the Walking neighborhood
from the60NTT Complex
by Sorta© 2026 All rights reserved.
A short note about the neighborhood.
In the words of a traveler who wandered through: "It's so peaceful here compared to the Old Quarter, so rooted in local life. I almost hope it stays under the radar."
This is central Hanoi, but not the commercialized hub built for tourists, expats, or office crowds. There are no mega-malls or cookie-cutter entertainment spots. This place is just this place.
It offers a perfect snapshot of everyday Hanoian life—where people go to school, leave for work, shop at the local wet market and neighborhood mom-and-pop shops, sip morning coffee, have breakfast, grab a print newspaper to read, walk by the lake, catch the breeze, mend shoes, do laundry, wash bikes, repair watches, or pass the time with a game of chess and a fishing rod. The businesses here are either run by locals as their lifelong livelihood, or set up by newcomers specifically to serve the everyday people of this community.
To outsiders, it's a getaway to catch a change of scenery—a relaxing afternoon, a peaceful evening, a low-key breeze by the water. To the locals, this is simply home. No matter how far away they go, they always return, because nowhere else feels like this,
and nowhere else ever will.
Check out the curated directory list:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3reFQcMTZULLWsi9
Sorta
UNPLUG is an indoor sharing space for public/private workshops, events, club activities, pop-up flea market... with cakes&beverages ready for serving on site.
and UNPLUG’s owner, Thanh An, a young mother and Old Quarter native, who is passionate about local businesses, community stories and organic growth, and healthy products.
Batch Zero
The Painter’s Studio
Private classrooms
UNPLUG space and workshops
tgkqt lab.studio
Hierarchy Thrift Shop
Washi nà
Tròn Fruits & Juices
The Jojo flowers
Manzi artspace and bar
The Bookworm Hanoi
Tổ Chim Xanh
soho nail atelier
Cổ Nguyệt Thư Quán
(to be updated more)
60 Nguyen Truong To is a mixed-use complex featuring a three-story commercial podium—housing shops, studios, classrooms, and a bakery—along with six residential floors. While mixed-use buildings are common in Hanoi today, back in the early 2000s—when Vietnam was transitioning between old and new economic models—this project stood out as a pioneering piece of design.
Privately owned, and designed by an American architect, the building carries a story of its own. If you happen to cross paths with the owner, she might just share a few fascinating tales about the architect and how this place came to life.
the60NTT Complex is a marcom name for the three-story commercial podium; while the building is refered officially as the Manhattan building.
UNPLUG space and workshop the60NTT Complex (3rd Floor)
a cozy sharing space run by a young mom, holding handcraft & baking workshops, hobby clubs, private events, indoor pop-up flea market,….
The Painter’s Studio the60NTT Complex (2nd Floor)
a dedicated creative art space. It regularly teams up with premium art retailers to host community drawing workshops, painting sessions, and creative pop-ups for art enthusiasts.
Batch Zero Pâtisserie the60NTT Complex (1st Floor)
Maison des Saveurs - House of Flavors; founded and led by a pastry chef who graduated from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, the shop is celebrated for its meticulously crafted cakes.
Hierarchy Thrift Shop 115 Nguyễn Trường Tộ (3rd Floor)
a vintage and thrift store located upstairs of a building across from the60NTT Complex, known for its curated selection of apparel, Y2K fashion, and street-style pieces.
Phạm Hồng Thái Street Reading Note
for international travelers and expatriates, the street is widely celebrated for housing a staple of Hanoi's literary community, and in recent years has evolved into a popular evening destination for both upscale heritage meals and international flavors.
Looking back at 19th-century maps of Hanoi, the modern street did not exist. Instead, the area was entirely occupied by Mã Cảnh Lake (locally called Hồ Cổ Ngựa due to its horse-saddle shape), which connected directly to Trúc Bạch Lake. Around 1918, the French colonial administration filled the lake to build a road, initially naming it Rue Emile Nolly. Following the 1945 August Revolution, the street was renamed to honor Phạm Hồng Thái (1896–1924), a legendary Vietnamese revolutionary patriot.
The Bookworm Hanoi 44 Phạm Hồng Thái
a cultural hub serves expats, travelers, and local readers with a massive collection of over 20,000 new and second-hand English books spanning almost every genre; also having their own stationery line.
Yên Ninh Street Reading Note
is built on the grounds of the former Yên Ninh Village, an ancient suburban settlement of Thăng Long (old Hanoi). If you have ever tried Hanoi’s iconic green sticky rice cake (Bánh cốm), you have interacted with the history of this street. The famous ancestral bakery, Nguyên Ninh (located on nearby Hàng Than street since 1865), chose its name as a direct tribute to this area. "Nguyên Ninh" translates to "Originated from Yen Ninh Village," honoring the family's geographical roots.
Because the street is relatively narrow and tightly flanked by houses, it experiences very little heavy vehicle traffic. It remains highly walkable, shaded, and intimate.
Co Nguyet Thu Quan Yen Ninh Alley/21
a literary salon and cultural forum inspired by the original spirit of Hồ Xuân Hương's old room. It hosts physical book readings, literary analysis, writing competitions, and panel discussions with contemporary scholars.
Phan Huy Ích Street Reading Note
tucked away from the chaotic traffic of the main roads, the street has developed a cozy, local vibe. It features several quaint sidewalk tea stalls and small cafés where locals sit on low stools to slow down, drink coffee, and watch the day go by. In the small lanes branching off the street (like Ngõ 12), you can also find classic Hanoi street bites like crispy fried banh chung (bánh chưng rán).
The street is named after Phan Huy Ích (1750–1822), a prominent Vietnamese scholar, diplomat, and poet who famously served both the Lê Dynasty and the Tây Sơn Dynasty. He was also the father of Phan Huy Chú, another legendary Vietnamese historian.
Manzi 14 Phan Huy Ich & Hang Bun Alley/2
an art space / creative cultural hub supports local Vietnamese artists by hosting visual arts exhibitions, film screenings, literature launches, workshops, and music performances.
Cửa Bắc Street is one of Hanoi's most historic and beautiful avenues, translates literally to "The North Gate Street," named after the monumental gate of the ancient Imperial Citadel that still stands proudly along its path.
Because it sits right outside the chaotic Old Quarter, Cửa Bắc offers a much more relaxed, authentic local pace while still being completely central. It is also famous for its deep, narrow alleys (like 92 Cửa Bắc Alley and Yên Thành Alley) that hide some of Hanoi’s best local culinary secrets.
Yên Thành Alley Reading Note
a historic, quiet cul-de-sac branching off Cửa Bắc Street (around house number 61) that feels like a peaceful capsule of old Hanoi tucked away from the surrounding city traffic. The alley's main claim to fame today is hosting one of Hanoi's most celebrated traditional Northern Vietnamese restaurants—a highly acclaimed restaurant is a multi-time recipient of the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand distinction; and ultra-cozy specialty coffee space.
The alley is named after the old Yên Thành Village, which belonged to the Vĩnh Thuận district during the imperial era. While the alley itself is a quiet residential lane, the historic communal house of the village (Đình Yên Thành) still stands just a short walk away at No. 28 Phan Huy Ích Street, dedicated to worshipping Empress Lý Chiêu Hoàng—the last monarch of the Lý Dynasty.
washi nà Yen Thanh Alley/2, Cua Bac St.
a charming little art gift and stationery shop tucked away in Hanoi. It specializes in the consignment and sale of unique, handcrafted products created by local artists from across the country.
92 Cửa Bắc Alley Reading Note
a lively alleyway combining private homes, “khu tập thể” (old-style Hanoi apartment complexes), airbnbs, street food stalls, boba and tea shops, photo studios, and after-school tutoring classes.
Specially tailored to middle and high school students, the alley offers budget-friendly prices and stores/food stalls are mostly directly run by grandmothers and mothers living here.
Tròn Fruits & Juice 92 Cua Bac
a small shop run by two moms for their own kids to practice with business; selling fresh seasonal local fruits and juices and simple street snacks and small bites.
The Jojo Flowers 96 Cửa Bắc
a poetic boutique fresh flower shop; Jojo Flowers captures the ultimate "Hanoi aesthetic," functioning as a visual treats storefront with an iconic warmly-lit window display that changes floral arrangements daily. It leans heavily into a Korean-inspired, natural floral arrangement style. Rather than overly stiff or crowded arrangements, Jojo focuses on airy, elegant, and poetic layouts wrapped in soft, minimalist papers. They specialize in curated color combinations—ranging from sweet pastel pinks (their most requested color scheme) to sophisticated seasonal hues.
Đặng Dung Street Reading Note
is exceptionally well-located: while it isn't a major thoroughfare, it connects several main streets, allowing it to maintain a peaceful charm at any time of day—making it the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. This street is also unique for its closely packed rows of second-hand phone shops; if you ask any local around here, they will likely give you a knowing smile and share stories about the very distinct, bustling trade that is "Dang Dung Street style."
The street is named after Dang Dung (?—1414), a celebrated general of the Late Tran Dynasty who fought valiantly against the Ming invaders. He is also famous in Vietnamese literature for his poem "Cam Hoai" (Reflections), which expresses the fierce spirit and patriotism of a warrior. Under French rule, the street was originally designated as Rue Dieulefils before officially taking the name Dang Dung after 1945.
Bluebirds' Nest (Tổ Chim Xanh) 27 Alley Đặng Dung
located deep inside a small alleyway, it’s a hidden gem book cafe and cultural space tucked away in an old apartment complex. The first floor offers a cozy indoor space with large bookshelves, perfect for reading or working on floor cushions. The second floor features an open-air rooftop terrace shaded by green trees, overlooking the rustic, time-worn walls of the old residential block. It also regularly hosts indie movie screenings, art workshops, book launches, and community-centered events.
Trấn Vũ Street Reading Note
widely considered one of the city's most peaceful streets, blending deep historical significance with a vibrant, modern culinary scene; Trấn Vũ Street directly borders the Đảo Ngọc - Ngũ Xã (Pearl Island) neighborhood, is densely packed with boutique, lakeside cafés, and offers wide, shaded sidewalks perfect for jogging, photography, or enjoying a slow breeze.
The street is named after Huyền Thiên Trấn Vũ (Saint Trấn Vũ), the Taoist deity worshipped as the guardian god of the North. It begins right near Quán Thánh Temple (one of the "Four Sacred Temples" of ancient Thang Long), which houses a monumental 4-ton bronze statue of the deity. The street links the spiritual legacy of the lake to the daily rhythm of Hanoi life.
soho 96 Tran Vu
an upscale nail atelier designed as a curated social destination—a refined yet welcoming space where clients gather, unwind, sip wine, and build meaningful connections.
This section features our special guests—a curated line-up of highly regarded local brands that don’t have a physical store in this area, or typically only supply wholesale; alongside handcrafted items with deeply personal and specific backstories.
You can find them on 3rd floor of the60NTT Complex.
a boutique brand highly regarded for garments made entirely of premium natural materials like Linen, Ramie, cotton, and double-gauche muslin. Their collections feature a relaxed, earthy aesthetic with pieces like wide-leg trousers, airy dresses, and lightweight gilets.
Xanh Suốt organic products
acts as an curated hub for top-tier local organic brands (such as Noom, Sahu, Karose, and Co Ca Chua). Their catalog spans across several essential lifestyle categories: natural pantry & whole foods, holistic beauty & remedies, eco-friendly home utilities, artisanal textiles,…
known for homemade cakes and interactive baking workshops, the owner crafts low-sugar and less-sweet treats, alongside occasional vegan options. If you are lucky, you will catch the owner baking, filling the entire floor with a heavenly aroma.
While cakes are mostly made to order and delivered citywide for birthdays, social gatherings, milestones, or corporate afternoon teas; a small fridge on the third floor is also stocked for walk-ins and local pickups.
Dầu gội mẹ nấu & V.U.I nature-based care products
“dầu gội mẹ nấu" & V.U.I both specialize in herbal essential oils and organic shampoos; "Dầu gội mẹ nấu" is literally translated as "home-brewed shampoo by mom" and V.U.I is often written as Thảo dược thiên nhiên V.U.I.
Their traditional Vietnamese herbal shampoos are crafted through a meticulous, slow-cooking process using 100% natural botanical ingredients. As it was shared among the vendors, the two brands are actually created by two biological sisters, each exploring the craft in their own ways.
the first pioneer brand to research and produce Junbucha, a naturally sparkling fermented health drink, in Vietnam. Famous for their Junbucha-a refined relative of traditional kombucha-developed after extensive testing using a SCOBY culture brought from Japan combined with local Vietnamese green teas and honey.
K’ho Culture fabric bookmarks / keychains and gifts
In Vietnam, the K’ho people are known for their handwoven brocades, dyed and woven entirely by hand. When a lab member (doing a project for K’ho culture) fell in love with their textiles and asked for a small piece to carry along, the K’ho weavers made these fabric bookmarks, designed to work as keychains too. A simple keepsake to hold, touch, and carry a piece of true craftsmanship with you.
YẾN gemstones and jade bangles
handpicked by someone who simply adores jewelry. As the story goes, she stumbled upon a a master of gems and jade looking for an apprentice—and just happened to inherit the trade on the spot. Unlike many other shops, she doesn't sell feng shui gimmicks; her sole focus is on the sheer quality of the stones and jade. Since displaying her full inventory would completely overcrowd the space, she just laughed and sent over a curated selection for travelers.
2026 © tgkqt design and publishing JSC. All rights reserved.