The History of Hanoi's 36 Streets
When talking about the history of Hanoi's 36 streets or the Old Quarter, we must go back to the Lý and Trần dynasties. It was during this time that this bustling area began to take shape as people from various villages around the Red River Delta gathered here, creating the busiest part of the capital. This urban area not only became a hub for trade and commerce but also saw the rise of many handicrafts, leading to the distinctive names of the Hanoi streets, each reflecting a specific traditional craft.
Hanoi's 36 streets have long been celebrated in poetry, most famously in the verse:
"Let's wander through Long Thành,
Thirty-six streets clear and true;
Hàng Bồ, Hàng Bạc, Hàng Gai,
Hàng Buồm, Hàng Thiếc, Hàng Hài, Hàng Khay,
Mã Vĩ, Hàng Điếu, Hàng Giầy,
Hàng Lờ, Hàng Cót, Hàng Mây, Hàng Đàn,
Phố Mới, Phúc Kiến, Hàng Ngang,
Hàng Mã, Hàng Mắm, Hàng Than, Hàng Đồng,
Hàng Muối, Hàng Nón, cầu Đông,
Hàng Hòm, Hàng Đậu, Hàng Bông, Hàng Bè,
Hàng Thùng, Hàng Bát, Hàng Tre,
Hàng Vôi, Hàng Giấy, Hàng The, Hàng Gà.
Then to Hàng Da Street,
Explore the streets, so pretty and quaint.
The first flower of Long Thành,
A chessboard pattern of streets,
One leaves but yearns to return,
So these lines are penned to remember."
Throughout the ups and downs of the capital's history, these Hanoi streets have endured, preserving their charm and continuing to be known as Hanoi's Old Quarter in the hearts of many Vietnamese people.
Scale
Regarding area, according to the Ministry of Construction's regulations, the official boundaries of Hanoi's Old Quarter are defined as follows: to the north is Hàng Đậu Street; to the west is Phùng Hưng Street; to the south are Hàng Bông, Hàng Gai, Cầu Gỗ, and Hàng Thùng Streets; and to the east are Trần Quang Khải and Trần Nhật Duật Streets.
Distinctive Features of Hanoi's 36 Streets
1. Names
The name "Hanoi's 36 Streets" is etched into the minds of many, evoking simplicity and rustic charm with names like Hàng Mắm, Hàng Nón, Hàng Đường, and Hàng Muối, representing the main goods traded here. The Old Quarter boasts a unique urban character, bustling and vibrant, yet preserving the traditional cultural values of the ancient capital. Each street gathers artisans from renowned craft villages around old Thăng Long, turning each street into a small craft village within Hanoi streets.
2. Architecture
The architecture is another distinctive feature that defines the Old Quarter's charm, with its tube houses, sloping tile roofs, and shopfronts for business, mostly built in the 18th and 19th centuries. These houses may appear small and cramped at first glance, but they are cleverly and efficiently arranged to meet the residents' needs, showcasing the resourcefulness typical of Hanoi streets.
3. Culture
The Old Quarter is steeped in a thousand years of rich cultural history, with around 100 ancient architectural structures, including communal houses, temples, pagodas, and guild halls. Among them, Bạch Mã Temple on Hàng Buồm Street stands out as one of the four sacred temples of old Thăng Long.
First-time visitors and foreign tourists might feel a bit overwhelmed and confused walking through the narrow, crowded Hanoi streets, with houses packed tightly together and a constant flow of traffic. The scene might seem chaotic to the unacquainted. However, to truly appreciate the unique culture and life of this place, one must explore, experience, and stay awhile.
4. Cuisine
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is charming with its small street-side eateries. These may not be luxurious restaurants, but their flavors deeply impress travelers, leaving a lasting memory. Imagine sitting by Hoàn Kiếm Lake, enjoying a Thủy Tạ ice cream, watching the bustling crowds, or strolling the Hanoi streets without tasting Tràng Tiền ice cream—such an omission would be regrettable. The old Hanoi, with its roaming street vendors weaving through each alley, offers simple yet rustic dishes like bánh rán (fried cakes), trứng vịt lộn (fertilized duck eggs), or just cốm (young green rice), all capable of captivating even the most discerning diners.
Vietnamese Banh Mi
The cuisine of the Old Quarter is tied to traditional dishes such as bún chả (grilled pork with noodles), phở (noodle soup), bún cá (fish noodle soup), bún đậu mắm tôm (noodles with tofu and shrimp paste), bún ốc (snail noodle soup), and bún thang (a type of noodle soup), served in small eateries or in old houses that have been around for decades. These Hanoi streets are where you can find such culinary treasures.
"Hanoi's 36 Streets" is not only renowned as a premier entertainment destination in the capital but also preserves countless historical and cultural values from over a thousand years of civilization. Be sure not to miss these Hanoi streets when visiting Hanoi.
Source: https://www.vntrip.vn/cam-nang/ha-noi-36-pho-phuong-29138
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