Unveil Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi old quarter is a common name for an ancient urban area of Hanoi located outside the imperial citadel of Thang Long. This urban area concentrates the population of handicraft and trade activities which forming the typical craft streets and separated traditions of urban residents.

Today, Hanoi old quarter is an attractive destination for those who want to learn about Thang Long, the ancient capital.

Location of the old quarter
Hanoi old quarter is located in Hoan Kiem district by the Red River. The south borders Hoan Kiem Lake, The west borders Thang Long citadel.  The total of this area is about 100 ha.

There are 76 streets in 10 wards:  Hang Dao, Hang Bac, Hang Bong, Hang Buom, Hang Gai, Hang Ma, Dong Xuan, Cua Dong, Ly Thai To.

Although the old streets are located outside this area, but this area still retains the characteristics of old town.

Hanoi old quarter location

History of Hanoi old quarter
This bustling residential and commercial area was formed during the Ly-Tran dynasty (the 10th century).

From Thang Long citadel to the bank of Red River, the residents from the villages around northern Delta gathered to this area to live, forming the busiest neighborhood of the city.

By the Le Dynasty (the 15th century), there were gradually a number of Chinese oversea came for trading and formed the China towns.

Hanoi handicraft streets
The most famous features of Hanoi old quarter is the craft streets. Craftsmen from craft villages around Thang Long imperial citadel gathered here, concentrating on each their area of their profession.

Nowadays, some streets still retain the traditional products such as Hang Ma, Hang Tre, Hang Thiec, Thuoc Bac…

Besides, although some streets do not keep traditional jobs, they also focus on selling a kind of goods such as Hang Quat for worship products, Hang Buom for confectionery, Ma May streets specializing in travel services…

Hang Dao street in Hanoi Old Quarter with clothes shops

Ancient house in the Hanoi old quarter
Another feature of the old quarter is the old house architecture in the downtown area. The old houses are mainly tube houses with included tile roofs. The houses are narrow in the front and long inside.

In the middle of the house are the air wells to make the houses bright and get fresh air. Most of them are shops and some are retained as relics. These houses were mostly built in the 17 – 18th century.

Relics in the Hanoi Old quarter
In the old town area, there are many old historical relics including Communal house, temples, pagodas and assembly halls.

Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi Old Quarter

Some information for those who love Hanoi Old quarter to discovery the history, old architecture, culture and religion. How many places above have you visited?