Hanoi Old Quarter Place guide

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Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter

In the past, the Old Quarter was comprised of 36 old streets that were divided and named according to their crafting specialties – it has remained so until now. If you fancy a long walk full of history, shopping areas, and a beautiful cathedral, then wander and explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter to your heart’s content.

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There’s no better way to experience the rich 2,000-year history of the Hanoi Old Quarter than by taking a walk through the beating heart of the old city. In the past, the Old Quarter was comprised of 36 old streets that were divided and named according to their crafting specialties – it has remained so until now. If you fancy a long walk full of history, shopping areas, and a beautiful cathedral, then wander and explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter to your heart’s content.

Where to go: A Walking Tour Itinerary

Beginning with Cau Go Street, you can pass by the famous Avalon Coffee Lounge. After walking approximately 100m, you’ll see a small lane to the left that leads to Gia Ngu Street, where you can find vendors and shops selling scarves and clothes. You can take a right from Gia Ngu and reach Hang Be market, and then cross the street towards Nguyen Huu Huan and stop at Xoi Yen restaurantfor some delicious food and people-watching. 

You’ll also pass by Dong Xuan Market, which carries a wide variety of sun dried snacks and food. (Tip: It’s best to visit this market at night, as there are a number of street food stalls that sell delicious local delicacies for you to sample.) From Dong Xuan Market, you go through a small street called Hang Ca and arrive at Cha Ca Street where you can grab a bite of the famous fish dish of the same name.

If you don’t want to be bothered with the logistics of getting around the Old Quarter, join this Hanoi City Tour led by a local guide. It includes eight stops – including the mausoleum Hanoi, free lunch, and all necessary entrance fees. Stress free!

Saint Joseph Cathedral

If you would like to see a beautiful Hanoi church, you can walk to Hang Gai, where silks and evening gowns await. To the left of this is Ly Quoc Su Street, with many a clothes shop and a gorgeous temple; you’ll find the impressive Saint Joseph Cathedral at the end. 

Some of the cathedral’s features include twin bell towers, a beautiful altar, and delicate stained-glass windows. Entering the main gate is only permitted during mass, and the mass schedules are listed on a sign to the left of the cathedral. The site’s opening hours are from 8:00am to 12:00nn, and 2:00pm 6:00pm. You might want to consider wearing clothing to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect; this is sometimes required in places of worship. 

How to get there: To get to the Old Quarter, you can get a taxi from the airport; this will cost you roughly VND350,000-400,000 (around US$15-18). Alternatively, you can ride a shuttle bus from the airport. The shuttle bus stops at the Vietnam Airlines Office on 1 Quang Trung, south of the Old Quarter.

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