23/01/2024
If you're not sure where to start exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter, I have a suggested walking route for you.
This route is 3.5KM long and takes a minimum of two hours to complete. You can start at the Ngoc Son Temple located on Hoan Kiem Lake. Once you're done, cross over the red Huc Bridge and check out the photogenic Martyrs' Monument. After that, follow Dinh Tien Hoang Street to the Municipal Water Puppet Theatre. When you reach Hang Dau Street, head north but try not to get too sidetracked by all the cheap shoe shops. Once you cross Cau Go Street, you'll arrive at Hang Be Street where you can find the local market on Gia Ngu Street.
Continuing on Hang Be Street, go north to Hang Bac Street where you can see artisans hand-carving intricate gravestones. Then, head to the Heritage House on Ma May Street, which is the perfect place to go for nightlife. Once you're done there, go back to Hang Bac Street and pass by the jewelry shops until you reach house 102, where you'll find a fully functioning temple at the end of the corridor. Retrace your steps and head up the narrow Ta Hien Beer Street, which is popular for more after-dark bars. Turn left on Hang Buom Street to see the Bach Ma Temple and then continue on to the well-preserved Old East Gate for an obligatory photograph. Keep going north to the street market on Thanh Ha Street and then veer right to D**g Xuan Market. When you're done there, head back south on Nguyen Thien Thuat and turn right onto Hang Chieu Street, where you'll see shops selling straw mats and rope. This street becomes Hang Ma Street where imitation "ghost money" is sold for burning in Buddhist ceremonies. Follow your ears to the blacksmiths near the corner of Lo Ren Street and Thuoc Bac Street and continue along Lan Ong to the pungent fragrances of herb merchants. Double back to Thuoc Bac Street and head south past the tin-box makers, opposite the mirror shops on Hang Thiec Street. To finish the route, continue left towards shops selling Buddhist altars and statues along Hang Quat Street. Then, head south along Luong Van Can Street, famed for its toy shops, and continue along Hang G*i Street for elegant silk shops. Finally, head south on Ly Quoc Su Street to St. Joseph Cathedral, cafes on Nha Tho Street, and Au Trieu Street.