Old Quarter in Vietnam: Explore the Timeless Charm of Hanoi’s Phố Cổ & Best Shopping Spots in 2025

🏮 Introduction: Step Into the Soul of Hanoi

In a city where the ancient meets the modern, one neighborhood stands as a living museum — the Old Quarter in Vietnam. Locally known as Phố Cổ Hà Nội, this district is the oldest part of Hanoi and has been a center of commerce and culture for over 1,000 years.

Wandering through these narrow streets isn’t just sightseeing — it’s like flipping through the pages of Vietnamese history. If your trip to Vietnam includes Hanoi, this quarter is your must-see, must-feel, must-eat experience.

📍 Where is the Old Quarter Located?

• City: Hanoi, Vietnam

• Proximity: Just north of Hoan Kiem Lake, easily walkable from the lakefront

• Famous for: 36 streets (each historically named after the trade or guild once practiced there)

🛣️ How to Reach the Old Quarter

• From Noi Bai Airport: ~45 mins by taxi

• From Hanoi Train Station: 10-15 minutes drive

• By Public Bus: Routes 09, 14, or 36 stop nearby

• By Foot: Ideal for exploration – walking is the best way to discover hidden gems

📅 Best Time to Visit

🛍️ The Famous “36 Streets” of Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Each street in Phố Cổ Hà Nội used to specialize in a specific trade. Today, many still follow this tradition. A few must-walks:

1. Hàng Bạc (Silver Street)

Shop for silver jewelry, ornaments, and local handicrafts.

2. Hàng Đào (Silk Street)

Lined with silk shops, Ao Dai boutiques, and tailors.

3. Hàng Gai (Hemp Street)

Now a hotspot for art galleries, souvenirs, and cafés.

4. Mã Mây Street

Great for architecture lovers and a lively street food scene.

5. Hàng Mã

Best during festivals – colorful paper lanterns, decorations, and traditional toys.

🍜 Street Food You Can’t Miss in the Old Quarter

• Phở Bò (Beef Pho) – Try Pho Gia Truyen on Bat Dan Street

• Bún Chả – Grilled pork with vermicelli; Obama’s choice at Bun Cha Huong Lien

• Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) – Creamy, sweet, and iconic. Café Giảng is the go-to spot

• Bánh Mì – Crispy baguettes with savory fillings at Bánh Mì 25

Pro Tip: Always carry some cash, as many small eateries and stalls don’t accept cards.

🏨 Where to Stay in the Old Quarter

Luxury

• Apricot Hotel (near Hoan Kiem Lake)

• Peridot Grand Luxury Hotel

Boutique & Mid-Range

• La Siesta Classic

• Hanoi Pearl Hotel

Budget

• Nexy Hostel

• Little Charm Hanoi Hostel

🛒 Best Places for Shopping in Vietnam

No trip to Vietnam is complete without shopping. From the local crafts of the Old Quarter to national-level shopping hubs, here’s where to go:

Top Places for Shopping in Vietnam

1. Dong Xuan Market – Hanoi

Located in the Old Quarter itself. A chaotic, colorful, and traditional indoor market offering clothes, souvenirs, electronics, and local food.

2. Ben Thanh Market – Ho Chi Minh City

One of the oldest markets in Vietnam with everything from Vietnamese coffee to lacquerware.

3. Hoi An Night Market – Hoi An

Great for handmade lanterns, embroidered textiles, and custom tailoring.

4. Lotte Center Hanoi

A modern mall with international and local brands, restaurants, and sky deck views.

5. Saigon Centre / Takashimaya

For high-end shopping and dining experiences in HCMC.

6. Hanoi Weekend Night Market

Open from Friday to Sunday – the whole Old Quarter transforms into a shopper’s paradise.

7. An Dong Market

Located in District 5 of Ho Chi Minh City — known for fabrics, handicrafts, and accessories.

8. Vincom Mega Mall Royal City – Hanoi

One of Asia’s largest underground malls. Offers a more upscale retail experience.

9. Sapa Local Markets

Buy tribal crafts, silver jewelry, and traditional textiles directly from ethnic minority groups.

10. Da Nang Han Market

Known for local produce, dried seafood, and handmade clothing.

🎨 What to Buy in the Old Quarter & Beyond

• Lacquerware

• Silk scarves & Ao Dai

• Hand-stitched notebooks

• Water puppets

• Bamboo crafts

• Vietnamese coffee & drip filters

• Ceramic ware from Bat Trang village (near Hanoi)

💡 Travel Tips for Old Quarter Shoppers

• Bargain – It’s expected at street stalls and markets

• Go early – For best selections and smaller crowds

• Stay alert – Narrow lanes, fast-moving scooters

• Hydrate & rest – Stop at cafés to recharge during your walking spree

📸 Best Photography Spots in the Old Quarter

• Train Street (Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn) – Trains pass through a narrow residential lane

• Ta Hien Street – Nightlife and neon signs

• Street murals on Phùng Hưng Street – Perfect Instagram shots

• Shutters and balconies of old colonial homes – Timeless aesthetic

🧭 Sample 2-Day Walking Itinerary

Day 1:

• Morning: Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

• Afternoon: Wander 36 streets (start with Hàng Đào → Hàng Bạc)

• Evening: Watch a water puppet show and sip egg coffee

Day 2:

• Morning: Dong Xuan Market shopping

• Afternoon: Visit Train Street and St. Joseph’s Cathedral

• Evening: End with dinner on Ta Hien Beer Street

🌟 Final Thoughts: Why the Old Quarter is More Than Just a Market

The Old Quarter in Vietnam is not just about shopping or sightseeing — it’s about immersing in the rhythm of Hanoi. Here, street vendors call out as bicycles pass by flower carts. Locals and tourists sip coffee at tiny stools on the sidewalk. Artisans still carve wooden toys and tailors still stitch custom garments by hand.

When paired with the diverse places for shopping in Vietnam, this area becomes the perfect blend of cultural legacy and modern discovery.

So, as you plan your trip to Vietnam, make sure you leave enough time to get lost in the lanes of Phố Cổ Hà Nội — because every corner has a story waiting for you.

Happy walking, sipping, and shopping! 🇻🇳🛍️