Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam is located on the right bank of the Red River. It is home to the popular tourist attraction known as the Old Quarter, which comprises almost 40 streets packed with goods of all kinds. As the most ancient and incessantly developed area of Vietnam, Hanoi’s Old Quarter boasts a history of 2000 years and symbolizes the eternal spirit of the city. Having originated as an alligator and snake-infested swamp, it later developed into a collection of villages made up of houses on stilts, to which Chinese administrators added ramparts which were built enclosing their headquarters.
In the 11th century after the Vietnamese attained independence, the Old Quarter began to gain its great reputation as an area of crafts and the palace of King Ly Thai was built there, around which the cluster of small workshops and villages was formed, which evolved into craft guilds or cooperatives. The Old Quarter is wealthy with a religious heritage due to the migration of craftsmen from remote villages to the Quarter. This resulted in the creation of temples, communal houses and pagodas in this location. But many of those old temples have been transformed into living quarters and shops, even though the religious ancestry of some of those is still evident by their roofs’ architecture.
There are over 36 actual streets in this old section of Hanoi, although it is often called “36 Old Streets”. Han Gai street offers tailored and ready-made silk clothing, silver products and embroidery while Hang Quat street astounds the visitor with its beautifully coloured festival and funeral bags, clothing and religious objects. Shiny paper products such as wedding decorations, gift wrappings and miniatures are to be found sparkling at Hang Ma. Lan Ong Street lures the visitors’ senses with the delightful aromas and textures emanating from the products of herbal medicine; roots, leaves, powders and barks.
The streets such as Hang Bac, Hang Be, Cau go, Hang Dao, Dong Xuan, Hang Mam, Ma May, Hang Thiec and Hang Thuc are some of the best attractions of the Old Quarter, each retaining a unique aspect of interest. Overall, the Old Quarter is one of Hanoi’s precious legacies that is worth visiting and there are many options for those seeking Hanoi Accommodation, the most preferable being Somerset Grand Hanoi, which comprises Hanoi Serviced Apartments that are designed for the distinguished tastes and needs of the international traveller.
