Are you looking to wander through history and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam? Look no further than the Hanoi Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street. This architectural gem, nestled in the heart of the Hanoi Old Quarter, is a testament to the city’s vibrant past and serves as a window into the lives of its former residents.
Location and History
The Hanoi Ancient House, also known as Ma May ancient house, is one of the 14 traditional houses that grace the Hanoi Old Quarter. Constructed in the 19th century, this house was originally built for both residential and commercial purposes. Over the years, the ownership of the house has changed hands multiple times. However, thanks to the collective efforts of the owners and the government, the house has managed to preserve its original structure.
During its early years, the house belonged to a renowned rice trader. Later, it was sold to a medicine businessman who resided in the house for a decade before moving away. Following a brief period of abandonment, the government allocated the property to five families in the late 1950s.
In the late 1990s, the house underwent restoration work, spearheaded jointly by French and Vietnamese experts. Care was taken to preserve all the original building materials. Subsequently, the Hanoi People Committee, responsible for managing the house, opened it to tourists as a living testament to ancient Vietnamese architecture. In recognition of its historical significance, House 87 of Ma May was granted National Heritage certification in 2004.
Architecture
The Ma May ancient house follows the traditional “tube house” structure that was prevalent during its time. It spans a total area of 157.6 square meters, with dimensions of 5 meters in width at the front, 6 meters at the back, and a length of 28 meters. The design of the house reflects the beliefs of its former occupants – a wider back end was believed to bring fortune and joy to the owner’s future.
The house features two main floors, a central courtyard, and a small mezzanine. The mezzanine serves as a storage area, with a height that never exceeds 2.5 meters. The outermost room on the first floor, facing the street, was used for displaying and selling goods. Beyond this room lies the living area of the family, while the kitchen and toilet are situated at the innermost part of the house.
A remarkable highlight of the house is the small courtyard in the middle, adorned with Bat Trang bricks. This charming space not only provides ventilation and natural light but also acts as a tranquil oasis adorned with bonsai trees and a table for leisurely relaxation and moon gazing.
To reach the second floor, visitors must ascend an old wooden staircase. The outer room on this floor served as a worship area and a place where the owner would welcome guests. It features a sofa and a teapot set. The inner section of the second floor consists of bedrooms. A small, beautifully adorned space between the two sections creates a harmonious connection with nature, with floral and vegetation pots adding a touch of natural beauty.
The furniture within the house predominantly showcases wood, ceramic, and bamboo elements. The structure itself was built using ironwood and terracotta bricks, with intricate roof details and large frame doors. Stepping inside the Ma May ancient house, guests will immediately feel transported to a different era, away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Traditional Performances
The Ma May heritage site hosts a variety of local cultural activities, particularly during the mid-autumn festival period. The main pavilion showcases and promotes various traditional Vietnamese handicrafts, such as wind paper paintings, lacquerware, and ethnic musical instruments. Visitors can also witness Ca Tru, a form of Vietnamese folk music, performed every weekend at 7 pm. The Thang Long Guild is responsible for organizing this mesmerizing, hour-long performance.
How to Get There
Situated at 87 Ma May Street, the ancient house is conveniently located in the popular Hanoi Old Quarter. It can be easily reached within a short, leisurely walk of fewer than 10 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake, a central landmark in the city.
Useful Information
- Location: 87 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND
- Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 4:30PM
- Distance to City Center: 2.1km (1.3mi)
Come and experience the beauty and cultural richness of the Hanoi Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street. Discover the fascinating stories and architectural marvels that have stood the test of time. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to delve into the captivating history of Vietnam. So, pack your curiosity and embark on a journey through the ancient marvels of Hanoi!