Hanoi Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street: A Living Heritage of Vietnamese Culture

Discover the historic charm of Hanoi’s Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street, a well-preserved gem that offers insight into Vietnam’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. With Vietnam Discovery Travel, you can experience this living relic up close and embark on an unforgettable journey through Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

 1. Introduction to Hanoi Ancient House

The Hanoi Ancient House, located at 87 Ma May Street, is a window into the past, offering visitors a chance to explore traditional Vietnamese architecture and cultural values preserved in the heart of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. This historical residence, constructed in the late 19th century, has survived multiple ownership changes, each leaving behind traces of the era in its construction and décor. It has now been restored and maintained as a heritage site, reflecting Hanoi’s history and its people’s deep connection to their culture.

Originally built for both residential and business purposes, this “tube house” typifies the homes of traders in old Hanoi, with narrow frontage and extended depth. Visitors can observe how space was ingeniously maximized to accommodate both family life and commerce, all while showcasing beautiful architectural details unique to its time. Managed by the Hanoi People’s Committee, the house serves as a symbol of Hanoi’s preservation efforts and cultural pride.

In 2004, it was recognized as a National Heritage site, ensuring its continued maintenance and opening to the public for educational and tourism purposes. Through initiatives such as local cultural performances and handicraft exhibitions, the house remains a living representation of Vietnam’s past.

2. Location and Accessibility

Address:
87 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

How to Get There:
The house is centrally located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, only a 10-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. Visitors can easily navigate their way here via foot, motorbike, or taxi from popular nearby destinations such as Dong Xuan Market and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. For those relying on public transportation, several bus routes pass through the area, or tourists can rent a bicycle for a more immersive experience in Hanoi’s streets.

Nearby Attractions:

• Hoan Kiem Lake: 800 meters away
• Dong Xuan Market: 1 km away
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral: 1.5 km away

The proximity to these famous Hanoi landmarks makes it easy to integrate a visit to the Ancient House into a broader exploration of the Old Quarter.

3. Architectural Features

The house follows the “tube house” design, a common architectural style in the Old Quarter. These homes are characterized by their narrow width and considerable depth, allowing merchants to operate businesses at the front while living in the back. Here are some unique architectural highlights of Ma May Ancient House:

Front Facade and Layout:
The front part of the house, measuring around 5 meters in width, once served as a shop for selling goods. The entire length of the property stretches to 28 meters, and the back end, which is broader than the front, was thought to signify fortune and prosperity.

Courtyard and Mezzanine:
The small courtyard in the middle is the heart of the house, designed to allow natural light and air into all sections. Lined with Bat Trang bricks, the courtyard was traditionally used for resting and appreciating nature, featuring a drinking table and bonsai plants. The mezzanine, though modest in height (under 2.5 meters), was used for storage purposes, showing how efficiently every space was utilized.

Wooden Staircase and Second Floor:
Visitors can climb the traditional wooden staircase to explore the upper floor, which was used for more formal purposes. The front room on the second floor served as a reception area where guests were welcomed. The back housed the family’s sleeping quarters, providing a private sanctuary.

4. Cultural Significance

Throughout the 20th century, the house saw several ownership changes, from a rice trader before 1945 to a medicine businessman, reflecting the shift in Hanoi’s commercial activities over time. In the late 1950s, it was allocated to multiple families under government orders, and eventually, in the 1990s, the French and Vietnamese governments collaborated to restore the structure. They used original materials, including Bat Trang bricks and ironwood beams, ensuring that the house remained an authentic representation of Hanoi’s past.

The restored house opened to the public in the late 1990s, offering both locals and tourists a chance to appreciate Hanoi’s historical architecture and the unique “tube house” design that was once ubiquitous in the city.

5. Visitor Information

Entrance Fee:
20,000 VND (approximately $1 USD)

Opening Hours:
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily

Special Events:
Visitors who arrive on weekends or during festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival can enjoy traditional performances, including Ca Tru singing, a form of ancient Vietnamese music. These performances typically take place at 7 PM on weekends and last around 60 minutes, offering a delightful cultural experience for all ages.

Tourist Tips:

• Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
• Weekends are ideal if you’re interested in live traditional performances.
• Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Dong Xuan Market or Hoan Kiem Lake for a full day of exploring the Old Quarter.

6. Nearby Dining and Accommodation Options

Dining:
After exploring the Ancient House, visitors can enjoy traditional Vietnamese food at nearby restaurants. Some top choices include:

• Banh Mi 25: Famous for its Vietnamese sandwiches, located just 500 meters from Ma May Street.
• Cha Ca La Vong: Known for its Hanoi-style fish with dill, only a short walk away.

Accommodation:
There are numerous hotels and guesthouses around Hanoi’s Old Quarter for different budget levels. Some nearby options include:

• Oriental Suite Hotel & Spa: Located 1 km away, offering luxury accommodation in the heart of the Old Quarter.
• Hanoi La Siesta Hotel: Another excellent choice for those seeking comfort and top-notch service, located less than 2 km from Ma May Street.

7. Conclusion

Exploring the Hanoi Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street is like stepping back in time to experience Vietnam’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. For an immersive, hassle-free trip, consider booking through Vietnam Discovery Tours. For inquiries or booking, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp for instant assistance and expert guidance, ensuring your adventure in Vietnam is both memorable and seamless.