If you are looking for a place that captures the essence of Hanoi, look no further than the Old Quarter. This is where the city’s history, culture, and soul come alive in a vibrant and colorful way. The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, each named after a specific trade or craft that has been practiced there for centuries. Here, you can find everything from silk, silver, and ceramics to herbs, spices, and flowers.
You can also admire the architecture that reflects the influences of different civilizations, from the ancient Vietnamese to the Chinese and the French. You can also enjoy the delicious and authentic street food that showcases the flavors and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. And you can also experience the nightlife that is full of energy and excitement.
The Old Quarter is the perfect place to explore and immerse yourself in the atmosphere and spirit of Hanoi. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, a foodie, or a party animal, you will find something that suits your taste and interest in the Old Quarter. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to the Old Quarter Hanoi, covering how to get there, what to see and do, where to stay and eat, and more. Read on and get ready to fall in love with the Old Quarter.
How to Get to and Around the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is located in the center of Hanoi, on the eastern side of the Hoan Kiem Lake. It is about 30 kilometers from the Noi Bai International Airport, which is the main airport serving Hanoi and the surrounding areas. There are several ways to get to the Old Quarter from the airport, depending on your budget and preference.
Taxi:
This is the most convenient and comfortable option, but also the most expensive. A taxi ride from the airport to the Old Quarter will cost you around 300,000 VND (13 USD) and take about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. You can find taxis outside the arrival terminal, but make sure to use a reputable company, such as Mai Linh or Vinasun, and agree on the fare before getting in.
Bus:
This is the cheapest and most eco-friendly option, but also the slowest and least comfortable. A bus ride from the airport to the Old Quarter will cost you only 9,000 VND (0.4 USD) and take about 90 minutes, but you will have to change buses at least once and walk a bit to your final destination. You can find buses outside the arrival terminal, but make sure to check the route and the timetable before boarding.
Shuttle:
This is a good compromise between the taxi and the bus, offering a reasonable price and a decent service. A shuttle ride from the airport to the Old Quarter will cost you around 40,000 VND (1.7 USD) and take about 60 minutes, and you will be dropped off at a designated point near your hotel. You can find shuttles outside the arrival terminal, but make sure to book in advance or look for a reliable company, such as Vietnam Transfer or Hanoi Transfer Service.
Once you are in the Old Quarter, the best way to explore it is by walking, cycling, or taking a cyclo or a motorbike tour. Walking is the easiest and cheapest option, as you can wander around the streets and alleys at your own pace and discover the hidden gems and secrets of the Old Quarter.
Cycling is another fun and cheap option, as you can rent a bike for about 50,000 VND (2 USD) per day and cover more ground and sights than walking. Cyclo is a traditional and unique option, as you can sit back and relax in a three-wheeled bicycle taxi and enjoy the views and sounds of the Old Quarter.
A cycle ride will cost you about 100,000 VND (4 USD) per hour and you can negotiate the route and the price with the driver. Motorbike is the fastest and most adventurous option, as you can join a guided tour and experience the thrill and excitement of riding a motorbike in the chaotic and crowded traffic of Hanoi. A motorbike tour will cost you about 500,000 VND (22 USD) per person and you can choose from different themes and itineraries, such as the Hanoi Street Food Tour or the Hanoi Nightlife Tour.
No matter which option you choose, make sure to follow some tips and precautions to navigate the Old Quarter safely and smoothly. First, use a map or a GPS to avoid getting lost or confused in the labyrinth of streets and lanes. You can also look for the street signs or the shop signs that indicate the name and the specialty of each street. Second, be careful and alert when crossing the street or riding a bike, as the traffic in Hanoi can be unpredictable and chaotic.
You can also follow the locals or the traffic lights and signals to cross the street safely. Third, ask the locals or the hotel staff for directions or recommendations, as they are usually friendly and helpful and can give you some insider tips and insights. Fourth, beware of scams or rip-offs, such as overcharging, fake goods, or pickpocketing, and always check the price and the quality before buying or paying for anything.
What to See and Do in the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is full of attractions and activities that will keep you entertained and amazed for days. Here are some of the most popular and interesting things to see and do in the Old Quarter:
Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple:
The Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Lake of the Returned Sword, is the symbol and the heart of Hanoi. It is a beautiful and serene lake that is surrounded by trees, gardens, and bridges, and is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, exercise, or enjoy the scenery. The Ngoc Son Temple, or the Temple of the Jade Mountain, is a small and elegant temple that is located on an island in the middle of the lake, and is connected by a red wooden bridge called the Huc Bridge. The temple is dedicated to the legendary hero Tran Hung Dao, who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century, and to the scholar Van Xuong and the general Quan Vu. The temple also houses a preserved specimen of a giant turtle, which is believed to be the one that returned the magic sword to the king Le Loi after he liberated Vietnam from the Chinese in the 15th century. The lake and the temple are open from 6 am to 6 pm every day, and the entrance fee is 30,000 VND (1.3 USD) per person.
Watch a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre:
The water puppet show is a unique and fascinating art form that originated in the rural areas of northern Vietnam more than a thousand years ago. It is a performance that uses wooden puppets that are controlled by hidden puppeteers under a pool of water, and that depict scenes from the daily life, the folklore, and the history of Vietnam. The show is accompanied by live music and singing, and is a great way to learn about the culture and the humor of Vietnam. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is the most famous and prestigious venue for the water puppet show in Hanoi, and is located near the Hoan Kiem Lake. The theatre offers several shows per day, from 9:30 am to 8 pm, and the ticket price is 100,000 VND (4.3 USD) per person. You can buy tickets online or at the box office, but make sure to book in advance or arrive early, as the show is very popular and often sold out.
Explore the Dong Xuan Market, the largest and oldest market in Hanoi:
The Dong Xuan Market is a huge and bustling market that is located in a four-story building in the northern part of the Old Quarter. It is a place where you can find anything and everything, from clothes, accessories, and electronics to souvenirs, handicrafts, and food. The market is divided into different sections and zones, each selling a different type of product or service. You can also find some street vendors and stalls outside the market, selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The market is open from 6 am to 7 pm every day, and is a great place to experience the local life, practice your bargaining skills, and buy some cheap and interesting items.
Admire the French colonial architecture and the opera performances at the Hanoi Opera House:
The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning and majestic building that is located in the southern part of the Old Quarter, near the Hoan Kiem Lake. It is a replica of the Palais Garnier in Paris, and was built by the French in 1911 as a symbol of their power and influence in Vietnam. It is one of the most elegant and impressive landmarks in Hanoi, and is a masterpiece of neo-classical architecture, featuring a white facade, a green roof, and a large dome. The opera house is not only a historical and cultural monument, but also a functional and modern theatre, hosting various performances of opera, ballet, music, and drama, both local and international. The opera house is open from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on Mondays and Fridays for guided tours, and the entrance fee is 400,000 VND (17 USD) per person. You can also buy tickets for the performances online or at the box office, and the ticket price varies depending on the show and the seat. You can also admire the exterior of the opera house from the outside, or take a picture with the statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of it.
Enjoy the nightlife and the live music at the Ta Hien Street, the most lively and vibrant street in the Old Quarter: The Ta Hien Street, or the Beer Street, is a short and narrow street that is packed with bars, pubs, and cafes, and is the hotspot for nightlife and entertainment in the Old Quarter. It is a place where you can mingle with the locals and the foreigners, drink cheap and fresh beer, and listen to live music and karaoke.
The street is especially crowded and noisy on weekends and holidays, when it becomes a pedestrian-only zone and a street party. The street is open from 10 am to midnight every day, and is a great place to have fun, make friends, and enjoy the atmosphere of Hanoi.
