Old Quarter Phố Cổ

The Old Quarter sits on land that was once a cluster of artisan streets outside the citadel. Shop signs still hint at silver, silk, and herbal medicine, even where the ground floors now sell luggage and cafe seats.

Walk it in the morning, before the pavements are fully claimed by motorbikes and stools. Use the timed walk if you want a route instead of a wander.

Common questions

Is the Old Quarter safe at night?

The lanes stay busy into the evening. Watch your bag in crowds and cross as the locals do, at a steady pace.

Experiences

Old Quarter

1

Bach Ma Temple Đền Bạch Mã

A small neighborhood temple on Hang Buom, easy to include in a walk.

3.0 ★★★☆☆ Editor

20 minutes · Free; a small offering is optional

2

Dong Xuan Market Chợ Đồng Xuân

The quarter’s main covered market, useful for a look at wholesale goods more than for souvenirs.

3.0 ★★★☆☆ Editor

30 minutes · Free to enter

Side trips from Old Quarter

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and the usual start of a northern trip.

Getting there and around

Arrive on foot from the lake. The lanes are short and the map looks simpler than the traffic. A bicycle is possible and often slower than walking.

• Hanoi to Ninh Binh

  Ninh Binh is the easy overnight south of Hanoi.

Hotels

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• Near the lake end Small hotels

  Shorter walks to Hoan Kiem and an easier exit by car.

  Search stays
• Deeper lanes Hostels and homestays

  More local street life and more night noise.

  Search stays

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Restaurants

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• Hanoi food guide Food guide

  Hanoi cooks a lighter, less sweet street food than the south. Eat bun cha at lunch, pho in the morning, and egg coffee when you want to sit down.

  Open the food guide