Top 8 Things to Do & See in Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi old quarter – the external soul of the capital including 36 streets has been existing as a witness of Vietnam’s glorious history. Therefore, it is a must-see attraction for every tourist when they set foot in the 1000-year-old capital. Like a big maze, Hanoi old quarter is so difficult to explore unless you are a local. Consider our list of top 8 things to do and see in the old quarter to travel Hanoi at its best.

The Location of Hanoi Old Quarter

The majority of this site is situated in Hoan Kiem district, west and north of Hoan Kiem Lake, concluding 36 streets and a vast number of people. Strolling along the streets in the quarter, you can easily realize the common of the streets’ names, most of them start “Hang” meaning store. The reason why they called like that is that each street only sold a unique item following the street’s name hundreds of years ago.

The 8 Best Thing to Do & See in Hanoi Old Quarter

Enjoy Bun cha – A Traditional Dish You Should not Miss

Bun cha is one of the most popular dishes in Hanoi. Let’s enjoy a bowl of Bun cha to get more energy for a wonderful day trip in the Old Quarter. It is for sure that you will not be disappointed when trying this dish. It is so addicted, especially in Bun Cha Huong Lien where the former American President – Obama had dinner.

Visit Bach Ma Temple – A Sacred Temple in Hanoi

Locate at 76 Hang Buom Street in the east of the citadel, Bach Ma temple is one of the four exorcisms of Thang Long capital which is named Hanoi now. This temple is regarded as the oldest temple in Hanoi and associated with the legend of Thang Long citadel’s construction. Exploring this place will give you a great chance to admire the Vietnamese belief but also a unique construction of Nguyen dynasty.

Stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake and Walking Streets

To seize the most peaceful view in the middle of the bustling city, you have to wander around Hoan Kiem Lake. This complex consists of many places such as Sword Lake, Pen Tower, Writing Pad, Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple. Besides its beauty, you have an opportunity to absorb lots of interesting stories. Especially on the weekend, vehicles are banned on some streets around this lake so that a wide variety of traditional games is held there. Let’s discover them!

Explore Dong Xuan Market – the Most Well-known Traditional Market in Hanoi

If you want to dip yourself into the local people’s lives, walking around Dong Xuan Market is the best way. You will observe the hustling and bustling daily lives of local people. In addition, many kinds of goods on display are sold by wholesale.  As a result, the price is more expensive than usual if retailing. By the way, it is also a good choice to buy something as a souvenir for your family and friends.

Visit the St. Joseph Cathedral – the Biggest Church in the Hanoi Old Quarter

It comes as a big surprise to anyone that why a monumental church is outstanding in the center of this capital where local people are in favor of Buddhism. This church was built in 1886 and became the oldest cathedral with the worn exterior in Hanoi. By contrast, its interior will remain permanent beauty together with the time.

Taste Street Food

The Old Quarter is famous for a delicious street food heaven with a cheap price such as pho, banh mi, or ice cream. You can totally trust street food’s high quality and their wonderful tastes. However, it is necessary to bargain if you are a foreigner.

Try “O mai” – A Kind of Jam Made of Many Types of Fruits

Traveling around Duong Street where there are lots of jam stores, you can taste a distinctive jam in the Old Quarter. You can try eating first to find what your favorite jam is and then you buy them. You can also enjoy it when visiting other places.

Drink Beer on Ta Hien Street – A Never-Sleep Street

To complete the whole trip, you should not miss beer at Ta Hien. Do spend your time sitting down on small plastic chairs and tables on the sidewalk, and you enjoy a few sips of beer. It is also a great chance to submerge yourself into a busy atmosphere as if you are a piece of this lively city.