Hanoi Old Town Quarter

The main draw for many tourists to the capital of Vietnam is wandering the streets of the historic district. The Old Quarter, or Pho Co in Vietnamese, is also referred to as the 36 Corporations District and is a must-see. You have two options: either walk everywhere or hire a pedicab for an hour or two. The commercial center of the town, this maze-like area of little alleys has a history dating back a thousand years.

It's a charmingly run-down location where a curious piece of old building has managed to survive amidst the contemporary commotion of zipping motorbikes, street vendors, and pulsating commerce. While exploring, keep an eye out for the area's many examples of vernacular shophouse architecture, where merchants once lived above their stores in extremely long but narrow two-story homes that were crammed together on the alleyway rows. This area's backstreets offer a wonderful opportunity to experience Hanoi's bustling street life.

The old quarter is the ideal area in Hanoi to shop and try some local cuisine at one of the numerous authentic restaurants. There is a wide variety of street food available, and there are many people selling fruits and vegetables on the sidewalks. There are also kiosks offering traditional medicines and Buddhist religious accoutrements.

Make sure to visit the Thang Long Citadel and Quan Chng Gate in the historical center, which are the last remnants of the once-protective walled wall (this is one of the must-do things to do in Hanoi). Keep an eye out for historic pagodas that Chinese traders built, and stop by the Mây House to get a sense of their way of life. The Phat statue, one of Hanoi's four jewels, is located at the Bà Đá Pagoda and should not be missed.

Location: Hanoi

Phone: +84 376 527 863

Opening hours: all day

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 28503 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: https://www.hanoioldquarter.com/