Hanoi’s ancient streets of Hàng Ngang, Hàng Đào, and Hàng Đường are renowned for their bustling atmosphere and sky-high property prices, reaching up to a billion VND per square meter. However, tucked away behind these vibrant streets are narrow alleys, a mere 70 cm wide, serving as the communal passageway for dozens of households.
Inside, each home measures a mere 10 to 12 square meters, combining the living room, bedroom, and kitchen into one compact space. Toilet facilities are located outdoors and shared among multiple families, making privacy a rare luxury.
These aging structures cannot accommodate arbitrary renovations or additions due to their fragile state; even minor alterations could have severe consequences. Moreover, any modifications require permission from the authorities, leaving residents with no choice but to accept the cramped and inconvenient conditions.
Due to the limited space, many families are forced to spill their belongings into the communal passageway and make use of every available inch. Mrs. Thế Hồng, an 87-year-old Hanoi resident, has even resorted to using the shared toilet space for cooking, right next to the pathway used by everyone.
Purchasing new items becomes a complex endeavor, as families must carefully strategize how to maneuver their acquisitions through the narrow passageway. For significant events such as weddings, engagements, or funerals, the limited space proves inadequate, forcing families to rent external venues.
Beyond the inconvenience, these homes nestled in tight alleys pose numerous unseen dangers. A tangled web of electrical wires, damp conditions, and cramped spaces packed with flammable objects create a potentially hazardous environment.
Despite the myriad inconveniences and lurking dangers, real estate prices in Hanoi’s ancient quarters remain astronomical. On prestigious streets like Hàng Ngang, Hàng Đào, Hàng Bồ, and Hàng Mã, properties fetch prices ranging from 95 to 140 billion VND, equivalent to over a billion VND per square meter—a price tag that rivals the most exclusive neighborhoods in the heart of Hanoi.
With such exorbitant prices, only a select few dare to invest in this cramped yet costly real estate. “If I had a hundred billion VND, I’d rather build a spacious villa in my hometown and save the rest,” says Lê Đức Hưng from Nam Định, a visitor to Hàng Đào street. “It’s too cramped and stuffy here.”
Many have opted to sell their properties and leave the ancient quarters in search of more comfortable living conditions. However, some elderly residents choose to stay, rooted in their connection to Hanoi’s heritage. “My family has lived here for five generations,” shares Mrs. Thược from Hanoi’s Hoàn Kiếm district. “If I leave, who will tend to our ancestors’ altar? I’ll stay and hold on to our family home for the sake of our descendants.”
