1. Living monument of Vietnam history
Hanoi Old Quarter plays an indispensable role of both Hanoian’s soul and Vietnam culture. Established in 11th century, this place had become one of the most bustling trading centers of Vietnam history with various types of business activities. There were 36 small towns, specialized one distinct traditional product.
Hanoi Old Quarter in an old photo
2. Typical characteristics of architecture
The ancient building of Hanoi Old Quarter was mainly erected between 17th -18th century, which is still well-preserved until now. Due to limited land and crowded population, Hanoians built tube houses with just 2 to 5 meters in width but it may be 20-60 meters in length, even 150 meters. Each house was designed in order to serve for daily life and trading activities. In front of houses, local people opened small stores to do business. Insides, a world of Vietnamese architecture opens by visitors’ eyes with ancient decorations. Following the Eastern conceptions, those houses are often divided into 3 or 5 parts with different functions.
A corner of Hanoi Old Quarter today
Ma May ancient house is a well-known as one of the best well-preserved architecture in Hanoi Old Quarter. With an area of nearly 158m2, it is a typical feature of Hanoi ancient houses with wooden decorations and furniture. The owner made use of the first floor for traditional shops with fire kitchen behind.
Business space in facade of Ma May house
Fire kitchen in Ma May house
Stepping up on the wooden stairs, you can see that the second floor was designed with worship space for ancestors, bedrooms, and reception room. Like other the old house, this one has also open courtyards to catch the sunlight and watch for the Moon. Every courtyard is planted with lots of bonsai pots, which create a natural space for the house.
Worship space in Ma May house
Along with the traditional buildings, there is some famous Western architecture constructed under French colonists such as Hang Dau Water Tower, Dong Xuan Market …
3. Suggestions for Hanoi Old Quarter’s trip
Besides discovering the Vietnam culture through the ancient houses, these suggestions will make certainly your trip more interesting:
Sword Lake is also an ideal suggestion for tourists during Hanoi Old Quarter trip. Legend has it that Le Loi emperor defeated Ming army and liberated for Vietnam people thanks to the magic sword of Dragon King. Once day, the king and his courtiers contemplate by boat on this lake. Suddenly, a golden turtle god appears and asks for magic sword before diving into bottom’s lake. This story explains for lake’s name today. Not only famous for green space of the old trees, Sword Lake is highlighted with cultural structures such as Pen Tower, The Huc Bridge, or Ngoc Son Temple.
Situated to the head of Hang Chieu, O Quan Chuong is the only Old East Gate of Hanoi capital in the ancient time, which still survives until now. Built in 19th century, this place was considered as one of 12 important forts that ensure security for inner town.
Along with cultural places, Dong Xuan market is a must-visit destination with a variety of goods and services. In 19th century, French colonists built this market and turned it into one of the biggest trading centre of Hanoi at that time.
If you’re a coffee lover, you can easy to choose famous cafes, lined along the streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter such as Giang cafe, Dinh Cafe…After a long trip for wandering around this ancient town, cafes is really one of best choices for visitors to find a resting place, enjoy traditional coffees of Vietnam, watch Vietnamese lifestyle through each window and immerse yourself among the ancient space of Hanoi Old Quarter.
Tasty egg coffee in Cafe Quang
In particular, Hanoi Old Quarter opens walking street, which organized Vietnam traditional activities of culture and art on every Saturdays and Sundays. You can also buy famous handmade products, which plays an enormous role in Vietnamese daily life such as silk, lacquered pictures or brocades…
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