Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter is a part and parcel of Hanoi’s identity. The narrow streets and architecture make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The Old Quarter is one of the oldest areas in Hanoi and dates back to the Ly-Tran Dynasty. Once a massive swamp, the area underwent a complete upheaval and became a place for small artisan guilds to set up their own villages. That was until the Chinese came into the picture. After their arrival, the Old Quarter became the cohesive unit that we see today. It is here on the streets of the Old Quarter that you will get to see the best of Vietnamese or, in this case, Hanoi's rich history and culture.
Each street in the Old Quarter once had its own specialty and sold a specific type of product. However, nowadays, that is no longer the case with only a few remaining close to their original purpose.
With that said, let’s check out some of the most famous streets of the Old Quarter.
Hang Bac Street is one of the few streets that has remained somewhat close to its original purpose. It is also the oldest street in the entire quarter. The street’s name is derived from the Vietnamese word ‘Bac’ which means ‘silver' and true to its name, the street was famous for its silverware. Nowadays, you can still find shops selling not only silver trinkets but gold, souvenirs, and money exchange shops as well. This street is also famous for its walking tours.
One of the most famous streets in the Old Quarter, Hang Dao Street is famous for the peach blossoms which are used during the Tet festival or Vietnamese New Year. The word ‘dao’ refers to ‘peach blossoms’ in Vietnamese. This street was once a haven for silk merchants. These days, the street sells all kinds of clothes. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, Hang Dao comes alive with its night market.
Cau Go literally translates to ‘wooden bridge’. In the past, the street was home to a wooden bridge that connected Hang Dao Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake. During French colonial rule, the bridge was removed and paved over to make room for more land. It was once a haven for students and a place where you could buy quality art supplies. These days, Cau Go Street is more famous for having some of the best street food in the Old Quarter.
Check out this blog about the best restaurants in Old Quarter, Hanoi.
Hang Gai Street is one of the oldest streets in the Old Quarter. Unlike its name ‘gai’ which means ‘hemp’, the street is famous for its silk. So much so that it is now known as, 'Silk Street’. The quality of the silk products from this street is renowned. You can also get ready-made silk clothes from one of the many tailor shops or boutiques around the area. Besides silk products, the street is also home to shops that sell lacquerware and traditional Vietnamese decor.
Originally Ma May Street was two streets, Hang Ma which sold paper replicas of items to burn for the dead, and Hang May which sold hemp-based products. The two streets combined to become Ma May Street. Nowadays, Ma May is famous for being a tourist haven with numerous hotels, backpacker hostels, cafes, and restaurants. The street is also home to the well-known Ma May Ancient House. A 19th-century house that is so well preserved that walking into the house feels like walking back into the 19th century.
This small stretch of road measuring around 290 meters is one of the famous streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. In the past, it was once the epicenter for bamboo trading since it was close to the river. During the 19th century, there was a brief period where the betel nut trade was popular here which led to the street changing its name to Hang Cau before going back to its original name, Hang Tre. Nowadays, the street is home to numerous hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and bars.
So, there you have it, the 6 most famous streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Besides the streets mentioned, there are 30 more streets for you to explore in the Old Quarter. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags ad head on down to Hanoi for the adventure of a lifetime.
You can also check out this guide to Hanoi in the meantime.
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