Hanoi Old Quarter,Vietnam

• 36 Streets and Tube Houses - iconic narrow 'tube' shop-houses lining the maze of lanes.
• Hoàn Kiếm Lake & Ngọc Sơn Temple - scenic lake with a central temple and the historic Huc Bridge.
• Đồng Xuân Market - the largest indoor market in the Old Quarter for local goods and street food.
• Bạch Mã Temple - small, serene temple dedicated to the spirit of the White Horse.
• St. Joseph's Cathedral (nearby) - striking Gothic church reflecting colonial heritage.
• Street Food Stalls & Cafés - famous for pho, bun cha, egg coffee, and sidewalk dining.

• Historic grid of narrow lanes named after traditional trades (the '36 streets').
• Distinctive tube-house architecture: narrow fronts, deep interiors.
• Vibrant street life with abundant motorbikes, vendors, and evening markets.
• Blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French colonial architectural elements.
• Pedestrianized weekends around Hoàn Kiếm Lake offering performances and crafts.

• Guided or self-led walking tours through the maze of lanes.
• Street food tasting tours to try pho, bun cha, bánh cuốn, and egg coffee.
• Cyclo (cycle rickshaw) rides and short motorbike tours.
• Shopping for silk, lacquerware, handicrafts, and souvenirs at Đồng Xuân Market.
• Attending a water puppet show at Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre (nearby).
• Photography of architecture, street scenes, and local life; early morning market visits.

October to April (cooler, drier weather). Evenings and weekends are bustling; early morning offers calmer markets and better photos.

Hot, humid summers (May–September) with heavy rains; mild, cooler winters (November–February). Expect sudden showers during the rainy season.

Most streets and public areas are free to explore. Specific sites have small fees: Ngọc Sơn Temple (modest entrance fee), Đồng Xuân Market (free to enter, shop/buy costs apply), Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre (ticketed shows). Typical opening hours: markets early morning to late evening; shops generally 08:00–21:00.

About 30–35 km from Nội Bài International Airport (45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic). Well connected by taxis, Grab rides, and local buses. Streets are narrow and crowded — not ideal for large wheeled luggage. Many areas have limited wheelchair access due to steps and uneven pavements.

1–3 days to experience the highlights, food scene, and markets; longer if using as a base to explore greater Hanoi.

Comfortable walking shoes, light breathable clothing for warm months, a light jacket for cooler months, rain jacket/umbrella for wet season, and a secure bag to guard against pickpockets. If renting a motorbike, insist on a helmet.

Must-try foods: pho, bún chả, bánh mì, bánh cuốn, egg coffee. Souvenirs: silk garments, lacquerware, embroidered items, conical hats (nón lá), traditional ceramics and local snacks from Đồng Xuân Market.