Old East Gate, Hanoi

City Gate in Hanoi

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Richard Mortel

Old East Gate or O Quan Chuong is the sole remaining ancient gate of Thang Long, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Located at the eastern edge of the Old Quarter, this historic structure is one of the must-see places in Hanoi for travellers interested in the city's architectural and cultural past. Its two-tiered watchtower design, arched doorways, and weathered walls offer a tangible link to the centuries-old capital.

Built in the 18th century, the gate was originally known as Dong Ha Gate, marking the eastern entrance to the citadel. Today, O Quan Chuong is often visited on walking tours of Hanoi's Old Quarter due to its enduring beauty, rare survival, and powerful symbolism as a monument to the people's resistance against foreign invasion.

History and Significance of Old East Gate
Things to See and Do near the Old East Gate
How to Get to the Old East Gate
Practical Tips on Visiting the Old East Gate
Where to Stay close to the Old East Gate
Is the Old East Gate Gate Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Old East Gate
Nearby Attractions to the Old East Gate

History and Significance of Old East Gate

Records from the reign of King Le Thai Tong (1740-1786) show that Thang Long once had several major gates, including Cau Giay, Cho Dua, Cau Dien, and Quan Chuong. These gates opened by day, closed and guarded by night, and served as vital checkpoints to prevent fire, theft, and unrest. Of these, O Quan Chuong is the only one that has survived into the present.

Constructed in the 18th century, O Quan Chuong-then known as Dong Ha Gate-formed part of the eastern fortifications of the Thang Long citadel. It was later renamed in honour of an army chief, Quan Chuong, who died defending Hanoi from French forces. His bravery and that of the Nguyen soldiers transformed the gate from a simple defensive structure into a lasting symbol of resistance.

Today, the gate stands not only as a remnant of ancient Thang Long but also as a tribute to the resilience and courage of the Vietnamese people. Its preservation offers a rare glimpse into the defensive architecture and urban layout of historic Hanoi.

Things to See and Do near the Old East Gate

O Quan Chuong consists of two levels, characteristic of Nguyen Dynasty watchtower architecture. The first level features three arched doorways: a wide central entrance about three metres high and wide, and two smaller side doors roughly 1.65 metres wide and 2.5 metres high. These domed arches create an imposing yet elegant appearance.

The second level serves as an observation pavilion, once used by guards monitoring the citadel's eastern approach. Visitors can admire the structure from the outside, capturing its moss-covered bricks, aged stonework, and traditional decorative elements. The surrounding area, bustling with Old Quarter life, offers excellent opportunities for photography and street exploration.

Nearby temples, historic houses, and lively alleys provide further context to the gate’s importance. A visit here reveals how ancient Thang Long blended daily life with defensive infrastructure, offering a meaningful look into Hanoi’s layered history.

How to Get to the Old East Gate

O Quan Chuong is located at the eastern edge of the Old Quarter, near Thanh Ha and Dao Duy Tu streets. Travellers arriving by air 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.
Hanoi Railway Station is the closest major train hub, offering access to the Old Quarter and nearby attractions. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If travelling by car or taxi, expect narrow roads and busy traffic, though drop-off points near the gate are available.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Old East Gate

Suggested tips: Explore the surrounding alleys to appreciate how the ancient gateway fits into the modern urban landscape.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24 Hours
How long to spend: Around 20-30 minutes, longer if exploring nearby streets.
Accessibility: The area is pedestrian-friendly, though sidewalks may be uneven.
Facilities: Facilities are limited; cafés and shops are close by in the Old Quarter.
Photography tip: Stand slightly south of the gate to frame it against Old Quarter street life.
Guided tours: Often included in Old Quarter heritage tours focused on Hanoi's historic defences.
Nearby food options: Numerous street food stalls and small eateries surround the gate.

Where to Stay close to the Old East Gate

Staying near the Old Quarter provides easy access to O Quan Chuong and many of Hanoi's historic treasures. Boutique travellers may enjoy La Siesta Classic Hang Thung. Another excellent choice is Hanoi Pearl Hotel, close to both Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter's northern streets. For those seeking a modern stay, Silk Path Hotel Hanoi offers comfort with convenient access to multiple landmarks.

Is the Old East Gate Gate Worth Visiting?

Yes, O Quan Chuong Gate is definitely worth visiting. As the only surviving ancient gate of Thang Long, it offers an authentic connection to Hanoi's past. Its architectural beauty, historical symbolism, and location amid the lively Old Quarter make it a meaningful and memorable stop for any traveller.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (294)

Ô Quan Chưởng, at 4 Phố Hàng Chiếu in Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, is an old city gate that visitors find striking and photogenic; people describe it as a surviving landmark of the Old Quarter with a strong sense of age and atmosphere, easy to reach on foot and lively in the evenings with nearby street food and puppet theatre options, though some say it's worth seeing only if you're already in the area.

KHUNTHONG S

2 months ago

"The old gate feels like something out of an ancient novel, but it’s still beautiful even after all this time"

J Murray

3 months ago

"The only gate remaining in old quarter...hundreds and hundreds of years old. A testament to time. Easy walk"

Chandan Nath

a year ago

"The place i loved very much. First of all it was just 50-8- meters away from my hotel( Hotel Lake View) and secondly the amazing crowd andenvironment. Evening the place become more attractive. You will enjoy street food and may enjoy the Water Puppet thetre in that area...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Old East Gate

No, the interior and upper pavilion are not open to visitors.

It is subtly lit, making evening visits atmospheric and photogenic.

Yes, though like much of the Old Quarter, visitors should stay mindful of motorbikes and busy streets.

Nearby Attractions to the Old East Gate

Dong Xuan Market: Hanoi's largest covered market with vibrant street life.
Bach Ma Temple: One of the oldest temples in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Long Bien Bridge: A historic French colonial cantilever bridge.
Old Quarter: A lively maze of guild streets, cafés, and shops.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Hanoi's cultural and scenic centre.

The Old East Gate appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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