A Hanoi Old Quarter walking tour is the perfect way to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Vietnam’s capital. Known for its bustling streets, historic landmarks, and authentic local flavors, the Old Quarter offers a unique glimpse into Hanoi’s soul. Whether you’re captivated by the ancient architecture, eager to sample mouthwatering street food, or looking to connect with the local community, this self-guided tour provides an unforgettable experience.
Contents
- 1 What You Need to Know before taking Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour
- 2 Why You Should Take a Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour?
- 3 Self-Guided Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour
- 3.1 1. Begin your Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour at Hoan Kiem Lake
- 3.2 2. Ngoc Son Temple
- 3.3 3. Ba Kieu Temple
- 3.4 4. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
- 3.5 5. Continue your Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour at Hanoi Memorial House
- 3.6 6. Hanoi Bach Ma Temple
- 3.7 7. Old East Gate (Ô Quan Chưởng)
- 3.8 8. Dong Xuan Market
- 3.9 9. Finish your Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour at Hang Gai Street
- 4 Discover Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour and the Beyond with Vietnam Travelers
- 5 Conclusion
What You Need to Know before taking Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour
Before you take the Hanoi Old Quarter walking tour, let’s have a look at the fascinating history and unique characteristics of this iconic area.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter serves as the city’s historic core, located just beyond the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, in the northern section of Hoàn Kiếm District. This area is famous for its compact blocks, intricate alleys, and the distinctive charm of traditional Vietnamese culture. Moving further south, the bustling streets and narrow shopfronts transition into the tree-shaded boulevards and sophisticated villas of the French Quarter.
During the Lê dynasty (1428–1789), the region consisted of interconnected lakes and wetlands linked to Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Red River. The area is also widely recognized as the “36 Streets,” a reference to the guild streets that historically specialized in various trades. These trades remain evident in street names today, such as Hàng Bông (Cotton Street) and Hàng Gai (Silk or Hemp Street).
A noteworthy feature of the Old Quarter is its “tube houses” or “tunnel houses.” These buildings, with their narrow facades and unexpected depth, served as both homes and workshops. This design reflects a historical period when taxes were levied based on the width of a property’s street-facing frontage.
Why You Should Take a Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour?
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a vibrant and historic area that offers a glimpse into the rich culture and daily life of the city. A walking tour through this maze of bustling streets and hidden alleys is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Hanoi’s unique charm. Here’s why you should consider this experience:
- Explore Hanoi’s History and Architecture: The Old Quarter is filled with well-preserved French colonial buildings, traditional Vietnamese tube houses, and ancient temples. Each street has its own story, often tied to a specific craft or trade, such as silver, silk, or bamboo. Walking allows you to closely observe these historical treasures and appreciate the unique blend of cultures.
- Discover Authentic Local Cuisine: Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of street food and local delicacies. From steaming bowls of pho to crispy spring rolls and freshly brewed egg coffee, you can savor authentic Vietnamese flavors at every corner.
- Engage with the Local Community: Walking through the Old Quarter gives you the opportunity to interact with locals, from vendors selling fresh produce to artisans creating traditional crafts. This personal connection adds a layer of warmth and authenticity to your visit.
- Capture Stunning Photos: The vibrant streets of the Old Quarter are full of color and life, making it a perfect place for photography. From bustling markets to serene courtyards, every turn presents a picture-perfect moment.
- Experience the Heart of Hanoi: The Old Quarter is not just a tourist attraction; it’s the beating heart of the city. Here, you’ll experience the dynamic energy of Hanoi, from the sound of motorbikes whizzing by to the melodies of street performers.
A Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour allows you to slow down and fully absorb the essence of Hanoi, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting the city.
Self-Guided Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour
1. Begin your Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour at Hoan Kiem Lake
Begin your walking journey at Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi. Surrounded by carefully maintained gardens, the lake is deeply tied to a legendary tale from the mid-15th century. The story tells of Heaven bestowing a magical sword upon Emperor Le Thai To, enabling him to expel the Chinese from Vietnam. Following his victory, a giant turtle emerged to retrieve the sword and return it to its celestial origins, giving the lake its name, Ho Hoan Kiem, or Lake of the Restored Sword.
The lake’s highlights include Jade Island, where the Ngoc Son Temple resides, and Turtle Islet, crowned by the historic Thap Rua (Turtle Tower), which stands as an iconic symbol of the city.
2. Ngoc Son Temple
Make your way to the Ngoc Son Temple complex during your Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour, a serene and historical site located on Jade Island in Hoan Kiem Lake.
The entrance, known as Nghi Mon Gate, features two columns and walls adorned with Chinese inscriptions. Just inside, you’ll find the Pen Tower (Tháp Bút), built in 1865 during the reign of King Tu Duc. This 28-meter structure stands atop a stone hill and is capped with a stone feather pen. The phrase “Ta Thanh Thien,” meaning “Write onto the sky,” is carved into the tower, commemorating the Trinh Lords’ literary achievements and their battles against northern invaders.
Passing the Pen Tower, you’ll encounter the Long Mon Ho Bang Gate. This gate is adorned with two columns and pagoda-style walls, each decorated with significant symbols. On the right is a dragon representing the “Dragon Gate,” while the left displays a white tiger symbolizing the “Tiger Board,” both serving as inspiration for academic success. Near The Huc Bridge is the Dai Nghien Gate, featuring an ink pot perched atop three stone toads. A poem by Nguyen Van Sieu, the Confucian master who oversaw temple renovations in 1864, is etched in the center.
The Huc Bridge, painted bright red and designed with a gentle curve, symbolizes the Sun God. This wooden bridge offers stunning sunrise views, cool breezes over the lake, and a magical glow when illuminated at night.
Inside the temple, visitors can explore a peaceful courtyard often used for Chinese chess games. The shrine, originally constructed in the 18th century, is dedicated to military hero Tran Hung Dao, scholar Van Xuong, and Nguyen Van Sieu. The temple houses artifacts such as a preserved tortoise from 1968, measuring six feet in length.
3. Ba Kieu Temple
After visiting Ngoc Son Temple, head across P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng to reach the Monument of Determination, also referred to as the Martyrs’ Monument. Situated in the serene Vạn Xuân Flower Garden, this monument commemorates those who gave their lives for Vietnam’s independence. It features a striking sculpture of two men—one holding a torch and another with a gun—and a woman wielding a sword, symbolizing the shared sacrifices of men and women during the Vietnam War.
Behind this monument stands Ba Kieu Temple, the next destination on your walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Ba Kieu Temple is a charming historical site from the 17th century. It was originally located along the Hoan Kiem Lake waterfront. Today, a road built around the lake separates the temple from its original gate.
Despite its small size and busy surroundings, the temple maintains a peaceful atmosphere. It remains an important cultural landmark in the area.
4. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Continuing your Hanoi Old Quarter walking tour, you stroll north along P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, and you’ll come across the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater on your right.
This iconic venue, founded in 1969, offers a unique cultural experience with multiple daily shows that can seat up to 300 visitors. The performances, which require tickets, bring to life Vietnamese folklore and traditional themes through the art of water puppetry, a centuries-old storytelling tradition.
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5. Continue your Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour at Hanoi Memorial House
Head north, moving away from Hoan Kiem Lake. When you reach P. Cầu Gỗ, turn right, then left onto Hàng Bè Street. At the end of this street, take a left onto Hàng Bạc, known for its silver workshops (“Hàng” means store and “Bạc” means silver). Continue north along P. Mã Mây, where you’ll find the Heritage House (Ngôi Nhà Di Sản) on your right.
Situated on the southern edge of what was once Rattan Street, this late 19th-century Chinese-style home features a striking dark-wood exterior and an elegantly minimalist interior. The upper floor showcases beautifully carved wooden furniture, including chairs, tea tables, and bureaus. A balcony offers a view of the courtyard below, which is decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns.
Originally owned by a Chinese family who sold herbal medicines until 1954, the house later housed multiple families. In 1999, local authorities and architects from Toulouse, France, converted the residence into a museum. This transformation highlights a collaborative effort to preserve and showcase the home’s historical and architectural significance.
6. Hanoi Bach Ma Temple
This is a must-visit destination during your Hanoi City Walking Tour.
First, you need to follow P. Mã Mây as it curves left onto Hang Buom Street.
Historically, Hang Buom Street was near a small tributary of the To Lich River, a key transportation route for goods entering the city. This area once buzzed with activity as local merchant ships docked here for repairs.
Today, the street features a mix of colonial-era structures, traditional Vietnamese homes, and cultural landmarks. Notable among them is the communal house at No. 22 Hang Buom.
As you walk along Hang Buom Street, you’ll come upon Bach Ma Temple on your right.
Bach Ma Temple is one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temples. It was built in the 11th century. The temple is dedicated to the “White Horse” (Bach Ma). According to legend, this horse guided Emperor Ly Thai To to the perfect spot for the city’s temple.
Nowadays, the temple is a center of spiritual activity. It is especially lively on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month. On these days, locals gather for long prayers, offerings, and ceremonies.
Inside, visitors can admire a red-lacquered palanquin, a shrine to Confucius, and an intricately designed Phoenix altar. As Hanoi’s oldest surviving temple, Bach Ma holds immense historical value. Located between Hang Buom and Ngo Gach Streets, it also played a significant role during the French occupation as a hideout for resistance fighters. Its unique blend of mythology, history, and ancient architecture makes it a cherished cultural treasure of Vietnam.
7. Old East Gate (Ô Quan Chưởng)
After leaving the temple, take a right, followed by another right, walking alongside the temple. Continue straight along P. Nguyễn Siêu.
Named after the esteemed 18th-century scholar Nguyen Sieu, this street is a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts. It boasts a variety of colonial-era buildings. On the right, watch for a narrow alleyway leading to Co Luong Communal House. This vibrant site features modern reliefs with imaginative motifs, such as oversized mushrooms and mythical demons.
At the end of Nguyễn Siêu Street, turn left onto P. Đào Duy Từ. Just as you enter, notice the discreet entrance to the Huong Nghia Communal House on the left-hand side.
On the right, you’ll find Ô Quan Chưởng, the Old East Gate.
This historic gate was constructed in 1749 and is the last surviving gateway of the ancient Thang Long Citadel, which once had 21 entrances. Named after Quan Chuong, an army commander, the gate features three arched passageways and a two-story watchtower. These elements reflect its strategic significance in the past. Visiting this iconic structure offers a glimpse into Hanoi’s rich history and enduring architectural legacy.
8. Dong Xuan Market
This is the next beautiful pot during your Hanoi Old Quarter walking tour. Continue along P. Thanh Hà as it curves to the left. At the end, take a right, and you’ll find the bustling Dong Xuan Market at the next intersection on your left.
Originally built by the French in 1889, Dong Xuan Market is Hanoi’s largest indoor marketplace, spread across three lively floors. It offers an incredible variety of goods, from clothing and household items to fresh produce and street food. The market is also known for its abundance of counterfeit products, adding to its eclectic charm. A visit to this vibrant hub is a must for anyone looking to experience the dynamic energy of Hanoi.
For a delicious twist, join our 7 Tasting Street Food Walking Tour, which showcases both heritage sites and tasty local bites
9. Finish your Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour at Hang Gai Street
From Dong Xuan Market, walk south along P. Đồng Xuân, which transitions into Hàng Ngang.
Hàng Ngang, Hàng Đào, and Hàng Lược Streets transform into the vibrant Hanoi Old Quarter night market every weekend from Friday to Sunday, 6 p.m.–11 p.m. During these hours, vehicles are barred from these streets, allowing countless stalls to set up.
Visitors can browse a wide array of items, including souvenirs, clothing, local delicacies, and traditional Hanoi specialties. The lively atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
Before reaching Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and Hoan Kiem Lake, turn left onto Hang Gai Street, also known as Silk Street.
This 300-meter stretch is renowned for its long-standing tailor shops and fashion boutiques. Here, you can order custom-made suits and dresses. Located near the edge of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the street is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship.
Highlights include Khai Silk and Tan My Design. These shops offer ready-to-wear garments for those with limited time. Tailor-made suits can often be completed in just 24 hours. However, an additional fitting is advised to ensure an impeccable fit.
To continue your exploration, head south along P. Lý Quốc Sư to reach St. Joseph’s Cathedral, marking the beginning of the French Quarter Hanoi Walking Tour!
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Conclusion
Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter walking tour is more than just a sightseeing adventure; it’s an opportunity to step back in time and witness the fusion of Hanoi’s storied past and dynamic present. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this self-guided route invites you to uncover the charm and authenticity that make the Old Quarter a must-visit destination. Start planning your journey today with Vietnam Travelers, where handpicked travel packages ensure an authentic and unforgettable Vietnam experience!