Located in the heart of Vietnam’s capital, the French Quarter in Hanoi stands out with its rows of green trees and buildings bearing the European mark from hundreds of years ago.
This Quarter is not only highly significant in forming the city’s cultural diversity but also has the value of preserving the elegant lifestyle of the ancient Hanoians.
In this article, we will provide a detailed map, specific location, and unique highlights of this place, helping you easily explore it to the fullest.
1. Location and map of the French Quarter in Hanoi
Formed and developed from the late 19th century to 1954, the French Quarter became where high-ranking French officials, Vietnamese, and a few wealthy merchants lived and worked.
With an area of 800 hectares in the two wards of Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem, this unique Quarter is planned in the east-west and south-north directions, which creates neat streets and neighborhoods.
Overall map of the core section in the French Quarter:
How do I travel to this section?
Methods of transportation will vary depending on where you are staying or departing from:
- From Noi Bai Airport: The most convenient option is to take a taxi or Grab. Depending on traffic conditions, the trip takes about 45 minutes.
- From the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake: Walking is an ideal option. It is economical and allows you to admire the scenery along the way. The distance from this point is not far, so it only takes a few minutes to get there.
2. Characteristics of the French Quarter
The French Quarter attracts visitors with the following highlights:
2.1. Natural highlights:
The system of trees and lakes of this place helps it possess an astounding ecological beauty.
Acacia, Royal Poinciana, and many imported tree varieties are planted along the streets, making the space greener. Plenty of trees are also present in almost all villas, helping to cool the air and increase the city’s beauty.
2.2. French architectural style:
The villas in the neighborhood impress with yellow walls and green doors. The consistent architecture in a classical style creates a special urban complex. In addition, the low fences lined up along the sidewalks become an easily recognizable highlight of this neighborhood.
2.3. The combination of Asian and European architecture:
Although this neighborhood was built in French architecture, the wall and roof systems of the buildings were adjusted in thickness and roof space to suit the hot and humid weather conditions in Vietnam around the 20th century. This change ensured rain protection and insulation for the living space inside.
3. Outstanding ancient architectural works in the neighborhood
Hanoi is home to many architectural masterpieces from the French colonial period. Of these, the five typical works that we have chosen to introduce to visitors due to their outstanding unique beauty include:
3.1. Hanoi Opera House: Opened in 1911, this place was a classical performing arts venue. Today, it is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks for visiting and high-end shows in Hanoi.
3.2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building: Designed by French architect Ernest Hébrard, this building is a perfect example of combining Asian and European architectural styles.
3.3. Vietnam History Museum: This building, built in 1926, is considered one of the most beautiful French colonial buildings in Hanoi.
3.4. Hanoi University, formerly Indochina University, was designed by Ernest Hébrard. The building’s grounds offer visitors a glimpse into the academic heritage of the French colonial period.
3.5. Hoa Lo Prison: Built by the French in 1886, Hoa Lo Prison, also known as “Maison Centrale” (Central Prison), became infamous when it was nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.” It is now a museum that attracts visitors because of its historical imprint.
4. How is the French Quarter different from the Old Quarter in Hanoi?
The French Quarter is clearly distinguished from Hanoi’s Old Quarter – the 36 old streets. Its significant features are different in terms of established date and architecture.
For more details on the differences, see the table below:
| Feature | French Quarter in Hanoi | Old Quarter in Hanoi |
| Formation time | From the end of the 19th century | From the 11th century |
| Shape | North – South, East – West | Square like a chessboard |
| Architecture | Main material: Cement; Style: French and European style | Main material: Wood; Style: Tube house, townhouse |
| Space | Open, lots of trees | Narrow streets, bustling life |
| Trading | Luxury stores | Popular items, bustling business |
| Restaurant | Mostly elegant restaurants | Mostly sidewalks and popular shops |
| Highlights | Opera house, Trang Tien Plaza | Dong Xuan Market, Ta Hien Beer Street |
From the comparison table above, we can see that:
- The French Quarter is suitable for tourists who like luxury and elegance.
- Hanoi Old Quarter is suitable for those who like the typical hustle and bustle of Hanoi and Vietnam, with street foods full of local flavors.
5. Suggested walking tour to explore the French Quarter in Hanoi
Spending 3 to 4 hours exploring the French Quarter on foot is a favorite activity of many international tourists.
Here are some suggested routes and stops for the journey:
1. Start from the Hanoi Opera House at 1 Trang Tien Street. This point is considered the beginning of this typical neighborhood.
2. Walk along tree-lined Trang Tien Street to the second stop, the National Museum of History. This prominent museum preserves many artifacts of Vietnam’s development process.
3. Follow Tong Dan Street to the Metropole Sofitel Hotel, developed on the French architectural foundation. Stop to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the busy streets of Hanoi.
4. Continue your journey to Trang Tien ice cream shop, a long-standing cultural symbol in the minds of locals. Don’t forget to try some of the flavors of ice cream here, spotting the green rice ice cream.
5. Continue exploring Hoan Kiem Lake on foot, where the trees are shady, and the lake is deep blue all year round. Many ancient architectural works exist to explore, such as Ngoc Son Temple and Pen Tower.
6. To end your trip, enjoy a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, near Ngoc Son Temple.
Above are our suggestions for introducing the most prominent features of the French Quarter. Despite that, you may add more stops.
Here is a walking map for reference:
6. Tips for a more enjoyable visit to the French Quarter
The morning is the ideal time to start your journey to explore the French Quarter when daily life begins to bustle with people passing by.
The shops have just opened to welcome visitors with their delicate and luxurious beauty. The attractions are also ready to explore, and the cafes spread their charming aromas. Together, they create a lively atmosphere waiting for you.
>>> You may want to see more a big shopping site in Hanoi: Lotte Center.
The morning in the French Quarter is also essential because, in the afternoon and evening, your journey will move to the Old Quarter with its crowded markets and streets. This place lets you enjoy a hot bowl of Pho at the famous restaurant on Bat Dan Street or explore street food with intense local flavors.
Therefore, spending a whole day in both the French Quarter and Hanoi Old Quarter is a good arrangement. You will see more clearly the two architectural styles and the pace of life, helping you deeply feel the intersection between traditional antiquity and modern beauty mixed with European style. All of these bring a unique and memorable experience to Hanoi.
