Distance: 2.3 km
Wrapped around the northwestern tip of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi’s buzzy, character-steeped Old Quarter is a magnet for the cyclo tours and backpackers, but it’s just as popular with locals. The atmospheric streets are still home to some of the traditional trades and crafts by which they got their name, while markets, street-food stalls, retail and hidden bars add extra vibe and interest. Pack your appetite and stroll this way…
A. Hoan Kiem Lake
Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake has nice views and is a good place to kick off your central-city wanderings. Have a peek of the stuffed turtle, but don’t linger. Zip outside, cross the road at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and turn left up Hang Dau.
Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm
B. The Old Quarter
The Old Quarter makes for an enjoyable – and fascinating – amble. Continue up Hang Dau, which becomes Hang Be, and onwards to discover Bach Ma Temple on Hang Buom, snack sellers on Ngo Gach, and woven mats and straw bags on Hang Chieu. From here, continue until you cross Dong Xuan onto Hang Ma, cross Hang Luoc and keep going. When you reach Hang Ga, turn left and walking down, you’ll see Lo Ren on your left where the metalworkers are found. Continue down Hang Ga and now turn left into Hang Vai for bamboo. On you go, but crikey, what’s that smell? Why it’s the dried herbs of Lan Ong. Read on for a few refuelling recommendations…
Hàng Ngang, Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm
C. Bun Bo Nam Bo
This simple southern dish layers wheat noodles with beef, herbs, peanuts, bean sprouts and tangy lime juice. What’s not to like? Sleeves up, bums down and dig in.
67 Hang Dieu, +84 24 3923 0701, bunbonambo.com
D. Bun Cha Dac Kim
Zero frills but full-on-flavour experience: pull up a dinky pew on the pavement for the northern delicacy of yum pork patties and spring rolls.
1 Hang Manh, +84 24 3828 7060, bunchahangmanh.vn
E. Tan My Design
From Granny’s original shop across the road at #66 grew this glassy, multi-level emporium of fashion, jewels, art, bags and lifestyle accessories – but it’s the exquisitely embroidered linens that will have you coo-ing. Plus chic java flop spot.
61 Hang Gai, +84 24 3938 1154, 8am-8pm daily, tanmydesign.com
F. Joma
Had your fill of street eats? This feel-good SE Asian chain for all your organic and Fair-Trade caffeine kicks. Plus a decent menu of bagels and North American brekky/lunch staples.
22 Ly Quoc Su, +84 24 3747 3388, joma.biz
G. Mad Botanist
It’s tricky to find, but persevere (dive beyond the Peking duck resto frontage) and you’ll be rewarded with a stellar sipper repping wow city panoramas and more than 100 varieties of gin. Chat to the masterful bartenders and they’ll concoct your dream drink –it’s medicinal, right? Try if you can to nab a perch on the farthest reach of the balcony for the best views of St Joseph’s Cathedral and the city skyline; move on for dinner at Mad Society afterwards.3/F & 4/F, 45 Ly Quoc Su, +84 24 2246 4123, facebook.com/TheMadBotanist
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: tobiasjo – iStock.com
