5 Reasons Why Hanoi Old Quarter Must Be Included In Your Trip
Here are the top five features that make Ha Noi Old Quarter so unique as of 2025:
A perfect combination of the past and the present
A perfect combination of the past and the present - Photo instagram @dongqtrung
Stepping into Ha Noi Old Quarter, visitors are transported to a different atmosphere, free from towering skyscrapers and wide boulevards. The area features charming two-story brick homes with tile roofs and narrow, winding streets that harken back hundreds of years. The architecture retains an 18th-century essence, yet the Quarter has adapted to modern times. A diverse array of goods, alongside newly established restaurants and shops designed in traditional styles but offering high-quality services, coexist within this historical enclave. Here, one feels like a time traveler witnessing the duality of preserving local life while adapting to contemporary influences.
Unique design and architecture
Unique design and architecture - Photo @hanoioldquarter
The Old Quarter's architecture features many strikingly narrow yet elongated structures known as "tube houses." Historically, local residents were taxed based on the width of their property, prompting them to reduce their frontages but lengthen the houses to maintain adequate living space. One can explore a well-preserved example of this unique design at 87 Ma May Street, providing an insightful glimpse into local life circa 1825—a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the region's architectural legacy.
Historical and cultural significance
Historical and cultural significance - Photo @indochinavoyages.com
With a history spanning nearly a millennium since Thang Long (now Ha Noi) became the Vietnamese capital in 1010, Ha Noi Old Quarter was originally a vibrant market area filled with guilds each focused on diverse trades. The many temples scattered throughout the Quarter tell captivating stories tied to the nation's history and cultural values. These sites showcase architecture that reflects the development of local art through various dynasties, housing countless historic artifacts dating back to the 11th century, thus enriching the cultural fabric of the area.
Rich religious heritage
Rich religious heritage - Photo instagram @kelvinwong
As craftsmen migrated to the city, they brought along diverse religious practices and beliefs, leading to an abundance of temples and pagodas throughout the Old Quarter. Many of these historic sites, dating back to the 1000s, highlight the significant influence of Buddhism in the community. A visit to these sacred spaces offers a rare opportunity to gain insights into the spiritual lives of locals over centuries.
Food, Food, Food
Food, food, food - Photo @duongsrestaurant
In Ha Noi Old Quarter, food lovers can savor a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes like Bun Cha, Bun Dau Mam Tom, Xoi Xeo, and Banh Duc—all at reasonable prices. Enjoying these local delicacies while perched roadside as the vibrant life of the city unfolds around you is an unforgettable experience that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Ha Noi.
10 Best Airbnbs For Your Stay In Hanoi Old Quarter
When you visit Hanoi, a city of long-lasting history and rich culture, won’t it be a bargain to stay in an Airbnb that you could have the most genuine travel advice from local host while enjoying your own private space with well-supplied amenities? If you are a fan of this alternative accommodation, find our short-list below.
10 Best Cafes in Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter, with its myriad of cafes, is the ideal place to start your coffee hunt, all the way watching the continuous rush of people and the time lapse on each street.
15 Best Boutique Hotels In Hanoi Old Quarter
The Old Quarter of Hanoi has been thriving since the 19th century, when it was a major trading area among Hanoians in the old time. The huge number of boutique hotels in the Old Quarter will not break your bank and offer all that you need for your stay, and in style. Browse our listings above and pick what you need.
