Cau Go - Wooden Bridge

Being one of the original 36 streets of the Old Quarter in Hanoi, Cau Go street has undergone a lot of transformations over the years. 

The street is now a perfect example of the Hanoi’s chaotic excitement, with busy traffic from early morning until midnight. 

Many of the ancient streets in the old quarter were named after the commodity the shops on that street used to sell. Cau Go Street, on the other hand, was named after the wooden bridge that used to straddle the small stream linking Hoan Kiem Lake, which still exists today, and Hang Dao Lake, which has long since disappeared.

The long history of this historic street is demonstrated by the architecture that runs along it. All forms of Hanoian architecture are represented including French Colonial facades, traditional Vietnamese designs and modern chaotic constructions. Sadly, though, the bridge that gave the street its name has disappeared without even the smallest trace. But the long tradition of serving fine food still persists to modern day, as many Hanoians and even Google will tell you that you can find a nice bowl of Bun Thang (chicken noodle soup) and Mien Ngan (glass noodles with goose) that no other vendor can do in Hanoi.

 Today, Cau Go Street represents everything that makes the old quarter so unique- a vivid mix of flamboyant colors, contrasting smells, chaotic movements and mouthwatering food. Spending time on strolling around every nook and cranny of Cau Go street is certainly a lovely idea to know more candidly about Old quarter’s living.