Old Quarter
Old Quarter
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter comprises nearly 40 streets packed with shops selling all kinds of goods, each street named for its primary good or service.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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from $4.90
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Top ways to experience Old Quarter
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,262 within 3 miles
Attractions
258 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- William ChenSingapore, Singapore2 contributionsCharming PlaceCharming and bustling neighborhood located in the heart of the city. The area is known for its narrow streets, historic architecture, and traditional culture. It's a fantastic place to wander and explore, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to discover.Visited February 2023Written March 20, 2023
- LauraGreve, Denmark3 contributionsAuthentic part of HanoiSuch a nice authentic place of Hanoi. Stayed here all the nights in different hostels. We really felt like we were where everything happened and in walking distance to everything. The old quarter is charming. Definitely worth a visit and I 100 % recommend booking your accommodation somewhere here.Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 23, 2023
- Upendra P2 contributionsLife in HanoiWalking through Old quarter gives you a good idea how Vietnam was several years ago under French and the new Vietnamese government. The food street during weekend was so crowded. Again gave you how normal life goes on here.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 26, 2023
- TravelBrianCOPearland, Texas867 contributionsGoes on foreverSimilar to other jammed packed areas in large southeast Asian cities but fun nonetheless. Overwhelming everything. Fun to walk around and see the sites. Close to the lake and a lot of good restaurants. Cyclo tours everywhere if that is your thing. Suggest going late afternoon so you can see the transformation as it gets dark. It comes to life at night! It is very busy so watch where you are walking.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 28, 2023
- HanaMelbourne, Australia9 contributionsInteresting place, a must see when visit HanoiOld Quarter Hanoi is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Vietnam. With its scenic lakes, hidden gems, and bustling riverfront, it's the perfect place to explore and experience the city's vibrant culture. From the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake to the narrow alleyways of the Old Quarter, there's something for everyone. The food is delicious and the nightlife is vibrant. Whether you're looking for a quiet stroll by the river or a night out on the town, Old Quarter Hanoi has it all.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 5, 2023
- errearraBudapest, Hungary86 contributionsFull of lifeFascinating to see how people live on the streets and do not hide in their flats. Streetfood is the norm not a fashion. As other neighbourhoods of Hanoi are much more advanced, not sure the Old Quarter will resist modernisation. Come to see and experience as long as you can. The atmosphere may have been similar in many other cities a few centuries or decades ago.Visited April 2023Written April 6, 2023
- Jimmy12 contributionsCharming old quarterThere are more than 60 streets here and do have a from the hotel for you to navigate. There are night markets on Fri, sat and sun at old quarter from 7 pm to 11 pm. Do check the season when you plan your tour to Hanoi. Beware of heavy trafficVisited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 10, 2023
- Dji5 contributionsWe love the history, culture and street foodThe narrow streets are packed with shops, cafes, temples and vendors selling everything from souvenirs to snake wine. You can easily spend hours wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere of this vibrant and chaotic place. The best way to explore the Old Quarter is by foot or by cyclo, a traditional bicycle taxi. You will be amazed by the sights, sounds and smells of this ancient part of the city. Don't miss the night market, where you can find bargains on clothes, accessories and handicrafts.Visited April 2023Written April 19, 2023
- parakeetsMelbourne, Australia166 contributionsWe loved it.Easy to walk around. We saw many of the well known sites in it all on foot. If you're a good walker and the weather allows. Apart from the mental traffic it's easy to do on foot and you see so much more.Visited April 2023Written April 25, 2023
- must_travel_soon_10Mississauga, Canada1,706 contributionsSensory overloadThe old quarter has an amazing energy, some good, some not so good. The 2 & 4 wheel vehicles are just bursting through the streets, so be cautious. The shops, vendors and people are overflowing with activity. Unique experience with some good shopping and eating.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 25, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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71emma
Kuching, Malaysia530 contributions
Jan 2020
Wow, it really took great courage to cross the busy noisy streets here, fighting our way through a sea of motorcyclists:) No looking back once you decide to cross. Like reviewers said, they'd zig-zag around you and you'd be totally untouched!
It was a real experience, walking along the colourful streets lined with street food stalls, people perched on low stools. We enjoyed some street food like pho gia, ban cuon, goi cuon and nem, King Roti too. As advised by some TA members, we went where locals go. Taste of food was good everywhere.
Shopping at Old Quarters could be challenging. There're lots of fake branded goods which outwardly look like the real thing (internally it's a slightly different story). The prices vary from store to store. They could start with 700,000 dong and finally agree with 300,000 dong even. It was fun haggling.
It being Tet Festival, prices of food was higher. Good thing it was not difficult to find food at all. Most restaurants were open.
If coming to Hanoi, Old Quarters is surely a must-visit.
It was a real experience, walking along the colourful streets lined with street food stalls, people perched on low stools. We enjoyed some street food like pho gia, ban cuon, goi cuon and nem, King Roti too. As advised by some TA members, we went where locals go. Taste of food was good everywhere.
Shopping at Old Quarters could be challenging. There're lots of fake branded goods which outwardly look like the real thing (internally it's a slightly different story). The prices vary from store to store. They could start with 700,000 dong and finally agree with 300,000 dong even. It was fun haggling.
It being Tet Festival, prices of food was higher. Good thing it was not difficult to find food at all. Most restaurants were open.
If coming to Hanoi, Old Quarters is surely a must-visit.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChevySim
Halong Bay, Vietnam44 contributions
Jan 2020
I think it's worth a visit to check out Hanoi's culture of street food, cafes, local merchandises, coffee, bars and etc. If you're looking to shop, north face jackets and bags might be worthwhile to take a look at. You may also want to visit some of the museums and churches around this area. Would recommend to visit this place on the weekends as well where there is a night market and some streets are closed so you will not have to worry about the crazy traffic while shopping.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chadhavivek
New Delhi, India58 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
There is something about the old quarters that draws you in despite the constant honking, crazy traffic, pavements barely available and people buzzing past in a constant frenzy. I think it is the unique character of the place that can be associated with the Old Quarters. It is fun staying in this area and eating out can be a traditional experience. This is further made unique with the rickshaws that ply around the area. A must see if one wants to understand Hanoi better.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eichiro A
14 contributions
Dec 2019
The area consists of stone paved narrow street’s that come alive at night. Street food restaurants, mini pubs, small clubs, street vendors and street food hawkers could be found in abundance. This is where most tourists and locals come for a cheap & entertaining night out. You could also find street performers from traditional dance & musical acts to western music bands. Great place for sampling local cuisine, local beer and partying on the streets.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane P
7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
With lots of info from friends who'd visited before, we had great accommodation at La Vision but can also recommend Supreme Premier. Jack was a godsend and organised our Halong Bay trip when we arrived. Hanoi Kids was our first tour and gave us a wonderful insight into the old quarter. Our friend's son who lives in Hanoi advised us to "be predictable" when crossing the road and that was great advice.
Wifi is everywhere and so are ATMs. We had Vodafone $5 per day roaming and had better coverage than at home!!
Egg coffee at Giang is the original and a must do and so is beer on the street with the locals. People watching is half the fun as the scooters whip by.
Functional chaos at it's best, we loved the energy of Hanoi.
Wifi is everywhere and so are ATMs. We had Vodafone $5 per day roaming and had better coverage than at home!!
Egg coffee at Giang is the original and a must do and so is beer on the street with the locals. People watching is half the fun as the scooters whip by.
Functional chaos at it's best, we loved the energy of Hanoi.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cary L
Ennis, Ireland240 contributions
Feb 2020
the Old Quarter of Hanoi is alive and well. Shops line the streets and you are walking the streets because motor scooters are all parked on the sidewalks. You have to keep your head on a swivel because traffic comes at you from every angle. If you decide to cross the street...once you see your opening you go for it and don't stop or hesitate. Just keep your eyes wide open and you will do fine. After the second day it becomes like second nature to you and you get into the groove of the city. It is incredible. Buildings that go back 150 to 200 years are still occupied and being lived in and worked in. Once you check into your hotel get a street map and walk every square inch of the city. We did! We walked 16 miles one day and close to 12 the next day just up and down streets and side streets. 7.5 million people live in Hanoi and you definitely feel it. People are everywhere and moving all the time. Motor scooters are flying by and everyone has something to sell. You definitely want to go to the big open central market. They have everything you can think of and if you are into exploring then this is the place to go.
Incredible history and incredible buzz.
Have a great tour.
Cary
Incredible history and incredible buzz.
Have a great tour.
Cary
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hewee55
Rome, Italy6 contributions
Oct 2022
It was an awesome experience except for the bike's horn and the trash being thrown on the street. Our guide from Tonquin Travel describes the area as the "Market Grid" in the ancient time where people from all around gathered on the 1st and 15th of every month in Lunar Calendar as something that never change over time and how they lived in the past. Kind of a "journey on the line between the Ages" that you can see small details in the way of people and architecture. It hinted at the atmosphere in the past and nowadays and you can feel it your way.
Also, you can only find a good taste of food from the real locals here, not the 5 stars restaurant, that is the way people explore gastronomy here, in the Old quarter.
Also, you can only find a good taste of food from the real locals here, not the 5 stars restaurant, that is the way people explore gastronomy here, in the Old quarter.
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizzy T
Auckland, New Zealand61 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I was glad that my hotel was right in the centre of the Old Quarter where everything was just there out the door from street food to nail salon, spa, cafe and etc. beautiful spot for photo shooting with all the heritage buildings surrounding. Worth hiring a motorbike to go around if you can ride :)
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Devon-Row
Kent, UK621 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
If your staying in Hanoi it’s best you stay in the old quarter as there is so much going on within walking distance. Weekends the road around the lake is closed which allows you relax and soak up the beauty of the area and the architecture. This time of year you might need a lite coat for the evenings.
Been here a week and loved it, now off to Sapa
Been here a week and loved it, now off to Sapa
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMOH8
Guildford, UK2,151 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
If you've never been to an Asian city before then you'll either love or hate the frenetic activity of the Old Quarter.
The streets are alive with cars, bikes, scooters, people, dogs etc. Markets pop up and disappear at different times of the day and street food vendors and their stools block the pavements.
You'll spend half your time walking in the road but just go with the flow, walk confidently and you'll be fine. It's real.
The streets are alive with cars, bikes, scooters, people, dogs etc. Markets pop up and disappear at different times of the day and street food vendors and their stools block the pavements.
You'll spend half your time walking in the road but just go with the flow, walk confidently and you'll be fine. It's real.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
addaden3
bolton17 contributions
Hi. There are so many Hanoi guided tours, food tours. Which ones would you recommend please?
Also which hotel/ hostel for 2 middle aged ladies, budget, clean, safe, friendly, helpful staff?
Thank you.
BillMcAdam
Michigan79 contributions
We were very pleased with the Rex Hotel in Hanoi, reserve one with a large window facing the street- I believe it was referred to as an Executive room. The breakfast on the top floor is fantastic though not sure if still available during covid-19. Short stroll to the Hoan Kiem Lake and a great walk around the lake= people watching!- Pay attention to the French Colonial architecture as well. Make sure you dine at Duong's- the front desk can make arrangments.
Mr.David
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi train street, Vietnam
Would you like go inside ?
Interesting place you can visit if you have the opportunity to come to Hanoi. Currently the area is closed and there are a few guards here but don't worry please contact me +84388014896, I will help you to get inside
natalierosegretton
Trentham, Australia28 contributions
Contact information is not permitted according to the posting guidelines, so this person has breached the guidelines for a start. I do not think it would be wise to do this because it has been stopped due to safety concerns. What this post is doing is asking visitors to do something illegal. Guards are there for a reason and from my observations don't take kindly to breaches. I've been on the train numerous times and seen how close they come to homes and would not want anyone I know to be sitting that close to a moving train.
Carolyn K
Windsor, Australia37 contributions
I’m going to Hanoi in October and want to know if I should buy swimmers before I go.
AWCostless
Brisbane, Australia462 contributions
If you go to Ha Long Bay or anywhere down South to beach areas, I would bring my own swimmers. Also, some hotels in Hanoi have pools, even some hotels in Sapa have heated pools.
best street or place to have dinner in old quarter are specifically .please tell me
Dazza Lowe
Bensville, Australia25 contributions
Downtown cafe and restaurant have an excellent selection of Vietnamese cuisine.
Smashcbe
Coimbatore, India138 contributions
Are there homestays in the Old Quarter? Has anyone stayed at one? Thank you!
JDB
Cambridge, UK119 contributions
I didn't see any in the old quarter but I saw plenty on my trip south to the Mekong Delta, more rural & better to see the more traditional way of living. 😊
Linh hoang
Da Nang, Vietnam
1 đêm bao nhiêu ạ
NGUYENTAN PHAT
32 contributions
Tuỳ theo phòng nghỉ trung bình là 300k/ đêm
Hello
We arrive in Hanoi Vietnam on Sunday the 3rd of February 2019 and flying back home on the 17th......
Our initial plan was to do the Halong trip on the 5th to the 7th and then off to Sapa! Leaving hue and hoi an for the second week!
I would appreciate any recommendations and advice as the 5th is new year in Vietnam is it best to stay in Hanoi or follow our schedule????
Thank you
shockbn
Nagoya, Japan62 contributions
Although it depends on your favorite type of trips, like to recommend strolling the old city busy shops.May be interesting for a person coming from developed countries. And when you will visit Halong bay with a ship overnight, like to recommend a rather expensive ship for a cheap ship, rooms are not comfortable and meals not too good. However, even if you will try less expensive trip, you'll be able to enjoy an exotic old city. .
Simone1000
Seminyak, Indonesia213 contributions
Hi Sophia, what is the name of the hotel you recommend here? And was it quiet at night for sleeping? Thanks so much.
Sophia0420
Quito, Ecuador37 contributions
Hi Simone,
Sorry this message is late but I’ve been so busy to check my email.
I recommend to stay at Del Vostro Hotel & Spa. Though the breakfast selections is not as good as the other hotels i stayed at Del Vostro is a luxury! The king size bed is super comfy, the room with a patio over looking the street is a plus, I think we were on the 6th floor. Most importantly it was quiet, you can’t even hear anything outside. Beautiful hotel!
Yonn Andrew
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
How is the weather now? Is it month of strong wind & heavy rain ? Is it ok to travel to Hanoi next week?
Liz Norman
Australia45 contributions
Check by smartphone or pc. Should be reasonable atm
Mei Lik C
Batu Caves, Malaysia1 contribution
How much is the cab to bring us going around old quarter?
Surly53
Sydney, Australia44 contributions
Hi there
Sorry for the long response but if you still need to catch a cab don't worry about price as very cheap, just ask before entering cab and make sure they have a meter!
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Claim your listingOld Quarter - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Quarter
- Old Quarter admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $4.90, while a popular guided tour starts around $5.00 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Old Quarter:
- Skip the Line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets (From $10.00)
- Half Day Hanoi city - Old Quater - Food walking tour (From $14.00)
- Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie (From $28.58)
- 1 Day Luxury Ninh Binh Tour in Bai Dinh - Trang An (From $46.00)
- Full-day Private Hanoi Sightseeing Tailored on request (From $88.00)
- Hotels near Old Quarter:
- (0.00 mi) Hanoi Lantern Dorm 2
- (0.01 mi) The Nguyens Apartments Hanoi Old Quarter
- (0.01 mi) Glance Beauty Hotel
- (0.01 mi) Hanoi Old Quarter Hotel
- (0.01 mi) Halong - Lan Ha LaPandora 4 Star Cruise
- Restaurants near Old Quarter:
- (0.00 mi) Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van
- (0.01 mi) Spy Bar
- (0.01 mi) Spybar Hanoi
- (0.02 mi) Tam Claypot Rice
- (0.02 mi) 1991 - Fast n’ Fresh
- Attractions near Old Quarter:
- (0.01 mi) Hanoi Free Day Tours
- (0.01 mi) What's Up Vietnam (SupV)
- (0.01 mi) Hanoi eBuddies
- (0.04 mi) VAPE STAR
- (0.04 mi) Minh Nguyệt Beauty Spa