One of the reasons that Hanoi - the capital city of Vietnam, has attracted so many tourists over the years is its Old Quarter (36 old streets and guilds). It is an area well-known for the history, the architecture, the enormous amount and diversity of products and even the everyday life of its residents.

History:

The Old Quarter marked its appearance in the 11 th Centery, when King Ly Thai To decided to build his palace. That means By 2010, Hanoi as well as the 36 old streets turned 1000 years old. Originally a group of workshop villages surrounding the royal palace, the Old Quarter has gradually transformed into craft cooperatives, or guilds and soon gained its reputation as the business trading areas of the Red River delta.

Soon under French colony, the Old Quarter became a marketplace for trade between the local and businessmen from China, India and France.

Despite the damages that Viet Nam War left in Hanoi, the Old Quarter still retained much of the original traits that interests tourists, especially those with architectural passion. These houses are neither tall buildings as people normally see in cities nor stilt houses on lines of poles, which were popular in Vietnams' mountainous regions these days. They are also called "tubular houses" which are short and narrow but have great length.

Walking

Visitors will certainly be eager to wander along the old streets to drop by stores and buy specialties. Here is an essential guide for tourists who would like to explore the Old Quarter, with some names of specialized streets: China bowls (Bat Su), roasted fish (Cha Ca), silver or jewelries (Hang Bac), women accessories ( Cau Go), shoes and sandals (Hàng Dầu), silk (Hàng Gai), mixed fruits (To Tich), combs (Hang Luoc), jars (Hang Chinh), tour services ( Ma May), candies and dry apricot (Hang Duong), fried/roasted sour pork hash (Tam Thuong lane on Hang Bong Street), bamboo products (Hang Buom), etc.

In addition, visitors as well as city dwellers can go to the night market taking place along 4 walking old streets: Hang Dao - Hang Ngang - Hang Duong - Dong Xuan in the evening from Friday to Sunday with a variety of clothing, souvenirs and food.

How to get here

Hanoi Old Quarter is about 45 minutes away from Hanoi International Airport and 15 minutes from Ha Noi Train Station. Most hotels are located in or near the Old Quarter so you can easily walk to these streets without much effort.

 More information about the Hanoi Old Quarter can be found on the Hanoi Old Quarter Walking tour Page