What is Ma May Ancient House like?
Ma May Ancient House, also called the Heritage House, is a well-preserved example of a traditional tube house — the narrow, deep-style homes typical of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Despite its modest size, the house offers a surprisingly immersive look into historic urban life, complete with wooden interiors, a central courtyard, and rooms filled with period furniture and household items.
A visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, making it a quick but meaningful stop for anyone already exploring the surrounding streets, and the entrance fee is just 20,000 VND, making it one of the more affordable cultural experiences in central Hanoi.
History of Ma May Ancient House
Ma May Ancient House was built in the late 19th century, during a period when Hanoi’s Old Quarter was a thriving commercial and residential hub. Originally, it belonged to a rice merchant and later to a traditional medicine seller — a reflection of the street’s long-standing trade culture. After 1954, the government allocated the home to five different families, who lived there until the late 1990s.
By that time, the house had deteriorated, prompting a major restoration project in 1998–1999 as part of a cultural cooperation between Hanoi and Toulouse (France). The goal was to preserve the original structure and showcase the lifestyle of urban Hanoians during that era. It officially opened to the public in 1999 and was later recognized as a National Heritage Site in 2004. Today, beyond its role as a museum, the house hosts cultural events, seasonal exhibitions, and traditional music performances that help keep Hanoi’s intangible heritage alive.
Highlights when visiting the Heritage House
1. Traditional tube house architecture
The house follows the classic “tube house” design — narrow at the front (5 to 6 meters wide) but stretching 28 meters deep. Built with an ironwood frame, terracotta brick floors, and a traditional tiled roof, the structure reflects the architectural norms of its time. Its layout was practical: compact but optimized for natural light, ventilation, and seasonal comfort — cool in summer, warm in winter.
2. Central courtyard
At the heart of the home is a quiet, open-air courtyard lined with Bat Trang bricks. This space brings in fresh air and daylight to the rooms on both sides. In the past, it served as a spot for tea drinking, plant keeping, and even moon viewing — a peaceful contrast to the busy street outside.
3. Ground floor layout
The ground floor is laid out in three main sections. The front room facing the street once functioned as a shop or display space. Behind it is the family’s living area, followed by the kitchen, rainwater jars, and a small washroom at the rear — all arranged along the narrow depth of the house.
4. Second floor and worship space
A wooden staircase leads to the upper floor, which is split into a welcoming room and private quarters. The outer room serves as a space for guest reception and ancestor worship, complete with altar and tea furniture.
The inner room contains sleeping quarters, decorated with simple wooden beds and planters that keep the atmosphere quiet and calm.
5. Museum displays and Furniture
Throughout the house, you’ll find displays of everyday items from the late 19th and early 20th centuries — from lacquerware and ceramic tea sets to cooking tools and herbal medicine jars. Most rooms include explanatory signs in Vietnamese and English, and visitors receive a multilingual leaflet at the entrance to help interpret the layout and features.
6. Cultural events
On weekends, the Heritage House hosts short Ca Tru performances — a traditional Vietnamese singing style once reserved for royal courts. Seasonal festivals such as Tet (Lunar New Year) or the Mid-Autumn Festival often bring additional exhibits, traditional toys, or hands-on craft demonstrations. While not guaranteed daily, these events offer an extra layer of cultural experience for those who happen to catch them.
Practical visiting information
Opening Times
Ma May Ancient House is open daily, typically from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM. Hours may vary slightly depending on the season or special events, but it’s generally accessible throughout the day.
Best Time to Visit
The house rarely gets crowded, but if you want a quieter experience, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The early afternoon can be warmer and more hectic with nearby street activity — something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to heat.
Entrance Fee
Entry to Ma May Ancient House costs 20,000 VND per person. The fee includes a small multilingual leaflet that explains the house’s layout and features. Guided tours are not provided on-site, but external guides are welcome if arranged separately.
Address & Location
The house is located at 87 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, right in the heart of the Hanoi Old Quarter. It’s one of the best-preserved traditional homes in this historic neighborhood. (on Google Maps, it is also called “Heritage House”)
Getting There
Ma May Ancient House is best reached on foot. It’s only a 5–10 minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounded by other Old Quarter highlights, so you can easily combine it with a casual walking route. There’s no need for transport unless you’re coming from outside the area.
Nearby sights
Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter — a maze of narrow streets, old shop houses, and street food stalls — Ma May Ancient House is surrounded by other cultural and historical landmarks. You can easily turn your visit into a half-day walking route through this vibrant part of the city. Here are a few nearby highlights:
- Hanoi Old City Gate: One of the last remaining gates from the old city wall, offering a glimpse into Hanoi’s past defensive structures.
- Bach Ma Temple: A small but important temple said to be the oldest in the city, dedicated to the White Horse spirit that guided the founding of Thang Long (ancient Hanoi).
- Dong Xuan Market: Hanoi’s largest indoor market, known for everything from fabric and souvenirs to street food and wholesale goods. Located in a large Soviet-style building just a short walk away.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: The city’s iconic central lake, great for a stroll or people-watching. Cross the red bridge to reach the Ngoc Son Temple on the island — about 10 minutes on foot from Ma May.
For more ideas on what to see and do in the area, check out our full guide to the Best Things to Do in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Is Ma May Ancient House worth visiting?
Yes — especially if you’re already walking around the Old Quarter. Ma May Ancient House is small, inexpensive, and offers a surprisingly peaceful break from the busy streets outside. It’s not a major sightseeing destination on its own, but it’s a worthwhile stop if you’re interested in architecture, history, or traditional Vietnamese urban life.
The house gives you a real sense of how people lived in Hanoi more than a century ago, especially if you take the time to read the signs or join a guided tour. If you’re looking for depth, not drama — it’s a quiet little gem that adds context to the Old Quarter’s heritage.
