2 days
Photo: Richard Mortel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsHanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi and the north
Hanoi's Old Quarter is a dense grid of narrow streets north of Hoan Kiem Lake, where many streets were once named after the goods sold on them. Tube houses, temples, markets and thousands of scooters make it chaotic, colourful and utterly absorbing.
Almost every Vietnam tour starts or ends here. Give yourself at least a full day, and an evening for street food.
What to see and do
- Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Cross the red Huc Bridge to the island temple; come at dawn to see locals exercising.
- Street food. Pho, bun cha, banh mi and egg coffee, best on a guided food walk.
- Water puppets. A traditional show at the theatre beside the lake.
- Dong Xuan Market. The Old Quarter's biggest covered market.
Tips
- Cross the road slowly and steadily; scooters will flow around you.
- Use the Grab app for taxis.
- Combine with the Temple of Literature, a short ride away.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Hanoi Old Quarter
Every tour here includes Hanoi Old Quarter in its itinerary. Best rated first.
2 days
2 days
14 days
2 daysHanoi
Ninh Binh 2 Day 1 Night Trip Small Group Tour With 4 star Hotel
5.0(57)Free cancellation
from$240
2 daysHanoi
2 Day Private Tour in Ninh Binh with Mini Resort or 4 Star Hotel
5.0(54)Free cancellation
from$391
3 days
14 daysHanoi
14-day Vietnam Itinerary | Breathtaking | Island relaxing 2026-27
5.0(44)Free cancellation
from$1,499
2 days
2 days
4 days
14 days
2 daysCombine it with
Temple of Literature, Hanoi
Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070, with peaceful courtyards and stone stelae of scholars.
Visitor guide →Ha Long Bay
UNESCOAround 1,600 limestone islands rising from emerald water, best seen from an overnight cruise.
Visitor guide →Trang An and Tam Coc, Ninh Binh
UNESCORowing boats through caves and rice fields beneath limestone peaks, two hours from Hanoi.
Visitor guide →Helpful planning guides
- How many days in Vietnam? Routes for 7, 10, 14 and 21 days →One week suits the north or the centre, two weeks covers north to south with a Ha Long Bay cruise, and three weeks adds Sapa, the Mekong and a beach.
- 25 best things to do in Vietnam →From a night on Ha Long Bay to a lantern lit evening in Hoi An, the experiences that make a trip to Vietnam, grouped from north to south.
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Hanoi Old Quarter: questions
How long should I spend in Hanoi?
Two nights is ideal before heading to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, with a third night at the end of a north focused trip.
Is Hanoi's Old Quarter a good place to stay?
Yes, for its atmosphere and food. Choose a hotel on a quieter street if you are a light sleeper.