Don’t you want to explore Vietnam in its true form? If yes, there is no better place than the Old Quarter. A place that has a perfect blend of Vietnam’s history, culture, and traditions. With 36 streets in which each street has its own significance, the Old Quarter must be included in your Vietnam travel package.
Explore the Old Quarter, Vietnam, which holds the correct essence of the capital’s soul as it has ancient history, colonial charm, and modern energy. Whether you are a foodie or a history buff, this is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam, where you can unravel.
If you are the one who is searching, “I'm planning a trip to Vietnam. Tell me about the Old Quarter”, then here is the comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about Hanoi’s Old Quarter. In this, we will include its historical significance, must-see attractions, the best time to visit, how to reach it, things to do, and essential travel tips.
The Old Quarter, Hanoi has thousands of years of history, it started from the time when the craftsmen decided to settle near the Red River. With time, these craftsmen built an association to protect themselves. This association formed streets, in which each street was dedicated to a certain trade and gave its second name to “36 streets”. This is how streets like Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Gai (Silk Street), and Hang Ma (Paper Street) got their names.
Around the mid-19th Century, which is also known as the French Colonial era, huge architectural transformations were witnessed in the buildings of Vietnam. Even after the contemporary influences, this old quarter remains to be the economic hub and is attached to its traditions.
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If you are wondering how to reach Old Quarter, then worry not, we are here to guide you. There are numerous ways through which you can access the Old Quarters, they are:
- By Car: You can either hire a taxi/cab or rent a car to get here. It is around 2.5 km away from the central part of Hanoi, which will take you approximately 13 minutes through P. Phủ Doãn. Grab and Gojek are common public-sharing cabs available in Hanoi.
- By Public Transport: One of the budget-friendly options is to take public transport like the bus, which is well connected with the Old Quarters. Long Bien Bus Station is the closest minibus stop to Old Quarter, Vietnam.
Best time to visit Old Quarter
Knowing the ideal time is essential information about Old Quarter, which you should know before planning your trip. There is no best time to visit the Old Quarter as this is a year-round place. However, here are some of the factors that may affect the best time:
- Seasons: The best season to visit the Old Quarter is from the month of December to February. During this time of the month, the weather is cool and more pleasant, which offers an ideal time for exploring the streets. However, you can also choose August and September to visit as it is less crowded at this time.
- Weekdays vs. Weekends: On the basis of days, the weekend is the best time to visit the Old Quarter as during this time the streets come alive with night markets and street performances which will add to your experience. If you want to avoid the rush but want to explore the street peacefully, then weekdays are the best time to visit Old Quarter.
- Time of Day: If you want to pick a time for the day, then you can visit from 10 am to 2 pm, which is the peak time. So if you are someone who wants to avoid the crowd, it is advisable to visit the streets between 3 pm and 4 pm. The nightlife and culinary scenes get active after 5 pm, which is the best time to visit the Old Quarter if you want to experience the true element of the street.
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Must-See Attractions at Old Quarter
The Old Quarter in Vietnam is not only about shopping and food. But the beauty of this place is beyond that, as it has many attractions, which are a treasure trove of cultural and historical landmarks for the country. Here are some of the must-see landmarks:
1. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Want to uncover the folklore of Vietnam? Then what is a better way than the local artist who holds the title of Asia Book of Records for describing stories through live music, puppetry and storytelling. Successfully running even after completing 50 years, this theater is a must-see attraction at Old Quarter. You can book for different stories from their website. The colours, music, effects all combine to offer you one of the best experiences of your life.
Add to the historical significance of Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is a three-story indoor market. Built by the French in the year of 1889, it is now one of the best places to visit at the Old Quarter. You can find fresh produce to souvenirs inside the building, which is a perfect way to experience the local life. And who knows if you are lucky enough, you might find some unique items to buy at this section of Old Quarter, Hanoi.
Built in the year 1010, which makes it one of the oldest temples in Hanoi, Bach Ma is a must-see attraction at Old Quarter. Name of the temple translates to the White Horse guard, which is believed to be guarded by 4 out of one side of the Hanoi city. As you enter this, one of the best places to visit at the Old Quarter, you will witness the intricate wood carvings. So go on a spiritual journey by exploring this temple, which also adds to the historical significance of the Old Quarter.
4. St. Joseph's Cathedral
One of the oldest churches, which was built in the late 19th century, has great historical significance of the Old Quarter. St. Joseph's Cathedral is not only the oldest and largest cathedral but also one of the few architectural structures that was built first under the French Government. You can click thousands of Instagramable pictures as it has an impressive façade and stained-glass windows make it a popular spot for both worship and photography.
5. Ta Hien Street (Beer Street)
For all the party lovers, Ta Hien Street, also known as the Beer Street or locally known as P. Tạ Hiện. This street is one of the best places to visit at Old Quarter for those who want to taste some of the exquisite booze. Considered as one of the best things to do at Old Quarter in Vietnam to enjoy the nightlife of the city. You can try out the Vietnamese local beer, i.e. bia hoi, from the local street vendors and bars.
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Things to Do at Old Quarter
If you are visiting the 36 streets, then there are numerous things to do at Old Quarter, which you must try out to make the most of your trip. They are:
1. Wander Through Ancient Streets
One of the most engaging things to do at Old Quarter is to explore all the 36 streets to experience every culture and know the historical significance of Old Quarter. Each street here offers a unique experience, which is a tradition still continues today. If you are a fan of clothes and want to explore the traditional Vietnamese garments, then Hang Gai and Hang Dao Streets are the place for you. Or, if you want to buy some souvenirs of your trip, then you can get them from the famous Hang Ma Street.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a foodie or not, trying Vietnamese cuisine should be on your list of the best things to do at Old Quarter. Go on a gastronomic journey with some of the amazing authentic food, including Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha and Cha Ca. One of the most amazing and unique combinations which you must try is Egg Coffee. It is a rich, creamy coffee made with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk.
3. Experience the Night Market
Held every Friday to Sunday, the Hanoi Night Market is a bustling stretch of vendors selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food. As soon as the sun goes down, these streets come alive where you can sip some of the best alcohol, especially beers. Break the dance floor in the clubs or near the beaches till the sun comes up at the Old Quarter, Hanoi.
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Travel Tips for Old Quarter
- It is advisable to wear comfortable footwear as the streets are narrow, crowded, and best explored on foot
- Haggling is expected when shopping at markets. So, you make sure you bargain properly with the seller
- Be cautious with overly friendly street vendors or unsolicited offers
- Make sure you cross the streets carefully as the traffic in Hanoi can be chaotic
- Many small vendors don’t accept credit cards, so bring local currency (VND).
- It is recommended you dress modestly when visiting temples and be polite in interactions
