Cramped life in Hanoi’s old quarter - VIETNAM IN PHOTOS

The Hanoi’s old quarter is known for small alleys of less than 1m wide and very long. Each alley is the home to a dozen of families who live in tight space where lacks of air and sunlight. When asked why local people don’t want to escape that life, most said that the living space is very cramped but they can easily earn a living.

A different Hanoi

A typical alley in the old quarter of Hanoi.

“I just step out of my door to earn some money by selling several cups of tea on the pavement or some clothes hung at the alley gate. If I have to move to another place, even it is more spacious, I don’t know what to do,” said Mrs. Vuong on Hang Duong Street.

To get into a house, guests have to pass a zigzag alley or stairs. The space in each alley is as valuable as gold. People try at their best to encroach onto the public space of the sidewalk.

Mrs. Nga’s 8-member family at 20 Hang Be street is living in a 9sq.m room. They recently built an additional 6sq.m garret to keep furniture. The living room is also the bed room, and the kitchen, etc.

Several old houses in Hang Bac street share a small space with light.

Old houses in Hang Ngang street.

Inside alleys in Hang Bac (Silver) street are small jewelry processing enterprises.

Over ten families at house No. 27 Hang Bac street shares this space for washing, bathing, etc.

This house is among the best at old house No. 32, Hang Bac street. However, it is only 10sq.m.

Clothes are dried up at any place where has some light.

The camp bed is folded to have space for kids to play and study (32 Hang Bac).

A dinner without three members of Mrs. Nga’s family, 20 Hang Be street.