The Hanoi Old Quarter, located in the capital city of Vietnam, is one of the country’s most iconic sightseeing destinations, known for its charming traditional scenery. While the area is famous for its historical and cultural landmarks, such as St. Joseph's Cathedral, it is also packed with markets and street food stalls, adding to its lively atmosphere. With a constant flow of tourists and locals throughout the day, the Old Quarter is a safe and welcoming place for first-time visitors to Vietnam. This guide introduces trendy souvenir shops and must-try local delicacies, along with safety tips for exploring the area.
Where is Hanoi?
Vietnam’s two most famous cities for tourists are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. While Ho Chi Minh City is located in southern Vietnam, Hanoi sits in the northern region.
At the heart of Hanoi’s city center is Hoan Kiem Lake, and just north of the lake lies the Hanoi Old Quarter, also known as "36 Streets of Hanoi."
Unlike Ho Chi Minh City, which boasts a modern skyline, Hanoi is popular for its historical buildings and nostalgic retro atmosphere. The streets are lined with Vietnamese street food stalls, souvenir shops, and charming cafés, making it a lively area for both locals and tourists.
The Old Quarter is about a 60-minute bus ride from Noi Bai International Airport. Since Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi Opera House are only about 1 km away, it’s a walkable area, perfect for leisurely sightseeing. If you’re looking for a peaceful and traditional experience, Hanoi offers a different charm compared to Ho Chi Minh City.
Best Ways to Get to Hanoi Old Quarter
There are no subway or railway connections from Noi Bai International Airport to the city center, so visitors must take a taxi or bus.
If you're looking to save on transportation costs, consider taking Bus Route 86, which connects Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi. This route stops at major landmarks, including: Long Bien Bus Terminal, Hanoi Opera House, Melia Hotel.
The bus ride takes about 60 minutes, and the final stop is Hanoi Station. From there, it's a 20–25 minute walk to the Old Quarter. Since Bus 86 does not stop directly in the Old Quarter, travelers should get off at either: "Hanoi Station" "Opera House." From these points, you can either walk or take a taxi, which is cheaper than taking a taxi directly from the airport. The bus fare from the airport to Hanoi Station is approximately 200 JPY (about 1.50 USD) one-way.
Ma May Street
One of the busiest streets in the Old Quarter, Ma May Street is packed with cafés, restaurants, spas, hotels, and hostels, making it a convenient spot for first-time visitors.
Many establishments offer Wi-Fi and tour booking services, making it an ideal base for exploring Hanoi.
Must-See is "House No. 87 Ma May" (Traditional Wooden Townhouse). A restored 19th-century Vietnamese home, showcasing original furniture, antiques, and traditional interiors. Visitors can step inside to experience what life was like in old Hanoi. Additionally, there are many stylish shops catering to tourists, selling pottery, coffee, and various handicrafts, making it easy to find the perfect souvenir.
Name: Bao Ton Ton Tao Pho Co Ha Noi (House No. 87 Ma May)
Address: 87 Ma May, Hanoi
Dong Xuan Market
Located in the northern part of the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is Hanoi’s largest indoor market and a shopping hub for locals and wholesalers. Since the market also serves as a wholesale hub for vendors, each shop offers a wide variety of products.
The market offers a huge variety of products, including: Colorful Vietnamese fabrics and clothing, Daily household goods and souvenirs, Fresh food and snacks.
Around the market, visitors can also find local eateries serving authentic Vietnamese home-cooked meals at budget-friendly prices. If you’re looking for a bargain-hunting adventure in a local atmosphere, this market is a great place to explore.
Name: Cho Dong Xuan (Dong Xuan Market)
Address: Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Hanoi Night Market
Held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7:00 PM to midnight, the Hanoi Night Market is a weekend-only event that stretches 300 meters from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market. During market hours, the streets are closed to vehicles, creating a pedestrian-friendly festival atmosphere.
Hundreds of street stalls line the path, selling: Clothing and accessories, Handmade souvenirs, Grilled street food (including Vietnamese-style skewers). If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, this bustling night market offers a lively and energetic vibe that can’t be found elsewhere in Vietnam!
Name: Cho Dem Night Market
Address: Hang Dao St. to Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi
"Cha Ca" – Hanoi’s Signature Dish
Hanoi is famous for Cha Ca, a traditional grilled fish dish made with white fish, fresh herbs, and rice noodles. The fish is fried until crispy on the outside and tender inside, then served with dill, scallions, fish sauce, and peanuts.
◆Cha Ca La Vong
One of Hanoi’s oldest and most famous restaurants, Cha Ca La Vong has been serving authentic Cha Ca since 1871. The combination of crispy fish and fresh herbs makes it the perfect dish to pair with a cold beer. The price is round 800 JPY (6–7 USD) per set meal.
Each restaurant offers its own unique dipping sauces and toppings, making it a great idea to try and compare different versions. This dish is truly a must-try specialty when visiting Hanoi.
Name: Cha Ca La Vong
Address: 14 Pho Cha Ca, Hanoi, Vietnam
◎Is Hanoi Old Quarter Safe?
Many first-time visitors wonder about safety in the Old Quarter. Since it is a major tourist area, the crime rate is relatively low, and the streets remain lively during the day. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, so it’s best to: Leave large luggage at the hotel, Keep valuables close to your body, Be cautious when walking in crowded areas.
At night, some streets outside the Old Quarter can be dark and empty, so avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas. When taking a taxi, choose a metered taxi to avoid overcharging.