Hanoi Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street

Location and History

Photo by @_minh.an

The architecture located at 87 Ma May is one of 14 traditional houses in the Hanoi Old Quarter. The Ma May ancient house, popularly referred to as the Hanoi ancient house, was constructed in the 19th century and served both as a residence and a business establishment.

Ownership of the house has changed several times since its construction; however, due to the commitment of its various owners and the local government, the house has retained its original structure. Before 1945, the house was owned by a prominent rice trader, who later sold it to a medicinal herb merchant. This second owner resided there for a decade before vacating, after which the property was unoccupied for a brief period. In the late 1950s, the government allocated the premises at 87 Ma May to five families.

Photo by @nhlnhl193

In the late 1990s, both French and Vietnamese craftsmen undertook repairs to the house, ensuring that all building materials were retained. Following these restorations, the Hanoi People’s Committee, which oversees the house management, opened it to tourists as a model of ancient architecture. The Ma May ancient house was designated as a National Heritage site in 2004.

Architecture

Covering an area of 157.6m², the Ma May ancient house showcases the traditional "tube house" structure, which was prevalent during its era. The house is 5m wide at the front and expands to 6m at the back, while its length reaches 28m. This design reflects a cultural belief that a "blooms" backland brings future prosperity and happiness to its owner.

The house consists of two main floors with a central courtyard and a small mezzanine. The mezzanine serves as a storage area and has a height of less than 2.5m.

On the first floor, the outer room nearest to the street functions as a display area for goods. Crossing the yard, visitors enter the family living area, while the innermost section comprises the kitchen and restroom.

Source: Instagram @macelosantos.elf 

The small courtyard at the heart of the house, adorned with Bat Trang bricks, facilitates ventilation and natural light throughout the property. Previous residents enhanced this space with bonsai trees and a table for tea, making it a serene spot for relaxation and moon gazing.

To reach the second floor, one must ascend an old wooden staircase. The outer room serves as a worship space and where guests would typically be received. Inside there is a traditional sofa, along with a set of teapots displayed above. The inner area of the second floor features the bedrooms, while a cozy space between sections is often adorned with planters, fostering a harmonious connection with nature.

Source: Instagram @mitzi_215The furnishings of the house primarily consist of wood, ceramics, and bamboo. This two-story residence was constructed from ironwood coupled with terracotta bricks, a traditional tiled roof, and grand framed doors. Upon entering the Ma May ancient house, guests will immediately experience a profound sense of the historical atmosphere, distinct from the hustle and bustle outside.
   

Traditional Performances

The Ma May heritage site plays host to numerous local cultural events, particularly popular during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The main pavilion exhibits and promotes various traditional Vietnamese handicrafts, including paper crafts, lacquerware, and ethnic musical instruments. The house opens to visitors each morning, and on weekends at 7 PM, it features folk music performances (Ca Tru) for those interested. The Thang Long Guild produces a 60-minute show that has garnered widespread acclaim.

Source: Instagram @kavee_youn 

How to get there

The ancient house is located at 87 Ma May Street, a prominent street in the Hanoi Old Quarter. It is conveniently accessible on foot, with a walk of less than 10 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake.

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