The last blacksmith in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Nestled within the bustling heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you will stumble upon the last bastion of traditional blacksmithing at 26 Lo Ren. Here, Mr. Nguyen Phuong Hung, the stalwart blacksmith, presides over the city’s last traditional blacksmith shop. As the world around him has embraced modern tools, the once vibrant and bustling Lo Ren street has gradually lost its former glory, becoming less busy and more of a relic of the past.

IMG 2106 scaled The last blacksmith in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Over the years, many individuals have steered away from traditional blacksmithing and have started engaging in ironwork, using modern tools and methods. However, Mr. Hung stands as a testament to the past, continuing to remain true to his roots as a traditional blacksmith. There’s no denying that the work is physically demanding and tough, but Mr. Hung draws immense satisfaction and joy from it. For him, it’s not just about the work, but rather about keeping a long-standing family tradition alive and well.

>>> Check out: Travel to Hanoi 2023 – A Complete Guide for Your First Time in Hanoi

IMG 2108 scaled The last blacksmith in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Mr. Hung’s work continues to be valued by those who understand and appreciate the skill, dedication, and love that goes into each handcrafted piece. He remains hopeful that someone, perhaps a younger generation blacksmith, would pick up the mantle and carry on the tradition, keeping the spirit of traditional blacksmithing alive amidst the changing tides.

Kien and food tour The last blacksmith in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of Hanoi by joining our Hanoi Food Walking Tour and Hanoi Vegan Food Tour. Our top local hosts, who are well-versed in the city’s food culture, will guide you through the tour, sharing enchanting stories and anecdotes about the city and its cuisine. We’ll navigate the bustling streets of the city, visiting well-known food stalls as well as hidden gems tucked away in the city’s narrow alleyways. Our aim is to provide you with a rich experience of local life and culture, while we explore the best that Hanoi’s street food scene has to offer. From the spicy and savory to the sweet and subtle, our tour will introduce you to a wide array of tastes that will surely leave your palate craving for more.

We had a really nice evening with Yen on the vegan food tour. Even though we have been in Vietnam for 45 days we found new things we never ate. And everything was so delicious. Especially the sti The last blacksmith in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
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