| The Best Tips for Visiting Hanoi's Old Quarter
Travel adventurously in the heart of Vietnam
If you’re traveling to Vietnam, Hanoi is a must-visit destination on your itinerary. Not only is it the capital city, but it’s also the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty and deliciousness (!) that this extraordinary country has to offer. To do so, you should not miss a visit to “The Old Quarter,” the oldest district in the city, with its ancient streets, traditions, vibrant culture, and the most mouthwatering street food you can imagine.
In this blog, we’ll share everything you need to know for a visit to this historic district, including how you can still experience its famous Train Street now that it is officially closed.
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About Hanoi
Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is a city of contrasts and fascinating history. Located on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi has experienced various influences over the centuries, from Chinese rule to French colonization. This diverse background has contributed to the city’s unique charm and character.
Hanoi is a city of contrasts, where traditional Vietnamese culture and architecture blend with a touch of colonial grandeur. For example, you can find a church that strongly resembles one of the most famous churches in Paris amidst an otherwise very Asian street scene.
Thanks to these contrasts and the amazing “Banh Mi” sandwiches (another interesting fusion of French and Asian influences), Hanoi quickly became one of our favourite destinations in Vietnam.
There are two districts in Hanoi that you definitely shouldn’t miss. The first is the Old Quarter, the focus of this blog. The Old Quarter is the oldest district in Hanoi and houses a wealth of historical charm, cultural attractions, and lively streets filled with colour and life.
The second district with well-known landmarks is the French Quarter. This area is younger but still bears the influence of Vietnam’s colonial past. While the Old Quarter is characterized by narrow chaotic streets filled with scooters and other (frequently honking) traffic, the French Quarter boasts wide boulevards, elegant French colonial architecture, and chic boutiques.
In this blog, we will delve into the tight but oh-so-cozy and welcoming streets of the Old Quarter.
What to do in Hanoi's Old Quarter?
Take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
A stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the highlights of visiting Hanoi. The lake is home to the Turtle Temple, an ancient and weathered temple situated in the middle of the water. Particularly at sunrise, when a hint of mist hangs over the water, it’s a perfect spot for breathtaking photos. According to legend, a mythical turtle lives here, the hero of a Vietnamese legend.
Visit the Ngoc Son Temple
On an island in Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll find the city’s most famous temple, Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Temple of the Jade Mountain. This beautiful temple is definitely worth a visit and provides insight into Vietnam’s rich history and spirituality.
You can reach Ngoc Son Temple via a distinctive red wooden bridge, which clearly showcases Chinese influences in Hanoi.
Experience a mild culture shock at the Notre Dame of Hanoi, St. Joseph's Cathedral
We mentioned it earlier in this blog. Another impressive attraction in the Old Quarter is St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a French cathedral built in the image of Notre Dame. With its imposing architecture and serene setting, it’s a place where you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere that still feels very Asian.
Pay homage to the gods with incense at the Bach Ma Temple
Continue your exploration of the Old Quarter with a visit to Bach Ma Tempel. While the current temple dates back to the 18th century, it’s believed to be the oldest temple in Hanoi. According to legend, an earlier version of the temple was built here in the 10th century after a white horse led the then-emperor to this location. This historic temple offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s spiritual heritage.
Try the famous Vietnamese 'egg coffee' where it all began
During your stay in Hanoi, don’t forget to try the famous “egg coffee” at Giang Cafe. This unique Vietnamese drink combines the creaminess of whipped egg whites with the rich flavour of Vietnamese coffee. It’s a true treat for coffee lovers and a popular delicacy among the locals.
Egg coffee was born in Hanoi in 1946 when a milk shortage occurred due to the French War. As a replacement for milk, barman Nguyen Van Giang started adding eggs. Giang’s distinctive drink became so popular that he opened Café Giang, where his son still serves the legendary egg coffee.
Although egg coffee can now be found practically everywhere in Vietnam, there’s no better place to try it for the first time (and perhaps the last 😉) than Giang Cafe.
Follow in Obama's footsteps and try Bun Cha
To complete your culinary adventure in Hanoi, you must try Bun Cha. This dish consists of grilled pork served with noodles, fresh herbs, and a flavourful broth. It’s a delicious Hanoi specialty often served with fresh spring rolls.
The dish gained recognition among Westerners, including former President Obama, who visited Hanoi in 2016. Along with the renowned chef Anthony Bourdain, he enjoyed a bowl of this local delicacy at Bún chả Hương Liên, a family restaurant located in the French Quarter. However, you can find plenty of local eateries serving Bun Cha in the Old Quarter as well.
Enjoy the best Banh Mi at Banh Mi 25
Since we’re talking about food, no visit to Hanoi’s Old Quarter is complete without indulging in a delicious Banh Mi sandwich. And where’s the best place to have one? Well, we can’t overlook Banh Mi 25 To be fair, tourists have already discovered this place to some extent, but we went back to this spot three times in just two days.
We highly recommend trying the original Banh Mi with “barbecued pork,” but they also offer other (vegetarian) options.
Visit Train Street (you can still do it)
If you’re seeking a unique experience, don’t miss Train Street. This narrow railway runs through the neighbourhood, surrounded by houses and shops. It’s a fascinating sight to see the train passing through these narrow streets, where residents have plants on the tracks, do their dishes, or gather for a chat during the rest of the day.
Unlike other well-known Train Streets, such as the one near Bangkok, Thailand, the train does not slow down as it speeds through these tight streets. Due to the location’s popularity, the Vietnamese government has closed the street to non-residents.
However, you can still visit Train Street. It’s actually not too difficult to do so. The catch is that you need to be invited by a local restaurant or café owner. As you walk along the street next to the tracks, you’ll likely be called from above multiple times asking if you want to eat or drink something. The only restriction is that you cannot walk over the tracks independently; if you do, local authorities will quickly ask you to leave.
Where to stay in Hanoi's Old Quarter?
We highly recommend that anyone visiting Hanoi books accommodation in the Old Quarter. It’s the best base for exploring the city, and there are plenty of options available to suit every budget.
Personally, we had a great experience at Luxury Old Quarter Hotel & Gym. This hotel is right in the heart of the Old Quarter and within walking distance of all the attractions mentioned earlier.
How long to spend in Hanoi?
For a visit to Hanoi, it’s generally recommended to allocate at least 2 to 3 full days. This will give you enough time to explore the main attractions, savour the local cuisine, soak in the city’s atmosphere, and perhaps take a few day trips to nearby sights, which we’ll discuss next.
What to do near Hanoi?
This unique village is located just 30 kilometres from Hanoi and is still relatively off the beaten track, especially for photography enthusiasts. Quang Phu Cau Village is famous for producing the incense used in all temples throughout the country, especially during the celebration of Tet (Lunar New Year).
Villagers dry painted incense sticks in bouquets along roads and village squares during the morning hours, creating a very special and picturesque scene.
You can visit this incense village independently by taking a bus or taxi from Hanoi, but be aware that it can be challenging to get to the most beautiful spots.
If photography is your reason to visit Quang Phu Cau Village, it’s better (though unfortunately more expensive) to book a tour, which will guarantee you those beautiful and unique shots that even grace the cover of the Lonely Planet guide to Vietnam.
Lan Ha Bay - The Limestone Formations
In this title, Lan Ha Bay could easily have been called Ha Long Bay, as it boasts the same breathtaking landscapes made up of limestone rock formations surrounded by water. It’s the place that many people have on their travel bucket list due to its stunning scenery. It is thé place for a luxury cruise!
The bay is easily accessible from Hanoi, as tours are offered everywhere in the city, given that it’s only a 2.5-hour drive away. However, we advise against going to Ha Long Bay itself, as it has become overly touristy and polluted.
Instead, opt for a visit to the nearby Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. The former lies directly south of Ha Long Bay, and the latter lies directly north.
These bays are much quieter in terms of cruise ships, resembling the idyllic image most people have of Ha Long Bay. You can read more about it in this blog, or book directly with our favourite cruise in Lan Ha Bay: Dora Cruise.
Take a day tour to Tam Coc
The picturesque village of Tam Coc, located in the Ninh Binh province, is often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land.” Like its seafaring counterpart, Tam Coc’s landscape is characterized by limestone formations that create breathtaking views.
The two most famous activities here are climbing to the top of Hang Mua viewpoint for a truly indescribable sunset and taking a traditional boat tour along the Ngo Dong River, passing through caves and beautiful landscapes, with a local rowing the boat using their feet.
Both activities can easily be done on a day tour from Hanoi. Alternatively, you could extend your stay for a few days to better explore this beautiful area and its friendly locals.
If you find yourself in Tam Coc and crave a delicious Banh Mi sandwich, make sure to visit Banh Mi Hanoi in Ninh Binh, our favourite spot in the area.
Visit the Chinese border on a Ha Giang Loop tour
This last tip is not exactly near Hanoi, but if you want to explore the northern regions of Vietnam, you’ll likely pass through Hanoi. So, we wanted to include the Ha Giang Loop in this list.
The Ha Giang Loop is a stunning trek that’s best experienced by motorbike or car through the northern mountain ranges of Vietnam. It’s the perfect alternative to Sapa, offering the same beautiful views, rice terraces, and unique ethnic communities, but without the overwhelming tourism.
The Ha Giang Loop is off-the-beaten-track and features a challenging ride with many hairpin turns. If you’re not experienced with motorcycles, you can book an “easy-rider” tour in advance, where you’ll ride as a passenger with a local. If you prefer not to ride a motorcycle or are less fit (like us) or have other reasons for not wanting to ride, you can also book a tour with a car .
Hi, we are Samira & Maurits, a travel-hungry couple with a passion for photography.
With our free travel guides, we hope to inspire you and help you plan your dream holiday. We also provide important tips and tricks for making new journeys, but also for capturing those precious memories in your own travel photos.
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