and enjoy some amazing street cuisine! The busy nightlife attraction is characterized by the presence of a large number of pubs and clubs along the street.

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Hanoi Old Quarter food

Indulging in some of the amazing cuisine that is available in the Old Quarter is sure to be one of the high points of any trip there. The following is a list of foods that you really must sample, along with the restaurants that provide them:

Pho Bat Dan – 49 Bat Dan

You should begin your day with a bowl of Pho, which is the most well-known noodle soup in Vietnam. This well-known and cherished meal can be found only at Pho Bat Dan. This Pho is a wonderful treat for the taste senses because of the heady scent of the beef broth, the delicate pieces of beef, and the fresh rice noodles. To further accentuate the taste, you may serve it with a side of freshly chopped herbs, bean sprouts, and lime.

Bun Cha Hang Buom

Bun Cha is another food that is synonymous with Hanoi, and the best spot to enjoy it is on Hang Buom Street. Bun Cha is a dish that is made up of pig patties that have been grilled, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce that is both sweet and salty. When combined, the smokey aromas of the grilled meat and the crisp flavors of the herbs produce a meal that is both pleasing to the palate and harmonious.

Bun Cha Hang Buom

Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang

If you are a fan of coffee, you shouldn't pass up the chance to sample the world-famous Egg Coffee that is served at Cafe Giang. Egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and strong Vietnamese coffee come together in this one-of-a-kind specialty dish from Hanoi. The result is a rich, velvety concoction. The end product is a luxurious and delicious beverage that may be savored to its fullest potential when savored slowly while taking in the quaint ambiance of the café.

Cafe Giang Shop

Bun Thang at Bun Thang Cau Go

Bun Thang Cau Go is the place to go if you want to have a classic noodle meal from Hanoi. The delicate bowl of noodles known as Bun Thang is topped with shredded chicken, an omelet that has been delicately sliced, mushrooms, herbs, and a savory broth. Not only is this meal pleasing to the eye, but it also exemplifies the deft handiwork that is characteristic of the culinary traditions of Hanoi.

Bun Bo Nam Bo

Try some Bun Bo Nam Bo if you're seeking a cuisine that can re-energize you. This noodle meal with a Southern flair is made with beef that has been stir-fried, vermicelli noodles, fresh veggies, herbs, peanuts, and a sauce that has a tangy flavor. It is a wonderful and full supper because of the combination of different textures and tastes.

The following are only a few of the delicacies, but you can read my review to find out more about the street cuisine in Hanoi. Do not be afraid to go into unfamiliar territory and sample new foods as you make your way through the winding alleyways in search of hidden treasures.