Hanoi Heritage House

Hanoi Heritage House: A Glimpse into the Ancient Ma May Home

1. Introduction

Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, the Ma May ancient house (widely known as the Hanoi Heritage House) is a rare and beautifully preserved example of late 19th-century Hanoian architecture. Covering a total area of 157.6 square meters, the historic home accommodated five different families between 1954 and 1999. It was meticulously restored from 1998 to 1999 through a cooperation project between Hanoi and Toulouse, France, and was officially recognized as a National Heritage site in 2004. Today, stepping through its old wooden doors offers a quiet, nostalgic escape from the bustling city outside, serving as a living museum of the capital's past.

2. Things to See

• Classic "Tube House" Architecture: The building perfectly exemplifies Hanoi's traditional tube house style—narrow in width but long and deep—designed to fit the compact land plots of the Old Quarter. It features a sophisticated wooden structure designed to keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, complete with intricately carved columns and doors.

• Airy Courtyards and Skylights: The house is divided by spacious open-air courtyards and skylights that bring in natural light and ventilation. These spaces act as small indoor gardens, decorated with flower pots and seating areas for enjoying the view.

• The Living Room: Serving as the center of the home, this guest-welcoming area is traditionally furnished with mother-of-pearl inlaid wooden chairs, a tea chest, and meaningful calligraphy paintings.

• Ancestral Worship Room: Located on the naturally illuminated second floor, this solemn and sacred space honors the family's ancestors and is adorned with bronze cranes, a bronze censer, and ancient incense burners.

• Kitchen and Backyard: Situated at the rear of the tubular layout, the compact kitchen area is fully equipped for a cozy family life, complete with traditional jars used for storing rainwater.

3. Things to Do

• Experience Old Hanoi Life: Wander through the rooms and corridors to intimately learn about the daily activities, lifestyle, and history of ancient trading families in the Old Quarter.

• Cultural and Experiential Activities: Participate in hands-on cultural activities such as learning calligraphy or sitting down to enjoy traditional Vietnamese tea.

• Attend Festive Events: During major holidays like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year, the house hosts exhibitions of traditional toys, folk games, and local customs guided by craftsmen and artists.

• Enjoy Traditional Music: In the evenings, visitors can regularly watch professional artists perform ca tru, a unique and traditional Vietnamese folk singing art.

4. Tips

• Take Photos: The airy courtyards and moss-covered tiles make for a beautiful, nostalgic backdrop, so don't forget your camera to capture moments in this ancient space.

• Talk to the Guides: There are experts available on-site who are ready to share emotional and deep historical stories about the house and the capital.

• Important Restoration Notice: Please note that as part of Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage, the house is currently undergoing restoration and is temporarily closed until 26 April 2026.

5. Open Hours

• Under normal operations, the house is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

6. Address

87 Ma May Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.