Exploring the Cultural Charm of Hanoi’s 36 Ancient Streets

The Hanoi Old Quarter was established around the 15th century, situated strategically between the old Imperial Citadel and the Red River bank, making it a prime location for trade and commerce. It became a gathering place for artisans from the Red River Delta, where people of the same profession clustered together to form distinct professional quarters (phường).

This distinctive feature gave rise to the unique naming convention for the area:

The streets in the Old Quarter often begin with the word “Hàng” (meaning “goods” or “store”) to denote the products sold there: Hàng Bạc (silversmiths), Hàng Chiếu (mats), Hàng Mã (votive paper goods), Hàng Hòm (wooden chests), Hàng Quạt (fans), Hàng Gà (chicken)… Each street is a testament to the prosperity of a traditional craft.

Another undeniable characteristic is the ancient architecture. The houses are typically “tube houses” (dạng ống), narrow in the front but great in depth, built during the 18th and 19th centuries. The clever layout of Hanoians ensured the houses efficiently accommodated space for business, workshops, worship, reception, and rest.

TIMELESS CULTURAL BEAUTY

When visiting the Old Quarter, travelers step into a living museum where time appears to stand still. The area still preserves nearly 100 historical structures of great cultural value, including ancient communal houses (đình), temples (đền), pagodas (chùa), and assembly halls (hội quán).

A notable example is the Bạch Mã Temple on Hàng Buồm Street, one of the Four Guardians (Tứ Trấn) of the former Thăng Long Imperial City, which stands solemnly and spiritually, attracting visitors seeking their roots.

Despite modern development gradually changing the capital’s face, the Old Quarter firmly retains its small streets, narrow alleys, moss-covered sloping tile roofs, and the ancient cultural imprints of the Imperial land. These very features have become the pride of Hanoians and a major draw for international tourists.

Beyond its ancient beauty, when visiting the 36 Old Streets, tourists cannot miss the delicious and unique dishes found on each street.

• Hàng Bông is famous for its Nem Rán (fried spring rolls) in Tạm Thương alley.

• Hàng Trống is home to some of the best Phở (noodle soup) in the Imperial region.

• Hàng Quạt is well-known for its delicious Bún Chả (grilled pork with vermicelli), famous throughout Hanoi.

• Bún Thang (vermicelli soup), found at the beginning of Hàng Chỉ alley on Hàng Hòm street, has long been a favorite choice for many diners.

In the evening, walking past the busy, small Hàng Bồ street, the fragrant smell of grilled dried squid draws in visitors. On a chilly winter evening, sitting with friends to eat the delicious grilled squid and share a few stories is truly wonderful.

In the morning on Hàng Bạc street, there is a very popular Bún Riêu (crab paste vermicelli soup) stall. Anyone who has tasted the Bún Riêu here will never forget it. The sweet, rich broth blends perfectly with fresh vegetables, warming the bellies of diners on cold days.

And there are 1001 more delicious dishes in the Old Quarter that anyone who happens to wander in will be reluctant to leave.

With all these wonderful cultural, architectural, and culinary marvels, the 36 Ancient Streets is a must-visit destination in the capital.

To make your journey of discovery through the Old Quarter and central Hanoi complete and comfortable, Hanoi Larosa Hotel proudly offers an ideal stopping point:

• Convenient Location: Situated close to the central area and the Old Quarter, making it easy for guests to commute and explore historical and cultural sites within minutes.
• Luxurious Experience: After a long day of walking through the moss-covered streets, you can retreat to the comfortable and upscale accommodations, along with professional services, at Hanoi Larosa Hotel.

For more detailed information and reservations, please visit the hotel’s official website or contact us below:

Contact Information:

• Phone: (+84) 243 747 1155

• Email: info@hanoilarosahotel.com

• Website: www.hanoilarosahotel.com

• Fanpage: www.facebook.com/hanoilarosahotel

• Address: 36 Nguyen Khuyen, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Book your stay early at Hanoi Larosa Hotel for the best rates and experience Hanoi most completely!