Ancient house at 87 Ma May is one of the few houses in Hanoi which are preserved and kept as attractions, exhibitions providing information about the history of Hanoi. This is one of the cultural sites that visitors hardly miss in Hanoi Old Quarter.
The house at 87 Ma May street was constructed around the 19th century. It is located in the North of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ma May street in the ancient time included two streets which are Hang May street specializing in rattan products and Hang Ma street which named Quan Co Den (Black Chessman) under French colonial period.
Currently, the house becomes the information center introducing to the residents and visitors of the house of the Vietnamese people in the area of Hanoi Old Quarter. Guests visiting the house will have a better understanding of lifestyle and daily activities of the ancient Hanoians. This is also the place to introduce the Hanoi ancient architecture and guide for people in the old quarter the way to conserve and restore old houses.
With the traditional architecture, visitors can explore the special architecture of Vietnamese ancient houses at 87 Ma May street. This house is highlighted with the tubular shape; between layers of the house is the yard to take the wind and the light. The first floor, which is adjacent to the street, is for sale, inside is used for residential and manufacturing. In addition, the inner part is part of the kitchen and toilet. The second floor includes the outside room for worshiping and for guests and the inside rooms for staying. Visit the ancient house, visitors also can admire the details of the old Hanoi architecture.
What makes people visiting Hanoi Old Quarter hard to ignore visiting the house at 87 Ma May is that in addition to learning the living space and architectural features of a traditional house, the house at 87 Ma May Street is also one of the addresses that regularly organize cultural events.
