Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a maze of traditional streets in the oldest part of the Vietnamese capital. The district is a unique mix of European and Asian architecture and culture, and is the most iconic neighbourhood in Hanoi. You can visit the bustling hub any time of day, or base yourself in one of its many hotels. Find cultural venues, cafés, shops and typical Vietnamese restaurants all in the one place.
Prior to French colonialism in Vietnam, the city of Hanoi contained only 36 streets. The city has since expanded dramatically however, the original quarter remained the heart of Hanoi. Today, many of Hanoi’s major attractions can be found in the Old Quarter. These include the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and Lake Hoan Kiem, with its temple and picturesque bridge.
Listen to the calls of of hawkers, wearing conical hats made from leaves, balancing baskets on their shoulders. Breathe in the smell of exotic food and try the dishes and cooled drinks that hawkers sell on the road. Try Bia Hoi, Vietnam’s traditional home-made brew on Ta Hien, a street famous for beer venues and specialist craft shops. At night, visit the lively bars or enjoy traditional North Vietnamese food at one of the restaurants.
Stay alert for passing traffic when you walk the crowded streets, as there don’t seem to be clear road rules here. Browse the Night Markets at weekend nights, or make your way into the Dong Xuan market hall during the week. For souvenirs, such as conical Vietnamese hats or personalised carved stamps, visit the craft shops that line the streets in the Old Quarter.
Hanoi’s central Old Quarter is an excellent place to stay and there are many leading hotels and hostels, suiting all budgets.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is just north of Lake Hoan Kiem. The area is served by a number of bus lines, but the district is small enough to traverse on foot.
Hoan Kiem Travel Guide
Visit Hoan Kiem
Popular places to visit
Hoan Kiem Lake
Wander around the banks of this peaceful lake and discover an historic temple, observe locals going about their daily life or enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade.
Hanoi Opera House
This historic building is the centrepiece of Hanoi’s French Quarter and host to shows by many of Vietnam’s premier singers, dancers and musicians.
Quan Chuong Gate
The attractive shape of the only city gate remaining in Hanoi harks back to a time when the city was under siege.
St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi
At the heart of Hanoi stands a weathered neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church, a contrary sight in this predominantly Buddhist city.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Stories from local legends are told at this theatre with hand-carved wooden dolls and colourful dragons that perform on a stage on the water.
Dong Xuan Market
Browse hundreds of stalls in Hanoi’s biggest marketplace in the heart of the Old Quarter.
Top hotels in Hoan Kiem
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Other neighbourhoods around Hoan Kiem
Hang Trong
If you're spending some time in Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem Lake and St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi are top sights worth seeing.
Old Quarter
Old Quarter is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.
Trang Tien
If you're spending some time in Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem Lake and Trang Tien Plaza are top sights worth seeing.
French Quarter
The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.
Hang Bac
While visiting Hang Bac, you might make a stop by sights like Hoan Kiem Lake and The Old Quarter Gallery.
Hanoi Backpacker Quarter
Hanoi Backpacker Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Ta Hien Street and Ancient House while you're in town.
- Places of interest
- Choose Your Hoan Kiem Hotel Style
- Hotels in top Hanoi neighborhoods
- More trip options