Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is a historic urban district in central Hanoi, centered in Hoan Kiem District around Hang Dao ward. Established as a craft and commercial quarter dating to the Ly-Tran dynasties, it is known for its network of 36 old streets historically named after the guilds and goods traded there. The area preserves tube houses, temples, colonial architecture, traditional markets and street food culture, and remains a major cultural and tourism hub near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Visitors can expect a dense grid of narrow streets and alleys lined with historic tube houses, shops, street food stalls, cafes, temples and small pagodas. The area is highly walkable and bustling with motorbikes, cyclos and pedestrians. Visitors can explore traditional craft streets, markets such as Dong Xuan, heritage temples like Bach Ma Temple, colonial-era buildings, and weekend pedestrian and night market zones with shopping, food tasting and photography opportunities.

The Old Quarter traces its origins to the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty when Hanoi (then Thang Long) became the capital, and developed significantly in the 13th century under the Tran Dynasty as a commercial center for craft guilds. Each of the 36 streets was historically occupied by artisans and merchants of a single trade, reflected in street names such as Hang Bac (silver), Hang Ma (paper votives) and Hang Ngang. The area retains tube houses, communal houses and temples reflecting centuries of urban and commercial history.

The Old Quarter is a cultural center preserving Hanoi's traditional craft villages, guild organization, communal houses, temples and pagodas, and culinary traditions. It remains a living heritage area where traditional trades, festivals, street food culture and daily market life continue, and is considered the historic heart of Hanoi's community and commercial identity.