We spent most of our time in Hanoi wandering around the narrow alleys of the historic and chaotic Old Quarter. Pulsating with life, this district has been the commercial center of the city for centuries, and today it is a captivating mix of ancient and modern. Bikes zip by in all directions and a steady stream of hawkers peddle their wares. People set up make-shift stands on the street to sell their products and services to passers-by. The sidewalk cafes fill up at midday as workers break for lunch and then again in the afternoon as weary tourists stop for a beer. It’s impossible to capture the frenetic energy on camera, but that didn’t stop me from trying.
The Old Quarter is perhaps most famous for its “36 Streets.” In the 13th century, each of the city’s 36 guilds staked out a street for themselves and set up shop. Today there are over 50 streets that sell just one type of product. If you need something silk, you go to Silk Street. If you’re cooking and run out of sugar, you pop down to Sugar Street. If you have a cold, you head to Herbal Medicine Street. We came across a street that sells nothing but tombstones and another whose feature item is mannequins. The result is riotously colorful and at times a little overwhelming.
The energy is most palpable at night, when the whole city takes to the streets. Families and friends gather for dinner and drinks at the sidewalk cafes, folks exercise by the lake and motorbike traffic never ceases. The lights, sights and sounds are a heady mixture that is especially potent at the weekend night market. Shops lining the street open their doors and move some of their best merchandise outside to entice customers. Other stands are set up in the middle of the road as shoppers jostle for bargains. It was exhausting and exhilarating!
Would you like to get lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter?
Great photos and I think you captured the frenetic energy perfectly! I so look forward to visiting Vietnam one day…although not by road 😉
Thanks! I hope you get the opportunity to visit Vietnam. We enjoyed it so much! You will be smart to avoid driving there. In addition to the crazy bikes, there are cows and chickens all over the place! Though after your China adventures I think you’ll be able to handle anything 🙂
I love the street idea. Makes it easy to find what you need. Mannequin Street was unique. Wouldn’t want to get lost in the Market area. Mom
We loved Mannequin Street – it was so unexpected! And you wouldn’t be able to get lost in the market as it is made up of several block of a single street. You just walk up one side and back down the other.
My kind of place. I love the Old Market in Shanghai. Maybe it won’t be so hot and crowded next time. Mom