(Welcome to Hanoi) – Visitors coming to Hanoi definitely cannot forget the peaceful feeling when wandering along the unique Old Quarter of Hanoi. It has long been an extraordinary feature only in this beautiful city.
Formed under the Ly dynasty, the Old Quarter now is one of the oldest yet most alive streets in Hanoi. It is located in the city center, near Ho Guom Lake and Long Bien Bridge. The Old Quarter originally consisted of 36 streets. In ancient times, each of which sold one and only kind of goods. Name of each street starts with “Hang”, which means stores, followed by the name of the item selling on that street. For instance, stores on Hang Bac Street would sell silver products as “Bac” meaning “silver”. Comparably, all sorts of combs could be found on Hang Luoc Street. However, through times, the quarter expands and products offered on each street are diversified.
The Old Quarter nowadays remains the trading center of the whole city with all kinds of goods existing. On weekend evenings, there is “Night Market” along the area starting from Hang Giay Street and extending to Hang Dao street. This is the time merchants gather to do business. Since vehicles are not allowed to enter the road, it is ideal for pedestrians. Tourists could amble and purchase clothes, shoes, souvenirs, etc., tastes yummy food and enjoy the exciting nightlife of the city. However, visitors should watch out for pickpockets.
With the history dates back to more than 1000 years ago, it has gone through ups and downs, wars and chaos but still preserves the second-to-none architect. The long period of French colonization has left a profound imprint on the street’s appearance. French buildings and constructions enthrall any tourist with their inimitable and original style. Hanoi Opera House and Saint Joseph Cathedral are typical for French architecture in the Old Quarter.
Hanoi Opera House with Gothic and Mosaic features was designed by Harley and Broyer and completed in 1911. It since has been of significant meaning when it comes to history, architecture and culture. Located on Trang Tien Street, the venue now is the favorite rendezvous for fans of theatrical performances and traditional music, symphonies, and opera.
Saint Joseph Cathedral is also a spotlight in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Built in 1887 by Monseigneur Pigneau de Behaine, the Catholic Church was closed in 1975 due to Vietnam’s reunification and not until 10 years later was it reopened. The neo-Gothic characteristics of the construction would leave travelers breathless with two big grey towers and stunning interior. If you come to visit it on Nha Chung street during Christmas, you are very lucky. Sightseers especially love the place at Christmas as it is gorgeously embellished with lights, flowers and the like. Tourists would feel lost in old times.
Besides, there are hundreds of other magnificent French-style antique villas and houses on the street. Coming to Hanoi Old Quarter and enjoying the Western breaths in an Eastern country, the travelers will certainly have unforgettable moments of a lifetime.