The French Quarter Hanoi is a famous and popular destination for Hanoi residents and tourists. However, being crowded can make you feel tired and bored.
Well, let’s look at another place.
There are even more interesting things to discover in the French Quarter of Hanoi. There are ancient pagodas, traditional Vietnamese art, street markets, colonial buildings, embassies, government offices, etc.
Location: Southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake
Overview of the French Quarter in Hanoi
Hanoi’s French Quarter is located southeast of the famous Hoan Kiem Lake. Like the Old Quarter with 36 streets, this area is a large and bustling center of central Hanoi.
As the name suggests, the area has a French feel to it. In the late 19th century, the French occupied Hanoi and replaced many of the old Vietnamese buildings in the area with impressive and splendid French-style houses and villas. The war ended, but still left many French imprints in the area. That’s why it’s called the French Quarter.
Although not as famous as the old town, this place is worth a visit because of its unique architecture and many delicious dishes and refreshments. Strolling the streets in this area, you will see many houses painted in yellow, bearing the typical street style of Paris, France.
In Hanoi, the French Quarter is considered the most luxurious corner of the city. There are many five-star hotels and high-class restaurants. In addition, you will find many cafes, bookstores, shops and galleries.
The French Quarter is strategically located and is the center of several embassies (such as the Irish and Italian embassies), government buildings, and affluent residential areas.
two. Attractions in Hanoi French Quarter
Due to the size of Hanoi’s French Quarter, you may be confused about where to go and what to do. So check out the list below and pick a few for your trip.
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lou Prison is one of the most popular attractions in the French Quarter. Also known as the “Hanoi Hilton”, this is a notorious prison as it was used by the French colonial government and later by North Vietnamese fighters. Throughout history, this place was once a hot spot of the Resistance war in Vietnam and was a major US prisoner-of-war detention camp.
Built-in 1886, the prison holds hundreds to thousands of prisoners at once. As time went on, more and more prisoners were sent here to live in this small, dilapidated facility. There were too many thrilling torture methods used to extract information from the soldiers here.
In order for tourists and students to understand the history of Vietnam, the government has turned it into a tourist attraction. Here, you will find a variety of whips, chains, and other torture devices.
Trang Tien Plaza
Trang Tien Plaza is a high-class shopping center that gathers many famous international brands such as Dior, Cartier, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton.
Built 120 years ago, the shopping center is impressive with typical French architecture. This oldest shopping mall is located at a corner next to Hoan Kiem Lake.
There are 6 floors providing customers with everything they need, from clothes, shoes, and electronics to food and drink and more. This is really a great place to shop and learn how French colonial rule has influenced Vietnamese architecture.
Vietnam National Museum of History
Vietnam National Museum of History officially opened to the public in September 1958. The museum is a living history book about Vietnamese history from 1945 to 1945.
Covering an area of more than 2,200 square meters, there are nearly 7,000 original cultural relics stored and the main exhibition system is arranged in chronological order. More than 100,000 specimens and artifacts made of various materials, including many rare items.
Some of the artifacts on display even date from ancient cultures such as Champa sculptures, ancient ceramics, bronzes from the Le Dynasty. New artifacts are also regularly updated to attract visitors to this museum. You only need to pay 40,000 VND/person (about 2 USD) to enter the Vietnam National Museum of History.
Hanoi Opera House
Hanoi Opera House is one of the most attractive of many buildings painted yellow. Currently, this is the largest theater in Vietnam and is also considered an important historical and architectural landmark of Hanoi.
During the French colonial period, it was built for entertainment purposes. Ten years after its completion, it saw the first exposure of Western art and staged plays for various groups of Vietnamese. Today, one can come here to enjoy all kinds of music, including opera, classical music, traditional theater and folk music.
If you’ve ever been to Paris, you probably know the influence of the Opera House as well as classical Greek architecture on the building.
Church of St. Joseph
Joseph Cathedral is a prominent building in Hanoi’s French Quarter. Also known as “Cathedral”, this is one of the first architectural works built by the French colonialists during the expansion in Indochina. Experiencing two wars with the American and French armies, the church is still intact and in good condition.
From a distance, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is like a miniature version of Notre Dame Cathedral, with typical Gothic Revival architectural lines. The best time to visit this beautiful church is on weekends when Catholic services are held. Many parishioners living in Hanoi have flocked here to participate in this ceremony. All ceremonies are grand and solemn, including baptisms and bathing. After the tour, there are plenty of street foods and drinks nearby to enjoy.
Best things to do in Hanoi’s French Quarter
Walking tour
Compared to Hanoi Old Quarter, French Quarter is less crowded. This makes it a good idea to explore the area on foot.
There are many tour operators in Hoan Kiem district, so you can easily find the right travel agency for you.
During the walking tour, you’ll be picked up and guided by a friendly local guide who’s ready to give you helpful insider tips. It will definitely save you a lot of time and better understand interesting destinations.
The Hanoi French Street Walking Tour usually takes you to different streets and famous attractions in the area such as Hoan Kiem Lake, State Bank of Vietnam Building, Hanoi Opera House, Sofitel Metropolitan Hotel Legend, Trang Tien, etc.
Enjoy lemon tea near St. Joseph’s Church
If you don’t try lemon tea before leaving Hanoi, you are missing out. Different from other countries, drinking lemon tea in Vietnam is a new experience. Most locals like to sit on the sidewalk, meet and chat with friends. Some people also like to eat street food. And, near the church of St. Joseph’s is one of the most popular places for lemon tea. Sitting here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the best view of the church and the hustle and bustle of the street.
Visit an art gallery
Hanoi is not only the political and economic center of Vietnam but also the center of contemporary art and local culture.
Are you curious about Vietnamese art?
In Hanoi’s French Quarter, there are many art galleries scattered around. Some of the major galleries are Thanh Binh, Red Moon, and A Dong Gallery. They are famous for their many collections of antiques and paintings by famous Vietnamese artists. There are many types of paintings, from landscapes to portraits. Materials are also varied, such as lacquered wood, canvas, etc. If you are wondering what to buy for a friend, a good photo can be a great idea.
Strolling by Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the symbol of Hanoi, so there is no reason to miss this place on your itinerary. The lake has a long history and special legends related to Excalibur.
Nowadays, Hanoians love to gather by this lake. For foreigners, there are many activities to participate in, such as playing some traditional Vietnamese folk games, dancing with the locals, and listening to the beautiful songs of local young people. direction.
Highly recommend visiting this place on weekends as more locals come here and there is a lot to discover about Vietnamese culture.
Accommodation in Hanoi French Quarter
There are many luxury hotels in Hanoi’s French Quarter, ideal for those looking for a relaxing stay in the heart of Hanoi. When you stay at one of the top luxury hotels in the French Quarter, you’ll have easy access to art galleries, upscale shopping malls, and famous colonial architecture.
Here are 10 recommended hotels to stay in Hanoi in the French Quarter, with Google review ratings:
Sofitel Legend Metropolitan Hanoi Hotel
Rating: 4.6/5
Location: No. 15 Alley Quan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: From $240
Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa
Rating: 4.8/5
Location: No. 47, Luo Su Street, Li Taizu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: Starting at $73
Hotel Apricot
Rating: 4.5/5
Location: No. 136 Hang Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: Starting at $131
Melia Hanoi
Rating: 4.5/5
Location: No. 44, Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: Starting at $101
Hotel Lapis Lazuli
Rating: 4.6/5
Location: No. 21 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: Starting at $152
Hanoi Pearl Hotel
Rating: 4.5/5
Location: No. 6, Bao Khanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: Starting at $62
Somerset Grand Hanoi
Rating: 4.4/5
Location: No. 49, Nhi Chinh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: Starting at $106
Hanoi Opera House – MGallery
Rating: 4.2/5
Location: No. 29, Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: Starting at $119
Small hotel Zephyr Suites
Rating: 4.2/5
Location: No. 4 & 6, Bach Thao Street, Changtian Area, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: Starting at $56
Hilton Hanoi Opera House
Rating: 4.1/5
Location: No. 1, Le Thanh Tong Street, Phan Chu Thanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: Starting at $90
Restaurants in Hanoi French Quarter
Hanoi’s French Quarter is home to high-end restaurants and cafes catering to international clientele, serving authentic European, French, and American dishes along with premium cocktails and wines. in an elegant setting. The restaurants here are also ideal for honeymooning couples and couples traveling to Vietnam in search of a romantic dining experience.
Some suggested places to eat in Hanoi’s French Quarter include:
Metropolitan Rooftop
Location: No. 15, Ngo Quan Street, Hoan Kiem District
Opening hours: 11:00-24:00 every day
Steakhouse RICO
Location: No. 56, Chen Guoquan Road
Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00 daily
Au Delice & Le d’Arthur Hanoi Restaurant
Location: 2B Ngo Thi Nham
Opening hours: 9:00 – 22:00 every day
Tips for visiting the French Quarter in Hanoi
Here are some helpful tips to help you enjoy your trip to the French Quarter.
- Keep an eye on your belongings when shopping in this area. Pickpocketing can happen in busy and crowded places.
- Better to learn some Vietnamese sentences. They are really effective for bargaining.
- Bring a map if you don’t want to get lost.
- Plan your trip in advance so you don’t get lost in the maze of this busy city.
We highly recommend Hanoi French Quarter to better understand Hanoi’s culture and history. Many beautiful moments and interesting places are waiting for you here.
