Explore the Old Quarter by Foot

3.7km • allow 2-4 hours

Click on the map to open in Google Maps. Change to walking directions if the map doesn’t default to this.

Welcome to the electrifying chaos of Hanoi! Brace yourself for a wild ride through this exhilarating city where crazy and fun blend seamlessly. Get ready to navigate the bustling streets teeming with motorcycles, honking horns, and street vendors serving up tantalizing treats. Join the whirlwind of vibrant markets, where bargaining skills are put to the test. Hanoi will sweep you off your feet with its unapologetic liveliness, leaving you craving for more adrenaline-fueled adventures.

This walk is a loop that starts and finishes at the big intersection of Dong Konh Nghia Thuc Square, on the north end of Hoam Kian Lake, but feel free to start anywhere along the route. Let's dive into the charming chaos and vibrant spirit of the Old Quarter!

If you think this might be all a bit much, being out in the busy streets of Hanoi for 2-4 hours, you could break it up with regular iced coffee or lime soda stops, maybe have a sit down lunch half way, take a few shortcuts, or just do half (hint: the first half from the Lake through to Dong Xuan Market is probably the more interesting section as there’s more historic sites to see as well as the busy market streets).

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. The streets are closed every weekend for pedestrian use and markets.

Start: Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square

Situated at the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square is a bustling roundabout that serves as a popular gathering place and is the starting point for the walk. Named after the Tonkin Free School Movement, a significant catalyst for Communism in Vietnam, this square buzzes with activity. Particularly lively on weekends when it becomes a car-free zone at night (Fri-Sun 7pm-middnight). People flock here to socialize, indulge in food and drinks, explore the Hanoi Night Market, and even join in on energetic Zumba sessions if they're up for it!

Vuon Pho Co Café, also known as the Old Town Garden Café, awaits just the corner (map). If you're in need of a refreshing drink before or after our walk, this is the perfect spot. Finding the entrance might require a little effort, but the rooftop views make it all worthwhile. Don't miss their lime soda for a rejuvenating post-walk treat!

Cho Hang Be Local Food Market Hanoi (Pho Gia Ngu Street)

Once a bustling organized market, Pho Gia Ngu Street now teems with shops that spill onto the sidewalks. Highly popular among locals, vendors offer an array of fresh herbs, live seafood, and prepared meals. This authentic market experience can overwhelm your senses during our walking tour of Hanoi!

Hanoi Ancient House

This well-preserved residence showcases traditional architecture and was once inhabited by a prosperous merchant family. Visitors are welcome to explore the house at their own pace, and English information pamphlets are provided for reference.

Read our detailed story about the Hanoi Ancient House.

Open daily 8am-5pm and 7:30am-10pm Fri-Sun. 10,000VND.

Hang Bac

Dotted with countless jewelry shops, Hang Bac originally thrived as a street renowned for its silversmiths. While many shops now offer jewelry crafted with modern tools, a handful of dedicated silversmiths continue the tradition passed down by their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Among the shops, you'll find the Hang Bac Temple, also known as the Dinh Kim Ngan Temple, which pays homage to the art of jewelry making through its intricate silver carvings. While most of the Guild Streets once had temples dedicated to their respective crafts, Dinh Kim Ngan stands as one of the few remaining examples. Free.

Hang Bac is also home to the craft of gravestone carving.

Ta Hien

Ta Hien, also known as Bia Hoi Corner, is Hanoi's renowned drinking hub located at the intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets. By day, it may seem relatively quiet, but as night falls, the area transforms into a bustling hotspot. Rows of small plastic stools fill the intersection, attracting a lively crowd of thirsty tourists.

As dusk settles, the vibrant atmosphere comes alive. Visitors gather to experience the social scene and indulge in the local tradition of Bia Hoi, a light and refreshing Vietnamese draft beer.

Bach Ma Temple

The Bach Ma Temple holds deep historical and cultural significance as one of Hanoi's oldest and most revered temples. Dedicated to Bach Ma, the White Horse, the temple is said to have guided Emperor Ly Thai To in selecting a location for the imperial city of Thang Long, which later became Hanoi.

Upon entering the temple, a serene atmosphere takes hold. Incense wafts through the air, mingling with murmured prayers and the occasional chiming of bells. Intricate carvings and ornate decorations adorn the interior, showcasing the artistry of ancient craftsmen.

The focal point of the temple is its captivating altar. Bursting with vivid colors, it showcases statues and figurines of mythological and historical figures, exquisitely adorned with intricate details. The flickering candles create a warm and ethereal glow.

Witnessing devotees offer prayers and burn incense adds to the temple's sacred ambiance. Bach Ma Temple provides a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle, offering a space for reflection and contemplation.

Beyond its religious and historical significance, the temple offers insights into Vietnamese cultural practices and beliefs. It stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual heritage of the region.

Open 8-11am & 2-5pm Tue-Sun. Free.

The entrance to the Huong Nhgia Communal House sits among cafes and other modern buildings.

Huong Nghia Communal House

At the corner of Cho Gao and Dao Duy Tu Streets you will find Huong Nghia Communal House. Communal houses, originating in the 15th century, were initially constructed as spaces for community gatherings and folk music performances. However, by the late 18th century, King Gia Long's admiration for Confucianism led to a transformation in the purpose of communal houses. They gradually evolved into meeting places for the affluent and influential individuals within the village.

These communal houses also served as venues for religious worship activities. During the 17th century, the practice of venerating patron saints of villages was introduced, and communal houses began hosting such worship ceremonies. Huong Nghia worships Cao Tu, the younger brother of Cao Lo, a prominent general.

Cua O Quan Chuong City Gate (Old East Gate)

The Thang Long Citadel, an ancient and bustling city, once served as the capital of Vietnam across multiple dynasties. This cultural hub was adorned with an extensive network of ramparts, temples, and mausoleums, stretching across a vast area. According to historical documents there were 21 gates allowing entry into the city. The gates were guarded, open in the day, closed at night. Over time, through war and development only a few works remain, one of which is Old East Gate, the only remaining gate of the ancient citadel.

The Old East Gate was built in the reign of King Le Hien Tong (1749) and being only 80 meters from the wharf of the old Red River, it was an important point for traveling and trading between Thang Long Citadel and other regions.

The former name of Old East Gate was Dong Ha Gate which is the name still written in Chinese characters over the main gate. In November 1873, Hanoi faced a decisive moment when the French army launched an attack from Dong Ha Gate. In a remarkable display of bravery and loyalty, a military leader of the Nguyen Dynasty, along with a group of 100 soldiers, valiantly defended the gate until the very end, sacrificing their lives to protect the city. In honor of their heroic sacrifice, the gate was named after the leader, as "Quan Chuong" which translates to "military leader." One of many acts of valor that you will come across if you read more into the history of Vietnam’s fight for independence.

Hang Chieu

Hang Chieu was historically renowned as the street where vibrant straw mats and sturdy ropes were sold. Its bustling market atmosphere filled with merchants and customers exemplified the lively trade and craftsmanship that characterized the area. The street's name, literally translating to "Mat Street," pays homage to its significance as a hub for the production and sale of these essential everyday items.

Dong Xuan Market

Constructed by the French in 1889, the grand Hanoi market hall stands as a monumental structure. As the largest market in the city, the three-story Dong Xuan Market buzzes with vibrant activity. Vendors offer a diverse array of goods, ranging from clothing and food to household items, including a variety of counterfeit products.

Open 7-6pm Mon-Thu, 7am-12pm Fri-Sun.

Hang Ma

Nestled within Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hang Ma street stands out as a captivating and vibrant destination. For centuries, shops along this historic street have been selling a fascinating array of paper votives. These intricately crafted joss papers, resembling everyday objects such as cars, mobile phones, and paper money, hold deep cultural significance.

According to Buddhist traditions, these joss papers are burned as offerings to honor and provide for the deceased in the afterlife. The belief is that by burning these paper votives, the spirits of the departed can receive and utilize these symbolic representations of material goods and currency in the spiritual realm. This practice of burning joss paper as an offering is rooted in the belief that it brings comfort and blessings to the ancestors.

Thuoc Bac

In the past, this particular stretch of Thuoc Bac Street was known as Hang Khoa (Lock Merchandise) before being renamed Hang Sat (Iron Merchandise). During that time, it was a bustling hub for blacksmiths and locksmiths. Nowadays, the street is adorned with shops that predominantly offer products commonly found in hardware stores.

Hang Ca

Despite its name, Fish Street, Hang Ca has undergone a transformation and is now a thriving hub for a multitude of Bahn Mi shops. Among them, Bahn Mi 25 has gained immense popularity.

Cha Ca

Dedicated to the renowned Hanoi fish dish, Cha Ca, this street hosts numerous restaurants that specialize in serving this signature delicacy. Cha Ca La Vong holds the title of being the most famous, serving up this one same dish since 1871.

Lan Ong

Lan Ong, a quaint street, holds a special place dedicated to ancient herbal remedies and traditional medicine. The street's name pays homage to a highly respected Vietnamese doctor, honoring his contributions to the field.

Hang Thiec

Renowned for its historical association with tinsmiths, Hang Thiec Street has evolved to encompass a diverse range of establishments. In addition to the traditional tinsmith shops, you can now find stores offering an assortment of products such as mirrors, conical hats, lamps, and candlesticks. More recently, the street has adapted to cater to the demand for local beer, Bia Hoi, with shops selling tanks specifically designed for this refreshing beverage.

Hang Bo

Hang Bo Street has long been recognized as the hub for various bamboo basket shops and stores specializing in bamboo crafting tools. However, the street is currently undergoing a transformation, suggesting an evolution in its offerings and atmosphere.

Luong Van Can

Rather than its name being derived from a particular trade, Luong Van Can Street is instead named after a renowned educator. In present times, it has earned the moniker of Toy Street due to its prominence as a destination for various toy shops.

Hang Quat

Recognised as the Street of Fans, this bustling thoroughfare was also renowned for another thriving trade—elaborate altars and intricately crafted Buddha statues.

Hang Hom

Hang Hom Street was historically occupied by box makers, who designed coffers and trunks.

Hang Gai

Hang Gai Street, affectionately known as Hemp Street, was historically renowned for its multitude of hemp outlets. However, the street has undergone a vibrant transformation over time. Today, Hang Gai Street has blossomed into a bustling walkway adorned with artisan shops, galleries, and silk tailors. As you wander along Hang Gai Street, you'll encounter a majestic, age-old Banyan tree, indigenous to this region. The Banyan tree stands as a revered symbol, resembling a miniature temple adorned with incense sticks wedged between its knobs and offerings of rice whiskey carefully placed at its base.

End: Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square

The walk finishes back at the busy intersection of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. Just before reaching the intersection you’ll pass the doors of Vuon Pho Co Café (Old Town Garden Café) at 11 P. Hang Gai (map). Maybe a good time for a sit down and post-walk drink.