Just north of Hoan Kiem Lake is the city's old quarter, also known as the 36 Streets. This is the area which carries the most original architectural and lifestyle flavor of Hanoi and should not be missed. Many of Hanoi's original trades are still represented in the streets bearing their names, and several large markets give a good feel for shopping Hanoi-style. North of the Old Quarter lies West Lake and the northern limit of the city proper. Hanoi Traffic and Transportation Traffic on Hanoi streets is extremely chaotic.
Motorbikes are by far the most common vehicles, followed closely by bicycles.
Average speeds are quite slow because of bicycle and pedestrian traffic, but speeding and darting motorbikes are becoming more common, with negative consequences. Rules of the road commonly accepted in the west do not apply. Traffic lights are a relatively new introduction and not widely obeyed. Lane markings, including pedestrian crosswalks, exist but are completely disregarded. It is common for bikes and motorbikes to drive the wrong way down streets, against traffic.