Old Quarter ReviewMedicine, Fabric and Old Trades
This is the Old Quarter that tourists often miss, and locals still use every day. Lan Ong and Thuoc Bac smell of dried herbs and roots from the traditional medicine trade, named after the great physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong. Around them, a working museum of guild streets survives: tin, copper, fabric, hats, bamboo and rattan, each still selling what its name promises. It is the least crowded cluster and the most rewarding for anyone who loves how things are made.
The closest street in this area is about 6 minutes on foot from Hoan Kiem Lake.
An illustration of this area, drawn for this channel. Filmed stories arrive with the first season.
The streets of this area
Numbered in walking order. Tap a street for its full story.
Shops of roots, herbs and remedies named after the master physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong.
2Chinese medicine wholesaleThuốc BắcThe wholesale medicine street, fragrant with dried herbs stacked to the ceiling.
3FabricHàng VảiFabric traders serving tailors and garment makers across the city.
4Tin wareHàng ThiếcTinsmiths hammering pots, trays and kitchen ware from sheet metal.
5Copper and bronze wareHàng ĐồngCopper and bronze sellers, from incense burners to kitchen pots.
6Tobacco pipesHàng ĐiếuThe pipe sellers' street, once supplying every kind of tobacco pipe and accessory.
7Woven bamboo screensHàng CótBamboo weavers whose street now mixes craft shops with fashion and food.
8Poultry tradingHàng GàThe old poultry street, today a local shopping and food street.
9Bamboo craftHàng TreBamboo and rattan craft sellers keeping a light, patient trade alive.
10Lacquered bamboo bucketsHàng ThùngOnce makers of lacquered bamboo buckets, now mixed local trade.
11Bowls and dishesHàng BátThe bowl and dish street, today also groceries and household goods.
12Hats and conical hatsHàng NónHat sellers of every shape, from conical palm hats to modern caps.
13Rattan craftHàng MâyRattan weavers and sellers of baskets, lamps and furniture.
14Charcoal, now green rice cakesHàng ThanThe charcoal street that became known for banh com green rice cakes.
Walk this area with a local
Our private walks are designed street by street. Tell us your date and your group size, and the licensed team at Bao Son Travel will reply with a plan and a written price. A licensed guide leads your day.
Walk next: Train Street and the West Edge