Hanoi Ancient House

Historic Building in Hanoi

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

The Ancient House at 87 Ma May is one of Hanoi's finest surviving examples of traditional Old Quarter architecture. Built in the 19th century, it reflects the classic tube house design once common throughout the city-narrow at the front, elongated inside, and filled with clever spatial arrangements for business and family life. As one of the best places to visit in Hanoi for heritage lovers, the house offers a rare chance to step inside a preserved living space from the city's merchant past.

Located on Ma May Street, it remains a highlight of any walking tour of Hanoi thanks to its harmonious architecture, serene courtyard, and engaging cultural displays. Its restoration in the late 1990s and designation as a National Heritage site in 2004 ensured its continued role as a model of traditional urban Vietnamese living.

History and Significance of Ancient House
Things to See and Do in Ancient House
How to Get to Ancient House
Practical Tips on Visiting Ancient House
Where to Stay close to Ancient House
Is Ancient House
FAQs for Visiting Ancient House
Nearby Attractions to Ancient House

History and Significance of Ancient House (87 Ma May)

Over its long history, the Ancient House has belonged to various owners, each contributing to its preservation. Before 1945, it was owned by a rice trader, then sold to a medicine merchant who lived there for about a decade. Afterward, it stood briefly unoccupied until the late 1950s, when it was allocated by the government to five families who shared the property.

By the late 1990s, French and Vietnamese restoration teams collaborated to restore the house using authentic materials and techniques. Their work maintained its original structure, preserving not only its architecture but also its cultural value as a rare surviving tube house. The project was part of a larger effort to conserve Hanoi's historic Old Quarter.

In 2004, the house was officially recognized as a National Heritage site. Today, it is managed by the Hanoi People's Committee and presented to visitors as a living museum of daily life, commerce, and architecture from centuries past.

Things to See and Do in Ancient House (87 Ma May)

The house covers 157.6 square metres across two main floors and a mezzanine. Its narrow front façade-used historically for selling goods-opens into a long interior divided by a central courtyard. This courtyard, paved with Bat Trang bricks, provides ventilation and natural light, a hallmark of traditional urban design.

The first floor includes the business area, living spaces, kitchen, and toilet, arranged to balance practicality with comfort. The second floor is accessed by an old wooden staircase and features a guest-receiving room with wooden furniture, a worship space, and bedrooms toward the back. A small garden-like area between sections connects residents with nature, softening the dense urban environment outside.

Furnishings made from wood, ceramics, and bamboo reflect the artistry of the period, while architectural elements such as ironwood beams, terracotta bricks, large-frame doors, and the holy creature-titled roof showcase skilled craftsmanship. Visitors can admire antique objects, traditional household items, and the calm, contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with the lively street outside.

Cultural performances are another highlight. On weekend evenings, the house hosts Ca Tru folk music, performed by the Thang Long Guild. This 60-minute show brings traditional Vietnamese music to life and enriches the visitor experience. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the house also displays crafts such as lacquerware, wind paintings, and ethnic musical instruments.

How to Get to Ancient House (87 Ma May)

The Ancient House is located at 87 Ma May Street in the Old Quarter. Travellers arriving in Hanoi will land at Noi Bai International Airport, roughly 30 kilometres away. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hanoi on Booking.com.
Visitors coming by rail can reach the Old Quarter easily from Hanoi Railway Station, the city’s main train hub. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If travelling by car or taxi, note that Old Quarter streets are narrow and busy, but drop-off points are available nearby.

Practical Tips on Visiting Ancient House (87 Ma May)

Suggested tips: Visit early in the day to enjoy the house in quieter conditions.
Best time to visit: Weekend evenings if you want to experience Ca Tru performances.
Entrance fee: Small fee
Opening hours: 8:30AM - 4:30PM
How long to spend: Around 30-45 minutes, longer if attending a performance.
Accessibility: Narrow doorways and steps may be challenging for some visitors.
Facilities: Basic facilities available; cafés and shops nearby provide refreshments.
Photography tip: Capture the interplay of light and shadow in the courtyard for atmospheric shots.
Guided tours: Included in many Old Quarter heritage and architecture tours.
Nearby food options: Numerous eateries and tea shops along Ma May and Hang Buom.

Where to Stay close to Ancient House (87 Ma May)

Staying in the Old Quarter offers easy access to the Ancient House and many surrounding attractions. Consider La Siesta Classic Hang Thung for boutique charm. For proximity to Hoan Kiem Lake and elegant comforts, Hanoi Pearl Hotel is a great option. Travellers wanting contemporary style may also enjoy Silk Path Hotel Hanoi.

Is Ancient House (87 Ma May) Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Ancient House at 87 Ma May is definitely worth visiting. Its authentic architecture, peaceful courtyard, and well-preserved interiors offer a vivid glimpse into traditional Hanoi life. Moments spent inside feel like stepping back in time, making it one of the Old Quarter's most rewarding cultural stops.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

Old House, located at 87 Mã Mây in the Hàng Buồm ward of Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, is presented as an old residence visitors can find in Hanoi's historic Old Quarter; the listing's website suggests further visitor information is available online.

FAQs for Visiting Ancient House (87 Ma May)

No, it now functions as a heritage site open to visitors.

Yes, Ca Tru shows are held on weekend evenings.

Yes, photography is welcome throughout the house.

Nearby Attractions to Ancient House (87 Ma May)

Bach Ma Temple: One of the oldest and most sacred temples in Hanoi.
Dong Xuan Market: A bustling, historic market offering food, fashion, and culture.
O Quan Chuong Gate: The last surviving gate of ancient Thang Long.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Hanoi's legendary central lake.
Old Quarter: A vibrant maze of guild streets, shops, cafés, and history at every turn.

The Hanoi Ancient House appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

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