The historic heart of Hanoi with its famous 36 streets, street food scene, and cultural attractions.

About Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi's Old Quarter (Phố Cổ) is one of Southeast Asia's most atmospheric neighborhoods, a dense maze of 36 streets dating back nearly 1,000 years, each historically named for the goods its craftsmen sold—Silk Street (Hàng Gai), Paper Street (Hàng Giấy), Silver Street (Hàng Bạc). The narrow lanes teem with motorbikes, street food vendors, colonial shophouses, and Buddhist temples.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake sits at the Old Quarter's southern edge, a serene oasis anchored by the iconic Turtle Tower and the red Thê Húc Bridge leading to Ngọc Sơn Temple. The weekend night market along Hàng Đào transforms the streets into a vibrant pedestrian zone. Nearby, the French Quarter features the neoclassical Opera House, luxury hotels, and tree-lined boulevards.

The Old Quarter is the epicenter of Hanoi's legendary street food culture. Phở (noodle soup), bún chả (grilled pork with noodles), egg coffee (cà phê trứng), and bánh mì can be found on virtually every corner, often eaten on tiny plastic stools at sidewalk stalls that have served the same recipes for generations.

Nearby Landmarks

Hoàn Kiếm Lake Ngọc Sơn Temple St. Joseph's Cathedral Đồng Xuân Market

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 350,000-500,000 VND ($15-20)
Time 35-50 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $12-18 (via Grab)
Time 35-50 minutes

Arrivals level at both terminals, follow Grab/taxi signs

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Bus 86 from outside arrivals. Runs every 25-30 minutes. Direct route to Hanoi Old Quarter with stops at key points. Luggage storage onboard.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 350,000-500,000 VND ($15-20) 35-50 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $12-18 (via Grab) 35-50 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Official airport taxis and private transfers operate 24/7. A late-night taxi to the Old Quarter costs VND 350,000-450,000 ($14-18). Grab (Southeast Asia's ride-hailing app) works at Hanoi Airport and is usually cheaper than metered taxis. The Vietnam Airlines minibus runs until about 10 PM.

Luggage Tips

Taxis have trunk space for luggage. Airport minibuses have limited luggage room. The Old Quarter has extremely narrow streets—rolling luggage on the sidewalks is difficult due to parked motorbikes. Have your hotel address ready in Vietnamese for the driver, as Old Quarter streets can be confusing.

Accessibility

Noi Bai Airport has basic wheelchair assistance (request through airline). Taxis are the only practical accessible option. The Old Quarter's narrow streets, lack of sidewalk ramps, and constant motorbike traffic make wheelchair navigation very challenging. Hotels in the French Quarter area are more accessible.