subject: Hanoi's Old Quarter - Hotels To Stay And Things To Do [print this page] Hanoi's Old Quarter - Hotels To Stay And Things To Do
Located between the Lake of the Restored Sword, the Long Bien Bridge, a former city rampart, and a citadel wall, the Old Quarter (consisting of 36 old streets inside) started as a snake and alligator-infested swamp. It later evolved into a cluster of villages made up of houses on stilts, and was unified by Chinese administrators who built ramparts around their headquarters. The area was named "Dominated Annam" or "Protected South" by the Chinese.
It would be a big surprise should you know that Hanoi's Old Quarter came into being at the time King Ly Thai To selected Thang Long as the country's capital in 1010, that is, the streets have a nearly 1,000-year old history and became crowded & lively in 15th century. What makes them unique is that many of them remain in their very ancient architecture of the 15th century. Up to now, it has been the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam.
When visiting Vietnam, you wouldn't want to miss the bustling and antique capital city Hanoi with a blending sensation of new and old. There is one area where you can have an insight look into the elegant and vintage Hanoi in the ancient time - that is the Old Quarter area with 36 streets specialized in different merchandises in the past.
The Old Quarter is located around the heart of Hanoi and provide easy access to major attractions in the city such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son temple, Ho Chi Minh complex, Van Mieu (temple of literature), One Pillar pagoda and the Old Quarter itself.
Walking around the small and crowded street to take a look at various merchandise shops as well as food vendors filled with locals might be one of the most interesting experience. That is why many tourists staying around the area while visiting Hanoi. In response to the growing demand of accommodation, many 2 or 3 star hotels in the Old Quarter area have been built up. With the advantage of offering reasonable price, friendly staff and a local knowledge in exploring the city, the area has been up in its reputation for Cheap hotels in Hanoi.
When it comes to Hanoi hotels around the Old Quarter, there are some popular names among the tourists such as Hanoi Lucky hotel, Bach Tung Diep hotel, Maison D' Hanova Hanoi hotel, Allura hotel, Mike Hanoi hotel,... The price range is often between $25 - $35 per night. However, you should prepare to expect a not-big room with decent facilities as these hotels place their focus on prices, warm and friendly services rather than deluxe rooms and furniture.
Most of the Old Quarter Hanoi hotels are built in the colonial and boutique style. Standing on a small balcony on the third or fourth floor to look down the small streets gradually overflowing with motorbikes and street vendors one early morning and you can sense the peacefulness and aliveness gently flooding over your body and mind. To Hanoians, these mornings are like the precious still moments in their busy life for enjoying the beauty of Hanoi, especially when these early mornings happen to be on fine autumn days with a light touch of breeze and cool weather and the bland fragrance of Milk flower spreading in the air.
When you are in Hanoi, spare a moment in your busy city tours to quietly enjoy Hanoi's beauty, smell and sensation from a small hotel balcony among the most antique area in the city.
