Hanoi Old Quarter as interpreted by CNN program on Asian tourism In the eyes of Chris Anderson, a journalist of CNNGO, a CNN program on Asian tourism, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is hectic, noisy, chaotic and adjective. Anderson offered this view of the old streets: “Describing Hanoi’s oldest district is somewhat of a waste of breath. No need to ramble on about where exactly to go in the Old Quarter, as the weaving and winding streets are best explored by aimless wandering. No destination. No pre-planned route. Just left, right, or straight ahead.” He went on to say, “There is no road "less traveled" in this part of town. They’re all loaded with scooters, cars, bikes and people so the main bit of advice we’d give is to watch your step, but be assertive when crossing the road. Don’t second guess your moves, look both ways, and enjoy the fact that yes, you are standing in the middle of the road with dozens of scooters whizzing by on both sides.” Additionally, the reporter noted that “Hanoi is hot in the summer time. We’re talking 30 to 35 degrees Celsius with very, very high humidity, so for a walking tour, take lots of water and expect to sweat. The sweating is worth it, as the view of street life you get by covering the district on foot is fantastic. The neighborhood has over 1,000 years of history coursing through its meandering street veins, pumping with life representing both the past and present.” Anderson concluded his survey of the Old Quarter by recommending, “For those able to stand the heat, one full day exploring should do it. For those with less heat tolerance, taking two days at around four hours each day is recommended. Or simply visit during the cooler Fall or Spring months.”

Electric wires are strung along many streets in haphazard fashion. Much of the infrastructure looks like it is being held together by duct tape.

Rush hour in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is an experience. You must be on your toes at all times as the streets fill with scooters, bikes, cars, and people. The rules of the road are "pay attention and whoever flinches first loses the right of way."

The sidewalks can be just as chaotic as the middle of the street. Locals stake out their spots with small plastic stools and the wares of whatever trade they’re plying. The ever-present scooters are parked at all angles. Small dogs skitter about. People bargain and negotiate for goods and food, and fans sprout from everywhere.

Hoan Kiem lake park is a green, shady spot locals used to escape Hanoi’s seemingly ever-present frenetic energy. The northern tip of the small lake borders the Old Quarter on Dinh Tien Hoang road.